Kokomo Arnold – Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order – Volume 1 – 17 May 1930 to 15 March 1935 – Document Records DOCD-5037 

This 24-cut collection is an enthralling introduction into the work of the left-handed blues slide guitar player and vocalist whose intense guitar proficiencies and brisk vocal tendencies allowed him a sizeable 88-song recording period over approximately eight years before he retired from the blues music business.

Here we find a majority of the strong blues offered as Arnold originals, with only a few covers of blues by Leroy Carr, Charlie Spand, Rufus Perryman (aka Speckled Red), and S. Williams.  An influence on Delta blues legend Robert Johnson and fellow slide guitar stylist Elmore James, in total, Arnold’s 88-tune legacy for Decca Records wholly stands the test of time as some of the finest blues ever memorialized.

Two selections here dating to 1930 were recorded in Memphis, Tennessee under the name “Gitfiddle Slim,” with the remaining 22 selections being the first of his broad Chicago, Illinois-based recording career, with two most likely being unreleased during the period. Standouts on this volume of the Document Records compilation certainly include “Milk Cow Blues,” “Old Original Kokomo Blues,” “Front Door Blues,” “Back Door Blues,” and “Hobo Blues,” though there isn’t a misstep among any of these superb blues renderings.

Arnold seemed to snarl his lyrics, and his slide guitar style could be described as one of a primal grating manner; harrowing, hectic, and yet entirely pleasing all at once.  Arnold’s sense and structure of timing of his blues were outside of usual conventions; it was as if he had his own personal time construction.

As always, kudos must be bestowed upon Document Records for its continued chronicling of the blues, and Volume 1 of this series of Kokomo Arnold’s work will surely be a revelation to all who take the time to consider it and ultimately delight in its vast quality and importance.

Essential to any blues collection!