Memphis Minnie & Kansas Joe – “1929-1934 Recordings In Chronological Order Vol. 2” – [Document Records]

Cousin Mary   3/6/2009   Blues, CD

Memphis Minnie (1897-1973) and Kansas Joe (married to each other at the time) were discovered on the streets of Memphis and had recently moved to Chicago for a recording contract in the early 1930’s when these tracks were made. Fine vocals and guitar from both on a variety of blues topics from being deathly ill with meningitis (“Memphis Minnie-Jitis Blues”) to a story about a horse (“Frankie Jean”). Plenty of sexual innuendo on “Bumble Bee”, “What’s the matter with the mill?” and many others.

Liner notes identify specific musicians for each track. Track 11 has whistling, 16 and 17 jug band and harmonica.