Sonny Boy Williamson II – King Biscuit Time (Arhoolie)

 

 

 

 

 

 Sonny Boy Williamson II – King Biscuit Time (Arhoolie) | Classic Blues Album

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arhoolie records 1970    lp 2020

 

 

notes:

Sonny Boy Williamson II – King Biscuit Time (Arhoolie)
Few blues musicians left a legacy as influential as 
Sonny Boy Williamson II (Aleck "Rice" Miller). 
His distinctive harmonica style, expressive vocals, and 
unforgettable radio performances helped shape 
modern electric blues. King Biscuit Time, released by 
Arhoolie Records, preserves some of the finest broadcasts
 from the legendary King Biscuit Time radio show, 
offering listeners an authentic glimpse into 
Arkansas blues during its golden era.
Originally broadcast on KFFA Radio in Helena, Arkansas, 
King Biscuit Time introduced countless listeners to 
Delta blues legends. Sonny Boy Williamson became the 
program's best-known performer, blending traditional 
country blues with a modern, amplified sound that would
 inspire generations of musicians, including Eric Clapton, 
The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, Paul Butterfield, 
and countless blues harmonica players.
The Arhoolie collection captures Williamson at his most relaxed
 and spontaneous. Unlike polished studio recordings, these
 performances reveal the raw energy of live radio, complete
 with his witty introductions, conversational singing style, 
and extraordinary harmonica improvisations.
Musically, King Biscuit Time is rooted in classic Delta blues
 while hinting at the emerging Chicago electric sound. Williamson's
expressive harmonica phrases, rhythmic accompaniment, 
and charismatic vocals make every performance feel intimate and immediate.
For blues collectors, this Arhoolie release is far more than a historical 
document. It preserves performances that might otherwise have 
been lost and remains one of the essential recordings for 
anyone interested in the development of post-war blues.
Today, King Biscuit Time stands as one of the finest collections 
documenting Sonny Boy Williamson II's remarkable talent and the
 enduring influence of the King Biscuit radio broadcasts 
on American blues history.

credits:

Line-up / Musicians

Because King Biscuit Time is a compilation drawn from 
several recording sessions, the personnel varies by session.

Trumpet Records sessions – August 5, 1951

Tracks:

Do It If You Wanna
Cool, Cool Blues
Come On Back Home
Stop Crying
West Memphis Blues
I Cross My Heart
Sonny Boy's Christmas Blues
Pontiac Blues

Personnel

Sonny Boy Williamson II (Aleck "Rice" Miller) – vocals, harmonica
Willie Love – piano
Elmore James – guitar
Joe Willie Wilkins – guitar
Leonard Ware – bass
Unknown – drums

Trumpet Records session – March 12, 1951

Tracks

Eyesight to the Blind
Crazy About You Baby

Personnel

Sonny Boy Williamson II – vocals, harmonica
Willie Love (probably) – piano
Henry Reed – bass
Unknown – guitar
Joe Dison – drums
Trumpet Records session – December 4, 1951

Tracks

Nine Below Zero
Mighty Long Time
She Brought Life Back to the Dead
Stop Now Baby
Mr. Downchild
Too Close Together

Personnel

Sonny Boy Williamson II – vocals, harmonica
Willie Love – piano
Joe Willie Wilkins – guitar
Cliff Bivens (Givens) – bass
broom percussion & bass vocal on "Mighty Long Time"
Unknown – drums
KFFA "King Biscuit Time" radio broadcast – May 1965

Tracks

V-8 Ford
Stormy Monday
Right Now
Come Go With Me

Personnel

Sonny Boy Williamson II – vocals, harmonica
Houston Stackhouse – guitar
James "Peck" Curtis – drums
Sonny Payne – announcer (heard during the broadcast)

Bonus track

Dust My Broom (Elmore James)

Personnel

Elmore James – vocals, guitar
Sonny Boy Williamson II – harmonica
Leonard Ware – bass

Recording Studios
Trumpet Records Sessions (1951)
Trumpet Records Studio
Jackson, Mississippi
Producer: Lillian McMurry
Recorded for Trumpet Records using the original ACA/DRC masters.
KFFA Broadcast (1965)
KFFA Radio Studio
Helena, Arkansas
Recorded live during the daily King Biscuit Time program by Chris Strachwitz, 
preserving one of the last surviving broadcasts featuring Sonny Boy Williamson II.

 tracklist:

A1    Sonny Boy Williamson [II]    Do It If You Wanna    
A2    Sonny Boy Williamson [II]    Cool, Cool Blues    
A3    Sonny Boy Williamson [II]    Come On Back Home    
A4    Sonny Boy Williamson [II]    Stop Crying    
A5    Sonny Boy Williamson [II]    Eyesight To The Blind    
A6    Sonny Boy Williamson [II]    West Memphis Blues    
A7    Sonny Boy Williamson [II]    I Cross My Heart    
A8    Sonny Boy Williamson [II]    Crazy About You Baby    
B1    Sonny Boy Williamson [II]    Nine Below Zero    
B2    Sonny Boy Williamson [II]    Mighty Long Time
B3    Sonny Boy Williamson [II]    She Brought Life Back To The Dead    
B4    Sonny Boy Williamson [II]    Stop Now Baby    
B5    Sonny Boy Williamson [II]    Mr. Downchild    
B6    Sonny Boy Williamson [II]    Sonny Boy's Christmas Blues    
B7    Sonny Boy Williamson [II]    Pontiac Blues    
B8    Sonny Boy Williamson [II]    Too Close Together 

 

 

 

 

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