MANCE LIPSCOMB
Texas Country Blues Volume 5 (Arhoolie)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Mance Lipscomb wanted to be remembered as a Texas songster and not a bluesman. The country songster tradition encompasses more than just the blues: Mance could play a rag, a reel, ballads, or Gospel tunes in addition to traditional, down-home country blues. This is the fifth Arhoolie compilation of the Texas songster, and the 18 songs on this disc have been previously unavailable on CD. Arhoolie founder Chris Strackwitz first recorded Mance over 40 years ago, and Lipscomb's sweet and smooth crooning vocals set him apart from other country blues artists. His day jobs included a difficult life as a tenant farmer and lumberman, but after Strackwitz introduced him to the world through Arhoolie, Mance played the Berkeley Folk Festival and other noteworthy showcases. Texas Country Blues is a bargain in Arhoolie's mid-price line, and Strackwitz's discovery will delight fans of traditional country blues from a true Texas original.

Track List:

Texas Blues * Black Gal * Oh, Baby! (You Don't Have To Go) * Whiskey Blues *Haunted House Blues * Mance's Blues * Does She Ever Think Of Me * I Just Hang Down My Head And I Cry * Rag In F * Wonder Where My Easy Rider Gone * Tell Me Where You Stayed Last Night * Corrine, Corrina * Evil Blues * Mama, Let Me Lay It On You * Louise * Sometimes I Feel Like * Blues In The Bottle * Angel Child

© 2002 - Eric Steiner