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