portrait of this blog's author - by Stephen Blackman 2008

Sunday, June 30, 2024

Lightnin´ Slim - Bell Ringer (1965) | Zero G Sounds




Otis Verries Hicks (March 13, 1913 – July 27, 1974),  known as Lightnin' Slim, was an American blues musician who played Louisiana blues and swamp blues for Excello Records.

One of the two names inextricably linked with the music of Excello Records (the other is Slim Harpo), Lightnin' Slim was born in St Louis but went on to become one of Louisiana's greatest bluesmen. His partnership with harmonica blower Lazy Lester and the Baton Rouge producer Jay Miller defined the Louisiana swamp blues sound. The late Mike Leadbitter said "(Lightnin' Slim)..was, in his own way, one of the truly great unspoiled bluesmen of the post-war era" and, even though that was written some years back, it remains as true today.

In the 1970s, Slim performed on tours in Europe, including the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, for which he was often accompanied by Moses "Whispering" Smith on harmonica. He last toured the UK in 1973, with the American Blues Legends package organised by Big Bear Records.

In July 1974, Slim died of stomach cancer in Detroit, Michigan, aged 61. He was interred at Oak Hill Cemetery in Pontiac, Michigan.


Tracklist:

01-Love Me Mama [2:30]
02-She's My Crazy Little Baby [2:41]
03-Have Mercy on Me Baby [2:21]
04-Winter Time Blues [2:43]
05-If You Ever Need Me [3:11]
06-Mean Ole Lonesome Train [3:18]
07-Baby Please Come Back [2:32]
08-Love Is Just a Gamble [2:48]
09-Somebody Knockin' [3:08]
10-You Give Me the Blues [2:44]
11-Don't Start Me Talking [2:46]
12-You Move Me Baby [2:29]





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