09 Big Joe Williams - 44 Blues

Big Joe Williams “44” Blues 2:06 (P.D.)

Big Joe Williams, vocal, 7 string guitar. June 4, 1960 from an unreleased private tape.

Big Joe Williams: “‘44' Blues”
Big Joe Williams, the man who first recorded “Baby, Please Don’t Go” (in 1935) and is considered one of the greatest (and last) of the itinerant acoustic Delta bluesmen, introduced himself to Bob Koester in 1951 and soon became one of Delmark’s most important recording artists. This recording, made privately in California in 1960, finds Williams working out on a venerable Delta theme, originally a pianist’s showcase, that had been updated in 1954 in a ferocious electrified version by Howlin’ Wolf. Big Joe was almost 60 years old when he recorded this, but the music still bristles with his legendary pugnacity and emotional fire.