American Folk Blues Festival
The blues, born in the cotton fields of the American South, emerged from makeshift instruments and simple harmonies rooted in African heritage.
It captured the struggles, hopes, and fleeting joys of labourers enduring harsh conditions, with its hallmark “blue note” adding a unique dissonance to this evocative musical style.
As industrialisation progressed, the blues migrated to urban centers like Chicago and New Orleans, evolving with modern instruments and expanding themes to reflect urban struggles, sensual nights, and existential despair.
This period birthed many of the musicians who later formed the American Folk and Blues Festival (AFBF), an initiative started in 1950s Germany to introduce Europe to the genre and counter its reductive reputation as a precursor to jazz.
The Lost Recordings celebrates these legendary artists through restored performances from the 1962 Olympia in Paris and the 1963 Stadttheater in Bremen.
Featured artists include John Lee Hooker, Memphis Slim, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, T-Bone Walker, Helen Humes, and others, showcasing the depth and evolution of the blues.
From intimate duos like Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry’s harmonica-guitar interplay to T-Bone Walker’s electrifying group performances, each act demonstrates the genre’s versatility and influence.
John Lee Hooker’s solo mastery mesmerised audiences, while T-Bone Walker pioneered the electric guitar’s place in blues, inspiring legends like B.B. King.
The album also highlights Sonny Boy Williamson, whose charismatic harmonica and profound sensitivity defined his performances.
These concerts take listeners on a journey through the authentic sound of the blues, traversing America’s history and foreshadowing its transformative impact on global music.
Brownie McGhee, vocals & guitar
Sonny Terry, vocals & harmonica
Sonny Boy Williamson II, vocals & harmonica
Helen Humes, vocals
Willie Dixon, vocals & bass
John Lee Hooker, vocals
T-Bone Walker, guitar
Memphis Slim, vocals & piano
Davor Kajfes, piano
Jump Jackson, drums
Shakey Jake, vocals & harmonica
Matt ” Guitar” Murphy, guitar
Bill Stepney, drums
Sunnyland Slim, piano
Hubert Sumlin, guitar
Clifton James, drums
Track List: American Folk Blues Festival
LP 1
1. I’m a Stranger Here/Stranger Blues
2. Nervous
3. I Just Want to Make Love to You
4. Born With the Blues
5. I Got My Eyes on You
6. John Henry
7. I Need Money
8. Everyday, I Have the Blues
9. Night Time Is the Right Time
10. My Own Fault
LP 2
1. Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home
2. Moanin’
3. Money Honey
4. Kansas City
5. Bye Bye Baby
6. Medley : The Blues Ain’t Nothin’ But a Woman & Bye Bye Baby
7. Eyesight to the Blind*
8. Your Funeral & My Trial*
9. Bye Bye Bird*
10. Fattening Frogs for Snakes*
11. Bye Bye Blues*
12. Wake Up Baby**
