Blind Arthur’s Breakdown
CD Yazoo 2058
The mysterious Blind Blake had a recording career with Paramount Records for six years between 1926 and 1932. “Mysterious” because nothing is known about the dates and places of his birth and death, and not much about where he actually performed. All we have is the records that are quite many; instrumentals, singing with his own guitar and accompanying others.
He is easily recognizable because of his qualities of advanced technique, his controlled tone and secure rhythm which makes him something in between a blues artist and a jazz performer. His instrumentals in ragtime style influenced other guitarists as Gary Davies and Big Bill Broonzy.
In this tune from 1929 he has a light touch, going through different keys. Arthur was his real name.