Country Music's Blues Roots
A. Herrmann | New Jersey, USA | 05/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Another fantastic collection from JSP Records out of the UK. If you had any doubts that country music was hugely influenced by African American blues, this box set will assure you that despite societal segregation, cross pollination between musicians was rampant. Fans of steel guitar will find some gems in this compilation. Roy Smeck and King Benny Nawahi make appearances as well as lesser known players like Lemuel Turner. The early 20th century Hawaiian music craze obviously made its impact on old time string band players as well as the early blues slide guitarists. And wait until you hear Gene Autrey belting the blues! But historical interest aside, these four discs are filled with wonderful songs and instrumental and vocal performances. JSP Records deserves accolades for their preservation of early American folk and blues recordings."