Blues Faces

Library Journal

In this evocative collaboration, the Charters recognize that the blues has more than one face. With photographs (mostly by Ann, editor of The Portable Beat Reader) and commentary (by Sam, The Country Blues), they not only document the better-known Chicago masters but also capture the blues' African forefathers and the Cajun and Zydeco practitioners who have incorporated some of its aspects. The blues' extraordinary qualities come through, particularly via musicians' facial expressions. Revisiting scenes from their travels to the Mississippi Delta beginning in 1950, then to Chicago, Louisiana, and other places, the authors confirm the importance of their efforts to document the music aurally and visually and also to inspire others to search for the blues masters' recordings. Many of the photographs first appeared on album covers or in books and articles, but there are enough previously unpublished images and valuable annotations here to warrant a purchase. For all music collections.--William G. Kenz, Minnesota State University, Moorhead Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Booknews

Since the 1950s, the Chambers have traversed the globe researching traditional and African-American blues music. This photographic and narrative portrait covers the African griot roots of blues, early US country singers, the 1960s blues revival, such icons as Lightning Hopkins and Muddy Waters playing the urban blues out of Chicago, and western Louisiana's Zydeco style. Includes many photos not previously published. Lacks women blues singers, an index, and references. 9.75x9<"> format. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)