LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

Edward Riley Boyd was born on Frank Moore’s Stovall Plantation near Clarksdale, Mississippi, on November 13, 1914. As a youth, he taught himself how to play piano and guitar, and he worked the jukes joints in and around the Mississippi delta and then moved to Memphis in 1936. In Memphis he often played on Beale Street with his band the Dixie Rhythm Boys. Hoping to record, Boyd left Memphis for Chicago in 1941. There he worked in the city’s blues joints with Johnny Shines, Sonny Boy Williamson and the famous Muddy Waters. Boyd played in the recording studio regularly. In 1952 Eddie achieved his greatest success with ‘Five Long Years’. Another song, ‘24 Hours’, was his next hit and the following song, ‘Third Degree’, became his third hit within a twelve month span. Boyd journeyed to Europe during the “Blues Boom” of the 60’s, which is when this album was recorded - 1967 on the Decca record label - and decided to live permanently in Europe, first in Paris and later in Finland. Musicians playing on this album include the whole Bluesbreakers band, John Mayall, Peter Green, John McVie (Peter and John later known for their involvement with Fleetwood Mac) and Aynsley Dunbar - one of rock’s most definitive drummers having played with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, the Jeff Beck Group, Frank Zappa, and Journey before joining Jefferson Starship for three albums. Other guest appearances include Tony McPhee (guitar, from Groundhogs). Produced by the legendary Mike Vernon, then John Mayall’s producer. Second-hand copies of this album are extremely rare and collectable, commanding prices of £100 (GBP) 1. Too Bad Part 1 2. Dust My Broom 3. Unfair Lovers 4. Key To The Highway 5. Vacation From The Blues 6. Steakhouse Rock 7. Letter Missin’ 8. Ain’t Doin’ Too Bad 9. Blue Coat 10. The Train Is Coming 11. Save Her, 12. Rack ’Em Back 13. Too Bad Part 14. The Big Bell 15. Pinetop’s Boogie 16. Night Time Is The Right Time