Search - Skip James :: Live 1: Boston 1964 & Philadelphia 1966

Refreshing & Excellent

Brian D. Hackert | Peterborough, NH | 09/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is just great, not to mention a nice surprise. The reputedly aloof Skip James is very friendly and generous, chatting between songs, telling some background behind his songs and joking with the audience. The audience is right in tune with him, too, laughing at all the right spots of the songs and seemingly lifting his spirits as he lifts theirs. I was truly, and delightedly surprised at the genial interaction, based on all I'd read about his conceited personality, and about audiences not getting his music and sitting there mystified. I wish I could have seen him, but I'm glad to listen to this album, and the other new live ones. For Skip James fans, a must, for newcomers I'd say try either the complete original old recordings or one of the Vanguard 60's recordings, and if you like it, then get this.

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