Homesick James Williamson Albums (11)
'Shake Your Money Maker'
Release Date 1/1/2007
Tracks 10
Label Blue Label
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What The Critics Say
Originally recorded for Pete Lowry's Trix label back in 1974 and 1975, here's Homesick's acoustic album. While his timing (or lack of it) is still firmly in place, it somehow makes these tracks work all the better, keeping a loose time and making the tunes come alive. His voice is unbelievably strong and engaged on the tracks, and as Homesick James sessions go, this is one of his very best. Highly recommended. ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide
'Last of the Broomdusters'
Release Date 4/14/1998
Tracks 11
Label Fedora
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What The Critics Say
Although not a marquee superstar like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, or even a cult favorite like Magic Sam, Homesick James Williamson has nevertheless forged an impressive career spanning better than eight decades. Unlike a lot of his more prolific contemporaries, Williamson hasn't had a slew of titles released by numerous labels, making the task of finding a Homesick James album (new or used) a daunting search for excellence. On the other hand, since Williamson's hitmaking days were during the '50s, when a label does release one of the artist's latter-day recordings, it's usually a welcome labor of love. Such is the case with Got to Move, an album literally rescued from the dustbin of history and digitally restored for the CD era. Reminiscent of the old wax cylinder days when bluesmen would record their sides in a single day, Got to Move captures a spirited session from February 3, 1994. Fronting a band that includes pianist Jeff Levine, bassist Joe Rosato, and guitarist Ron Thompson, Williamson runs through 13 inspired performances, reworking some choice old material and ranging stylistically from Piedmont country blues to reckless boogie and Chicago blues. Aside from Levine's lively runs on the ivories, the band mostly sits back and lets Williamson do his thing, swinging a mean axe as one of the most underrated slide guitarists in the blues. "Can't Afford to Do It" is a spry shuffle based on an antique Memphis tune while "Mr. Pawnshop Man (Three Ball Blues)" is a Delta-flavored delight. Williamson revisits a pair of his alleged cousin and former partner Elmore James' tunes, breathing new life into the classic "Got to Move" while the entire band rocks the house with the instrumental "Hawaiian Boogie." Williamson builds a fine showcase for his slice-and-dice slide technique with "Homesick's Woman," a foot-stomping rocker with barrelhouse piano courtesy of Levine. Got to Move is a solid collection from one of the unsung heroes of the blues, and a perfect introduction to the talents of Homesick James. Originally released in 1995 by Trix Records, Got to Move was reissued by 32 Blues in 1999. ~ Rev. Keith A. Gordon, All Music Guide
'Goin' Back in the Times'
Release Date 5/16/1994
Tracks 12
Label Earwig
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What The Critics Say
A credible, reflective return to the slide guitar veteran's country blues days. ~ Bill Dahl, All Music Guide
'Sweet Home Tennessee'
Release Date 12/2/1993
Tracks 9
Label Appaloosa
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'Home Sweet Homesick James'
Release Date 1/1/1976
Tracks 12
Label Big Bear
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