The Truman and Eisenhower Blues

Van Rijn has spread his net wide and has clearly listened to almost every blues and gospel record that has any political content. His method is to sketch in the political context of an issue and then illustrate black responses by quoting (usually complete) blues and gospel lyrics, followed by his own analysis. The method works well and has the additional advantage of providing an important source book for lyrics of the period. The book is generously illustrated with 78 and EP roundels. The Truman Eisenhower Blues comes with a full scholarly apparatus but it is also highly readable and is a model of what blues research should be. - Juke Blues Magazine, 6/04 -- John Barnie Compiler Guido van Rijn has done a superb job, with assistance from Dr. David Evans, Gerry Robs, and experts who provided rare 78s and 45s for transfer. -Blues Revue Magazine, June/July 2004 There are only 11 documented blues and gospel recordings from the Truman period that deal with civil rights, and Van Rijn has tracked them all down. The book's second labour is the author's painstaking materialist focus on transcribing the lyrics and tracking down the exact references in these highly elusive song forms. -The Wire, 5/1/04 [M]any of the lyrics are startling in their poetical insight and drama...Sharply original and inspiring-history through the blues and it makes for an exciting and provocative way to learn it. -Morning Star, 5/5/04 Van Rijn's treatment is so comprehensive that, at the end of every chapter, he lists every song he has not considered in detail - and then the songs he has not been able to track down, only about two per chapter...[T]here are plenty of lyrics that provide fascination commentaries on America politics. -Jazz Rag, 2004 The book's strength lies in giving the fully transcribed lyrics center stage in an academic analysis that falls short of being an exhaustive study...[F]or the serious scholar, this well-researched book will shed new light on treasured original material. -Record Collector, 2004 One gets the sense that Van Rijn had a ball writing the book, or maybe he's one of those rare good writers obsessed by detail.... This is a book much larger than its ostensible subject matter, though that is so very enjoyable. As such, it rates shelf space in the libraries of readers fascinated by American and African American history, civil rights, and even topical songwriting! Definitely recommended. -Sing Out! Winter 2005 Copious footnotes, photographs, and political cartoons enhance this slim, yet remarkable sequel. Highly recommended. -Choice, January 2005 ... an invaluable key to understanding this group which otherwise seems inarticulate, inscrutable, or threatening. These songs not only provide insight into another social world, but they entertain and please the ear with their artistry. Unitentionally perhaps, they bridge some of the great social and racial divides that America has created, as well as providing spiritual and artistic nourishment for the victims of these divides . David Evans, University of Memphis, from the Foreword. * Blurb from reviewer *