Arhoolie label chief
Chris Strachwitz was in the right place at the right time, capturing this marvelous set of studio performances from artists appearing at the 1969 Memphis Blues Festival. Kicking off with spirited fife and drum work from
Napoleon Strickland with the Como Drum Band, the set also includes turns from Fred McDowell (both solo and with harmonica man
Johnny Woods),
Memphis Piano Red, Otha Turner,
Furry Lewis, and the mysterious deaf-mute guitar team of R.L. Watson and Josiah Jones. There are some really great performances here, all well-recorded. A marvelous document. ~ Cub Koda