Joe Pullum (1935–1951) [including Andy Boy]

In the 30s, you could perform under a name like "Andy Boy" and nobody would pay any mind. I could change my name to Crossroads Sam, and people would think I'm an idiot. Joe Pullum is on this album, too. Not much is known about these randy ole blues-sters, other than they played blues music. For a young boy of 5 (as I surmised him to be, based on various assumptions), andy boy sounds quite assured, with a reedy tenor that nicely compliments his dextrously mellow ivory-ticklin'. This kid probably liked jazz, too. just remember that jazz in the 30s was much different than this new-fangled stuff all the kids are listening to today, the Leons and Paul Hardcastles of the world, electrifying the airwaves night after sensuous night.

The Pullum segments (one covering two sessions in the late 30s, the other a 1951 Los Angeles date) are more orchestrated than the Any Boy selections, utilizing the odd trumpet, even a string bass and drums in the later tunes. Joe possesses a haunting, high-range voice that is probably the most interesting feature of this disc.

this is one of the exhaustive reissues released by the Austrian Document label, which blows my god damn mind on a consistent basis. Many of these discs are more for posterity than actual listening, but this one has all the excitement you'd expect from long-dead bluesmen who more than likely died of a sexually transmitted disease. fuck yeah.

--(mk)