Worried Blues
Together with 1963'sAvalon Blues(as opposed to thesimilarly titledcompendium of 1928 recordings),Worried Bluesrepresents the best of Mississippi John Hurt's later work, following his rediscovery in the early 1960s. As much a folk musician as a bluesman, Hurt included traditional and devotional music as well as blues in his oeuvre. His wide-ranging repertoire here is highlighted by "Farther Along" and "Oh Mary, Don't You Weep." Accompanied only by his guitar, Hurt is a compelling, engaging performer who eschews gimmickry. The ease with which he plays creates a peacefulness at the center of this music that's undeniably appealing.--Genevieve Williams