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 Water'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 downhome. A truly great record of blues that anyone into Muddy, the Wolf or others will dig. My choice for album of the month.
I received a review copy from a record distributor. This LP had limited release and is extremely rare. I do not believe it was ever reissued. The review originally appeared in the June 1978 Buffalo Jazz Report (Issue 52). I am not aware of many other reviews of this recording. Here is "Mr. Downchild" from this album.
Proper blues, that.
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