Search - Arthur Big Boy Crudup :: Rock Me Mama

Great, but not the original recordings

Mark Schlesinger | Columbus, OH | 07/14/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is great, but Big Boy Cruddup's original recordings (a major influence on Elvis) were on RCA's race label Bluebird Records, and have been compiled on RCA. Those dated from the 1940's. This Tomato release features mono re-recordings from the early 1960's on Fire Records. This is a satisfying CD, but just a word of warning if you expect the RCA's."

"That's All Right Mama" and other classic blues

Gary Coffrin | San Jose, California, USA | 02/22/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup was most famous for writing and recording "That's All Right Mama," a song that later became a huge early hit for Elvis Presley. Crudup's "So Glad You're Mine," and "My Baby Left" were also recorded early on by Presley. Several other Crudup songs have been recorded by various blues and rock artists.



Crudup was rumored to be an energetic and commanding live performer who inspired some of Presley's on-stage delivery, although his recorded work is oftentimes quite laid-back, and most songs on this CD are performed at a relaxed pace.



Born in 1905, Crudup's style was rooted in earlier Mississippi Delta blues performers, but he gave hints of some of the drive that later Chicago electric blues performers would display. His blues guitar riffs, dependable beat, and earthy sincerity of his music made him one of the influences on early rock music.



The songs on this CD date from 1941 through 1954, and all tunes were written by Crudup. "Mean Ol' Frisco" and "My Mama Don't Allow Me" are among the highlights.



The music does have an appealing directness and simplicity. Crudup's voice is appealing and controlled. The music is oftentimes engaging, but a sameness of tempo and sparseness of instrumentation dilutes the impact when listening to the entire CD in one sitting. He played every song on this CD in the same key. Songs on this album have only guitar, bass and drums. An occasional solo or backing by a larger group would have added variety and improved the impact.



Crudup's popularity peaked in the 1940's, but he enjoyed a bit of a comeback in the 1960's. Crudup started playing guitar at age 25 and never became a great guitarist. His later recordings were sometimes more laid back, and his guitar playing may have improved a bit.



This CD presents good documentation of a unique blues performer who directly influenced Elvis. Many of Crudup's songs have been preformed with more energy and drive by others - and with better arrangements. However, this is historically significant music from an influential performer and songwriter."