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Fool Me Good Precious Bryant Terminus Records, 2002
Buy it online
Reviewed by Pamela L. Dow
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"I love the blues because it tells the truth." A statement by Precious Bryant that comes straight from the heart, introducing the liner notes of her first solo release, Fool Me Good. Plenty of truth can be heard on the album's 15 tracks, brimming with exceptional blues originals from this legendary artist. Bryant is one of only a few country blues artists still actively keeping the rural blues sound alive and kickin'. Fool Me Good is a great collection of original country blues tunes that represent an era upon which the genre's foundation firmly took hold. Fool Me Good covers three basic formats, traditional/rural blues, spiritual songs and country blues music, all sprinkled with that Piedmont flavor from the Chattahoochee River Valley area of Georgia. Of the 15 tracks, six are original tunes written by Bryant, five are her personal versions of traditional and spiritual songs, the remaining four are her own take on some classic blues favorites. Music has always played a major role in Bryant's life, it was instrumental in her upbringing. After doing chores and picking cotton with her sisters, Bryant would sit on the porch and closely observe her father playing his guitar. By the age of six, she began playing her father's guitar, when she turned nine, he bought Precious her very own Sears & Roebuck Silvertone guitar. Her father played the fife, banjo, fiddle and the guitar, her uncle played strictly country blues guitar, while her cousins were active in the Georgia Fife and Drum band. Bryant began to perform at her Baptist church, backing her sisters on guitar while they sang in the choir. She went on to perform at parties and talent shows throughout the county, becoming a local favorite. In 1969 George Mitchell, a folklorist out of Atlanta, recorded Bryant's music. He also asked her to perform on a compilation album of artists from the Chattahoochee River Valley area. Over a decade later, Mitchell persuaded Bryant to perform at a local folk festival. This became Bryant's first formal public appearance and she was an instant hit, earning her what would be the beginning of a loyal following of fans all around the state. Bryant went on to play the festival circuit during the 1980s, though she now performs only occasionally at colleges and selected festivals in Georgia. Fool Me Good is a true representation of blues music. Discussing the recording, Bryant says, "I'm really proud of it because it's just me. Years ago I made a record with George Mitchell, but I like this one better because I'm my best now." The album opens with, "Broke And Ain't Got A Dime," Bryant's version of Blind Willie McTell's "Last Dime Blues." Bryant's voice and talented guitar syncopation give this song a genuine roots feel, including a purity to the lyrics. Next is "Black Rat Swing," a one-chord stomp she wrote after listening to a couple of Memphis Minnie records. "Don't You Wanna Jump" and "Wasn't I Scared" were the first two songs she wrote when performing on a regular basis, while in her 20s. She does an exceptional job on, "Georgia Buck" an instrumental ragtime-type song she wrote from listening to her fathers fiddle playing. She also gives an upbeat feel to a couple of familiar standards like "Fever" and "When The Saints Go Marching In." What stands out immediately on Fool Me Good is the
absolute clarity of voice and performance, including the
full warmth of Bryant's inviting rhythms. The production
quality of the album is such that if you close your eyes,
you can swear Bryant is sitting right next to you, giving it
her all. There isn't a bad track to be found on Fool Me
Good; each selection compliments the other with an
infectious blend of down home country blues. Bryant puts her
personal touch on each of these 15 gems, keeping that
traditional/rural sound playing in your head. Whether it's
pick and strum, alternating bass and lead, stomps or rags,
Bryant performs with great technical precision that
originates directly from the heart. Precious Bryant is one
of the country's legendary female blues artists. Fool Me
Good is worthy of her: a traditional blues album that
will be treasured for many generations to come. | August
2002 |
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