James Talley - Black Jack Choir / Ain’t It Something (Reissue) (1977/1989)

American country blues and electric blues singer-songwriter, born 9 November 1944.

Twenty-two songs, electric and acoustic, mostly in a bluesy vein, although the gorgeous folk-style ballad "Up from Georgia" is also here. Talley is good with electric backing, but his acoustic country blues ("Magnolia Boy," etc.) sounds fresher and more distinctive. B.B. King puts in a welcome appearance on "Bluesman" to kick off the set, but the rest has a quiet power that's equally appreciated. The main difference between the two bodies of songs (originally off of two separate albums) is the absence of a trio of female backup singers on the last 12 songs from the later session. A solid midtempo country album in a very deep shade of blue.