NRR Project: Robert Johnson - The Complete Recordings (1936-1937)

 

NRR Project: The Complete Recordings

Robert Johnson

Recorded 1936 - 1937

It is arguable that this gentleman was the most influential American musician of the 20^th century. He only lived to the age of 27. He only recorded 29 songs. Yet he laid down the blues in a magisterial manner, such that everyone who came after him looked to him and his renditions of classic tunes for inspiration, and as building blocks that took them to new levels in rock and jazz.

First I must point you to the excellent essay by Ed Komara at the National Recording Registry on this topic. It outlines what little is known of Johnson’s life (1911-1937) – how he practiced determinedly, until he gained a facility with a guitar that was unmatched. (A legend rose that he sold his soul to the Devil at a crossroads to get the gift of music.) He toured, he recorded sporadically. Finally he me his death under suspicious circumstances (it is rumored he was poisoned by a jealous husband).

Johnson’s songs are an amalgamation of the usual blues topics – sex and the lack of it, traveling, drinking, salvation and the lack of it. What makes his accomplishment so great is his endless facility. His guitar work is compelling and ever-changing, with intricate fingerwork and strongly underlined chords. Listening to multiple takes of some of his songs, it is remarkable to note that he embellishes and supports the song in a completely different and original way each time. His tenor vocals are raw and heartfelt. At his most despairing, the effect on the listener is riveting and unearthly. Combined with his virtuosity, it is music that still makes a great impact.

In 1961, an LP was made of some of Johnson’s songs, and though obscure it got passed around among blues aficionados, in America and in England, which resulted in covers by bands such as the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. “Stop Breaking Down,” “Love in Vain,” “Dust My Broom,” “Sweet Home Chicago”, all these songs have resonated down the decades and still influence the music we listen to today.

When this work was collected, preserved, and presented in close to pristine condition by Sony/Columbia in 1990, it was a big deal. Everyone ran out and got copies of the work of this obscure bluesman from the 1930s, digging deeply into his music, discussing it, playing it. Just as it should be.

The National Recording Registry Project tracks one writer’s expedition through all the recordings in the National Recording Registry in chronological order. Nest time: One O’Clock Jump.

Fight the power

 

We elected a dictator. We are living under an autocracy.

It’s far too late to clutch our pearls and bemoan the sad state into which our country has fallen. We do not have luxury of being victims. Reprehensible people have taken over our government, aided and abetted by our enemies. These fascists are destroying all that makes America great, starting with eliminating this country as a beacon of freedom for immigrants round the world.

Things will not magically get better. I fully expect martial law to be declared at some point, if the populace proves not to be OK with the changes coming their way. Already this government is suspending civil liberties, censoring language, and attempting to control the culture. The sadistic ideologues and the simple garden-variety assholes control the presidency, the Congress, and the courts. Aid programs to the poor and disadvantaged around the world have been cut. Many, many people are going to die as a result of this administration.

And you know what? They don’t care. You don’t matter. They have pretty much confessed that they see anyone not in collusion with them as non-people, “non-player characters” who can be disposed of much like animals or inanimate objects. They plan to destroy our social welfare system and “cull the herd” of those who are determined to be unproductive or worse, undesirable members of this right-wing white-ass Christian patriarchal society they're trying to force down our throats.

So what can we do? I have heard from a lot of folks whose plan it is to tune out and mind their own business for the foreseeable future, to disconnect from an unpleasant reality. It feels like a heavy burden, but we must remain present, cognizant and involved. Silence is compliance, which is why I wrote this in the first place.

Fortunately, the Constitution is still in effect. We still have the right to speak out, and to peacefully demonstrate for redress of grievances. Non-violent civil disobedience is a great tool for battling these stupid and destructive bastards.

Keep speaking out. Share information. Participate in marches and boycotts. Above all, preserve your integrity.

If you are Muslim, you are safe with me.

If you are Black, you are safe with me.

If you are LGBTQ+, you are safe with me.

If you are an immigrant, you are safe with me.

If you are a woman, you are safe with me.

If you are among the disenfranchised, you are safe with me.

Remember, 49 per cent of us did not want this to happen. We are not helpless, and we have the mechanisms in place to create positive change. Any number of bad things can happen, but we do have hope and determination. Yours for truth, justice, and mercy. No kings.