Best of Seasick Steve: Walking Man

Anyone who likes the traditional Delta blues and especially those who yearn for the authentic sound of this style find themselves chafing at the overly processed sounds and musical pyrotechnics that one hears passed off as the Delta sound.  How refreshing it would be to find someone who has captured the actual flavor of the back porch, hot Mississippi summer with a bottle of cheap wine and a home-made guitar sound.  One such person is 71-year old Steven Gene Wold or “Seasick Steve who after being a day laborer most of his life,  has taken Europe by storm and has a loyal following in the U.S. as well with his no-hold barred, junk-guitar sound. 

This best of CD released by Rhino in 2011 has some of the best of Steve’s numbers including “Cut My Wings,””Walking Man,” “You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks”  “Dark” and the incredible “Banjo Song.”   Explore what a “3-string” and “Diddley bo” sound like.  If you have doubts about Steve, just get on YouTube and listen to the power and intensity of his performances.  I am sure you’ll agree that he has discovered the power of simplicity and the honesty of delivery that will make you want to grab your guitar, get in your car and head for Vicksburg.

About the author: Jack Montgomery is a librarian, author and Professor at Western Kentucky University where he handles bookings for musical acts in University Libraries, Java City coffeehouse. Jack has also been a professional musician since 1969 and performs with a celtic quartet called Watersprite. Visit him at MySpace/shadowdancerjack or on Facebook.