Jackson, Lil Son – “Lil Son Jackson” – [Arhoolie Productions]

mickeyslim   7/2/2014   12-inch, Blues

Born in Texas in August 1916 as Melvin Jackson. Wasn’t a child prodigy like his contemporary, Lightnin’ Hopkins, but did learn to be a mechanic. It wasn’t until after serving in WWII that he decided to make a living playing the guitar, when he earned his nickname for his short stature. Eventually went on to record for Imperial Records with a couple hits.

Coming home from a performance or something, his driver fell asleep at the wheel resulting in a crash. His injuries were enough to make him leave to business, and he went back to being a mechanic.

Great blues numbers here, all tracks are Jackson solo on guitar and vox. Songs about love (Girl I love, Roberta Blues, Louise Blues), foreign places (Cairo Blues, Santa Fe Blues), and general blues-i-ness. Almost MS delta sound, but unique in its own right.

Recorded by Arhoolie label-founder Chris Strachwitz in 1960 (the year he founded the label) in Dallas, TX.