Pinetop Perkins: Born in The Delta

Octagenarian blues pianist Pinetop Perkins-a Mississippi original who barnstormed the South with the likes of Sonny Boy Williamson, Robert Nighthawk and Earl Hooker before going on to hold down the piano chair in the great Muddy Waters band for 12 years-is in amazingly good form on Born in the Delta (Telarc 83418; 46:55). Immaculately recorded in the intimate setting of guitar, bass, drums and piano, this collection of blues classics like Memphis Slim’s “Everyday I Have The Blues,” Paul Gayten’s “For You My Love” and Elmore James’ “Look On Yonder Wall” and Leroy Carr’s “How Long, How Long Blues” highlights Pinetop’s unmistakable brand of boogie-woogie. At 83, his vocals may be lacking the power he once had, but there’s still magic in Pinetop’s touch.

Originally Published November 1, 1997