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Homesick James
His
correct age may remain in doubt (he's claimed he was born as early as
1905), but the slashing slide guitar skills of Homesick James
Williamson have never been in question. Many of his most satisfying
recordings have placed him in a solo setting, where his timing
eccentricities don't disrupt the proceedings (though he's made some
fine band-backed waxings as well).
Williamson was playing guitar at age ten and soon ran away from his
Tennessee home to play at fish fries and dances. His travels took the
guitarist through Mississippi and North Carolina during the 1920s,
where he crossed paths with Yank Rachell, Sleepy John Estes, Blind Boy
Fuller, and Big Joe Williams.
Settling in Chicago during the 1930s, Williamson played local clubs and
recorded for RCA Victor in 1937. The miles and gigs had added up before
Williamson made some of his finest sides in 1952-53 for Art Sheridan's
Chance Records (including the classic "Homesick" that gave him his
enduring stage name).
James also worked extensively as a sideman, backing harp great Sonny
Boy Williamson in 1945 at a Chicago gin joint called the Purple Cat and
during the 1950s with his cousin, slide master Elmore James (to whom
Homesick is stylistically indebted). He also recorded with James during
the 1950s. Homesick's own output included crashing 45s for Colt and USA
in 1962, a fine 1964 album for Prestige, and four tracks on a Vanguard
anthology in 1965.
Williamson has never stopped recording and touring; he's done recent
albums for Appaloosa and Earwig. No matter what his current
chronological age, there's nothing over-the-hill about the blues of
Homesick James Williamson.
-Written
by Bill Dahl
Quotes
"The material is superb. Homesick's cover's...are
both heartfelt and personalized, and his own creatinos range from
strong to brilliant. ...such creativity and vitality from an artist of
Homesick's years is remarkable." -Living Blues
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