MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT
Live (Vanguard)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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How can one sound so happy yet still sing the blues? That was the genius of John Hurt. He was a self-taught musician born in 1893. In 1928, Hurt recorded 13 tracks of country blues, then disappeared from sight until two blues fans tracked him down in a remote part of Mississippi in 1963. What they discovered was an artist whose skills had not deteriorated over time. Signed to a recording contract, Hurt performed for the next three years until his death.

Live is a 1965 collection of twenty one blues and gospel tunes taken from a concert at Oberlin College and three songs from the Newport Folk Festival. This music is uplifting and inspirational. The listener would never know that Hurt was away from music for 35 years. Hurt was a humble man, full of dignity and depth and his music exhibits the same characteristics. His voice is perfect for the blues and his guitar playing was outstanding as he utilized a finger picking style well suited to his choice of material. As the liner notes state "Throughout these performances, one can't help but marvel at the organic, instinctual relationship between Hurt's voice and guitar." The man was his music.

If you are a dedicated blues fan or a novice, try listening to Mississippi John Hurt. Live is a wonderful starting point. Hurt was an American original in the acoustic county blues arena, the likes of which we may never see again.

© 2002 - Ron Saranich