I Got Wild

is an appropriate title for these sessions. While not a consummate musician, made due with a nine-string guitar he built from an old six-string that was falling apart. His lyrics are heartfelt, but sometimes brutal. was known to wander, disappearing for long periods of time, with a penchant for getting into trouble usually fueled by alcohol. These 16 tracks, a combination of originals and traditional material, highlighted by studio talk and a short interview, reflect the man's rough side but also captures his gregarious nature when flanked by a few friends. plays bass on three tunes from the Chicago dates. The tracks were recorded in St. Louis during February 1958 and in Chicago during July 1961. By the way, 's guitar is available for closer inspection at Koester's Jazz Record Mart in Chicago, where it is displayed proudly. ~ Al Campbell