Can You REED?

Three Hundred Twelve

Artist - Jimmy Reed
Album - Now Appearing
Released - 1966
Label - Vee-Jay Records
Genre - Blues/R&B

Tracks:
Side 1
Close Together
Got Me Chasing You
Wanta Be With You
Jimmy's Rock
Tell The World I Do
Side 2
You Know You're Looking Good
I've Got The Blues
Laughing at the Blues
Down The Road
Ain't Gonna Cry No More
You're My Baby

Quite recently, the 12 strong guitar has come into its own.  The utilization of the instrument, by Eric Darling in the hit recording "Walk Right In," has a lot to do with bringing it to the attention of the music minded public.  This is not to say however, that the instrument was completely forgotten over the past years.  As a matter of fact, performers such as Huddie Ledbetter used it regularly for many, many years.

It has been said that the 12 string guitar is the perfect instrument for interpreting the blues.  The instrument is a most difficult one to play as the motion that is required to ordinarily strike one string, results in the simultaneous sound of two strings.  In this recording, the vocal boss of the blues, Jimmy Reed, displays his unique talents not only with the familiar Jimmy Reed harmonica sound, but with the 12 string guitar.  The same soul searching feeling of Jimmy Reed, the vocal great, is transmitted by Jimmy Reed the 12 string guitar and harmonica great.

Indeed, Jimmy Reed equals greatness.  His guitar playing, his sound and everything in between is just so wonderful.

Enjoy!