Jimmy recorded and released 139
tracks for the VeeJay Label from 1953 to 1965, and had more hit
records than any other blues artist in the history of recorded
music, with the exception of B.B.King. Considering that group includes
artists like Muddy Waters, Little Walter, John Lee Hooker, Howlin'
Wolf, Robert Johnson et.al., this was quite an accomplishment.
Maybe not so, ironically Jimmy
is rarely included in a list of TOP Blues Performers. That's okay,
cuz the truth is….Jimmy wasn't the most talented guitarist or harpist…..or
even vocalist. We know that!
We insist, however, that any music
that was so approachable and so digestible by the CONSUMER in the
1950's and 1960's be given the respect due, along with the artist
that created it. We also wonder how transient the approachability
factor of the music is to the 21st Century. When we listen to
it, it sounds fresh. It's still approachable to us. (See Jimmy
Reeds Music for more analysis and history.)
During our recent gigs, much of
the feedback tells us that many of the songs hold up. Of course
we're still progressing. (See The Joe Hendricks Experience and
Odds and Ends )
We have transcribed 120 of the tracks
and we are currently performing more than half the catalogue.
In the following discography, the
songs are color coded as follows:
Green – Currently
being performed by the Joe Hendricks Experience
If you click on any of these songs,
you will probably be linked to more information about the song
and, perhaps an audio clip of either Jimmy's version or the Joe
Hendricks interpretation. If nothing happens, we haven't done any
web work with the tune. Eventually all the links will provide more
info.
Yellow – Instrumental
These songs often demonstrate the
ability that Jimmy had with the harp --- and generally feature
Eddie Taylor's guitar work. There are some real gems in this category.
We particularly like Odds and Ends and State Street
Boogie , which feature some Remo Biondi violin work. A clip
from Odds and Ends plays when you click the odds and
ends link. Check it out. This is the section of the website that
highlights new thoughts and developments for the Joe Hendricks
Experience. Our journal.
Red – Having
been transcribed, but not having yet been performed. These will
all eventually be added to the Green Category or will remain in
the Red Zone. The amazing thing about this discography is that,
in our opinion, virtually every song is worth a listen.
A few are great. A couple are, well, stinkers,
but most are very good and just easy to listen to; I suppose as
Jimmy intended.
The current version of Windows Media Player is required to listen
to the music clips
* Multi-track recordings (recorded in more than one session,
adding additional instruments.)
All other recordings are in real time and reflect the sound
of the Joe Hendricks Experience live.
