Charley Patton, one of the earliest blues greats, recorded this track on his first session for Paramount. His music was a huge influence on a great many blues musicians - particularly Robert Johnson, in whose music elements of Patton's style can easily be detected. On this track Patton's relaxed vocals contrast with the intricacy of his striking guitar playing, which undergoes constant shifts in tempo, rhythm and metre throughout the song. Played in an open G tuning, the song also features the percussive effects of a descending bass figure and Patton slapping the guitar body as he plays. Paramount issued the first pressing of 'Screamin' And Hollerin' The Blues' (10,000 copies) under the pseudonym 'The Masked Marvel'; any listener who correctly identified Patton as the artist was entitled to a free record of their choice.

Links

http://www.mustrad.org.uk/reviews/patton.htm
In-depth discussion of Patton's work on an extensive box set.

http://www.thebluehighway.com/
Useful blues resource, with essays, radio, links, photos and blues chat.

http://www.rootsandrhythm.com/
International US-based mail order record catalogue, specializing in roots music.

http://www.jazznblues.co.uk/
UK-based jazz and blues record specialists.