Since its inception, Delmark Records has consistently released blues and jazz recordings that are filled with passion and fury, and they usually prove to be timeless. This tradition continues with the first release from the blind street musician from Chicago, Cornell H. Williams aka
the Big DooWopper.
All in the Joy is not only extraordinary in its honesty but also in the high-quality production that went into it. This is not a "field recording" taken live from an "eccentric street performance" but an impressive first release from this vocalist and keyboardist backed by a full rhythm section of guitar, drums, bass, and even strings on one cut. Featuring nine originals and four covers, including a gospel-inspired rendition of
Prince's "Purple Rain" on which
DooWopper overdubs his own complex harmony arrangement. Also included is a five-minute interview with
DooWopper in which his shared insights bring to mind the similar cosmic revelations of
Sun Ra.