Moneymaker

An intensely powerful singer and guitarist, Elmore James did not start his recording career until he was 33, and he only lived to be 45, but he made a very strong impact during his dozen years on records. Some of his finest work was cut for the Fire label during 1959-1961, roughly half of which is included on this single CD. Other than a final outburst of selections during February 1963, these were James' last studio sessions, and he is heard at the peak of his powers throughout. Among the best-known performances are the hit "Shake Your Moneymaker," "The Sky Is Crying," and a remake of his famous "Dust My Broom," but all 16 selections are full of passion and fire. This is an essential acquisition for blues collectors, at least until a more complete James on Fire reissue comes out.

Countless blues-rock guitar greats emerged during the late '60s – the most recognizable names being Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. But one who usually gets overlooked is the great Peter Green, who led Fleetwood Mac early in their career…

Homesick James' works of later period are of particular importance. To the surprise of many this is a period when "last of the broom dusters" was in his eighties. This album is one of those; recording was made live at Swiss club in 1999 when Mr. James was 89. Homesick James was not an axe burner, nor the doer of fiery solos, but he could deliver so deep emotions with just a few touches of the strings, that many kilowatt eaters would envy. More to this, he could do it on both acoustic and electric guitars with his authentic slide style that all Blues fans will recognize from very first accords. Sometimes atonal and disharmonic with often incomprehensible lyrics, his Blues legacy remains one of the most beautiful examples of the genre. And this album serves as a tutorial to young musicians how to stay within the boundaries of the genre and still deliver great music.