Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0015707018128
Format: Box set
Label: Vanguard Records
Manufacturer: Vanguard Records
MPN: 181-183
Number Of Discs: 3
Publisher: Vanguard Records
Release Date: 2000-10-31
Studio: Vanguard Records

Gentle, graceful, subtle, sweet--these aren't descriptions generally applied to the blues, but they offer a sense of Mississippi John Hurt's uniqueness and enduring legacy. Rediscovered during the 1960s folk boom after last recording in the late 1920s, Hurt cut the three albums compiled here when he was in his early 70s. His conversational phrasing sounds as natural as breathing, while his ragtime-tinged fingerpicking on acoustic guitar reveals more complexity the closer you listen. Beyond blues classics like "Candy Man" (the sly sensualist wasn't referring to lollipops), Hurt's range encompasses everything from folkish narratives ("Talking Casey," "Spike Driver Blues") to Southern spirituals ("Nearer My God to Thee," "Farther Along"). Though Hurt died in 1966, shortly after the last of these sessions, the music still sounds so fresh, you can almost hear the twinkle in his eye. --Don McLeese

Customer Rating:
Summary: greatest musicians
Comment: Mississippi John Hurt is the best blues performer of all times. No leser show, no smoke, no big talk, but MUSIC!!!
Music that comes from his personality and soul!!!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Mesmerizing
Comment: This is a fantastic collection that ANYONE with even a passing interest in folk should own. Mississippi John Hurt's music is so powerful and so delicate, so raw and beautiful at the same time. I love the way he frequently finishes his vocal lines with his guitar, making the instrument an extension, or rather an essential part of his voice. Don't hesitate, if you found your way to this page you will enjoy this album.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Fantastic fingerpicking Blues
Comment: Am enjoying Missisippi John Hurt very much. Very relaxing. Was very happy that he lived to see the fruits of his wonderful labor of love.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: One of the great American musicians
Comment: His singing and guitar playing is just as good as on the early recordings.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Chicken is one amazing song
Comment: C H I C K E N
That's how you spell chicken!

This won't be a particularly helpful review because I don't "know" music. All I can say that ever since seeing The Blues Brothers, I have enjoyed listening to blues without knowing much about it. Favorites include Howlin' Wolf and Robert Johnson... and John Hurt.

He had a great voice. Cool vocals + cool lyrics = really listenable music. I am so greatful to my Yahoo!Music player for introducing me to him. :)

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