Koerner, Ray & Glover – (Lots More) Blues, Rags And Hollers
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Posted On July 1, 1999
A trio of Minnesotans steeped in the country blues tradition, Koerner, Ray & Glover emerged as one of the best and most popular groups on the burgeoning ’60s blues-folk revival scene. “Spider” John Koerner, Dave “Snaker” Ray and Tony “Little Sun” Glover recorded five highly influential albums for the Elektra label before going their separate ways.
Long out of print, this expanded reissue returns to circulation the group’s second album (originally released in 1964), which mixes energetic interpretations of tunes by blues legends such as Lead Belly, Bukka White and Muddy Waters with original compositions that stand up next to the classics.
Fine acoustic instrumentalists and soulful singers, Koerner, Ray & Glover maintained a deep respect for tradition without falling into the trap of becoming slavish imitators. Like Bob Dylan, their Minnesota pal and fellow early ’60s folk-blues enthusiast, they combined a deep knowledge of the blues idiom with a sense of humor and irreverence that was absent from the work of many of their much-too-serious contemporaries.
Thirty-five years down the road, the blues music of Koerner, Ray & Glover still sounds fresh and exciting. As good as Lead Belly? Of course not. But still pretty damn good. Authentic? Who cares?
