Search - James Son Thomas :: Beefsteak Blues

Son Son Son

W. Mordecai | Huntsville, AL. | 03/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was raised in Vicksburg, MS. and Son played there at a small restaurant/club (Walnut Hills - still there and great food by the way) back in the early 80's just about every weekend. The owner would send Son a bus ticket to get to Vicksburg and back for these weekend gigs. He would set up over in a corner and play most of the evening with just a couple of breaks. I would sit there in awe. The room would only hold about 20-30 people and most of them had no idea what they were even experiencing. I was lucky enough to sit in with him some and play some harp. Many of the tunes I sat in on are on this album. I'm sure glad someone found this! I just listened to the preview of all these cuts and man did it take me back!!! The last time I saw him there I gave him the harp I played because he had lost his. Sure would like to think he had it in his pocket..... or at least a 1/2 pint of Gin."

Blues simply sung without clutter, or pretense.

W. Mordecai | 11/29/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a fine album which showcases Thomas' soft, yet heartfelt blues style. There is no pretense as seen with some modern blues players. This is not "electric blues" as played by many blue artists. Thomas plays the electric guitar in a manner one would play an acoustic guitar. Still, he manages to get into some lively boogy on several cuts. There are two versions of Catfish Blues which stand out, the regular and expurgated versions. The former contains some funky lyrics that his audience eats up. It is unfortunate that this wonderful artist has only one release to share with us."

An unpretentious and haunting country blues outing

blah blah blah | Los Angeles, Calif | 10/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"James Thomas' guitar work isn't as sophisicated as Skip James or Robert Pete Williams. He isn't as well known as Robert Johnson and he isn't as accessible as Lighnin Hopkins. However Beefsteak Blues remains an extrodinary exemplar of what country blues is. It has soul, style and resonance. It's not too polished production wise and its recording style brings out the authenticity and power of Thomas' performance.Thomas isn't one of the greats simply because his work isn't as original as that of son house or bukka white, but he plays with feeling and knowledge that modern blues players often lack."