Roosevelt Sykes

Late in life, Arkansas-born pianist Roosevelt Sykes (1906-1983) had a remarkable comeback, performing at music festivals and participating in numerous up-to-date recording projects. Sixteen tracks recorded at the session that took place on September 17, 1975 have been reissued many times on a surprising number of labels under the same title of Music Is My Business. In 2003 Netherland's Corazong label brought out a straight reissue -- same cover art and everything -- of the 1996 Blues Alliance edition, which was also replicated in 1999 by Charly records albeit with a different picture of Sykes on the cover. The grand old blues and boogie pianist is heard performing solo (always a treat!), in the company of guitarists Johnny Shines and Louisiana Red, and harmonica handler Sugar Blue. Roosevelt Sykes is always worth experiencing. Go ahead and locate a copy of this album -- you have lots of editions to choose from, including those issued by Blues Alliance, Blue Labor, Tomato, Rhino, Epm Musique, Other People's Music, Charly, and Corazong. ~ arwulf arwulf, All Music Guide