Bracey's complete recorded works (1928-1929) are presented in chronological order on this single disc, with the bonus of four tracks by the elusive Charley Taylor. Since Bracey only recorded a handful of sides, this compilation is far more accessible than most of Document's Complete Recorded Works discs. Furthermore, Bracey was one of the best Delta blues artists of the '20s and his work is consistently engaging. Complete Recorded Works (1928-1929) is the best compilation available on Bracey -- not only does it work as a concise introduction, it has everything completists will need. Cub Koda
Abridged from this album’s original booklet notes. There is something hard and uncompromising about the personality of Ishmon Bracey, something challenging and direct. It is evident in the known photographs of him when he was in his late twenties, staring fixedly at the photographer. In one shot his expression is steady, even sullen; in the more familiar cut from an old Victor catalogue he struggled a mirthless and unfriendly smile. Dressed in a suit, with collar and tie, in each case he was carefully up-to-date. “A rare combination of braggart, entertainer, musician, showman and eventually an ordained minister” is how Gayle Dean Wardlow, who interviewed him many times, chose to describe him in Blues Unlimited (No. 142). By Ishmon Bracey‘s own account to Dave Evans, he was a fighter too, “mixing it” with Saturday night drunks and the jealous lovers who came after his friend Tommy Johnson. Bracey’s blues are an extension of the man but they come it seems, from two basic sources. “Rock, church, rock…” comments Charlie McCoy at one point, and the moaning of the elders on the “mourner’s” bench at the Baptist church of his childhood can be heard coming through his blues stanzas. His delivery is powerful, the singing of a field hand; the holler is never far away. Ishmon synthesised these two contemporary currents in his youthful experience as a singer in a convincing and personal style. With him on the 1928 sessions was Charlie McCoy: “Charlie couldn’t lead. He just seconded” as Bracey explained. But he was a remarkably sensitive “seconder” and the matching of the two guitars is impeccable. On Leavin’ Town Blues the manner in which one guitar echoes the phrase of the other, and then moves into integrated phrasing is a joy to hear. “44 Charley” Taylor a pianist on the session, worked with Bracey in Mississippi. At this last session we hear Bracey unaccompanied and on Woman Woman Blues introducing a hint of Tommy Johnson‘s falsetto. They worked together intermittently for another ten years or so and must have made a formidable team. DOCD-5049
1 Rosie Mae Moore– Stranger Blues
Guitar – Ishman Bracey
Vocals – Rosie Mae Moore
2 Ishman Bracey– Saturday Blues
Guitar – Charlie McCoy
Guitar, Vocals – Ishman Bracey
3 Ishman Bracey– Left Alone Blues
Guitar – Charlie McCoy (
Guitar, Vocals – Ishman Bracey
4 Ishman Bracey– Leavin' Town Blues (Take 1)
Guitar, Mandolin – Charlie McCoy
Guitar, Vocals – Ishman Bracey
5 Ishman Bracey– Leavin' Town Blues (Take 2)
Guitar, Mandolin – Charlie McCoy
Guitar, Vocals – Ishman Bracey
6 Ishman Bracey– Brown Mamma Blues (Take 1)
Guitar, Mandolin – Charlie McCoy
Guitar, Vocals – Ishman Bracey
7 Ishman Bracey– Brown Mamma Blues (Take 2)
Guitar, Mandolin – Charlie McCoy
Guitar, Vocals – Ishman Bracey
8 Ishman Bracey– Trouble Hearted Blues (Take 1)
Guitar – Charlie McCoy
Guitar, Vocals – Ishman Bracey
9 Ishman Bracey– Trouble Hearted Blues (Take 2)
Guitar – Charlie McCoy
Guitar, Vocals – Ishman Bracey
10 Ishman Bracey– The Four Day Blues (Take 1)
Guitar – Charlie McCoy
Guitar, Vocals – Ishman Bracey
11 Ishman Bracey– The Four Day Blues (Take 2)
Guitar – Charlie McCoy
Guitar, Vocals – Ishman Bracey
12 Ishman Bracey And New Orleans Nehi Boys– Jake Liquor Blues
Clarinet – Kid Ernest Michall
Guitar, Vocals – Ishman Bracey
Piano – Charley Taylor
13 Ishman Bracey And New Orleans Nehi Boys– Family Stirving
Clarinet – Kid Ernest Michall
Guitar, Vocals – Ishman Bracey
Piano, Speech – Charley Taylor
14 New Orleans Nehi Boys– Moblie Stomp
Clarinet – Kid Ernest Michall
Guitar, Speech – Ishman Bracey
Piano – Charley Taylor
15 New Orleans Nehi Boys– Farish St. Rag
Clarinet – Kid Ernest Michall
Guitar, Speech – Ishman Bracey
Piano – Charley Taylor
16 Ishman Bracey– Woman Woman Blues
Guitar, Vocals – Ishman Bracey
17 Ishman Bracey– Suitcase Full Of Blues
Guitar, Vocals – Ishman Bracey
18 Ishman Bracey And New Orleans Nehi Boys– Bust Up Blues
Clarinet – Kid Ernest Michall
Guitar, Vocals – Ishman Bracey
Piano – Charley Taylor
19 Ishman Bracey And New Orleans Nehi Boys– Pay Me No Mind
Clarinet – Kid Ernest Michall
Guitar, Vocals – Ishman Bracey
Piano – Charley Taylor
20 Charley Taylor– Heavy Suitcase Blues
Vocals, Piano – Charley Taylor
21 Charley Taylor– Louisiana Bound
Vocals, Piano – Charley Taylor
22 Charley Taylor– Too Damp To Be Wet
Piano – Charley Taylor
Vocals – Ishman Bracey
23 Charley Taylor– Where My Shoes At?
Piano, Speech – Charley Taylor
Speech – Ishman Bracey
