2007 Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival Date Set
Posted: Jan 27, 20071/27/07
"I know no one can sing the blues like Blind Willie McTell."
-Bob Dylan
The 14th Annual Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival will occur this year on Saturday, May 12. Tickets go on sale on April 1, 2007. Last year Robert Lockwood Jr., Randall Bramlett, and Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell performed at the venerable festival that takes place in McTell's hometown of Thompson, Georgia.
Born in 1901, McTell contends as one of America's most talented and versatile bluesmen. McTell's visual handicap befell him at an early age. Well educated, he mastered Braille and often traveled alone while memorizing streets in every city he visited. In his early years, McTell trekked through Georgia developing his own indelible acoustic and 12-string guitar style along with brilliant lyricism that transformed him into a timeless songwriter.
Throughout his lifetime, McTell recorded under various pseudonyms. As a black, blind musician in the social climate of America during his time render McTell's achievements even more amazing. He performed for both black and white audiences at county fairs, carnivals, minstrel shows, dances, parties, street corners, auctions, on trains, and in barbecue dens. His travels led him to New York, New Orleans, Michigan, Florida, California, North Carolina, and many untracable destinations. McTell recorded 120 songs in 14 separate sessions. McTell's deep Christian sentiment--as well as a sharp wit-- echoes throughout his work.
Any of his songs remain worth exploration and committing to memory such as "Statesboro Blues", "Love Changing Blues", "Your Southern Can Is Mine", and "Savannah Mama". McTell's landmark album, Atlanta Twelve String, contains some of his greatest songs (and sound quality) like "Brokedown Engine", "Little Delia", "Dying Crapshooters Blues", "You Got To Die", and "Ain't It Grand To Live A Christian". On a final obscure recording, The Last Session, McTell spins stories about each composition's origin in between takes that represent a gem in one's collection if purchased.
Stay tuned for more news on the festival. James Calemine
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