Blind Lemon Jefferson – The Complete 94 Classic Sides

This has been a marathon of bliss. Another 2013 Christmas present (thanks, Sis!), this 4CD box set contains all 94 songs recorded by Jefferson for the Paramount label which, as I read somewhere, is almost everything he ever recorded. Is it exhaustive? Hell yes. Incredible? OH HELL YES. I sat through all four of these discs, in their entirety, and I am blown away. This is pure Texas blues, with astounding guitar work and a voice unlike any other. You get See That My Grave Is Kept Clean, Matchbox Blues, Black Snake Moan, Jack O’Diamonds and… well, take your pick. They’re all great. GREAT.

Sound quality does vary over the course of these 4 CDs, but these are old recordings and we’re just lucky to have them. Besides, I find something charming about that old 78 sound, all the hiss and pop. 

I feel like I should be writing pages and pages about this set. But I can sum it up thusly: If you love the blues, this superlative set will knock you backwards 94 times. Hot damn! I’m in love!