Search - Mercy Dee Walton :: One Room Country Shack

Good ole' time blues.

Bill Gold | Bellingham, WA | 04/11/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mercy Dee Walton is a clasic blues artist. His rythem and timing are sharp. The songs on this cd go back to a time of "real blues" in the early 50's. I would give Mercy Dee a 5 star+ for his preformance, however, the quality of the recording has a slight static sound which makes me wonder if that noise is from a 33 or 78 record or from a lousy tape job. The good blues over-powers the background noise and in the long run I'd say that this is a pretty good cd."

One Room Country Shack

Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 06/11/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Approximately 55 min. Digitally remastered,however,the sound in spots sounds a bit rough. Mercy Dee Walton was born in Texas,an area that helped shape both his piano sound and vocals. Moving to California while in his early twenties,he began building his career while he picked vegetables for a living. Walton played in bars and lounges of all kinds. He briefly recorded for the Flair and Rhythm labels before hooking up with Specialty Records in the fifties.



In the early fifties he recorded what would be his major hit-One Room Country Shack. This song was picked up by Mose Allison and was identified with both Walton and Allison from then on. From this time on,Walton didn't have to rely on picking fruit or vegetables any longer. He continued recording into the early sixties,before he died. Of the twenty-four tracks on this collection,only six have been released before. This does not mean that their quality is not up to par-all of these tracks are worthwhile. Besides Walton on piano and vocals,there is an unknown rhythm section,consisting of bass,drums,and tenor sax. There is also a solo by someone named "Lady Fox",and a duet by "Thelma",another unknown.



If you like Texas-style piano and Mercy Dee's rich baritone voice soaring over and through the music,then this is something you might consider picking up. This is relaxing,good sounding blues that,for whatever reason,is not heard in today's world. However,this will take you back to those days-when people like Walton were fixtures in bars and clubs,anywhere people gathered to unwind,have a few drinks,and listen to some great blues."