Edith Wilson With Little Brother Montgomery & The State Street Ramblers – He May Be Your Man (But He Comes To See Me Sometimes) – Delmark Records DD-637

This 1993 re-issue of an original Delmark Records 1976 release was recorded in Chicago, Illinois in July and September, 1973 and April, 1975.  The original release included 11 cuts, with this CD generously providing an additional delicious selection.  Of course, Edith Wilson is the attraction here with her oh-so-grand silken, yet sturdy vocals, with Little Brother Montgomery plying his astounding piano attributes. Ed Wilkinson and Truck Parham provide the low-end bass work, as both Franz Jackson and Oliver Acorn sway on clarinet, while Red Saunders tenderly offers drumming support, along with Preston Jackson on trombone, with Le Roi Nabors and Leon Scott wail on trumpet, while Banjo Ikey Robinson lends his banjo creativity into the mix.

Admittedly, I am not a huge fan of what I’d call “sweet blues,” but from track one to track 12, this collection is captivating and magnetic.  Wilson weaves tales with her voice that just seep with alluring storylines, drawing the listener close with her sly wit.  She uses her God-given gift without any need for vocal histrionics.  She adapts her great natural instrument via alterations of emphasis and volume that creates a unique outing with each song she pours forth.  Each and every word, syllable, and line matter.  Her self-assurance is so appealing.

He backing band is the stuff of dreams, bordering her stylings with that 1920s-1930s era easy swing panache that doesn’t need volume and a frenzied pace to idyllically produce the overall sound required of any particular selection.  The instrumental interplay and soloing are so incredibly tasteful as to almost be unbelievable.  The graceful, easy-going swinging on display here is infectious, and is ever-enjoyable.

This unique, astonishing, and eminently agreeable outing borders on being essential to any worthwhile blues collection.  Nonetheless, this is the pinnacle of the style it represents, and embody it very well it most certainly does!

Highly recommended!