Josh White – Blues Singer And Balladeer

Josh White – Blues Singer And Balladeer

Josh White – Blues Singer And Balladeer showcases the remarkable talent of one of the most important American folk and blues performers of the 20th century. A gifted guitarist, singer and interpreter of traditional songs, Josh White helped bring African-American blues, spirituals and folk music to wider audiences from the 1930s onwards.

White's performances were distinguished by his sophisticated fingerpicked guitar playing and expressive vocal style, moving effortlessly between traditional country blues, spirituals, folk ballads and songs drawn from the wider American popular tradition. This collection captures that remarkable versatility.

The album opens with the bluesy "Mean Mistreating Woman", before moving through the atmospheric "Miss Otis Regrets", the spiritual "When I Lay Down And Die, Do Die" and the traditional "Motherless Children". His interpretation of "St. James Infirmary" is another standout, bringing a darker and more reflective character to the first side.

"Hard Times" and the wonderfully playful "One Meat Ball" demonstrate White's ability to balance serious subject matter with humour and storytelling. Side two continues with "Baby, Baby", "Number 12 Train" and the traditional pairing "I Got A Head Like A Rock / Cotton Eyed Joe".

One of the most significant performances here is "Strange Fruit", the haunting anti-lynching song made famous by Billie Holiday. White's interpretation places the song within his broader tradition of socially conscious folk and blues performance.

The collection closes with "T. B. Blues" and the traditional spiritual "Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho", ending on a powerful reminder of White's roots in African-American gospel and folk traditions.

Josh White was also an important figure in the American folk revival, performing for audiences that included influential political and cultural figures and helping establish the guitar-led folk-blues style that would inspire later generations of musicians.

For collectors of Josh White, country blues, American folk, traditional folk, gospel, spirituals and acoustic blues, Blues Singer And Balladeer is an excellent showcase for an artist whose influence extends far beyond the blues.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Mean Mistreating Woman – 3:15
2. Miss Otis Regrets – 2:55
3. When I Lay Down And Die, Do Die – 2:51
4. Motherless Children – 2:25
5. St. James Infirmary – 2:45
6. Hard Times – 2:35
7. One Meat Ball – 2:50

Side B

1. Baby, Baby – 3:35
2. Number 12 Train – 2:45
3. I Got A Head Like A Rock / Cotton Eyed Joe – 2:40
4. Strange Fruit – 3:10
5. Well, Well, Well – 3:14
6. T. B. Blues – 3:15
7. Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho – 2:33