Review

Three Shades of Blues comprises a selection of tracks cut by Bukka White, Skip James, and Blind Willie McTell, all recorded during different eras. James's tracks were made in 1964, the first he cut since 1931. James fares the worst -- he sounds unsure of himself and several of the songs are painful to listen to. The five White tracks were recorded in 1974, after he was released from prison; while his voice does sound worn, they're fascinating historical items. McTell's recordings are taken from the last commerical sessions he made in 1949, and they're more than historical curiosities -- he sounds as haunted and powerful as he ever has.