The Best of Big Maceo: The King of Chicago Blues Piano

by Big Maceo Merriweather

Overview

The title The King of Chicago Blues Piano is no joke -- while never achieving the level of fame won by many of his contemporaries, Big Maceo Merriweather was indeed a major force behind the development of the Windy City sound, and these 1940s sides, cut in collaboration with guitarist Tampa Red, remain his most enduring legacy. Combining startling instrumental proficiency with a traditional blues sensibility, Maceo was also a powerful vocalist; despite recording just 28 sides -- all but three of which are included here -- he was still a pivotal figure, bridging the country blues of the '20s with the urbanized electric sound of the '50s. Among the highlights: the instrumental closer "Chicago Breakdown," an instrumental tribute to his incredible prowess, and "Worried Life Blues," later covered by Chuck Berry. ~ Jason Ankeny

Product Details

Release Date:	12/02/1993
Label:	Arhoolie
UPC:	0096297700921
Rank:	7069

Tracks

1. Worried Life Blues
2. Ramblin' Mind Blues
3. County Jail Blues
4. Can't You Read
5. So Long Baby
6. Texas Blues
7. Tuff Luck Blues
8. I Got the Blues
9. Bye Bye Baby
10. Poor Kelly Blues
11. Some Sweet Day
12. Anytime for You
13. My Last Go Round
14. Since You Been Gone
15. Kid Man Blues
16. I'm So Worried
17. Things Have Changed
18. My Own Troubles
19. Maceo's 32-20
20. Texas Stomp
21. Winter Time Blues
22. Detroit Jump
23. Won't Be a Fool No More
24. Big Road Blues
25. Chicago Breakdown

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Big Maceo Merriweather   Primary Artist,Vocals,Piano
Tyrell Dixon   Drums
Melvin Draper   Drums
Clifford "Snags" Jones   Drums
Alfred Elkins   Bass
Tampa Red   Vocals,Guitar
Big Maceo   Vocals,Piano
Chick Sanders   Drums

Technical Credits

Chris Strachwitz   Compilation Producer,Reissue Producer,Producer,Engineer
Major Merriweather   Composer
Jil Weil   Cover Art
Mike Rowe   Liner Notes,Cover Photo
Dan Howell   Composer
Richard M. Jones   Composer
Sara Martin   Composer
Floyd Dixon   Composer
Eric Clapton   Composer
Big Maceo Merriweather   Composer
Alfred Fields   Composer