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The raw and riveting mid 60s recordings of singer and guitarist Mississippi Fred McDowell with blues harpist Johnny Woods! It was recorded by George Mitchell with a relaxed, press record and stay out of their way approach – and man is this some exhilarating stuff! McDowell brings a lot of soul and depth of feeling to the material, via that perfectly weathered voice and his choppy rhythm guitar – and he's accompanied very strongly by Woods' harmonica. Raucous, yet moving Mississippi acoustic blues! Includes "Shake 'Em Down", "Goin' Away", "Mama Says I'm Crazy", "Red Cross Store", "Going Down To The River", "Standing At The Back Door", "What's Going To Become Of Me", "Long Haired Doney", "I Walked All Night Long" and John Henry".

Delta blues, recorded right near their source – an early Mississippi recording by Arhoolie Records – one that captures Mississippi Fred McDowell at his best! Fred's mostly on acoustic guitar, alongside his tremendous vocals – really stretched-out, well-inflected lyrics that could well stand enough on their own – but a few tracks feature a spare electric, sounding almost equally rootsy! Mrs McDowell sings on one track – and titles include "Black Minnie", "Fred's Worried Life Blues", "61 Highway", "I Heard Somebody Call", "My Trouble Blues", and "That's Alright".

Raw North Mississippi blues from Fred McDowell – some of best of the 60s – or any other era! Recorded on portable equipment in 1964 and 1965 sessions in Como and Holy Springs, MS and Berkeley, CA – and capturing the buzz of his guitar and grain in his voice so beautifully! A couple tracks feature a second guitar, and just one has additional voices, allowing McDowell to hook you on his own – and he doesn't let go. Fantastic stuff. Includes "I Ain't Gonna Be Bad No More", "Where Were You", "Do My Baby Ever Think Of Me", "Bull Dog Blues", "Red Cross Store Blues", "You Got To Move", "I Wish I Was In Heaven Sittin Down", "Frisco Lines", "I Looked At The Sun" and more. 12 tracks in all.