January/February 2001

Philadelphia Jerry Ricks
Many Miles of Blues
Rooster Blues

By Bill Milkowski

Philadelphia Jerry Ricks is a modern-day exponent of the folk-blues tradition. On Many Miles of Blues he makes heartfelt references to Delta and Piedmont pioneers like Brownie McGhee, Skip James, Furry Lewis, Rev. Gary Davis, Son House and Mississippi Fred McDowell while invigorating the tradition with his own original material. Ricks' old Martin and Gibson acoustic guitars resonate with warmth as his hearty vocals ring out with a subtle power on this intimate, unaccompanied set.