"Mississippi"
Fred McDowell played simple, haunting blues with vivid, demonstrative passion and power. He wasn't a great guitarist, but his voicings and backings were always memorable, while his singing never lacked intensity or conviction or failed to hold interest. This 1965 set contains mostly
McDowell compositions, with the exception of the set's final number, a nearly seven-minute exposition of
Big Bill Broonzy's "Louise." Assisted only at times by his wife
Annie,
Fred McDowell makes every song entertaining, whether they're humorous, poignant, reflective, or bemused. ~ Ron Wynn