Rollin' and Tumblin': The Postwar Blues Guitarists

Blues music is a highly-codified deep poetry designed to be sung in front of both blacks and whites but only truly understood by blacks. Ask about Sonny Boy's "Fattenin' Frogs For Snakes" and Southern whites will start talking about frogs and snakes; blacks recognize that this is about working and not getting paid or buying a dress for a woman who goes off with another man. This book is one of a few blues books that lets the blues poets tell their story, much of which is between he lines of their stories and their songs. Read it closely and you will begin to understand what it was to be a black in the Mississippi Delta or Chicago in the 1930s through the 1960s. Then you will find parallels with today's world that will change you forever. Jas Obrecht's book has the wisdom to allow the interviewees the dignity to speak in their own words and dialect with minimal editing. This is a major book on life ... and the blues.

An outstanding collection of interviews and profiles of some of the most interesting musicians one is likely to come across. The interviewers consistently ask brilliant questions, and get candid and colorful responses. A vivid portrait of the life and times of the modern blues musician, "Rollin' and Tumblin'" tells stories and shares musical insights that give the reader an uncommon peek into what makes the blues such a vibrant and earthy art.

Rollin' and Tumblin' a look at the postwar blues guitarists edited by Jas Obrecht takes a personal look at the many men who pioneered electric blues and had a profound effect on rock and roll and pop music as we know it today. Many of these gentlemen are largely unsung guitar heroes today. The book provides a wonderful look at their varied and interesting lives and the humanity that they displayed in the past and some continue to display today.The book provides a close look at the lives of many bluesmen, some of whom have learned the secrets of staying power and longevity and some of whom lived quick hard lives. While reading the book you feel as if you are getting to know some of these people. Some of them are arrogant and cantankerous and some appear to be genuine kind people. whatever their personalities, there love for the music which they have dedicated their lives to comes through and makes me glad that I am able to listen to it and appreciate it.

Rollin and Tumblin celebrates the lives and music of blues guitarists, providing a new collection of blues guitarist interviews and profiles in a fine survey of postwar blues legends. This focuses on over 20 players who have had an impact on the genre and includes interviews, biographical sketches and profiles. Highly recommended.