Big Joe Williams (1903-82) is as influential a Delta bluesman for his attitude and reputation as much as his playing and songwriting. He’s best known for two classics that have become the staple of rock and roll, “Baby Please Don’t Go” which has been covered by every blue eyed soul white boy, and “Crawlin’ King Snake” which The Doors brought out to suburbia.
He also was adept at using the rare 9 string guitar, as well as using the instrument almost as much for percussion as for picking, as demonstrated on this 5 disc collectionthat includes singles and EPs from his early days as well as cuts from his long playing albums. The early dates include a marathon 1937 session with Sonny Boy Williamson and Robert Lee McCoy producing “Little Leg Woman” and “Meet Me Around The Corner” With JD Short on harmonica and guitar, he snears through “Big Joe Talking” and “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl”. Bassist Ransom Knowling sits in on “13 Highway” and “Highway 49 Blues” and Willie Dixon hits the bass on “Highway 45”. His rhythmic playing is displayed well on “K ing Bisuit Stomp” and “Jump Baby Jump!” in the early 60s recordings. The currents of this man’s cannonball of a splash are still felt today.