Heroes of the Blues: The Very Best of Furry Lewis (CD - 2003)

This is a part of Shout!'s Heroes Of The Blues series.

Audio Remasterer: Mike Thomas.

Liner Note Author: Sid Selvidge.

Arranger: Furry Lewis.

Furry Lewis recorded several strikingly intimate 78s in the 1920s and 1930s and when he was rediscovered by blues scholar Sam Charters in the 1960s, he proved adept at entertaining his new audiences, even garnering an appearance on The Tonight Show. This collection opens with three of those old 78s before switching over to his 1960s recordings, which leads to a fine sequencing moment when the 78 version of "Judge Harsh Blues" is followed by its 1960s counterpart "Judge Boushé." A fine guitarist and an excellent storyteller, Lewis' particular skill is best demonstrated by his interpretation of the folk-blues standard "John Henry" and his wonderfully nuanced take on this song, which recognizes its epic possibilities, makes his the definitive version. Also included here is Lewis' retooling of Sleepy John Estes' signature tune "I'm Going to Brownsville." ~ Steve Leggett minimize