Latest articles by Tony Russell
How Jimmie Rodgers changed the face of popular music – and built a song franchise in the process
Nearly 100 years ago, Jimmie Rodgers wired a connection between the blues and country music with a guitar, some jokes and a yodel
Who did the best version of Baby Please Don't Go?
From Mississippi to Northern Ireland to Australia, this classic has inspired musicians from around the world. But can the original be beaten?
T-Bone Walker: Great Blues Vocals & Guitar/I Get So Weary + Singing The Blues
Monumental early recordings by the architect of modern blues guitar.
Neal Black & Larry Garner: Guilty Saints (Dixiefrog)
Another Euro-American collaboration for Louisiana veteran Larry Garner.
Cuttin' Heads: Pony Blues
Charley Patton’s equine tale has inspired generations of blues singers, but can we separate the lame nags from the thoroughbreds?
Blues Collector: Memphis Jug Band/Cannon’s Jug Stompers
The Jug Bands Volume One (Natchez NEP 701)
Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames: Slip Into A Dream
Chicago guitarist and one-time sidekick of Lil’ Ed Williams.
Memphis Minnie: Keep On Goin’ 1930–1953
A revealing wide-angle snapshot of one of the great blueswomen.
Whose version of Little Red Rooster is better: Howlin' Wolf's or the Stones'?
It’s the song that has ruffled feathers from the moment it first appeared, but did The Rolling Stones or Howlin' Wolf create version of has the most to crow about?
Cuttin' Heads: Sonny Boy Williamson V The Yardbirds
Sonny Boy Williamson's tale of playground love was transformed to fit swinging London by The Yardbirds. But which version is top of the class?
Cuttin' Heads: Muddy Waters vs Heritage Blues Orchestra
A down-by-the-river country standard about casting a rod competes with Chicago electric blues and swing-dance. Which version is catch of the day?
Lightnin' Hopkins – Mojo Hand + Blues In My Bottle
Two contrasting albums from the early 60s by the Texas bluesman
Chris James & Patrick Rynn – Trouble Don't Last
Downhome blues dragged thrillingly up to speed.
Various Artists – The Rough Guide To The Blues Songsters
The curtains drawn back on the music that came before the blues.
Snooks Eaglin: New Orleans Street Singer/That’s All Right
Timeless recordings of a singer and guitarist who astonished 60s blues fans.
Cuttin' Heads - Blind Lemon versus Lou Reed
A blues about death first recorded in 1927, and then taken for a walk on the wild side in 2003. But which version is the buried treasure?
