Vol. 1 - I'm Blue As A Man Can Be

Bluesman Robert Pete Williams’ life was the stuff of legend. Serving a life sentence at the Louisiana State Penitentiary for murder, Williams was discovered by ethnomusicologist Dr. Harry Oster. Oster was at the prison recording the music sung by the inmates and was taken by Williams’ highly personal and improvisational yet complex musical style. Eventually pardoned, Williams was able to tour and performed at music events in the United States and Europe. This collection, compiled by Chris Strachwitz and Dr. Oster, features songs recorded at the penitentiary in 1959 and 1960, including “Pardon Denied Again.” When a Man Takes the Blues (ARH00395) is the companion recording to this album.
Track Listing
101
|
Pardon Denied Again | Robert Pete Williams | 4:46 | |
102
|
This Wild Old Life | Robert Pete Williams | 4:21 | |
103
|
Just Tippin' In | Robert Pete Williams | 4:00 | |
104
|
Louise | Robert Pete Williams | 4:26 | |
105
|
Church on Fire | Robert Pete Williams | 2:58 | |
106
|
Texas Blues | Robert Pete Williams | 5:10 | |
107
|
I'm Blue as a Man Can Be | Robert Pete Williams | 5:23 | |
108
|
Up and Down Blues | Robert Pete Williams | 6:04 | |
109
|
So Much is Happenin' in This Wicked World | Robert Pete Williams | 4:11 | |
110
|
Come Here Baby | Robert Pete Williams | 2:03 | |
111
|
Levee Camp Blues | Robert Pete Williams | 7:00 | |
112
|
Two Wings | Robert Pete Williams | 3:45 | |
113
|
Angola Special | Robert Pete Williams | 4:09 | |
114
|
Motherless Children Have A Hard Time | Robert Pete Williams | 5:23 | |
115
|
Please Lord, Help Me on My Way | Robert Pete Williams | 4:02 |