This single-disc selection from
Yazoo
is interesting because it bypasses some of
Charley Patton
's best-known sides like
"Down the Dirt Road Blues"
and
"High Sheriff Blues"
in favor of presenting a more versatile
Patton
capable of handling
gospel
and even
pop
fare (check out the take here of
"Some Summer Day"
to hear a relatively softer and gentler
). Since
's rhythms and overall approach can be repetitive at times, a single disc like
Primeval Blues, Rags and Gospel Songs
that mixes things up a bit makes a perfect introduction for casual listeners, but
's recorded work is both the Big Bang and the epicenter of
country-blues
, so going a little deeper and springing for one of the several fine box sets available is well worth the time and expense. ~ Steve Leggett