Yank Rachell has long been a legend in the blues world. One of the few blues mandolin players,
Rachell
recorded several notable sessions during 1929-1941 and then was off record for 22 years. After spending time outside of music, he was rediscovered and in 1963 he performed the music on this CD reissue.
(who was in his fifties at the time), is in excellent voice throughout the date although it is his mandolin work that makes this set particularly special. He is reunited with two notable friends from the 1930s (guitarist
Sleepy John Estes
and
Hammie Nixon
who is heard on harmonica and jug) and is assisted on some numbers by both
Big Joe Williams
and the up-and-coming
Mike Bloomfield
on guitars; several numbers find
backed by three guitars. Yank Rachell would remain active until shortly before his death on Apr. 9, 1997. This comeback set (which adds six previously unreleased tracks to the original ten-song program) is one of his definitive recordings and is a perfect showcase of the great bluesman's talents. ~ Scott Yanow