John Jackson – Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down – Arhoolie Records CD 378

Virginia’s John Jackson wore many hats including those of a folk artist, supreme storyteller, and an extraordinary bluesman in the Piedmont style.  An artist highly adept on both guitar and banjo, he was also a gifted vocalist.  Such was Jackson’s impact upon the music world that after his re-discovery in the 1960s he realized the release of numerous collections for a variety of labels including Arhoolie Records, Rounder Records, Alligator Records, Public Radio International, and the inclusion on a Document Records compilation that also featured the works of Mississippi John Hurt, Robert Pete Williams, Sleepy John Estes, and Yank Rachell. 

The 26 selections on this CD highlight efforts from four separate recording sessions, including one in Fairfax, Virginia in 1965, two in Stuttgart, Germany in October, 1969, and a second one in Fairfax, Virginia in December, 1967.  All of these cuts were previously issued on other Arhoolie Records LPs.

Simply, Jackson is in excellent form vocally, on guitar, and on banjo across the entirety of these inspiring cuts.  Whether Jackson is presenting standards, covers of other blues artists’ tunes, a children’s tune, or even pop-songs-of-the-day, Jackson is stunning on all counts.  His deep, prolific, and contrastingly calm and mighty vocals flow forward. 

The production front-to-back on this CD is superb, and to this reviewer the 26 songs here wear the title of “The Best John Jackson Collection.” 

If you’re not aware of the towering quality of John Jackson’s music, this is the place to start.  This collection comes very close to being considered essential, and it is highly recommended as a part of any blues collection worth its salt.