Smokey Hogg — The Texas Blues Of Smokey Hogg

This is Ace Records fifth Smokey Hogg CD and has been released to tie-in with the release of a book of the same title which has been written by Guido Van Rijn. Rijn has penned the compilation sleeve notes detailing each of the twenty-four tracks; thirteen of these come from 78s and 45s that have not been reissued before, seven are from LPs and are making their first appearance on CD, and four tracks are previously unissued in any form.

‘Worrying Over You’ is about an unfaithful lover, probably his first wife Bertha Blanton who he married in 1932, when he was 18 and she was 15. His commanding voice combined with the lonesome trombone is folk-blues at its finest. A version of one of his well-known songs ‘Good Mornin’ Little School’ is included in this set to the delight of Hogg’s fanbase as he recorded a couple of covers of Sonny Boy Williamson’s ‘Good Morning, Schoolgirl’ which was originally recorded in 1937.

The blunt lyrics of ‘You’ll Need My Help Someday’ come through clear as a bell with Smokey’s electric guitar being the only accompaniment. ‘My Gal Gave Me Money’ is a gem concerning his favourite girl in Chicago who kept him supplied with food, whiskey and money. This is from Combo Records and previously unissued. The crisp acoustic guitar mixed with the saloon piano is pure uncomplicated blues that transports you to a simpler time.

To summarise, this collection is a must for any blues music historian or archivist as they will appreciate the detailed sleeve notes and chronological tracklisting. In addition, Guido Van Rijn has also written a full-colour hardback 320-page book with the same title complete with over 200 photos the perfect partner to this set IMHO.

Smokey Hogg ‘The Texas Blues Of Smokey Hogg’ is out now on Ace Records. For more information visit www.acerecords.co.uk