FATHER: Are you purposely trying to kill me? Don’t you realize the disgusting creatures you’re attracting?
My sister ignored my dad and went off to her room, which is where she really wanted to be and would spend most of her time. My brother went to his bedroom and came back to the living room with his acoustic guitar.
BROTHER: Hey dad! Check this out …
He started to play Dion’s "The Wanderer" in a familiar but slightly different style. My dad started paying close attention to my brother’s playing and was nodding with approval. He then reached for something in his jacket pocket and pulled out his harmonica. Then both of them played one of their many impromptu jams. The house filled up with a natural acoustic resonance that made me continue to bop in my jolly jumper.
My reflections of the past
and my listen to Dion’s Son of Skip James album was all too soon coming to an end. The album closes with several Robert Johnson’s selections and one from Skip James. Willie Dixon’s song "I Just Want to Make Love to You", which was first recorded by Muddy Waters, closes things off.
All these great blues artists that Dion celebrates would have an influence on him for his entire life, but it wasn’t until his 2006 Grammy nominated album, Bronx in Blue, that Dion truly concentrated on his love and dedication of the blues. With his release "Son of Skip James," he continues the blues tradition and it’s very natural and entertaining.
The last time I did this walk with Lucille it wasn’t so pretty I thought. Today was a different story. I was getting close to home… What an unexpected surprise to hear Dion embrace his musical roots so naturally and full of life and vibrancy. You really get the feeling that he hears something in these songs that he needed to get out. I’m glad he did.
Now my stroll is over. I am happy to report that I have gained newfound respect for Dion and that Lucille and I feel great.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Another outstanding article Mr. BB. I just got Son Of Skip James in the mail myself, and after reading your appraisal, I can't wait to hear it. Your recollections of events from your life woven into your perspectives on music quite honestly make for some of the consistently best written pieces on this site. Always a joy to read to your stuff BB -- congrats on another great article!
-Glen
2 - The Blues Blogger
Thanks Glen ... It feels great to write again and even better that my stories are being enjoyed. I think I will always smile when I read this article because of how much it reminds me of my dad. If my dad was still living today this would have been his 86th birthday ... This one is definitely for my father.
-tbb
3 - JC Mosquito
There was a compilation out a few years back that had all his pop stuff, then a half dozen killer blues & r'n'r tracks - surprised the heck outta me.