Joe Willie Wilkins & His King Biscuit Boys

 

Going back over issues of the Buffalo Jazz Report, which I wrote for in the mid to late 1970s, I came across the following review of the only full album issued under the late Joe Willie Wilkins' name. This recording unfortunately had limited release and even reviewer's copies are prized collector's items. I received a review copy from the distributor. This review appeared in the June 1978 issue (#52).

When I first put on Joe Willie Wilkins & His King Biscuit Boys (Adamo ADS 9507) I received a jolt. The opening "Mr. Downchild" and "Muddy Walter's "Sad Letter" (a great version) had all the power of Muddy's great recordings from the early fifties . Wilkins was Robert Lockwood's .successor as Sonny Boy Williamson's accompanist on the famed King Biscuit Time radio program. This album is his first lengthy exposure on wax and if there are occasional bum notes from the assorted accompanists don't let that deter you. Also, much of this album is from a live performance and if the sound isn't perfect, the music is funky and down home. A truly great record of blues that anyone into Muddy, the Wolf or others will dig. My choice for album of the month.

Here is "Mr. Downchild" from another live recording.