Week 19
Jimmy Reed, His Very Best (Rhino Blues Masters Series)
(Rhino 79802)

Jimmy's music was so likeable because it was nothin' fancy. We didn't do nothin' special, but we did things that other people weren't doin'. It seemed like whatever we put into a song, whether it was the words or the notes or the chords or whatever you wanna talk about, whatever we put into a song was the absolute right things. Not too much, not too little, just the right things.
—Mary "Mama" Reed

By all accounts, Jimmy Reed was neither an accomplished guitar or harmonica player, but from 1953 until the mid-60s, he nonetheless crafted some of the most popular blues ever. Significantly outpacing even such Chicago luminaries as Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf on the R&B charts, Reed also posted nearly a dozen hits on the pop charts, a rare feat of crossover success for a blues artist in that or any era. That Jimmy Reed's songs are uncomplicated to sing and play has further ensured their durability. Few blues bands don't include at least a few in their repertoire, and everybody from Elvis to Hank Williams, Jr. to Thee Headcoats have covered them.

Jimmy Reed's songs are both instantly recognizable and remarkably accessible. Characterized by laconic vocals, simple musical accompaniment, and a loping three-chord shuffle, they are some of the catchiest in blues, despite rarely straying from a consistently laid back feel. Reed was not alone in crafting the songs and performances, however. His wife, Mary "Mama" Reed, wrote many of his lyrics, and she was invariably (and often audibly) on hand to coach Reed through them in the studio. Meanwhile, his childhood friend and longtime accompanist Eddie Taylor provided the glue that held everything together, coaching Reed and laying down a steady guitar boogie pattern that has since become one of the fundamentals of blues bass.

As befitting an artist of such popularity, there are countless compilations of Jimmy Reed material presently available. This particular collection, however, offers arguably better sound quality than most, in addition to quality packaging, informative and entertaining liner notes, and an astute selection of 17 songs from Jimmy Reed's hit-making years. An essential introduction to a timeless sound.

Listen: Jimmy Reed - "Baby What You Want Me To Do"
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