Son House – Delta Blues – The Original Library Of Congress Sessions From Field Recordings 1941-1942 – Biograph BCD 118 

This 1990 release offers the 15 House sides that notable blues historian Alan Lomax recorded over the course of 1941 and 1942 Mississippi field trips of the legendary blues guitarist and singer Son House, an artist who was a contemporary of both Charlie Patton and Robert Johnson.  But that distinction in no way diminishes House’s reach and influence, as his characteristic dynamism and arresting powers, both vocally and on the guitar, are highly apparent on the awe-inspiring recorded work found in this collection.  House’s stature as a towering Delta blues figure is validated by the enthralling song frameworks and emotionality found across this compilation, with each cut, and the whole of the gathered selections, outlining a Delta blues era when moaning vocals, slicing guitar, and overt showmanship demarcated the genre.  These cuts include the first-rate contributions of others of the early Delta blues’ best practitioners including Willie Brown on guitar, Fiddlin’ Joe Martin on mandolin, and Leroy Williams on harmonica.  Simply, this collection defines early Delta blues.

Below is the running track order of this astounding body of House’s blues genius

Song Titles

• Levee Camp Blues
• Government Fleet Blues
• Walking Blues
• Shetland Pony Blues
• Delta Blues
• Special Rider Blues
• Low Down Dirty Dog Blues
• Depot Blues
• American Defense
• Am I Right Or Wrong
• Walking Blues
• County Farm Blues
• The Pony Blues
• The Jinx Blues – Part I
• The Jinx Blues – Part II

This collection is considered essential, and with one listen, I firmly believe that you will agree.  Add this to your blues collection soon if you do not already have it!