Jesse Thomas, Blues Wizard from Louisiana, Guitar Lesson

On Feb 7, 2023

This week I’m looking at a fascinating, obscure artist, Jesse Thomas (1911-1995). His recording career went from the 20s to the 90s and he had so many unique songs– from “Mountain Key”, “I’m Gonna Write You a Letter”, “Move to California”– where do you start? His music has that other-worldly quality of so much classic pre-war blues, but he was able to transition into the jumpin’ electric swing and stinging leads of early Lowell Fulson with tremendous results as well. I went with “Meet Me Tonight Along the Avenue” because it’s a boogie that’s accessible but still a challenge.
I had the good fortune to see Jesse at the University of Chicago Folk Festival in the early 90s and he turned in a great performance with some kind of guitar synthesizer thing and a drum machine! His last two records, on Black Top and Delmark, are bwell worth hearing too. “Blues is a Feeling” on Delmark features Jodie Christian and John Primer. Thumbnail image of Jesse is from that CD cover (DE 749).
If you have some memories of Jesse Thomas, please share them in the comments– I’d love to hear from you.

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