Scrapper Blackwell
Born as Francis Hillman "Scrapper" Blackwell on February 21, 1903 in Syracuse, North Carolina. He died on October 7, 1962 as a result of a crime. He was an American Blues guitarist and singer. At the age of 6 he made a cigar box and the neck of a mandolin. From the late 1920s to the early 1930s he formed a duo with Leroy Carr. Leroy died in 1935. The death of his partner had a huge impact on Scrapper. At least 20 years after the death of his partner he lived in a dilapidated house next to a hospital and worked at a company that produced asphalt. He rarely made music.

Mr Scrapper Blues
The special thing about this LP is that the 10 titles are all first releases since 1935. The recordings date from 1961 and the original tapes were used. There is also a warning from the producer that the age of the recordings can be heard on some titles. It is in the recording and not in the pressing of the LP. 10 great blues experiences with a voice that was born for the blues supported by virtuoso guitar playing. My favorites are Shady Lane and Little boy blue.

Rating
Given the age of the original tapes, the mastering by Matthew Lutthans of The Mastering Lab at Blue Heaven Studios and the pressing at QRP is quite successful. It is not an audiophile recording. The sound and quality are consistent with a recording from 1961. From a historical perspective, a must from this underrated artist.

Normal LP

Trackinglist

Side A
1. Goin' where the Monon crosses the Yellow Dog
2. Nobody knows you when you're down and out
3. "A" Blues
4. Little girl blues
5. George street blues

Side B
1. Blues before sunrise
2. Little boy blue
3. "E " Blues
4. Shady Lane
5. Penal farm blues