Thanks to everyone who has checked out the playlists for Gone to See the River Man and Along the River of Flesh. Those mixes are essentially soundtracks to the books, with some of the songs even referenced in the novels. Because of that, I get asked about blues music and its history a lot these days, and I couldn’t be happier about it. I love sharing and discussing music, especially when it has inspired my writing, and I delight in turning people on to artists they may never have heard of otherwise.
That is why I started RIVER MAN RADIO, a series of blues playlists I put together for my readers and fans to enjoy for free on Spotify.
Here’s the playlist for the second episode!
I WISH YOU WOULD - BILLY BOY ARNOLD
This hypnotic number dives right into hard rock waters, with Arnold’s haunting harmonica whirling us through the shadows of a heavy blues stomp. In a way, it reminds me of Black Sabbath’s “The Wizard”, but Arnold’s skill at the blues harp far surpasses Ozzy’s. A fiery powerhouse, this is easily one of my favorites of Arnold’s bad ass tunes—particularly this version from Back Where I Belong.
IN THE NIGHT - CHARLIE CROCKETT
Modern blues/rock/country artist Charlie Crockett (a descendant of Davy) is a man of many talents, but his bluesy songs appeal to me most, and his album, In the Night, is a standout in that regard. This title track grooves with blues tradition while also hinting at Crockett’s southern influences. The perfect opener for a perfect album.
GONNA GET OLD SOMEDAY - JIMMY “DUCK” HOLMES
My birthday just passed, and I always listen to this song when the day arrives. Holmes is one of my favorite bluesmen, and I’ve hailed his album Cypress Grove many times to anyone who would listen. It’s a fucking masterpiece of electric blues, one of those rare flawless albums you will play from start to finish on the regular.
MY HEAVY LOAD - BIG MAMA THORNTON
If Koko Taylor is the Queen of the Blues, then Big Mama Thornton must be the Princess. She even gave us the rock classic “Hound Dog” (before Elvis ripped it off from her, though there is some debate about that). Her powerful, booming voice is lowered here to a crooning doom-whisper that is both sultry and heartbreaking. Heavy, indeed.
YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT LOVE IS - FENTON ROBINSON
A beautiful, sorrowful song about love and loss from the highly-skilled Mr. Robinson. His incredibly smooth guitar work is showcased here on one of his very best records, Somebody Loan Me a Dime. The perfect representative of Chicago blues.
I’M IN LOVE - JUNIOR KIMBROUGH
It’s no secret that Junior Kimbrough is one of my favorite musical artists of all time. His stunning originality makes him a truly unique listening experience, and honestly, The River Man might not have existed without the influence of his songs. While his music is often dark, this track is one of the sexiest songs I’ve ever heard—a pulsing, cyclonic rhythm that brings out my most feral urges. It was also covered by Buddy Guy as “I Got to Try You, Girl”, one of the fantastic Kimbrough covers from his utter masterpiece Sweet Tea. But check out this original first.
IF DOWN WAS UP - KENNY BROWN
Best known as the slide guitarist who toured with R.L. Burnside and performed on the mind-blowing Burnside on Burnside album, Kenny Brown has also released work of his own, and this rockin’ blues number shows he’s certainly worthy of a solo career. Brown reminds of us of his music with Burnside while also tapping into early ZZ Top and other blues-rock bands.
YOU’RE THE BOSS - B.B.KING and RUTH BROWN
One of my favorite blues duets. The master himself, B.B.King, teams up with the vocal intensity of Ruth Brown for this song about a couple in the wild throes of love. While Brown may be best known for her jazz and R&B work, she wails on this blues track with the same sass and power as Thornton, Taylor, or Franklin. King’s guitar work is top notch like always, and Brown’s playful jealousy over Lucille is pretty hilarious.
CHECKIN’ UP ON MY BABY - SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON II
A true legend of the blues, Williamson’s single version of this song is a perfect snapshot of the man’s signature sound. Catchy, upbeat, and swaying, this track is the essence of the blues.
FIXIN’ TO DIE - BUKKA WHITE
Another legend in the business, Bukka White’s voice of gravel and thunderous strumming greatly influenced the genre itself. This gloomy track is one of his most popular, and it’s easy to understand why. Country blues has never sounded more raw and true.
BORN UNDER A BAD SIGN - ALBERT KING
One of the most well-known blues songs of all time, and with good reason. This genre staple has been repeatedly covered by a never-ending list of artists (even Homer Simpson performed it on The Simpson Sing in the Blues in 1990), but no one does it quite like King. His innovative approach appealed not just to blues fans of the time but also those of rock ’n roll, securing the song’s place in American music history.
GOOD JELLY - BIG BILL BROONZY
A serious oldie (almost 100 years old, in fact), but such an enjoyable jig. Broonzy was one of the early blues masters, and this is one of those songs that you just know is making dirty insinuations. A poppy, front-porch rocker that’s bound to make you giggle.
LOST AT SEA - TEN FOOT POLE CATS
I saw these guys open for Scott H. Biram back in 2009 and was impressed by their electric blues rock sound. Though they never made it big, a couple of their old albums are still out there, and Undertow is easily my favorite (though I used a different album cover for the picture just because I like the dog). This track feels like a lost Howlin’ Wolf song only with a splash of heavy metal thrown in. Bad ass stuff.
PUSSYCAT MOAN - KATIE WEBSTER
Slowing things down now with this jazzy ballad of a wronged woman. Webster’s voice and skills at piano make for a winning combination. A writhing, yearning, vengeful song by an artist at the height of their powers.
THE BLUES IS ALIVE AND WELL - BUDDY GUY
Closing out this episode is living legend Buddy Guy with this profound song about the longevity of blues music and the inevitability of human suffering. As always, Guy’s guitar work is second to none, giving us a dreamy croon that sounds as if it has come from its own melodic, midnight-blue dimension.
I hope you enjoy these tracks as much as I do, and hopefully get a taste of artists that lead to bigger bites out of their work down the road.
Thanks for reading and listening!
Until next time, keep reading, and try to be happy (even with the blues).
Your pal,
Kris