CD Review
Robert Pete Williams
Poor Bob's Blues
(Arhoolie Records)
by Dick Houff
Review date: November 2004
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
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Every now and then, you stumble onto a jewel. How you define it is entirely your own. Arhoolie Records has issued a two CD set of peviously unreleased tracks, from Robert Pete Williams. A historic moment to say the least. Williams, in all probability, would have to be one of the least known of the bluesmen. His style of music is far from contemporary and is more in tune to pre-blues field hollers. His riiffs resemble a well-organized punk guitarist's grab bag, and his vocals are more in line with a rapper. Actually, the roots of modern day rap can be heard on platters from the early twenties. Williams was born in Zachary, Louisiana, north of Baton Rouge. He didn't start playing guitar until his early 20's, and he did play dance halls. His unusual style developed after receiving a life sentence for murder at the Angola State Penetentiary. And like Leadbelly, he was parolled. Williams claimed that he killed in self defence. The blues and folk revival during the late fifties were largely responsible for his early release. Petitions and letters can go along way-and we can be thankful. In all likelihood, we would have never heard this glorious man's music. Check out the inside liner notes on this 5-Star gem for a more complete history. And by all means, check out the Arhoolie catalog for authenic roots music-you won't be disappointed.
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