Skip James
Today!

Skip James, was one of the most illustrious and influential figures in the history of blues, a monument to be contemplated, an icon to be revered by many blues guitarists from Robert Johnson to John Fahey, a legend to be rediscovered by a whole generation that in the '60s dove into the delta blues tradition of the early century (even Eric Clapton's Cream covered “I’m So Glad”).

It was indeed in the '60s that Skip James enjoyed a second season of “success,” he also participated in the Newport folk festival, where everyone regarded him as an alien (he was!), and it is precisely thanks to this that many roughly recorded materials, let's say, were remastered and officially released.
"Today”, is one of these records, the sound of Skip's acoustic guitar comes through as clean and clear as never before. “Today” is an extraordinary album, extraordinary in its disarming simplicity. The record revolves mainly around Skip and his faithful guitar; voice and guitar, like almost all blues records of the early century, with the exception of “All Night Long” and “How long” (where he resembles Ray Charles), where he accompanies himself with the piano.

The album reveals a guitarist capable of constructing with his unique fingerpicking heartbreaking yet sweet arpeggios and harmonies at the same time. Another trademark, the unmistakable, surreal, inimitable falsetto, from which a visceral and genuine approach to music shines through, something I increasingly rarely hear, securing him a spot among the blues legends.
If “Special Rider Blues”, “Washington D.C. Hospital Center Blues” and “Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues” are classic melancholic and sad blues tracks, there is also room for lightness and carefreeness with “Crow Jane” and “Drunken Spree”.

In short, an album I truly recommend to all music lovers, not just blues enthusiasts…

"If I learned something from someone, I immediately forgot it, no one plays the guitar like I do and if there is someone, I haven't heard it: after all, there is nothing to teach; you either have the blues, or you don't”.