Book Review: Delta Blues: The Life and Times of the Mississippi Masters Who Revolutionized American Music by Ted Gioia - Page 2

Further complicating the story of the origin of the Delta blues — as well as much of what we think we know about the music and its creators — is that legend and myth are tightly woven with research and fact.  Superstition, lies, deceit, racism, death, technological limitations, and misfortune have caused important pieces of this story to be lost, forever. In instances where facts seem to disagree or where they don't exist, Gioia takes an evenhanded approach and presents differing scenarios. In these instances, he often becomes less like a teaching authority and joins with readers, bemoaning the fact some things will have to remain a mystery.

The early chapters focus on two early influential practitioners. Charley Patton and Son House are names known by dedicated blues fans, but these men and their pivotal work are obscure to casual blues fans and unknown beyond that.  These two men influenced Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters, who in turn had profound impacts on listeners and musicians across generations and oceans.

His research digs deep and turns up names beyond the usual suspects of Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, or Howlin' Wolf. Those men deserve their iconic status, but there were many great performers who came before and after, and Gioia is eager to tell their stories.  Ishmon Bracey and Robert Wilkins take their place among the more famous Delta bluesmen.  Gioia's research indicates both were talented bluesmen who came to a crossroads very different than the superstitious crossroads most often associated with the blues.  Both men struggled to reconcile the blues life with their faith in God. Both men would put their guitar down and follow the call of the Lord.  Both would play roles in helping researchers track down the whereabouts of some of their former blues contemporaries during the '60s, when Delta blues were being discovered by the wider, white audience.

Article Author: Josh Hathaway

Josh Hathaway began with Blogcritics in August 2004 and served as writer, editor, and also hosted the beloved but short-lived BC Radio podcast. He also founded the music web site BlindedBySound.com. Follow me on Twitter …

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