Tracks 1-12 recorded in Chicago, Illinois on May 5, 1965 and tracks 13-24 recorded at Sound Studio, Chicago, Illinois on September 2, 1966.
ALABAMA BLUES originally released on L & R (42.001). DOWN IN MISSISSIPPI originally released on L & R (42.102). Includes liner notes by Jonny Meister.
VIETNAM BLUES combines two full-length albums, ALABAMA BLUES and DOWN IN MISSISSIPPI.
Unlike any blues music released in the 1960s, the idiosyncratic acoustic forms created by J.B. Lenoir during his tenure with L&R Records recall traditional country blues while simultaneously pushing the genre in new directions. Miles removed--in conception and feel--from the electric Chicago blues of his early career, Lenoir's L&R work is wholly acoustic, intensely personal, and seems to pulse and surge to its own uniquely designed metronome. VIETNAM BLUES collects Lenoir's last two albums (before his untimely death in 1967), 1965's ALABAMA BLUES and 1966's DOWN IN MISSISSIPPI, both of which were produced under the supervision of blues icon Willie Dixon.
The music on VIETNAM BLUES is quite stark, with the focus on Lenoir's mesmerizing open chords, syncopated embellishments, and high, soulful tenor. On several tracks, Dixon provides additional vocals and drummer Freddie Below lends his brushwork (on what sounds like a lone snare drum) to the shuffling, driving rhythms, further heightening the intimate, front-porch feel. But what really strikes the listener is Lenoir's songwriting, which fearlessly takes on issues like racial discrimination and the Vietnam War with eloquence and passion. Politically committed and performed with searing intensity, Lenoir's last recordings are the finest of his career, the crowning achievement of his overlooked legacy.
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Vietnam Blues: The Complete L&R Recording Music Review
Customer Vietnam Blues: The Complete L&R Recording Reviews
Average Rating: (4.7 out of 5 stars)
Excellent CD by a great bluesman This CD combines two LPs : ALABAMA BLUES and DOWN IN MISSIPPI Submitted by Richard (Bossonnens (Switzerland)) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
One of the greats that was overlooked Lenoir has never received the coverage and recognition that he deserves for this music. His performance illustrates the ability of a truly great-unique talent. One may speak with knowledge of the music of great ones such as Robert Johnson, Elmore James, and Buddy Guy, but until one has LISTENED to this presentation by Lenoir, there is a void in their knowledge of really great music. Submitted by joef (Euless, TX, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Good Great cd of a blues master Submitted by a reviewer (BAGNOLO IN PIANO,RE,ITALY) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 0 of 1 found this helpful.
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