Every Thursday on the BBC News website you can find interviews with authors about their new books. On 12 September there is short movie about George Mitchell’s new book “Mississippi Hill Country Blues 1967”.
In the summer of 1967 university student George Mitchell travelled to Mississippi in search of America’s undiscovered blues musicians.
Many of the singers he heard were unknown beyond their home communities, and Mitchell’s recordings helped make musicians such as RL Burnside and Fred McDowell blues music legends – and transform their lives. (via http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24026054)
“Mississippi Hill Country Blues 1967” reviews
“This book is a treasure. George Mitchell’s photos and recordings are my favorite of all American blues. The interviews are insightful and inspiring.”
“The photographic reproductions are generally very good. The large format gives space for large reproductions. The photos themselves are very atmospheric without pandering to commonly held beliefs. The subjects are presented as they are–nothing more–nothing less. Included besides musicians are images of families, farms/homes, “get togethers”, and other images of life in the region during that period.”
“Wow! Thank goodness that the University of Mississippi had the foresight to publish this amazing volume. George Mitchell is a true unsung patriarch of American blues & roots music. Humble, reserved, & infinitely passionate about our rich musical heritage, Mitchells’ timeless associations with Michael Bloomfield, Big Joe Williams, Charlie Musselwhite, R.L. Burnside, Delmark & Fat Possum records, Fred McDowell and countless others speak to his lifelong journey of heartfelt musical passion. This wonderful book visually documents a unique Mississippi pilgrimage, putting the reader alongside George & wife Cathy as they reveal the truest soul and spirit of Mississippi Hill Country blues: simple lives of hardship & pain that gave birth to such a joyful noise.”
This book is much more than a collection of historic blues photos, If you’re a country blues fan you need this book.
Click here to see this book on Amazon:
–> Mississippi Hill Country Blues 1967 (American Made Music)
Featured photo by Phil Wight