Honeyboy Edwards
Roamin’ and Ramblin’
Earwig Music – 4953
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David “Honeyboy” Edwards, is in the vicinity of 94 years old and his music is as vibrant and alive today as it was 50 years ago. Having seen him on his 90th birthday, though he may need some help getting up steps, please be assured he is as sharp mentally as can be, and when he opens his mouth to sing, you know you are in the presence of someone who has lived his life. There is grittiness and an edge to his music that comes from time and not playing in an open tuning, this promotes a dissonance, particularly when playing slide that adds to the tone of his music. He harkens back to have learned from, and played with the masters such as Robert Johnson, Charlie Patton, and Big Joe Williams.
This collection was recorded over a number of years going back to The Army Blues and Freight Train Tale, which were recorded in 1942 and a couple of tracks in the mid 1970s, including a couple with Walter Horton, and one with Sugar Blue. Most of it was recorded in 2007, some of it solo and some with various people such as
Bobby Rush and Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith sitting in. It doesn’t matter, solo or with others, he has the presence to take the show and elevate the level of the music. His guitar style and vocals dominate the disc as well they should. There are a couple or three conversations here with various people showing where he has been and they don’t disrupt the flow at all. He is one of the last of the authentic blues performers still going, don’t miss seeing him if you get the opportunity, as every song becomes a rare treasure in his skillful way. He performs with a striking intensity that has to be seen to be appreciated, and this disc captures all of it.