Jazz Gillum Vol. 4 1946-1949

The fourth and final Document volume that reissues all of Jazz Gillum’s recordings (other than his first two lost numbers and a later Lp) finds the singer and harmonica player performing in a style unchanged from the late 1930s even as the music world changed around him. He still sounded quite enthusiastic during this last batch of goodtime and lowdown blues, and the backup groups (with either Big Maceo, James Clark, Eddie Boyd or Bob Call on piano and the talented guitarist Willie Lacy being a major asset) are excellent. Highlights include “Roll Dem Bones,” “You Got To Run Me Down,” “Signifying Woman,” “The Devil Blues” and “Gonna Be Some Shooting.” – Scott Yanow