Seems Like A Dream
Big Legal Mess, 2021
8/10
Bruce Watson unearths an obscure 1989 recording from North Mississippi bluesman Wilburt Lee Reliford, where Watson and Will Sexton added overdubs to half the tracks, as George Sluppick’s drums/percussion, Mark Stuart’s bass/guitar, Rick Steff’s organ/piano and Sexton’s guitar/bass illuminate Reliford’s stripped back approach.
Reliford starts the listen with the playful drums, spirited harmonica and bluesy guitars of the title track complementing his soulful and gritty singing in the rhythmic blues, and “Coal Black Mattie” follows with a hypnotic quality as Reliford’s stirring harp guides the full band effort.
Close to the middle, “Tappin’ That Thing” highlights the frisky piano amid the firm southern influences, while “Hello Stranger” is a bare but powerful display of raw blues with just Reliford’s pipes and harp. “Somebody’s Knockin’” then thumps with a fuzzy rock’n’roll spirit, and is easily the best selection of the fuller tracks.
Approaching the end, “Rock Me” is another sparse and authentic tune with just Reliford’s genuine spirit, and “Call Mama” exits the listen similarly, as the mouth acrobatics align with his inimitable and timeless delivery.
Reliford passed way nearly 30 years ago, and left behind only unaccompanied recordings. Blind since the age of 11, which is about when he pursued harmonica, though the North Mississippi blues scene isn’t usually synonymous with a harmonica, his version of delta blues proves just how effective it can be, especially in Reliford’s unrefined vision.
Travels well with: Hanging Tree Guitars- Hanging Tree Guitars; The Last Shall Be First- The JCR Records Story, Volume One