Leroy Carr - Prison Bound Blues

This collection of late 20's/early 30's urban blues from pianist Leroy Carr, accompanied by guitarist/partner

Scrapper Blackwell (not sure why he is not credited on the cover), is a solid selection showing the influence this duo had on the blues and on its cultural migration from the South to Chicago. Leroy was a drinker (see his self-referential "Sloppy Drunk") and Scrapper received his nickname for his propensity for fighting, so the two were highly volatile but also highly creative and they worked well together, giving Chicago a new sound.

Influencing most blues performers to come - Robert Johnson even nicked some ideas with the couple - Leroy & Scrapper had a number of hits and remained popular through their final, 1935 recording session of the prophetic "Six Cold Feet In the Ground". A week later, Carr was dead and Scrapper retired and was shot and killed in the early 60's, denying him the opportunity to cash in on the blues resurgence.

While there is a definite edge to this music, it is smoother and more urbane than some of my favorite blues - and I am partial to guitar-oriented rather than keyboard-oriented, in general. That said, this is still a fine set of songs and well worth the discount price these "Discount Blues" releases normally go for. There is a booklet with a short biography, though there are more ads for the label than text - fair enough, as you'll probably want more of their CDs, but not extensive on the info - though you will discover the recording dates and personnel (occasionally someone extra, like Josh White). Good stuff!