A budget compilation of
Witherspoon's early years, this material has been subjected to many collections, but rarely has it received the thoughtfulness of track selection exhibited here. Most fans consider
Witherspoon's early sides with
Jay McShann to be a pinnacle of the artist's career, and listening to these selections, from "Confessin' the Blues" to "Big Fine Girl," it's hard to disagree.
Witherspoon's style is already evolving, and by the end of these sessions he emerges as a confident and powerful singer.
Gone With the Blues is as good an introduction as any to this material, and it's a necessary purchase to any new fan not yet familiar with this material.