This Ain't No Rock N' Roll

Late in his career, legendary country bluesman Mississippi Fred McDowell (1906–1972) would often begin his performances by saying he didn’t “play no rock an’ roll,” playing instead the “natural blues.” Although he was known for his acoustic bottleneck guitar sound, this 1969 recording features McDowell on amplified guitar in two different settings: in a studio environment and at Arhoolie Records founder Chris Strachwitz’s house. In both sessions, McDowell amply demonstrates that the “natural blues” can be played on an amplified guitar.

Track Listing

101	My Baby	Fred McDowell	02:33
102	Levee Camp Blues	Fred McDowell	05:34
103	When the Saints Go Marching In	Fred McDowell	03:11
104	Diamond Ring	Fred McDowell	04:26
105	Dankin's Farm	Fred McDowell	03:28
106	You Ain't Treatin' Me Right	Fred McDowell	02:49
107	Ethel Mae Blues	Fred McDowell	05:29
108	Meet Me Down in Froggy Bottom	Fred McDowell	03:41
109	Mama Said I'm Crazy	Fred McDowell	06:01
110	I Heard Somebody Calling Me	Fred McDowell	05:56
111	Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning	Fred McDowell	03:58
112	I Wonder What Have I Done Wrong	Fred McDowell	04:26
113	I Worked Old Lu and I Worked Old Bess	Fred McDowell	05:32
114	Jim, Steam Killed Lula	Fred McDowell	04:13
115	Worried Now, Won't Be Worried Long	Fred McDowell	03:08
116	Going Away, Won't Be Gone Long	Fred McDowell	03:29
117	Going Down that Gravel Bottom	Fred McDowell	04:32
118	Bye, Bye Little Girl	Fred McDowell	04:17