Delta Blues

[SgtPrimus]

I've just been getting into Delta Blues and wanted to know who you guys like.

Right now I have stuff by Mississippi John Hurt, Lighting Hopkins, Robert Johnson, and John Lee Hooker.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77pmWCpMNkI

[superjoe]

I wouldn't consider Mississippi John Hurt or John Lee Hooker to be musicians in the style of "Delta" blues. Robert Johnson is true delta blues, but doesn't hold a candle to the greats such as Charlie Patton, Son House, and Tommy Johnson. He more or less synthesized and cleaned up the style of these three. Lightnin' Hopkins is Texas style blues, a continuation of Henry Thomas and Blind Lemon Jefferson.

If you like Delta blues, buy or download Patton's complete recorded works and read his biography. Then get Son House's Paramount and Lomax recordings.

[SgtPrimus]

Just what I was looking for, thanks.

[joshmay]

im not an authority on "delta blues" but some similar artists i'd recommend are furry lewis, bukka white, and tommy johnson like he was sayin...all very different but exceptional people.

[SugarCoatedSour]

I like the Cap'n and his Magic Band.


Too bad I'm not at all versed in blues

[Ando!]

I wouldn't consider Mississippi John Hurt or John Lee Hooker to be musicians in the style of "Delta" blues. Robert Johnson is true delta blues, but doesn't hold a candle to the greats such as Charlie Patton, Son House, and Tommy Johnson. He more or less synthesized and cleaned up the style of these three. Lightnin' Hopkins is Texas style blues, a continuation of Henry Thomas and Blind Lemon Jefferson.

If you like Delta blues, buy or download Patton's complete recorded works and read his biography. Then get Son House's Paramount and Lomax recordings.

Well delta has become an umbrella term for old blues, a lot like classical music means academic western music, not just music from the classical period

i sort of agree with your statements about robert johnson, but he acts as a really effective bridge between real delta blues and the early chicago scene

ts definitely check out Bukka White and Skip James in addition to what's been recommended itt so far. Skip's probably my favorite blues artist

Robert Lockwood and Honeyboy Edwards are similar to Johnson

other non-delta old blues to check out: Reverend Gary Davis

[joshmay]

Reverend Gary Davis

seconded & thirded. also be sure and check out some of the youtube material from this guy, truly amazing.

[Ando!]

also check out Johnny Shines, he played with RJ and followed him around for awhile. RJ was sort of like a stepfather to him.

edit: Actually, I was thinking of Robert Lockwood

but Johnny Shines is still good