Big Bill Broonzy recorded in the early 30's thru the 50's, and was in his prime pretty much as long as he lived. This set of vlues from the mid 50's(55 to be exact), finds the blues shouter/guitarist in particularly fine form. As a matter a fact, this is perhaphs the finest release of Broonzy on cd. On several tracks he plays solos guitar and on others he's backed by a wailin' horn section. He shouts, jumps and even croons the blues, and his wailin' guitar never sounded so rockin.' His voice is strong and expressive, and completely blue, but in a party, feel good sort of way. Broonzy as always sounds like he's having a party in the studio, and this 50's recording session is not too different from his 30's-40's r&b jump swing combos. Great music that captures a legendary bluesman in his musical prime.

most people have the Big Bill Broonzy Yazoo cd of his early works, which are exellent, as well as his 40's r&b sides on Document, however this Collectibles cd, documents Broonzy late in his career, but in his musical prime vocally and instrumentally. Broonzy's "ready to party" vocals are as strong and appealing as ever, and his guitar picking is deep rooted in ragtime and swing. The big highlight here is how Broonzy turns the swing classic tune ofte nassociated with Helen Ward & Benny Goodman, into a ragtime swinger, with his baritone voice just easing over the song, slightly improvising the lyrics, and still sounding like he's partying in the recording studio. Some tracks feature horns, or rhythm section, but the solos sides sre exellent including a killer diller version of St. Louis Blues, he way Blind Blake would have played it. Great cd that shows what a great ragtime guitarist he was, and taht he might have been the best male blues singer of all time, but definately he's the greatest good time blues singer(along with his half brother Washboard Sam). Great 55 session!