Homesick James – Chicago Slide Guitar Legend – Official Records 5253

Official, the Danish label, did right by all rabid fans of the captivating sound of blues slide guitar when in 1998 they released this generous 26-cut assemblage of blues by Chicago legend Homesick James.

Bringing together tracks cut between the period 1952-1971, all incredibly rare selections from a myriad of imprints including USA, Colt, and Chance, plus other small labels (though his work for the Atomic-H imprint is missing and an unfortunate omission), this bountiful glimpse into James’ efforts and slide guitar sound is astounding Chicago blues.  Penetrating slide guitar embellishments accompany James’ rough vocals, all infused with his meandering sense of timing.

Snooky Pryor and Walter Horton contribute mightily on harmonica, as do Johnny Shines and Hound Dog Taylor on guitar, while piano masters Sunnyland Slim, Lafayette Leake, Willie Mabon, and Lazy Bill Lucas do the same.  Willie Dixon lays down firm bass patterns, and Clifton James solidifies things with his percussion dexterities.  And these are but a few of the blues artists who assisted James in framing his blues visions here.

In short, this is one of the crème de la crème assemblages of James’ earliest blues, and perhaps while not essential, it highlights just how formidable his brand of Chicago blues was when the great city was once teeming with blues talent.

Highly recommended!