Furry Lewis – In His Prime – Yazoo 1050 

These 14 cuts, dating from 1927 and 1928, highlight Lewis’ characteristically loose-bar guitar structure, and understated vocal approach. 

Lewis’ fingerpicking guitar style could combine elements of deep low-end bass inclusions, though he was equally adept at effectively utilizing a slide guitar technique.  At times, certain of Lewis’ guitar work rises to a have a banjo style sort of flair. 

Regarding Lewis’ vocals, his aggrieved singing could, at times, also be mixed with humorous asides.  In total, Lewis’ lyrics were interspersed with both immense cleverness and shadowy metaphors.

Before his re-discovery in 1959, Lewis’ collective recorded output was the 23 total songs he recorded between 1927-1930.  The 14 cuts here ideally frame the novice and seasoned blues fan alike with the best of Lewis’ output.  Certainly “Kassie Jones Parts I & II”, “Judge Harsh Blues”, “Mistreatin’ Mamma”, and “Why Don’t You Come Home Blues” are some of Lewis’ best work, and all are found here.  One of his important recordings, “John Henry”, is not available on this release.

In his later years during the 1960s and 1970s, he was dubbed “The Memphis Blues Ambassador”, and actually made prime-time television and feature motion picture appearances. 

Without doubt, this collection makes a firm argument that Lewis should be held for contemplation as one of country blues’ select group of the most influential artists of all time.

Below are the CD’s running song titles. 

Song Titles

• Good Looking Girl Blues
• Falling Down Blues
• I Will Turn Your Money Green
• Mean Old Bedbug Blues
• Furry’s Blues
• Mistreatin’ Mamma
• Cannonball Blues
• Jellyroll
• Why Don’t You Come Home Blues
• Kassie Jones Parts I & II
• Everybody’s Blues
• Rock Island Blues
• Judge Harsh Blues

This CD is considered essential without any hesitation!  You need Furry Lewis in your personal blues collection!