When I started to get interested in blues, a friend gave me a Robert Johnson record. It was a couple of years before I finally sat down and listened to the music that was under the poor recording (by modern standards), scratches, etc. But man, oh man, it was sure worth the effort. Now, Tampa Red and Georgia Tom singing Tight Like That, Big Bill doing Glory of Love, early John Hurt, Scrapper Blackwell, oh the list goes on...they all bring me such joy to hear. Yeah, all the fancy licks weren't there, but if you make the effort to really hear (translation: feel) the music, you will be amazed. Take John Hurt. His music sounds so simple, but the subtleties are astounding. Not any licks learned in theory class or anywhere else. Just pure heart in every note.

I suggest listening to Joseph Spence - the subject of recent threads. To the casual ear, it sounds awful (the word used by several people when I have played his records). There was more music in his right hand than any 10 players I could name today. A good place to start is his "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town."

When I listen to old recordings, I try to picture the faces of the singers. If you get videos of the old stuff, it helps, but, frankly, the imagination works just fine. Don't try to listen to the music while you are doing anything else at first. Just relax and let it fill you. Believe me, you will know when you find it.

dw