Sensitive and enigmatic singer-songwriter Bill Morrisey explores the gentle side of a Delta icon on Songs of Mississippi John Hurt (Philo/Rounder 11671-1216-2: 45:53). Recorded in New Orleans with some of the Crescent City’s finest, including drummer Johnny Vidacovich, bassist James Singleton, pianist David Torkanowsky, and trumpeter Jamil Sharif, these highly personal interpretations are surprisingly affecting. Highlights include a real N’awlins flavored groove on “Big Leg Blues,” a poignant take on “Avalon Blues,” as well as bouncy versions of “First Shot Missed Him,” “I’m Satisfied,” and “Coffee Blues.” Along with being an idiosyncratic vocalist, Morrisey is also a serious guitar picker. He attributes his mean right hand technique to the subject of this tribute.
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