John Len Chatman
b. September 3rd, 1915 in Memphis (Tennessee)
d. February 24th, 1988 in Paris (France)
THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS vol.1
EPM
THE BLUEBIRD RECORDINGS
RCA
October 1940 - December 1941
Né John Len Chatman, il a parfois utilisé le nom de Peter Chatman mais il s'agit, en fait, de celui de son père. Il fréquente les bars et les clubs de West Memphis dans les années 30 puis s'installe à Chicago en 1939. Slim rencontre Big Bill Broonzy avec lequel il s'associe pour jouer dans les clubs de la ville. Sous la supervision de Lester Melrose, Memphis Slim grave ses premiers morceaux pour Okeh en 1940 ("Blue evening blues", "Blues at midnight") en compagnie de Washboard Sam. Puis, il passe chez Bluebird grâce à l'entremise de Big Bill Broonzy. Ses premiers enregistrements pour le label montrent ses capacités à composer de superbes pièces de Chicago Blues, sa dextérité au piano et sa voix forte et expressive. "Beer drinkin' woman" et "Grinder man blues" sont de remarquables succès. Mais beaucoup d'autres morceaux très achevés voient le jour : "Shelby County blues", "I believe I'll settle down", "Me myself and I", "Lend me your love". Sur ces faces, il est généralement accompagné simplement des bassistes Leroy Batchelor ou Alfred Elkins. Pianiste solide et fiable, il joue aussi derrière d'autres bluesmen de premier plan comme John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson, Washboard Sam, Jazz Gillum et, bien sûr, Big Bill Broonzy.
Born John Len Chatman, he sometimes used the name Peter Chatman but it is, in fact, the name of his father. He frequents the bars and clubs of West Memphis in the 1930's then moved to Chicago in 1939. Slim met Big Bill Broonzy with whom he joined forces to play in city clubs. Under the supervision of Lester Melrose, Memphis Slim burned his first songs for Okeh in 1940 ("Blue evening blues", "Blues at midnight") with Washboard Sam. Then, he moved to Bluebird thanks to Big Bill Broonzy. His first recordings for the label show his ability to compose superb Chicago Blues pieces, his piano dexterity and his strong and expressive voice. "Beer drinkin' woman" and "Grinder man blues" are remarkable hits. But many other very achieved songs see the light of day : "Shelby County blues", "I believe I'll settle down", "Me myself and I", "Lend me your love". On these sides, he is generally accompanied simply by bass players Leroy Batchelor or Alfred Elkins. A solid and reliable pianist, he also plays behind other prominent bluesmen like John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson, Washboard Sam, Jazz Gillum and, of course, Big Bill Broonzy.
THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS vol.2
EPM
March 1946 - October 1947
LIFE IS LIKE THAT
Charly
See for Miles
March 1946 - December 1947
Après la guerre, Memphis Slim - sentant les goûts du public changer - travaille pour le label Hy-Tone puis pour le label Miracle (jusqu'en 1950 quand le label cesse ses activités) dans une veine plus orientée Rhythm & Blues toujours teinté de Boogie Wogie. Pour cela, il ajoute des souffleurs dans son orchestre : Cyril "Cozy" Eggleston, Ernest Cotton, Alex Atkins et bénéficie de la production de Louis "Lew" Simpkins. Cette production reste de très bon niveau avec notamment "Rockin' the house", "Nobody loves me" (qui devient son grand succès "Everyday I have the blues"), une nouvelle version de "Lend me your love", l'ébouriffant instrumental "Pacemaker boogie", le slow-blues "Life is like that".
After the war, Memphis Slim - feeling the tastes of the public change - worked for the label Hy-Tone then for the label Miracle (until 1950 when the label ceased its activities) in a more Rhythm & Blues oriented vein always tinged with Boogie Wogie. For that, he adds blowers in his orchestra : Cyril "Cozy" Eggleston, Ernest Cotton, Alex Atkins and enjoys the production of Louis "Lew" Simpkins. This production remains at a very good level with in particular "Rockin' the house", "Nobody loves me" (which becomes his great success "Everyday I have the blues"), a new version of "Lend me your love", the breathtaking instrumental "Pacemaker boogie", the slow-blues "Life is like that".
BLUES IN THE MISSISSIPPI NIGHT
Nixa
Rykodisc
Sequel
Rounder
March 1947
Le folkloriste Alan Lomax enregistre en 1947 Memphis Slim, Big Bill Broonzy et "Sonny Boy" Williamson dans les studios Decca pour le documentaire "The art of the negro" (qui deviendra "Blues in the Mississippi night"). Il s'agit d'un recueil de chansons, de conversations, de souvenirs des trois bluesmen qui prennent visiblement plaisir à jouer ensemble, improvisant même parfois. Ce programme intéressant a connu plusieurs éditions sensiblement différentes. Memphis Slim joue notamment son "Life is like that" et quelques instrumentaux.
Folklorist Alan Lomax recorded Memphis Slim, Big Bill Broonzy and "Sonny Boy" Williamson in 1947 at Decca studios for the documentary "The art of the negro" (which will become "Blues in the Mississippi night"). It is a collection of songs, conversations, memories of the three bluesmen who visibly enjoy playing together, sometimes even improvising. This interesting program has gone through several significantly different editions. Memphis Slim notably plays his "Life is like that" and some instrumentals.
THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS vol.3
EPM
December 1947 - March 1950
Suite de sa production colorée Rhythm & Blues (les saxophones prennent parfois le dessus sur son piano) pour le label Miracle (un label crée conjointement par Memphis Slim et Lee Egalnick) puis Premium (également fondé par Egalnick avec le producteur Louis "Lew" Simpkins). Pour King, Slim reprend son "Grinder man blues" et compose "A letter home". Il passe brièvement chez Peacock pour deux morceaux moins intenses.
Continuation of his colorful Rhythm & Blues production (saxophones sometimes take over his piano) for the Miracle label (a label created jointly by Memphis Slim and Lee Egalnick) then Premium (also founded by Egalnick with producer Louis "Lew" Simpkins). For King, Slim takes his "Grinder man blues" and composes "A letter home". He briefly went to Peacock for two less intense pieces.
THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS vol.4
EPM
March 1950 - November 1952
Dans ce quatrième volume, on trouve la suite de sa production pour Premium (certains morceaux furent rachetés par Chess) puis pour Mercury et, de nouveau, Peacock. De cette période, on peut retenir "Reverend bounce", "Trouble trouble", "No mail blues", "Rockin' chair". On note la première apparition de Matthew Murphy comme guitariste à ses côtés (Murphy intègre le groupe de Slim en 1952).
In this fourth volume, we find the rest of his production for Premium (some songs were bought by Chess) then for Mercury and, again, Peacock. Of this period, we can point out "Reverend bounce", "Trouble trouble", "No mail blues", "Rockin' chair". We note the first appearance of Matthew Murphy as a guitarist at his side (Murphy joined Slim's group in 1952).
THE COME BACK
Delmark
November 1952 - September 1954
Memphis Slim enregistra substantiellement pour le label United de Leonard Allen dans la première partie des années 50. Pour celui-ci, il poursuit dans une veine entre Jazz et Blues, toujours un peu Rhythm & Blues. Il bénéficie du superbe apport d'un jeune guitariste promis à un bel avenir : Matthew Murphy, impérial du début à la fin. On peut aussi mentionner le saxophoniste Jim Conley et la production de son comparse Louis "Lew" Simpkins (qui décède en mai 1953). Quant à Slim, son chant puissant et son jeu virtuose sont brillants. De remarquables morceaux voient le jour : "The come back", "Living the life I love", "Nat Dee special", "Two of a kind", "Five o'clock blues", "Back alley", "St Louis woman".
Memphis Slim recorded substantially for Leonard Allen's United label in the early part of the 1950's. For this one, he continues in a vein between Jazz and Blues, always a little Rhythm & Blues. He benefits from the superb contribution of a young guitarist with a promising future : Matthew Murphy, imperial from start to finish. We can also mention the saxophonist Jim Conley and the production of his sidekick Louis "Lew" Simpkins (who died in may 1953). As for Slim, his powerful singing and virtuoso playing are shiny. Remarkable songs are born : "The come back", "Living the life I love", "Nat Dee special", "Two of a kind", "Five o'clock blues", "Back alley", "St Louis woman".
MEMPHIS SLIM USA
Pearl
Delmark
March - September 1954
Dans ce CD sont recueillies les séances pour le label United de Leonard Allen. Comme pour le précédent, le programme reste très consistant : Memphis Slim est en grande forme et son groupe d'une grande homogénéité (en premier lieu Matthew Murphy et Jim Conley). On peut ressortir "Memphis Slim USA", "Got to find my baby", "She's allright", "Blue and lonesome", "Blues all around my head", "Four years of torment".
In this CD are collected the sessions for the label United of Leonard Allen. As for the previous one, the program remains very consistent : Memphis Slim is in great shape and his backing band of great homogeneity (in the first place Matthew Murphy and Jim Conley). We can point out "Memphis Slim USA", "Got to find my baby", "She's allright", "Blue and lonesome", "Blues all around my head", "Four years of torment".
BLUES FROM DOLPHIN'S OF HOLLYWOOD
Specialty
Ace
1955
Dans cette anthologie qui recueille divers morceaux issus des labels du producteur californien John Dolphin, on trouve quatre morceaux de Memphis Slim dont les intéressants "Country gal" et la reprise de "Worried life blues".
In this anthology which collects various tracks from the labels of the Californian producer John Dolphin, there are four tracks from Memphis Slim, the interesting ones "Country gal" and the cover of "Worried life blues".
CHICAGO PIANO FROM COBRA & JOB
Flyright
1957
Quatre morceaux pour le label Cobra d'Eli Toscano et d'Howard Bedno (deux dans le LP original et deux supplémentaires dans la réédition CD) dont "I wonder what's the matter" et "I can't live without you".
Four tracks for the Cobra label run by Eli Toscano and Howard Bedno (two in the original LP and two more in the CD reissue) including "I wonder what's the matter" and "I can't live without you".
WHAT'S THE MATTER (EP)
Top Rank
January 1958 / August 1959
Dans cet EP, on trouve les premiers titres de Memphis Slim pour le label de Chicago Vee-Jay. Slim y est en grande forme accompagné par le superbe guitariste Matthew Murphy : "What's the matter", "She keeps me crying", "Steppin' out".
In this EP, we find the first tracks of Memphis Slim for the Chicago-based label, Vee-Jay. Slim is in great shape there accompanied by the superb guitarist Matthew Murphy : "What's the matter", "She keeps me crying", "Steppin' out".
ALAN LOMAX PRESENTS FOLK SONGS FESTIVAL
United Artists
CHICAGO BLUES MASTERS
Capitol
April 1959
Concert organisé au Carnegie Hall de New York par le folkloriste Alan Lomax dans lequel Memphis Slim joue avec Otis Spann et Muddy Waters. On retient l'excellent "Boogie Woogie Memphis" à deux pianos.
Concert organized at Carnegie Hall in New York by folklorist Alan Lomax in which Memphis Slim performs with Otis Spann and Muddy Waters. We retain the excellent "Boogie Woogie Memphis" with two pianos.
NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL : BEST OF THE BLUES
Vanguard
July 1959
Memphis Slim participe au Newport Folk Festival en juillet 1959. Accompagné par un groupe non-identifié, il délivre une prestation convaincante notamment avec "Black cat crossed my path".
Memphis Slim participates in the Newport Folk Festival in july 1959. Accompanied by an unidentified backing band, he delivers a convincing performance notably with "Black cat crossed my path".
THE REAL BOOGIE WOOGIE
Folkways
Le Chant du Monde
July 1959
Quelques jours après sa participation au festival Folk de Newport, Memphis Slim entame une collaboration fructueuse avec le label Folkways de Moses Asch. Il est seul au piano et ne chante pratiquement pas (deux titres sur quatorze) délivrant un set entier de boogie woogie avec sa virtuosité habituelle : "Walkin' the boogie", "Cow Cow blues", "Mister Freddie", "88 boogie".
A few days after his participation in the Newport Folk Festival, Memphis Slim began a fruitful collaboration with Moses Asch's Folkways label. He is alone on piano and hardly sings (two titles out of fourteen) delivering a whole set of boogie woogie with his usual virtuosity : "Walkin' the boogie", "Cow Cow blues", "Mister Freddie", "88 boogie".
MEMPHIS SLIM AT THE GATE OF HORN
Vee-Jay
Charly
MOTHER EARTH
Buddah
One Way
August 1959
Ces faces pour Vee-Jay à Chicago constituent à coup sûr une des plus belles parties de la riche discographie de Memphis Slim. Une belle section cuivres (John Calvin, Alex Atkins, Ernest Cotton) et un remarquable guitariste (Matthew Murphy) épaulent parfaitement Slim au meilleur de sa forme. La musique oscille entre Jazz, Blues et Rhythm & Blues. Les pépites sont nombreuses dans ce classique du Blues : "Steppin' out", "Blue and lonesome", "Rockin' the blues", "Gotta find my baby", "Messin' around", "Wish me well", "Sassy Mae".
These sides for Vee-Jay in Chicago are without doubt one of the most beautiful parts of Memphis Slim's rich discography. A beautiful brass section (John Calvin, Alex Atkins, Ernest Cotton) and an outstanding guitarist (Matthew Murphy) perfectly support Slim at his best. The music oscillates between Jazz, Blues and Rhythm & Blues. There are many gems in this Blues classic : "Steppin' out", "Blue and lonesome", "Rockin' the blues", "Gotta find my baby", "Messin' around", "Wish me well", "Sassy Mae".
SONGS OF WILLIE DIXON & MEMPHIS SLIM
Folkways
1959
Gravée à New York en 1959 pour Folkways, cette séance montre la belle entente entre Memphis Slim et Willie Dixon. Portés par la vague du Folk Revival, les deux hommes délivrent de bons moments comme "Joggy boogie", "Unlucky" ou "44 blues" dans un ensemble plutôt inégal.
Cut in New York in 1959 for Folkways, this session shows the beautiful understanding between Memphis Slim and Willie Dixon. Worn by the wave of Folk Revival, the two men deliver good moments like "Joggy boogie", "Unlucky" or "44 blues" in a rather uneven set.
MEMPHIS SLIM AND THE REAL HONKY TONK
Folkways
Le Chant du Monde
December 1959
Seul au piano, Memphis Slim donne un bon album de boogie woogie avec plus particulièrement l'instrumental "The bells", "My baby don't love me no more", "I left that town", "Whiskey drinking blues".
Alone on piano, Memphis Slim gives a good boogie woogie album with more particularly the instrumental "The bells", "My baby don't love me no more", "I left that town", "Whiskey drinking blues".
THE BLUES EVERY WHICH WAY
Verve
January 1960
Nouvel album du duo Willie Dixon - Memphis Slim enregistré cette fois à Los Angeles pour le label Verve. Un disque, à l'ambiance jazzy, un peu ennuyeux et surtout redondant par rapport à leurs précédentes livraisons.
New album by the duo Willie Dixon - Memphis Slim recorded this time in Los Angeles for the Verve label. A disc, with a jazzy atmosphere, a little boring and above all redundant compared to their previous installments.
MEMPHIS SLIM & WILLIE DIXON AT THE VILLAGE GATE
Folkways
April 1960
En 1959-60, Memphis Slim et Willie Dixon prennent part au Folk-Blues Revival notamment dans les clubs branchés de New York (en particulier dans le quartier de Greenwich Village). Ici, les deux hommes sont sur la scène du Village Gate et jouent de bonnes versions de "Slop boogie", "Misery falls like pain", "We are going to rock". Il y a aussi deux morceaux avec Pete Seeger.
In 1959-60, Memphis Slim and Willie Dixon took part in the Folk-Blues Revival, notably in the trendy clubs of New York (in particular in the district of Greenwich Town). Here, the two men are on the Village Gate's stage and play good versions of "Slop boogie", "Misery falls like pain", "We are going to rock". There are also two tracks with Pete Seeger.
FAVORITE BLUES SINGERS
Folkways
1960
Autre album Folkways dans lequel Memphis Slim est seul au piano proposant des reprises de Leroy Carr, Big Bill Broonzy, Walter Davis ou Jimmy Yancey. Un programme intéressant mais monotone.
Another Folkways album in which Memphis Slim is alone on piano offering covers by Leroy Carr, Big Bill Broonzy, Walter Davis or Jimmy Yancey. A interesting but monotonous program.
THE FOLKWAYS YEARS 1959-1973
Folkways
1960 / June 1965
Deux morceaux inédits dans cette compilation de ses faces Folkways : la reprise du classique "The dirty dozens" et "The gimmick" où Slim joue de l'orgue.
Two new songs in this compilation of his Folkways sides : the cover of the classic "The dirty dozens" and "The gimmick" where Slim plays organ.
JUST BLUES
Prestige - Bluesville
RAINING THE BLUES
Fantasy
April - November 1960
Premier album pour le label Bluesville, il est composé de deux séances distinctes en avril et novembre 1960. Dans la première, Slim est accompagné de Lafayette Thomas (guitare) et Wendell Marshall (basse). Dans la seconde, il joue seul au piano (à l'exception de 2 titres avec Buster Brown à l'harmonica). Le programme est très consistant dans un style Jazz-Blues assez dépouillé : "Teasing the blues", "The I.C. blues", "Rack 'em back Jack", "Brenda". L'intégralité de l'album a été repris sur le CD "Raining the blues".
First album for the Bluesville label, it consists of two separate sessions in april and november 1960. In the first, Slim is accompanied by Lafayette Thomas (guitar) and Wendell Marshall (bass). In the second, he plays alone on piano (with the exception of 2 titles with Buster Brown on harmonica). The program is very consistent in a rather stripped-down Jazz-Blues style : "Teasing the blues", "The I.C. blues", "Rack 'em back Jack", "Brenda". The entire album was included on the "Raining the blues" CD.
NO STRAIN
Prestige - Bluesville
RAINING THE BLUES
Fantasy
April - November 1960
Pour ce second album pour Bluesville (une marque appartenant à Prestige), on trouve des morceaux provenant des mêmes séances que le précédent "Just blues". Slim est seul au piano ou accompagné de Lafayette Thomas, Wendell Marshall, Buster Brown. Entre Blues et Jazz, on retient "No strain", "Raining the blues", "Fast and free", "Lucille", "Darling I miss you so". L'intégralité de l'album a été repris sur le CD "Raining the blues".
For this second album for Bluesville (an imprint belonging to Prestige), we find songs from the same sessions as the previous "Just blues". Slim is alone on piano or accompanied by Lafayette Thomas, Wendell Marshall, Buster Brown. Between Blues and Jazz, we point out "No strain", "Raining the blues", "Fast and free", "Lucille", "Darling I miss you so". The entire album was included on the "Raining the blues" CD.
MEMPHIS SLIM
Collector
July 1960
En juillet 1960, Memphis Slim accomplit son premier voyage en Europe. Alors qu'il se trouve en Angleterre, il enregistre pour le producteur Francis Wilford-Smith mais la séance est restée inédite. Quelques jours plus tard, associé au père du British Blues Alexis Korner (guitare) et Stan Greig (batterie), il participe à une longue séance londonienne produite par Colin Pomroy d'où émergent une poignée de titres intéressants : "Memphis Slim USA", "Two of a kind", "Chicago stop", "Don't think you're smart", "Memphis Tennessee" (en fait une version de son fameux "Beer drinkin' woman"), "Misery".
In july 1960, Memphis Slim made his first trip to Europe. While in England, he recorded for producer Francis Wilford-Smith but the session remained unissued. A few days later, associated with the father of the British Blues Alexis Korner (guitar) and Stan Greig (drums), he took part in a long London session produced by Colin Pomroy from which emerge a handful of interesting titles : "Memphis Slim USA", "Two of a kind", "Chicago stop", "Don't think you're smart", "Memphis Tennessee" (actually a version of his famous "Beer drinkin' woman"), "Misery".
MEMPHIS SLIM
Collector
July 1960
Suite de la séance supervisée par Colin Pomroy de juillet 1960 à Londres avec Alexis Korner et Stan Greig. Une très belle version de "Rock me baby" en hommage à Big Bill Broonzy mais aussi "Darlin' I miss you so" ou "Sun is gonna shine in my backdoor".
Continuation of the session supervised by Colin Pomroy in july 1960 in London with Alexis Korner and Stan Greig. A very nice version of "Rock me baby" in homage to Big Bill Broonzy but also "Darlin' I miss you so" or "Sun is gonna shine in my backdoor".
GOES TO KANSAS CITY (EP)
Collector
July 1960
Il y a trois morceaux inédits dans cet EP provenant de la même séance londonienne.
There are three unissued tracks in this EP from the same London session.
ROCK ME BABY
Black Lion
Freedom
July 1960
Deux morceaux inédits de la même séance londonienne (les beaux "Pinetop's blues" et "Got a little old mama").
Two unreleased tracks from the same London session (the beautiful "Pinetop's blues" and "Got a little old mama").
FATTENIN' FROGS FOR SNAKES
Melodisc
BLUES IN LONDON
Music for Pleasure
1960 LONDON SESSIONS
Sequel
Mr Suit
July 1960
Cette séance à Londres fut supervisée par le producteur américain Lee Magid. Les musiciens qui entourent Memphis Slim sont malheureusement restés non-identifiés. Il s'agit d'une séance plaisante avec de sympathiques versions de "Help me some", "Fattening frogs for snakes", une remarquable reprise du "Worried life blues" de Big Maceo, "Blues in London". On trouve plusieurs prises alternatives inédites dans la version CD Sequel.
This London session was supervised by american producer Lee Magid. The musicians who surround Memphis Slim have unfortunately remained unidentified. It's a fun session with nice versions of "Help me some", "Fattening frogs for snakes", a remarkable cover of Big Maceo's "Worried life blues", "Blues in London". Several unreleased alternative takes can be found in the Sequel CD version.
TRAVELLING WITH THE BLUES
Storyville
PORTRAITS IN BLUES
Storyville
August 1960
Cette fois, Memphis Slim enregistre pour le label danois Storyville dirigé par Karl-Emil Knudsen. Seul au piano, il délivre un bon set de piano blues, peut être un peu répétitif par moments, entrecoupé de passages parlés dans lesquels Slim présente ses morceaux ou évoque des souvenirs. "Memphis boogie", "St Louis boogie", "Reminiscin' with the blues" méritent une écoute attentive. Intéressant mais à conseiller aux fans confirmés de Memphis Slim.
This time, Memphis Slim is recording for danish label Storyville directed by Karl-Emil Knudsen. Alone on piano, he delivers a good blues piano set, maybe a little repetitive at times, interspersed with spoken passages in which Slim presents his tracks or evokes memories. "Memphis boogie", "St Louis boogie", "Reminiscin' with the blues" deserve careful listening. Interesting but advisable for confirmed fans of Memphis Slim.
THIS IS A GOOD TIME TO WRITE A SONG
Storyville
THREE WOMEN BLUES
Time Wind
BLUES MASTERS vol.9
Storyville
BLUES ROOTS vol.10
Storyville
August 1960 / June 1961
Second disque pour Storyville constitué de deux séances, l'une en aout 1960 (le lendemain de "Travelling with the blues"), l'autre en juin 1961. Memphis Slim est accompagné de musiciens danois sur la première et est seul au piano sur la seconde. Un programme varié méritant l'écoute en particulier "El capitan", "This is a good time to write a song", "I'm so alone" et deux morceaux où Slim joue de la céleste (ou celesta) : "Bertha May" et "Celeste boogie". La version la plus complète est proposée sur le CD "Blues Masters vol.9".
Second record for Storyville made up of two sessions, one in august 1960 (the day after "Traveling with the blues"), the other in june 1961. Memphis Slim is accompanied by danish musicians on the first and is alone on piano on the second. A varied program worth listening to in particular "El capitan", "This is a good time to write a song", "I'm so alone" and two tracks where Slim plays celeste (or celesta) : "Bertha May" and "Celeste boogie". The most complete version is available on the "Blues Masters vol.9" CD.
JUMP JACKSON CHICAGO BLUES SESSION
Private Pressing
JUMP JACKSON'S 1960 BLUES PARTY
Blue Eye (mp3)
Summer 1960
Deux titres gravés à l'été 1960 par le batteur Jump Jackson peut être pour son propre label LaSalle.
Two tracks engraved in the summer of 1960 by drummer Jump Jackson may be for his own label LaSalle.
CHICAGO BLUES
Folkways
Xtra
CHICAGO BOOGIE WOOGIE AND BLUES
Folkways
Le Chant du Monde
October 1960
Nouvelle séance pour Folkways en duo avec le batteur Jump Jackson. Sur trois titres, ils sont rejoints par le guitariste - bien peu inspiré - Arbee Stidham. Quelques bons moments dans un programme très inégal : "Scandinavian boogie", "Between midnight and dawn", "46th street boogie", "Chicago rent party".
New session for Folkways in duet with drummer Jump Jackson. On three tracks, they are joined by the guitarist - very little inspired - Arbee Stidham. A few good times in a very uneven program : "Scandinavian boogie", "Between midnight and dawn", "46th street boogie", "Chicago rent party".
MEMPHIS SLIM'S TRIBUTE
Candid
January 1961
Dans cet album, Memphis Slim souhaitait rendre hommage aux bluesmen qui l'avait influencé. Slim semble en forme mais est accompagné sur certains titres par deux musiciens - Jazz Gillum et Arbee Stidham - ni inspirés ni bien accordés. Production de Nat Hentoff.
In this album, Memphis Slim wanted to pay tribute to the bluesmen who had influenced him. Slim seems in good shape but is accompanied on some titles by two musicians - Jazz Gillum and Arbee Stidham - neither inspired nor well tuned. Production by Nat Hentoff.
MEMPHIS SLIM USA
Candid
January 1961
Autre album pour Candid sous la supervision de Nat Hentoff. Comme pour le précédent, quand Memphis Slim est seul avec son piano, la musique est correcte. Dès qu'il laisse Arbee Stidham ou Jazz Gillum chanter, c'est beaucoup moins bon.
Another album for Candid under the supervision of Nat Hentoff. As with the previous one, when Memphis Slim is alone with his piano, the music is fine. As soon as he leaves Arbee Stidham or Jazz Gillum singing, this is much worse.
BROKEN SOUL BLUES
United Artists
CHICAGO BLUES MASTERS
Capitol
January - February 1961
Ce disque fut enregistré pour United Artists - Capitol en février 1961. Memphis Slim y est semble t-il accompagné par Muddy Waters et son groupe (Otis Spann et peut être James Cotton). D'ailleurs, Muddy chante sur deux morceaux. Un programme plaisant avec de nombreuses reprises de classiques. On retient en particulier "Bye bye baby" et "Love my baby".
This album was recorded for United Artists - Capitol in february 1961. Memphis Slim is apparently accompanied by Muddy Waters and his band (Otis Spann and maybe James Cotton). Besides, Muddy sings on two tracks. A pleasant program with many classics covers. We can point out in particular "Bye bye baby" and "Love my baby".
WORLD'S FOREMOST BLUES SINGER
Strand
LONESOME BLUES
Spin-O-Rama
SOUL BLUES
Ember
I'LL JUST KEEP ON SINGIN' THE BLUES
Muse
April 1961
Cette belle séance recrée l'ambiance et le son du Rhythm & Blues des années 50. Pour celle-ci, Slim est entouré des saxophonistes John Calvin et Johnny Board, Matt Murphy (guitare), Sam Chatmon (basse) et Billy Stepney (batterie). On trouve de superbes moments comme "Lonesome (blue blues)", "Cold blooded woman", "What is more back", "It's been too long", "I'm lost without you", "I'll just keep singing the blues". Cette excellente séance a été publiée sous de nombreux habillages différents.
This beautiful session recreates the atmosphere and sound of Rhythm & Blues from the 50's. For this one, Slim is surrounded by saxophonists John Calvin and Johnny Board, Matt Murphy (guitar), Sam Chatmon (bass) and Billy Stepney (drums). We find great moments like "Lonesome (blue blues)", "Cold blooded woman", "What is more back", "It's been too long", "I'm lost without you", "I'll just keep singing the blues". This excellent session has been issued in many different packagings.
ALONE WITH MY FRIENDS
Fontana
Battle
April 1961
Gravé à Londres lors d'une nouvelle tournée en Europe avec le producteur Ed Michel, Memphis Slim choisit ici de rendre hommage à des bluesmen importants (comme lors de ses séances Candid) comme Big Bill Broonzy, Curtis Jones, St Louis Jimmy. Des classiques plutôt bien rendus quoique peu originaux.
Recorded in London during a new european tour with producer Ed Michel, Memphis Slim chooses here to pay tribute to important bluesmen (as during his Candid sessions) like Big Bill Broonzy, Curtis Jones, St Louis Jimmy. Classics rather well rendered although not very original.
BAYONNE
Agorila
LIVE
Storyville
May 1961
LIVE IN PARIS
Frémeaux
May 1961
BARRELHOUSE BLUES AND BOOGIE WOOGIE vol.1, 2 & 3
Storyville
HONKY TONK PIANO
Supraphon
June 1961
PIANO BLUES
Storyville
THE BEST OF THE BLUES
Storyville
BLUES MASTERS vol.9
Storyville
June 1961 / November 1963
On retrouve dans ces anthologies les titres que Memphis Slim enregistre pour le label danois Storyville en juin 1961. Certains furent édités sur le CD "Blues Masters vol.9". Il grava aussi quelques pistes en novembre 1963. On trouve notamment "Boogie woogie for piano and celeste" où Slim joue à la fois du piano et du celeste, mais aussi "A letter home" et "Gone mother blues".
We find in these anthologies the titles that Memphis Slim recorded for the danish label Storyville in june 1961. Some were published on the "Blues Masters vol.9" CD. He also cut some tracks in november 1963. We find in particular "Boogie woogie for piano and celeste" where Slim plays both piano and celeste, but also "A letter home" and "Gone mother blues".
PIANO SOLOS, BOOGIE WOOGIE ET BLUES
Odeon
PIANO SOLO
CBS
BOOGIE WOOGIE PIANO
CBS
July 1961
Séance à Paris dans laquelle Slim est seul au piano et ne chante pas du tout. Un programme intéressant - uniquement instrumental donc - mais qui peut paraitre monotone à l'auditeur occasionnel. "The hustler", "Back home", "Olympia boogie", "Sonophone boogie" (dans lequel il joue piano et celeste) méritent l'écoute.
Session in Paris in which Slim is alone on piano and does not sing at all. An interesting program - only instrumental - but which can seem monotonous to the casual listener. "The hustler", "Back home", "Olympia boogie", "Sonophone boogie" (in which he plays piano and celeste) are worth listening to.
ALL KINDS OF BLUES
Prestige - Bluesville
Xtra
1961
Ses albums pour Bluesville sont généralement très bons et celui-ci - produit par Kenneth Goldstein - est probablement le meilleur. Memphis Slim, superbe chanteur et pianiste virtuose, délivre ici un set de piano blues varié et inspiré avec des sommets comme "Grinder man blues", "Three in one boogie", l'autobiographique "Churnin' the blues", "Two of a kind", l'instrumental "The blacks".
His albums for Bluesville are generally very good and this one - produced by Kenneth Goldstein - is probably the best. Memphis Slim, superb singer and virtuoso pianist, delivers here a varied and inspired blues piano set with heights such as "Grinder man blues", "Three in one boogie", the autobiographical "Churnin' the blues", "Two of a kind", the instrumental "The blacks".
STEADY ROLLING BLUES
Prestige - Bluesville
Pepper Cake
October 1961
Quatrième et dernier album pour Prestige - Bluesville toujours sous la supervision de Kenneth Goldstein. Memphis Slim passe du piano à l'orgue avec l'aisance qui le caractérise. On trouve de bons moments dans ce disque plaisant : "Mean mistreatin' mama", "Steady rolling blues", "Celeste's boogie".
Fourth and last album for Prestige - Bluesville still under the supervision of Kenneth Goldstein. Memphis Slim goes from piano to organ with the ease that characterizes him. We find good moments in this pleasant record : "Mean mistreatin' mama", "Steady rolling blues", "Celeste's boogie".
I GIGANTI DEL JAZZ vol.17
Armando Curcio
1961 - 1962
THE MEMPHIS SLIM STORY
Vogue
BLUES PORTRAIT
Scepter
ANTHOLOGIE DU BLUES vol.3
Vogue
THE BLUES IS EVERYWHERE
Vogue
GNP - Crescendo
May 1962
Séance capturée à Paris quelques semaines avant la tournée de l'American Folk Blues Festival à laquelle Slim prendra part. Accompagné de Ben Waters (saxophone), Guy Pedersen (basse) et Carl "Kansas" Fields (batterie), il crée ici une atmosphère très jazzy comme dans "Life is like that", "All by myself", "The come back", "HCF boogie", "Boogie jam". Il s'agit de son premier album studio pour un label français, le premier d'une longue série.
Session captured in Paris a few weeks before the American Folk Blues Festival tour in which Slim will take part. Accompanied by Ben Waters (saxophone), Guy Pedersen (bass) and Carl "Kansas" Fields (drums), he creates here a very jazzy atmosphere as in "Life is like that", "All by myself", "The come back", "HCF boogie", "Boogie jam". This is his first studio album for a french label, the first in a long series.
AMERICAN BLUES FESTIVAL
Secret
Rare
Tony's
October 1962
THE AMERICAN FOLK BLUES FESTIVAL 1962 - 1969 vol.3
Hip-O
October 1962
AMERICAN FOLK BLUES FESTIVAL '62
Brunswick
L+R
THE ORIGINAL AMERICAN FOLK BLUES FESTIVAL
Decca
October 1962
Déjà familier des venues en Europe, Memphis Slim est embauché par son ami Willie Dixon qui est chargé de choisir les artistes pour cette première édition de l'American Folk Blues Festival (une tournée européenne produite par Horst Lippmann et Fritz Rau). Dans ce superbe disque, Slim joue trois excellents titres : "We're gonna rock", "Stewball" et "Bye bye baby".
Already familiar with european comings, Memphis Slim was hired by his friend Willie Dixon who was responsible for choosing the artists for this first edition of the American Folk Blues Festival (a european tour produced by Horst Lippmann and Fritz Rau). In this superb record, Slim plays three excellent tracks : "We're gonna rock", "Stewball" and "Bye bye baby".
AMERICAN FOLK BLUES FESTIVAL 1962 : LIVE IN PARIS
Frémeaux
October 1962
C'est en 1962 que Memphis Slim s'installe définitivement à Paris. Il y vivra jusqu'à sa mort. Dans ce triple CD, on trouve l'intégralité du concert à Paris de l'American Folk Blues Festival. Slim joue sur tous les morceaux offrant avec son jeu de piano rythmique l'indispensable ossature pour ses acolytes (John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon, Shakey Jake). En tant que leader, on l'entend sur les superbes "Rockin' the house" (deux versions), "Baby please don't go", "Pinetop's boogie woogie", le final "Bye bye baby" (deux versions aussi).
It was in 1962 that Memphis Slim settled permanently in Paris. He will live there until his death. In this triple CD, we find the entire concert in Paris during American Folk Blues Festival. Slim plays on all tracks offering with his rhythmic piano playing the essential backbone for his acolytes (John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon, Shakey Jake). As a leader, we hear him on the superb "Rockin' the house" (two versions), "Baby please don't go", "Pinetop's boogie woogie", the final "Bye bye baby" (two versions too).
AMERICAN FOLK BLUES FESTIVAL - LIVE IN MANCHESTER
Rhythm & Blues
October 1962
Ce CD retrace le concert de Manchester (le lendemain du concert de Paris) issu d'une retransmission radiophonique. Slim joue sur le bon slow blues "Just a dream" et accompagne ses collègues bluesmen.
This CD captured the Manchester concert (the day after the Paris concert) resulting from a radio broadcast. Slim plays on the good slow blues "Just a dream" and accompanies his bluesmen fellows.
AUX TROIS MAILLETZ
Polydor
Verve
Gitanes Jazz
IN PARIS
Battle
November 1962
Enregistrés dans un club parisien, Memphis Slim et Willie Dixon semblent en pleine forme simplement accompagné du batteur français Philippe Combelle. L'atmosphère est festive et les interactions entre les musiciens et le public très sympathiques. Il s'agit probablement du meilleur opus du duo. On apprécie notamment "Rock and rolling the house", "Africa hunch with a boogie beat", "Cold blooded", "Pigalle love". Cet album fut réédité sous de nombreuses présentations différentes.
Recorded in a parisian club, Memphis Slim and Willie Dixon seem in great shape simply accompanied by the french drummer Philippe Combelle. The atmosphere is festive and there are very nice interactions between the musicians and the audience. It is probably the best opus of the duo. We particularly appreciate "Rock and rolling the house", "Africa hunch with a boogie beat", "Cold blooded", "Pigalle love". This album was reissued under many different presentations.
JAM SESSION (EP)
Farandole
December 1962
IF THE RABBIT HAD A GUN
Disc
January 1963
MEMPHIS SLIM
Xtra
January 1963
EN PUBLIC
Black & Blue
WITH MATTHEW MURPHY
Black & Blue
JAMBOREE JUMP
Black & Blue
March 1963
Un disque gravé sur une scène de Limoges en France où Memphis Slim partage la scène avec l'excellent guitariste Matthew Murphy. D'ailleurs, Slim laisse beaucoup d'espace à son guitariste pour s'exprimer en particulier sur quelques instrumentaux virtuoses ("Murphy's calling", "Jamboree jump"). Slim est également très en forme sur "Stormy monday blues" ou "I got the blues everywhere".
A record engraved on a stage in Limoges (in France) where Memphis Slim shares the stage with the excellent guitarist Matthew Murphy. Besides, Slim leaves a lot space for his guitarist to express himself in particular on some virtuoso instrumentals ("Murphy's calling", "Jamboree jump"). Slim is also brilliant on "Stormy monday blues" or "I got the blues everywhere".
THE ROOTS OF JAZZ : THE BLUES vol. 1 & 2
Mu Jazz
1963
ECHOES AND RHYTHMS OF MY CHURCH
Bel Air
1963
THE AMERICAN FOLK BLUES FESTIVAL 1962 - 1966 vol.1
Hip-O
September 1963
LIVE IN PARIS 1963
France's Concert
October 1963 / December 1964 / 1965 / December 1967 (and 1968 for CD)
AMERICAN FOLK BLUES FESTIVAL '63
Fontana
L+R
October 1963
Alors que Memphis Slim vit en France depuis l'année précédente, il participe à la tournée de l'American Folk Blues Festival de 1963. Accompagné de son guitariste Matthew Murphy, Willie Dixon et Billy Stepney, il délivre une belle version de "Wish me well" et apparait sur le titre final.
While Memphis Slim has been living in France since the previous year, he takes part in the American Folk Blues Festival tour of 1963. Accompanied by his guitarist Matthew Murphy, Willie Dixon and Billy Stepney, he delivers a nice version of "Wish me well" and appears on the final title.
AMERICAN FOLK BLUES FESTIVAL '63 - UNISSUED TRACKS
Blue Eye blog (mp3)
October 1963
Deux morceaux inédits de Memphis Slim enregistrés lors de la tournée de l'American Folk Blues Festival : le superbe "Blues everywhere I go" et "Everyday I have the blues".
Two unreleased tracks by Memphis Slim recorded during the American Folk Blues Festival tour : the superb "Blues everywhere I go" and "Everyday I have the blues".
THE LOST BLUES TAPES
ACT
October 1963
Trois morceaux provenant de la tournée de l'American Folk Blues Festival dont une relecture du traditionnel "John Henry" avec son comparse Willie Dixon.
Three tracks from the American Folk Blues Festival tour including a rereading of the traditional "John Henry" with his sidekick Willie Dixon.
THE UNISSUED 1963 BLUES FESTIVAL
Red Lightnin'
MIL Multimedia
Weton Wesgram
October 1963
Quatre morceaux provenant d'un concert à Oberhausen (en Allemagne) pendant l'American Folk Blues Festival.
Four tracks from a concert in Oberhausen (in Germany) during the American Folk Blues Festival.
SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON AND MEMPHIS SLIM
Vogue
ANTHOLOGIE DU BLUES vol.6
Vogue
SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON AND MEMPHIS SLIM IN PARIS
GNP - Crescendo
December 1963
Pris sur le vif dans un club parisien, on retrouve Sonny Boy Williamson en compagnie des pianistes Memphis Slim et Michel Sardaby (un pianiste de jazz français). Le programme est intéressant même s'il n'y a rien d'exceptionnel ici. Edité par le label français Vogue, il s'agit d'un disque mineur dans les riches discographies de Sonny Boy Williamson et de Memphis Slim.
Caught live in a parisian club, we find Sonny Boy Williamson with pianists Memphis Slim and Michel Sardaby (a french jazz pianist). The program is interesting even if there is nothing exceptional here. Issued by the french label Vogue, it is a minor album in the rich discographies of Sonny Boy Williamson and Memphis Slim.
CLAP YOUR HANDS
Fontana
Maison de Blues
1964
Tentative de rapprocher la musique de Memphis Slim du Rock 'n Roll dansant français (et la vague yé-yé). Supervisé par le producteur Lee Hallyday et le musicien-arrangeur Jacques Denjean, le disque reste aujourd'hui une curiosité qui mérite l'écoute. Autour de Slim sont rassemblés quelques bons jazzmen français. Inégal et très court (28 minutes), l'album récèle quelques rares titres sympathiques comme "Clap your hands", "Not so stuck on me", "Rainin' in my heart". Un album tout à fait singulier dans la discographie de Memphis Slim qu'on conseille avant tout aux amateurs confirmés.
Attempt to bring the music of Memphis Slim closer to french dancing Rock 'n Roll (and the yé-yé wave). Supervised by producer Lee Hallyday and musician-arranger Jacques Denjean, the record remains today a curiosity which deserves listening. Around Slim are gathered some good french jazzmen. Uneven and very short (28 minutes), the album contains some rare nice tracks like "Clap your hands", "Not so stuck on me", "Rainin' in my heart". A very singular album in the Memphis Slim discography that we recommend above all to experienced fans.
THE QUEEN AND HER KNIGHTS
Spivey
June 1965
ENCORE FOR THE CHICAGO BLUES
Spivey
June 1965
Un morceau seul au piano - "Chicago to Paris" - gravé à New York pour Victoria Spivey et Len Kunstadt.
One track alone on piano - "Chicago to Paris" - engraved in New York for Victoria Spivey and Len Kunstadt.
KINGS AND A QUEEN
Spivey
June 1965
Dans ce recueil, on trouve trois beaux morceaux issus de la même séance pour Spivey : "Everything I do is wrong", "European blues" et "Slim's organ boogie for Victoria".
In this collection, we find three beautiful pieces from the same session for Spivey : "Everything I do is wrong", "European blues" and "Slim's organ boogie for Victoria".
LEGEND OF THE BLUES vol.1
Jubilee
Beacon
CNR
THE BLUES vol.3
Sonet
THE BLUESMAN
Festival
Early 1967
Alors qu'il réside en France depuis 5 ans, Slim retourne de temps à autres aux Etats Unis. Ici, à New York sous la supervision du producteur Clyde Otis, il est entouré d'excellents musiciens de jazz : Eddie Chamblee (saxophone), Billy Butler (guitare), Lloyd Trotman (basse) et Herbie Lovelle (batterie). Les interactions entre Slim et ses musiciens montrent une belle entente. De beaux titres entre Blues et Jazz : "Little lonely girl", "Broadway boogie", "Lend me your love", "Ballin' the jack", "Rock me baby".
While he has lived in France for 5 years, Slim returns from time to time to the United States. Here in New York under the supervision of producer Clyde Otis, he is surrounded excellent jazz musicians : Eddie Chamblee (saxophone), Billy Butler (guitar), Lloyd Trotman (bass) and Herbie Lovelle (drums). Interactions between Slim and his musicians show a good understanding. Beautiful tracks between Blues and Jazz : "Little lonely girl", "Broadway boogie", "Lend me your love", "Ballin' the jack", "Rock me baby".
LEGEND OF THE BLUES vol.2
Beacon
THE BLUESMAN
Festival
Early 1967
Seconde partie de la longue séance enregistrée par le producteur Clyde Otis à New York. Slim est en grande forme parfaitement supporté par d'excellents jazzmen. Quelques très belles réussites entre Blues et Jazz : "Freedom", "Only fools have fun", "A long time baby", "Strollin' through the park", "I am the blues", "Gambler's blues".
Second part of the long session recorded by producer Clyde Otis in New York. Slim is in great shape perfectly supported by excellent jazzmen. A few great successes between Blues and Jazz : "Freedom", "Only fools have fun", "A long time baby", "Strollin' through the park", "I am the blues", "Gambler's blues".
THE LEGACY OF THE BLUES vol.7
Sonet
GNP - Crescendo
Verve
THE SONET BLUES STORY
Verve
THE BLUESMAN
Festival
Early 1967
On retrouve ici des morceaux déjà parus dans "Legend of the blues vol.1 & 2". Il y a aussi trois morceaux inédits dont les très bons "Everyday I have the blues" et "Sassy Mae".
We find here some pieces already published in "Legend of the blues vol.1 & 2". There are also three unreleased tracks including the very good "Everyday I have the blues" and "Sassy Mae".
RIGHT NOW
Trip
ALL THEM BLUES
DJM
THE BLUESMAN
Festival
Early 1967
Un titre inédit - une reprise de "Caledonia" - issu des séances supervisées par Clyde Otis au début de l'année 1967 à New York.
One unissued track - a cover of "Caledonia" - from sessions supervised by Clyde Otis at the beginning of 1967 in New York.
BLUESINGLY YOURS
Polydor
Maison de Blues
June 1967
Album conjoint de Memphis Slim avec l'excellent guitariste Mickey Baker pour Polydor. C'est surtout Slim qui occupe cependant la position de leader. Les deux hommes - qui habitent en France depuis plusieurs années - sont accompagnés ici par des musiciens français. Quelques très beaux moments comme "Don't doubt me", "Bluesingly yours", "Waiting game", "Feeling the blues", "Mississippi water".
Joint album of Memphis Slim with the excellent guitarist Mickey Baker for Polydor. It is mainly Slim who occupies the leading position. The two men - who have lived in France for several years - are accompanied here by french musicians. Some very beautiful moments like "Don't doubt me", "Bluesingly yours", "Waiting game", "Feeling the blues", "Mississippi water".
MEMPHIS SLIM STORY
Arco
1968
LORD HAVE MERCY ON ME
America
Maison de Blues
THE GREAT MEMPHIS SLIM
America
1968
Pour le label français America (appartenant à Musidisc), Memphis Slim grave cet album avec les jazzmen français Henri Tischitz (basse) et Michel Denis (batterie) ainsi que le guitariste Ralph Wash. Un programme assez inégal mais avec de bons moments comme "Wish me well", "Alberta", "Three in one boogie", "Whisky drinking man", "Blue and lonesome".
For the french label America (belonging to Musidisc), Memphis Slim records this album with the french jazzmen Henri Tischitz (bass) and Michel Denis (drums) as well as guitarist Ralph Wash. A rather uneven program but with good moments like "Wish me well", "Alberta", "Three in one boogie", "Whiskey drinking man", "Blue and lonesome".
SO LONG
America
1968
MEDNARODNI INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL LJUBLJANA '68
Helidon
June 1968
IN LIFE
Le Chant du Monde
1968
L'AVENTURE DU JAZZ vol.1 & 2
Jazz Odyssey
March 1969
Il s'agit de la bande son du film documentaire "L'aventure du Jazz" réalisé par Louis & Claudine Panassié. Memphis Slim est présent et joue trois morceaux : le beau "Blues is everywhere", son fameux "Beer drinking woman" (avec traduction en direct des paroles par Madeleine Gautier) et "No it's all over" (uniquement dans la version CD).
This is the soundtrack of the documentary film "L'aventure du Jazz" directed by Louis & Claudine Panassié. Memphis Slim is present and plays three pieces : the beautiful "Blues is everywhere", his famous "Beer drinking woman" (with live translation of the lyrics by Madeleine Gautier) and "No it's all over" (only in the CD version).
LONELY NIGHTS
Catfish
October 1969
Ce CD inégal reprend une séance avec le batteur Michel Denis et la moitié de la séance de " My name is Memphis Slim" mais l'origine de certains titres reste incertaine (on a l'impression que le matériel provient de différentes séances). On peut retenir "Fat cat", "Chuckin'" et "She's gone for twelve hours".
This uneven CD resumes a session with drummer Michel Denis and half of the session of "My name is Memphis Slim" but the origin of certain titles remains uncertain (we has the impression that the material comes from different sessions). We can point out "Fat cat", "Chuckin'" and "She's gone for twelve hours".
MY NAME IS MEMPHIS SLIM
Calumet
CBS
BORN WITH THE BLUES
Jewel
WITH GUESTS
Bellaphon
October 1969
Séance gravée à Paris dans laquelle Slim est accompagné par un superbe groupe : Lowell Fulson (guitare), Carey Bell (basse, harmonica) et S.P. Leary (batterie). Les quatre bluesmen se complètent remarquablement et délivrent un album de pur blues. Une set-list très consistante en particulier "Bye bye will be on my way", "Letter home", "Rocking the house" (avec un solo de basse de Carey Bell), "Grinder man blues", "Misery". La séance fut réédité sous de nombreux habillages différents.
Session recorded in Paris in which Slim is accompanied by a superb backing band : Lowell Fulson (guitar), Carey Bell (bass, harmonica) and S.P. Leary (drums). The four bluesmen complement each other remarkably and deliver an album of pure blues. A very consistent set-list in particular "Bye bye will be on my way", "Letter home", "Rocking the house" (with a bass solo by Carey Bell), "Grinder man blues", "Misery". The session was reissued in many different packagings.
BLUE MEMPHIS
Barclay
Warner Bros
THE BLUE MEMPHIS SUITE
Maison de Blues
June 1970
Sous la supervision du producteur Philippe Rault et de l'arrangeur Jerry Long, voici un album mélangeant la musique de Memphis Slim avec un son Rock-Soul. Slim demeure toujours un superbe chanteur à la voix profonde et un excellent pianiste. Il est entouré ici de musiciens de premier choix (John Paul Jones, Peter Green, Chris Spedding, Duster Bennett, Brian Smith, Nick Evans, Harry Beckett). Le programme semble parfois inégal mais on trouve de superbes moments comme "Born in Memphis Tennessee", "Wind gonna rise", "Boogie woogie 1970", "Feel like screaming and crying", "Mother earth" (uniquement dans la version CD). Superbe photo de couverture d'Alain Marouani sur le LP original.
Under the supervision of producer Philippe Rault and arranger Jerry Long, here is an album mixing the music of Memphis Slim with a Rock-Soul sound. Slim still remains a superb singer with a deep voice and an excellent pianist. He is surrounded here by first-rate musicians (John Paul Jones, Peter Green, Chris Spedding, Duster Bennett, Brian Smith, Nick Evans, Harry Beckett). The program sometimes seems uneven but there are great moments like "Born in Memphis Tennessee", "Wind gonna rise", "Boogie woogie 1970", "Feel like screaming and crying", "Mother earth" (only in the CD version). Superb cover photo of Alain Marouani on the original LP.
SOUTHSIDE REUNION
Blue Star
Barclay
Maison de Blues
September 1970
De nouveau sous la supervision de Philippe Rault, Memphis Slim partage le disque avec Buddy Guy & Junior Wells alors en tournée en France. Derrière eux, un groupe très compact composé de Jimmy Conley, A.C. Reed, Phil Guy, Ernest Johnson et Roosevelt Shaw. Les morceaux sont gravés dans le célèbre studio d'Hérouville (que possède le compositeur Michel Magne). "When Buddy comes to town" est un chef d'oeuvre mais on peut signaler également "You called me at last", "No", "Good time Charlie", "Help me some", "Jamming at the castle" (uniquement dans la version CD). Superbe dessin de couverture de Jean Vern sur le LP original.
Again under the supervision of Philippe Rault, Memphis Slim shares the record with Buddy Guy & Junior Wells then on tour in France. Behind them, a very compact backing band composed of Jimmy Conley, A.C. Reed, Phil Guy, Ernest Johnson and Roosevelt Shaw. The tracks are recorded in the famous studio in Hérouville (owned by the composer Michel Magne). "When Buddy comes to town" is a masterpiece but we can also mention "You called me at last", "No", "Good time Charlie", "Help me some", "Jamming at the castle" (CD version only). Superb cover drawing by Jean Vern on the original LP.
OLD TIMES NEW TIMES
Barclay
DOUBLE BARRELED BOOGIE
Barclay
Maison de Blues
December 1970
Encore sous l'égide du producteur français Philippe Rault, Memphis Slim est associé ici à Roosevelt Sykes. Leur entente semble parfaite. Les deux pianistes jouent ensemble, évoquent leurs souvenirs dans une ambiance relachée et agréable. Slim brille sur "Mr Sykes blues", "Miss Ida B" et l'instrumental "M&S boogie". Roosevelt délivre lui une remarquable version de "Eagle rock", "44 blues" et prend exceptionellement la guitare acoustique sur "Roosevelt daddy's blues".
Still under the aegis of french producer Philippe Rault, Memphis Slim is associated here with Roosevelt Sykes. Their understanding seems perfect. The two pianists play together, evoke their memories in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Slim shines on "Mr Sykes blues", "Miss Ida B" and the instrumental "M&S boogie". Roosevelt delivers a remarkable version of "Eagle rock", "44 blues" and exceptionally takes the acoustic guitar on "Roosevelt daddy's blues".
BOOGIE WOOGIE
Festival
Musidisc
Maison de Blues
November 1971
Pour le label Festival (appartenant à Musidisc), Slim participe à une longue séance simplement accompagné du batteur français Michel Denis. Tout est totalement instrumental - Slim ne chante pas du tout - et on peut apprécier toute la variété de son jeu au piano même si le programme peut aussi se révéler un peu répétitif. A conseiller aux fans confirmés du bluesman.
For the Festival label (belonging to Musidisc), Slim takes part in a long session simply accompanied by the french drummer Michel Denis. Everything is totally instrumental - Slim does not sing at all - and you can appreciate the variety of his piano playing even if the program can also be a little repetitive. To advice to confirmed fans of the bluesman.
THE 10TH AMERICAN FOLK BLUES FESTIVAL BLUES GIANTS ROCK CREATORS
Atlantic
L+R
March 1972
Memphis Slim figure à l'affiche de la tournée du dixième anniversaire de l'American Folk Blues Festival. On l'entend sur trois titres dont "Lonesome traveller" et le rapide "Boogin' and bluesin'".
Memphis Slim is featured on the American Folk Blues Festival tenth anniversary tour. He can be heard on three tracks including "Lonesome traveler" and the fast tempo "Boogin' and bluesin'".
RECITAL A LAUSANNE
Musidisc
1972
PLAYS CLASSICAL AMERICAN MUSIC
Barclay
October - December 1972
MEMPHIS HEAT
Blue Star
Barclay
Maison de Blues
Verve
May - June 1973
Le producteur Philippe Rault associe Memphis Slim au groupe californien Canned Heat (Joel Scott Hill, Henry Vestine, Antonio de la Barreda, Fito de la Parra et quelques autres). Un contenu plutôt inégal - parfois un peu empesé - mais plaisant. "When I were young", "Black cat cross my tail", "You don't know my mind", "Boogie duo" méritent l'écoute. Superbe dessin de couverture de Jean Vern sur le LP original.
Producer Philippe Rault associates Memphis Slim with the californian band Canned Heat (Joel Scott Hill, Henry Vestine, Antonio de la Barreda, Fito de la Parra and a few other). Rather uneven content - sometimes a little starchy - but pleasant. "When I were young", "Black cat cross my tail", "You don't know my mind", "Boogie duo" are worth listening to. Superb cover drawing by Jean Vern on the original LP.
VERY MUCH ALIVE AND IN MONTREUX
Barclay
Maison de Blues
June 1973
Pour cette apparition au fameux festival de Montreux, Memphis Slim joue avec la section rythmique de Freddie King (Benny Turner et Charlie Meyers), Mickey Baker ainsi qu'un très mauvais guitariste, Joe Jammer. Il y a quelques moments intéressants mais l'ensemble semble bien peu inspiré. On retient tout de même le "Lend me your love" avec Freddie King.
For this appearance at the famous Montreux festival, Memphis Slim plays with the rhythm section of Freddie King (Benny Turner and Charlie Meyers), Mickey Baker and a very bad guitarist, Joe Jammer. There are a few interesting moments, but the whole seems very uninspired. We still point out "Lend me your love" with Freddie King.
GOING BACK TO TENNESSEE
Barclay
Maison de Blues
February 1975
Sous l'impulsion de Philippe Rault, Memphis Slim est entouré ici des meilleurs musiciens de Country-Rock de Nashville : Charlie Mac Coy, David Briggs, Russ Hicks, Reggie Young, Dale Sellers, Kenny Buttrey. Malgré l'excellence de ces musiciens expérimentés, le contenu apparait assez peu inspiré et alourdi par une production indigeste.
Under the leadership of Philippe Rault, Memphis Slim is surrounded here by the best Country-Rock musicians of Nashville : Charlie Mac Coy, David Briggs, Russ Hicks, Reggie Young, Dale Sellers, Kenny Buttrey. Despite the excellence of these experienced musicians, the content appears not very inspired and weighed down by an indigestible production.
BLUES FOR NATHALIE
Esperance
1975
HOMMAGE A HUGUES PANASSIE
Flame
January 1976
THE DUO LIVE IN PARIS
Jazzmosphère
LIVE FROM THE CAVEAU DE LA HUCHETTE
Laserlight
February 1977
Memphis Slim fut un des habitués du Caveau de la Huchette à Paris pendant les années 70 et 80. Ce disque relate une soirée parmi d'autres dans ce club parisien en compagnie de son fidèle batteur français Michel Denis. Une longue set-list classique et solide balayant toute sa carrière mais sans grande surprise.
Memphis Slim was one of the regulars at Caveau de la Huchette in Paris during the 70's and 80's. This record relates one evening among others in this parisian club alongside his faithful french drummer Michel Denis. A long classic and solid set-list spanning his entire career, but without much surprise.
MEMPHIS SLIM ET MICHEL DENIS
Vygson
1977
STEFAN DIESTELMANN FOLK BLUES BAND
Amiga
May 1978
Une version live de "Rockin' the house" sur une scène berlinoise accompagné par Stefan Diestelmann et son groupe.
A live version of "Rockin' the house" on a Berlin stage accompanied by Stefan Diestelmann and his band.
BLUES AND WOMEN
Isabel
July 1978
D'après les notes de pochette, la séance fut mise en boite en moins de deux heures. Pour cet album supervisé par Didier Tricard et Jacques Morgantini, Memphis Slim est associé à son ami l'organiste de jazz "Wild Bill" Davis. Dans "SBM boogie", les deux hommes jouent alternativement piano et orgue. Mais il faut aussi mentionner les excellents "Life is like that", "Misery", "Lend me your love" et "The come back".
According to the sleeve notes, the session was boxed in less than two hours. For this album supervised by Didier Tricard and Jacques Morgantini, Memphis Slim is associated with his friend jazz organist "Wild Bill" Davis. In "SBM boogie", the two men play alternately piano and organ. But we must also mention the excellent "Life is like that", "Misery", "Lend me your love" and "The come back".
EVERYBODY'S BLUES
Esperance
1979
MEMPHIS SLIM
AFA
Late 1970's
Concert capturé à la fin des années 70 probablement en France. Un disque mineur et peu intéressant dans l'imposante discographie de Memphis Slim.
Concert captured at the end of the 70's probably in France. A minor and uninteresting record in the impressive Memphis Slim discography.
3-2-1 BOOGIE
Blue Sound
DIALOG IN BOOGIE
Happy Bird
EPM
January 1980
Belle réunion de pianistes entre Memphis Slim et le français Philippe Lejeune. Produit par Dominique Buscail qui dirige le label Blue Silver / Blue Sound. Les deux hommes s'entendent bien notamment sur les boogie woogies - "EEC boogie", "C'est normal c'est normand", "Three two one boogie" - sur le rythme du batteur Michel Denis (qui prend un long solo de batterie sur "Cooky boogie").
Nice pianists meeting between Memphis Slim and the french Philippe Lejeune. Produced by Dominique Buscail who runs the Blue Silver / Blue Sound label. Both men get along well especially on boogie woogies - "EEC boogie", "C'est normal c'est normand", "Three two one boogie" - on the rhythm of drummer Michel Denis (who takes a long drum solo on "Cooky boogie").
CAN A WHITE MAN PLAY AND SING THE BLUES / BEALE STREET BLUES GROUP
Milan
February 1980
Cet album rassemblant plusieurs artistes comme Evelyn Young, Don Mac Minn, Booker T. Laury, Sonny Blake et Memphis Slim fut enregistré à Memphis en février 1980. Slim ne joue pas sur tous les titres.
This album bringing together several artists like Evelyn Young, Don Mac Minn, Booker T. Laury, Sonny Blake and Memphis Slim was recorded in Memphis in february 1980. Slim does not play on all titles.
MEMPHIS SLIM
Trema
1980
LIVE AT THE HOT CLUB DE FRANCE
Milan
December 1980
BOOGIE FOR 2 PIANOS
Elyon
Adda
Swing Land
November 1981
BOOGIE WOOGIE DUETS
Milan Jazz
June 1981 / November 1981
Après Philippe Lejeune, Memphis Slim s'associe avec le pianiste français Jean Paul Amouroux. Les deux hommes avec Gilles Chevaucherie (basse) et Michel Denis (batterie) livrent un bon set de piano blues, entre boogie woogie et tempos lents entre Blues et Jazz. Slim joue aussi sur certains titres du clavecin, de l'orgue et du celesta. Dans la réédition CD "Boogie woogie duets", on trouve deux morceaux live inédits des deux pianistes.
After Philippe Lejeune, Memphis Slim joins forces with the french pianist Jean Paul Amouroux. The two men with Gilles Chevaucherie (bass) and Michel Denis (drums) deliver a good blues piano set, between boogie woogie and slow tempos between Blues and Jazz. Slim also plays on some titles harpsichord, organ and celesta. In the CD reissue "Boogie woogie duets", there are two unreleased live tracks by the two pianists.
FIP FIL AND FIM
Milan
1982
Slim est encore associé ici à des musiciens français comme Patricia Weiss, Pierre Vildard (alias Sigmoon) ou Rémy Genty. Un programme sympathique (une bonne version de "Sassy Mae") mais inégal qu'il ne faut conseiller qu'aux fans confirmés de Slim.
Slim is again associated here with french musicians like Patricia Weiss, Pierre Vildard (alias Sigmoon) or Rémy Genty. A nice program (a good version of "Sassy Mae") but uneven that should only be advised to confirmed fans of Slim.
BOOGIE FOR ALL MY FRIENDS
Black & Blue
November 1983 / April 1986
Ce disque rassemble deux séances distinctes : la première en novembre 1983 avec Bob Stroger et Odie Payne, la seconde - sa dernière - en avril 1986 dans laquelle il est seul au piano. Slim y rend hommage aux pianistes de blues. Un contenu routinier et ennuyeux.
This album brings together two distinct sessions : the first in november 1983 with Bob Stroger and Odie Payne, the second - his last - in april 1986 in which he is alone on piano. Slim pays homage to blues pianists. Routine and boring content.
BOOGIE WOOGIE DUO : JAZZ A LA HUCHETTE
Jazz Time
BOOGIE WOOGIE FOR 2 PIANOS IN CONCERT
Jazz Trade
August 1984
THE BLUES JUBILEE ALBUM
Pinorekk
Blue Moon
September 1984
TOGETHER AGAIN ONE MORE TIME
Antone's
Line
Bedrock
December 1985
Les retrouvailles de Memphis Slim et de son guitariste Matthew Murphy. Les deux hommes plutôt en forme sont accompagnés d'excellents musiciens comme Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff, Luther Tucker, Sarah Brown. Une set-list très courte (30 minutes) mais sympathique.
The reunion of Memphis Slim and his guitarist Matthew Murphy. The two men in good shape are accompanied by excellent musicians like Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff, Luther Tucker, Sarah Brown. A very short (30 minutes) but nice set-list.
STEPPIN' OUT : LIVE AT RONNIE SCOTT'S
DRG
Castle Communications
Hendring Wadham
February 1986
Concert au club Ronnie Scott's de Londres avec des musiciens anglais peu inspirés. Une musique sans grand relief ni surprise. A conseiller avant tout aux fans confirmés ou aux complétistes.
Concert at Ronnie Scott's club in London with uninspired english musicians. Music without much relief or surprise. Recommended above all to confirmed fans or completists.