Forever On My Mind
Easy Eye, 2022
8/10
A collection of never before heard tunes from the ‘Father of Delta Blues’, i.e. Son House, these 9 tracks were captured on November 23, 1964 at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana.
The title track opens the listen with House’s inimitable picking alongside his soothing and soulful vocals in the bare climate, and “Preachin’ Blues” follows with more firm singing that nears gospel territory as the guitar is manipulated with much adventurousness.
“Death Letter” occupies the middle spot and presents a very spirited, blues gem that’s both raw and melodic, while “The Way Mother Did” displays so much southern blues flavor, the meticulous guitar and diverse singing make an immediate impression.
Close to the end, “Pony Blues” is a raw, poetic album highlight, and “Levee Camp Moan” exits the listen amid warm strumming and plenty of folk nods that exemplified the ‘60s, and sound just as great today.
A body of work collected during a tour of colleges and festivals following House’s rediscovery in 1964, and after he had walked away from music for 20 years prior, House would remain active until the mid ‘70s before retiring again, and eventually passing away in 1988.
He leaves behind an overlooked catalog of work, but thankfully the more recent interest in Delta Blues is putting more focus on his craft, and this quick listen is absolutely vital piece of blues history.
Travels well with: Big Bill Broonzy- The Midnight Special; Johnny Adams- Heart & Soul