Memphis Slim and the Honky-Tonk Sound

The raucous rhythms of Memphis Slim’s honky-tonk, boogie, and blues piano are accompanied by both exuberant and somber storytelling and singing. Singing of love, whiskey, and railroads, Slim delivers both original and traditional songs on this one-take recording session with Folkways Records founder Moses Asch. Producer Charles Edward Smiths asserts that while the genre can be simplistic and deadly earnest, Slim brings a taste and distinction which makes for a memorable record. Liner notes include a biographical and musical essay by Smith and song lyrics.