Search - Homesick James :: Blues on the Southside

Homesick James

Brian Frieben | Kalamazoo, MI USA | 06/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Homesick James never quite got the accolades that his legendary cousin Elmore did, but I can assure you as a huge fan of both, he is just as powerful in his playing and singing.. There is rumor that during the Fire/Fury sessions that Homesick played for Elmore as a sideman on, Homesick even played lead on certain cuts such as "Homesick's Blues" but gave the credit to Elmore who actually was playing 2nd guitar not lead. Homesick even claims to have taught Elmore the Dust My Broom Groove which is probably the most copied and emulated guitar lick ever. This 1964 setting is just pure Chicago Blues. Drums, bass, and piano lay a mean groove and let Homesick weave his slide guitar and anguished vocals through one of the best sessions I have ever heard. Standouts include the burning slow groove "Goin' Down Swingin' and a version of the aforementioned "Homesick's Blues" that includes the Dust My Broom slide groove. I can honestly say there is not one letdown on this recording. From start to finsish this is Chicago Blues the way it is supposed to be, powerful and passionate. It is a credit to Homesick that now in his 80's is still performing festival dates and occasional shows. I looked for a long time to find this whole session after getting 4 track from it on another CD, I strongly urge anyone who likes Chicago Blues and/or slide guitar to purchase this without hesitation!!"