Homesick James - ' Blues on the South Side'

 

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Blues on the South Side' was released in November 1963, on the Prestige Records label, it was produced by Sam Charters.

This recording features Homesick’s fierce bottleneck guitar style, accompanied by the legendary Chicago backing band of pianist Lafayette Leake, bassist Eddie Taylor, and drummer Clifton James.  This album marked Homesick’s breakthrough, and it’s widely regarded (including myself) as his best work.  It also solidified his status as a solo artist, transcending his earlier roles as a sideman.  The album seamlessly blends traditional Delta influences with urban electric sounds.

Musicians and friends called him "Homesick", but he also had the nickname "Look Quick".  He got that name because he loved to pack up and move to different cities without warning.  He would tell people, "Look quick, 'cause tomorrow I may be gone."  He loved to tell wild stories about his life, which made him a very mysterious and fun person to be around.  

Homesick James was the cousin of Elmore James, and claimed he bought Elmore his first guitar and to have taught him how to play slide.  He also claimed to have played with Yank Rachell, Sleepy John Estes, Blind Boy Fuller and Big Joe Williams, among others, and to have been acquainted with Robert Johnson.  Most of what Homesick claimed has never been confirmed.

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Blues on the South Side' is a classic example of Chicago Blues, and belongs in every Blues collection.

For the freeload, make a claim about yourself that isn't true.