Big Joe Williams

Big Joe Williams was an eccentric, compelling guitarist who, like Charley Patton, Bukka White, and others who came before him, understood that the acoustic guitar had tremendous percussion capabilities. With his patented homemade nine-string guitar, an old Sovereign held together with duct tape, he stomped his way through a kind of African/Delta blues like a driving one-man band. This 21-track collection makes a fine introduction to Williams, and includes such compelling and ramshackle sides as "North Wind Blows," one of his many versions of his signature song "Baby Please Don't Go," "My Grey Pony," and the striking Depression-era song "Providence Help the Poor People." ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide