Blind Willie McTell – 1927-1935 – The Early Years – Yazoo 1005 

This exemplary 14-song compilation provides the blues enthusiast the peaks of the work by one of the indisputable pre-World War II solo country blues artisans.  McTell’s impeccable flowing fingerpicking on the twelve-string acoustic guitar, based in the Piedmont school of blues guitar and its ragtime cadences, is front-and-center here, and lays bare his faultless nimbleness on the instrument.  Unlike many of his ragtime brethren, though, McTell was an accomplished slide guitarist, and this exciting uniqueness adds to his allure.

McTell’s vocals across this captivating compilation are understated and yet expressive at the same time, with the result of that combination, for the listener, making them flush with a uniquely seizing warmth. 

McTell’s legendary 1928 composition “Statesboro Blues” was originally released on the Victor label and is blues storytelling of the paramount order, and its inclusion here is more than enough reason to choose this collection. 

Encompassing sides for the Victor, Columbia, OKeh, and Vocalion labels under a number of monikers, this set provides a praiseworthy introduction to McTell and his immense bearing upon the blues orbit.

This is essential blues representation, indeed!  Seek this one out!

Below is the running track order of the CD. 

Song Titles

• Broke Down Engine Blues
• Mama Tain’t Long For Day
• Georgia Rag
• Love Changing Blues
• Statesboro Blues
• Stomp Down Rider
• Savannah Mama
• Travelin’ Blues
• Drive Away Blues
• Warm It Up To Me
• Three Women Blues
• Writing Paper Blues
• Southern Can Is Mine
• Talkin’ To Myself