Henry Thomas - 'The Complete Recorded Works'

 

The only known image of Henry Thomas, circa 1927

Henry Thomas, an American country blues singer, songwriter, and musician, had a brief but notable recording career in the late 1920s.  Often referred to as "Ragtime Texas", Henry bridged the gap between 19th and 20th-century styles, laying the foundation for what later became known as Texas blues guitar.

Henry, born into a family of freed slaves in Big Sandy, Texas, in 1874, embarked on a journey of travel along the Texas rail lines as a hobo after leaving home in his teens.  Through hard work and determination, he eventually earned his way as an itinerant songster, entertaining both local communities and railway employees.

Henry recorded twenty-three sides for Vocalion Records label between 1927 and 1929.  His repertoire on these recordings includes a mix of gospel, minstrel pieces, ragtime numbers, and blues.  In addition to guitar, Henry accompanied himself on quills, a folk instrument made from cane reeds that produces a sound similar to the zampona played by musicians in Peru and Bolivia.  His agile guitar playing, influenced by banjo-picking styles, indicates that he performed at dances.

What happened to Henry Thomas after his final recording in 1929 is pretty much unknown.  While one report claims he was in Texas in the 1950s, most blues scholars believe that he passed away in 1930, when he would have been in his mid-50s.

If you haven't heard Henry, you'll know some of his songs.  Bob Dylan on his 'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan' reworked "Honey Won't You Allow Me One More Chance", as "Honey, Just Allow Me One More Chance".  

"Fishin' Blues" was recorded by the Lovin' Spoonful in 1965, appearing on their hit debut album 'Do You Believe in Magic?'.  Taj Mahal recorded it three years later, in 1968, for his 'De Old Folks at Home' album.  The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band also covered the song on their album 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Volume III' in 2002.  

"Bull Doze Blues" was reworked by Canned Heat as the basis for the song "Going Up the Country".  Though re-arranged, the Canned Heat song is musically the same, down to a faithful rendition of Thomas's quill solos by Jim Horn on flute.  If you like Jim Horn's flute on "Going Up the Country", you'll just adore Henry Thomas playing his quills (his guitar playing is not too shabby either).

"Don't Ease Me In" was covered by Grateful Dead, when they were called "Mother McCrees Uptown Jug Champions", and then when they were called "The Warlocks".  As the Grateful Dead, it was their first single in released in 1966, with "Stealin'" on the flip side.  They also released it again on their 'Go To Heaven' album in 1980.  As Dead Heads know, "Don't Ease Me In" was also a favorite to close out their first set, when playing live, throughout their career.

There's also a killer version of "John Henry".
 
Who's your favorite artist in the subgenre of Texas Blues?