Bring it back! Bishop Perry Tillis lays it down for all the preachers out there who may talk the talk but not so much walk the walk. Recorded at his church in Samson, Alabama in 1972, here is a lesser known American blues great, who played Chicago blues circuit in the 1940s alongside Muddy Waters and Furry Lewis. When a revelation convinced him it was the devil’s music, he went back home to preach the gospel. All I know is, wherever the inspiration came from, his music is gr8. This whole CD is a joy. You can read more about it or order a hard copy at the Birdman Records website, or click here to buy the mp3s. Good ol’ soulful music.

Bishop Perry Tillis
“God don’t like it” (mp3)
from “Too Close”
(Birdman Records)

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Lately I have been diggin’ thru the crates at publicdomain2ten, finding some amazing old gems. K, so they’re not “crates” but the mp3s there are from gr8 old vinyl 78s and early, early 45s. Ma Rainey was part of a select few – the first generation of recording artists in history. Nowadays you get a recording studio when you buy a Mac. Back then by comparison, there were only a handful of recording devices in the world. One of them recorded this remarkable performance by “The Mother of the Blues,” Ma Rainey, who was also one of the first professional blues singers. By now, her influence is far too widespread to accurately measure. Have a listen.

You know, as an mp3 blogger, I’m not really a critic, because I only ever talk about music here that I really, really like, and not music I don’t like. That’s my thing. And while I try to discuss intelligently whenever I can, the gems I find, sometimes, I must confess, I am left without words. This live recording of Ivory Joe Hunter singing “I Almost Lost My Mind,” at The Grand Ole Opry is so good, that I will have to sit out, and let it speak for itself. Enjoy.

Ivory Joe Hunter
“I Almost Lost My Mind” (mp3)
from “Live At The Grand Ole Opry”
(LocoBop)

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From this excellent Chicago Blues compilation, here’s a sweet and laid back instrumental piano blues from Colin Banagan. Minimal accompaniment by upright bass and smooth, brush-stick drumming provides an elegant backdrop for the piano man to stretch out in every which way. “Blues for the Lady,” ladies and gents. A magnificent, understated recording.

Colin Banagan, The CB Blues Band
“Blues for the Lady” (mp3)
from “Chicago Blues – Volume 2″
(Classic Fox Records)

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