beyond mississippi - various (Manteca)

beyond mississippi - various artists

And while we’re on the subject here’s a collection, Beyond Mississippi (Manteca) a 2 CD release that seems to wallow in the shambolic. All the rough edges are kept delightfully intact and the ambience is just right. That’s not to say that the sound is lacking in this extremely wide-ranging compilation. It’s just that the soul and original intent of each selection are brought to the fore. Nor is this aimed at the crusty, bearded bluesophile (me) with its diversity and inclusion of blues influenced rock-pop-folk artists such as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Tom Waits, Dr Feelgood and Bonzo Dog Band certainly designed to broaden its appeal. But one listen to their entries will reveal that the intent was hardly mercenary.

Corey Harris’ Downhome Sophisticate turns into a rap while still keeping the gut firmly inside the bucket, Justin Adams mixes Arabic rhythms and oud with real soulful conviction, while Paul Pena fuses blues with Tuvan throat singing. You get the picture. Gospel is also presented in its varied glory from the Golden Gate Quartet, Aretha Franklin, Rev Gary Davis, Mahalia Jackson and classic Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Dr John’s dark voodoo masterpiece Gris Gris Gumbo Ya Ya is here. So are Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley.

With 35 artists and 35 songs there are simply too many to mention. Still it’s nice to know that with consummate classic performances from artists of the stature of Otis Taylor, Muddy Waters, Lightning Hopkins, Skip James, Albert King, BB or Sonny Terry, the collection might move beyond Mississippi (or for that matter Chicago) but it never leaves it behind. RJ. Feb 2003