Topic: Smoky Babe

[Vidal]

A quick post to say that I have just purchased Smoky Babe's Way Back in the Country Blues, Harry Oster's lost recordings.  A few years back, via this forum, I was alerted to Louisiana Country Blues (Smoky Babe and Herman E Johnson), and on the strength of that I bought Hottest Brand Goin'.  This latest offering confirms my belief that Smoky Babe deserves a place right up there with some of the greats.  His guitar playing is some of the most uplifting of any blues player and his voice provides the perfect accompaniment.  If I get the time I may do a proper review; meanwhile, if you don't have his latest, or any of the others, I thoroughly recommend them.

[Dom94]

I agree with you, it's a great album, There's never a dull moment
I wonder if he played with a 12 strings guitar as shown on the artwork.

Dom.

[Bed Bug Bill]

Essential....as is all Smokey Babe.

[Parlor Picker]

I believe the 12-string guitar was carried by Dr. Harry Oster who removed 6 where appropriate.

Smoky Babe was the business. I am eternally grateful to the late Simon Napier at Flyright Records who introduced me to his work - and the album was a cut-out, being reduced (if I remember correctly) to a miserly 99p. Money well spent!

[Mr.OMuck]

Presumably my copy arrives today. I bought Hottest Brand Going for $1.99 back in 1969 just on the off chance that it would be interesting. It quickly became one of my enduringly favorite records.
He has so much drive and swing in his playing and such an interesting vocal-guitar interplay that its hard to point to anyone who does it better. Whatever that guitar was, its sound suits him wonderfully.Blessings on Harry Oster for recognizing a good thing, and on Smoky of course!

[Rivers]

Anyone care to do a little review of the recent Smoky Babe lost recordings release?

[Mr.OMuck]

I've not been able to give it a thorough listen yet (as in fully attentive) But I will say that his version of Catfish Blues is the best I've heard outside of Robert Petway's original. Also his micro-timing, string attack and snap, just rock the house! Drives like a sunnummabitch!