Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup - Mean Ole Frisco

It is a pity that many of the old blues masters are known more for the song(s) that rock'n'rollers took from them than for their own great talents. Crudup is another example - having given us "That's All Right (Mama)" for Elvis Presley to use as a springboard for his own career, few people know Crudup's name. But thankfully we have great reissues such as this to remind us of the originals!

While Crudup worked and recorded from the 40's on, these sides were cut in a 1962 session, but still sound as fresh and rough'n'tumble as anyone could ask for! Arthur was a fairly rudimentary guitarist, but a fine songwriter and singer and with the minimal rhythm section he still sets fire to the tunes. The arrangement for "That's All Right" is practically identical to Presley's, so there is no doubt as to where Elvis' hit came from. That is followed by "Rock Me Mama", the obvious predecessor to "Rock Me Baby" and "I'm In the Mood" shows where John Lee Hooker got his idea from, as well!

This whole CD is solid - super songs and what a voice! I will definitely be getting more from this man. Find what you can and support the originals!