Recording information: Atlanta, GA (10/18/1927-04/23/1935); Chicago, IL (10/18/1927-04/23/1935); New York, NY (10/18/1927-04/23/1935).
Atlanta street singer Blind Willie McTell was a solid 12-string acoustic guitar player with a surprisingly versatile voice who rolled up blues, spirituals, and rags into a distinctive style all his own. This collection brings together several of his mid-'30s 78 RPMs, including early versions of his signature songs, like the elegant and oft-covered "Statesboro Blues" and "Broke Down Engine Blues," as well as the lovely (but lesser known) "Love Changing Blues." There are more comprehensive and complete editions of McTell available, but this one works well as a brief introduction. ~ Steve Leggett
