Bear Family Records has introduced a new instalment to their esteemed Rocks series, this time highlighting the rocking work of James Cotton. The collection features 27 tracks spanning from 1953 to 1968. Is it worth picking up?
James Cotton, born in 1935 in Tunica, Mississippi, was renowned as a harmonica player and singer. He collaborated with numerous musicians and also led his own band. He passed away on March 16, 2017, at the age of 81.
Although the name was initially unfamiliar, I quickly realised I had heard his work, an unmistakable harmonica player who injected a huge amount of energy into his recordings. No more is this evident than on The Wall, where Cotton leads a band with a pleasingly distorted harmonica sound.
This is an album full of musicianship, feeling and surprises. Firstly, the recordings on Sun Records are a revelation. I’m so used to hearing the later commercial hallmarks of Sam Phillips’ recordings, these earthy recordings are a breath of fresh air.
Secondly, the album features nine recordings from James Cotton’s time playing alongside Muddy Waters. These not only bolster the tracklisting but also demonstrate Cotton’s role within a band setup. Anything featuring Waters is absolute dynamite, only boosted by the prescience of Cotton’s playing.
Thirdly, there are several tracks from a session that Cotton performed with English Jazz Bandleader Chris Barber. I’ll be honest, I did not expect a American Blues legend to have teamed up with a British Jazz legend, but I guess it only goes to prove how wide the former reached. Perhaps the only downside to these finished recordings is the irritating amount of reverb used on Cotton’s vocals; The more direct vocal recording definitely suits this genre better.
Jamie’s Reaction
I saw a clip of James Cotton performing on The Midnight Special a few weeks before I heard this album, and I had no idea who he was. Thanks to this compilation, I not only know, but am intrigued to find out more. It is nice to discover another important figure in the world of Blues. I loved hearing his harmonica contribution with the likes of Muddy Waters, but I also have an appreciation for his vocals; That slightly raspy quality oozed with soul and personality.
A Little Something Extra…
The CD is presented in a digipak format, consistent with other releases in the Rocks series. It includes a 36-page booklet featuring comprehensive notes by Martin Hawkins, along with a detailed discography and a photo gallery.
Sound Quality:
A compilation of this type can vary in sound quality, which is understandable when the age and nature of these recordings are considered. Some recordings sound as clear as the day they were recorded, while others appear sourced from the original 45s. The occasional “crispiness” in the recordings, in this reviewer’s opinion, adds an extra layer of authenticity.
Conclusion
Bear Family Records have compiled an album which pays tribute to James Cotton, and his various musical modes. It serves as an introduction to the man’s early career, and helps add to the mythology of other esteemed artists too. If you’re a Blues fan, you’re gonna love this! James Cotton Rocks is available from Bear Family Records.
Tracklisting:
- My Baby
- Rocket 88
- Hold Me In Your Arms
- Don’t Start Me Talkin’
- Feelin’ Good
- Straighten Up Baby
- Cotton Crop Blues
- She’s Got It (Muddy Waters Vocal)
- Rock Me (All Night Long) (Muddy Waters Vocal)
- Rock Me Mama
- You Don’t Have to Go (Muddy Waters Vocal)
- Off The Wall
- Short Dress Woman (Muddy Waters Vocal)
- Oh Why? (I Need You So Bad)
- Take Your Hands Off Her
- I Won’t Go On (Muddy Waters Vocal)
- Jimmy’s Jump
- Meanest Woman (Muddy Waters Vocal)
- Lovin’ Cup
- Elevate Me Mama (Muddy Waters Vocal)
- Three Harp Boogie
- I Feel So Good (Muddy Waters Vocal)
- Honest I Do
- Love Me Or Leave Me
- My Dog Can’t Bark (Muddy Waters Vocal)
- Next Time You See Me
- Cotton Crop Blues
