Original released on LP Elektra EKL 211
(US, January 1962)
"Empty Bed
Blues" was Josh White's farewell recording for Elektra, the record label that
helped (re)introduce him to the mainstream during the height of the '60s folk
revival. To look at the sexy - and risqué for 1962 - cover, one would think
that half of the tunes, stately renditions of gospel songs, wouldn't be at home
on the album. But considering that the ribald, innuendo-laden first side is
belied by White's silky voice and mellifluous guitar, he almost makes the
juke-joint rave-ups sound like show tunes. Given his role as elder statesmen of
acoustic blues, you'd be forgiven for thinking that White didn't need to be
rediscovered as such, but sadly he did. Although considering this album,
"reinvented" might be a better word. From the man who popularized
"Strange Fruit" - perhaps the saddest, most poignant protest song
ever - one wouldn't necessarily expect such explicit sex songs. Whether it's a
tune like the title track or "Backwater Blues," White reaches back to
the lowdown, alpha-male origins of the blues, but comes off a little too much
like a cabaret entertainer. His playing retains the delicate precision that
found him oft-imitated, and the backing, mostly by just Bill Lee on upright
bass, is always tasteful. Still, it's a mellow set, and one partly done with a
wink - considering it was among the last albums that White made before he
died. It seems too minstrely of an end for someone who's scope and influence on
modern blues can't be overstated. (Alex Stimmel in AllMusic)
