Sonny Boy Williamson (II-Rice Miller) – Bummer Road – Chess/MCA CHD-9324

This 1991 11-cut re-release of an original 1969 Chess Records LP includes tracks recorded by the post-war Chicago blues giant between 1957-1960, and a significant amount of what is presented here saw its initial introduction to the blues loving public via this assemblage.

As is usual, and perhaps I am somewhat biased here (I excruciatingly try very hard to avoid any semblance of such prejudice), but this is extraordinary blues musicmaking by one of the titans of Chess Records’ Blues Mount Rushmore (the others being Little Walter, Muddy Waters, and Howlin’ Wolf).

Williamson was most definitely still at a lofty peak vocally on these extremely pleasing outings, yet again displaying his astounding capabilities to masterfully work his phrasing.  Williamson’s long blues lineage ensured that he knew the very definition of the blues.  As such, he again expertly honed and captured his harmonica squalls and passages, singing, cocksure attitude, and thus his complete musical decrees into another dossier of blues songs that endure as indicative of the sterling representations that thrust him to prodigious attainments with Chicago’s powerhouse Chess Records label.

It’s unnerving in all the right approaches what Williamson was adeptly able to musically accomplish.  That spectacular grouping of real-world airs, harmonica aptitudes, and swinging, confident singing!  Just how did he triumph in the mystifying feat of, at times, marrying his vocals and harmonica skill sets, seemingly building them to effectually become one and the same voice, if you will?  His timing was dumbfounding! 

On this exceptional collection, we relish in Williamson contributing harmonica phrases and techniques that forever piloted him into renowned distinction.  Fantastic snaking shades, complementary on-target phrases, and compelling extended breaks succulently border his harmonica expertise. 

Those combined forces at work make Williamson’s blues and recitals musical art of the topmost station.

By the way, this CD comes with one of those parental advisory warnings on the cover.  And thank goodness two of the tracks of this CD make certain it does!  The studio banter between Williamson and the recording engineers on one selection, and his own verbal antics before recording another, indicate just how volatile the recording process could be with a man who notoriously had a very sharp tongue.  These communications greatly add to both the lore of Williamson and of the creative process, as well.  Kudos to all concerned for allowing these exchanges to be left intact here.

Below are the tracks of this incredible CD.

Song Titles

• She Got Next To Me
• Santa Claus
• Little Village
• Your Funeral And My Trail (Alt. Take)
• Lonesome Cabin
• I Can’t Do Without You
• Temperature 110
• Unseen Eye
• Keep Your Hand Out Of My Pocket
• Open Road
• This Old Life

This is an essential blues assemblage that belongs in every serious collection.