Artist:     Leroy Jodie Pierson

Album:     Rusty Nail

Label:     Omnivore

Release Date:     3.22.2019

87

BUY DIGITAL

BUY PHYSICAL

Leroy Jodie Pierson is a co-founder of the esteemed blues and reggae label, Nighthawk Records, but his talent goes way beyond that of a label executive. He is a blues champion as well as a scholar and collector. He’s a promoter, producer and player. He wrote most of the liner notes for his label’s albums, as well as photographed the artists. Now he’s working with Omnivore to revive the Nighthawk label.

In 1988, Pierson, a masterful finger-picking guitarist, released his own album, Rusty Nail, on Nighthawk, and the album has since taken on a rather legendary status. Here it is re-issued on its 30th anniversary with 10 previously unissued tracks. Russell Horneyer played bass and Geoffrey Seitz, an award-winning fiddle maker and player, adds that instrument and drums.

Two of the tunes on Rusty Nail were written by Pierson’s mentor Mississippi Fred McDowell (who thought so much of Pierson he willed his guitar to him). Pierson’s interpretation of “Write Me A Few Lines” makes the CD well worth a listen. The guitar work is exceptional; subtle at first but mind-blowing upon closer listening. Yes, there are plenty of covers; old classics such as “Catfish,” “Roll and Tumble” and “Highway 61.” Gleaning the initial ten tunes from Rusty Nail, Pierson interspersed three originals including the title track. There are ten bonus tracks with two of his originals. The balance owes to folks like McDowell, Rice Miller, Geoff Muldaur, Robert Lockwood Jr., Robert Nighthawk, Sleepy John Estes, and Hank Williams.

Based in St, Louis, Pierson would book major blues shows and, in some cases, opened up for the elder statesman headliner. Unlike many opening acts, audiences appreciated his careful, thoughtful approach and his sets were met with great approval. Pierson studied the craft. He spent considerable time not just with McDowell but with Johnny Shines, Robert Wilkins, and Mance Lipscomb. He spent time with fellow home-towner Henry Townsend (Omnivore is releasing a 2-disc set of Townsend and Roosevelt Sykes, Blues Piano and Guitar, Live 1973 simultaneously with this Pierson release.

Pierson’s unique finger-picked guitar style is characterized by an aggressive rhythmic approach, blending rude bass string snaps and dynamic damping with stinging slide runs and fluid melodic leads played without picks on his vintage Style-O National steel guitar or his modern National Resolectric. His nasal voice is somewhat like another terrific guitarist and musicologist, David Bromberg, Although Pierson’s guitar style is more Delta than Bromberg’s Peidmont, both are extraordinary players with natural feel for blues rhythms and nuances, having sat at the feet of the originators and soaked it all in.

Rather than taking this writer’s endorsement, consider this one from Henry Townsend: “Leroy is really one of the very best bluesmen I’ve ever played with, and I’ve played with most of the greats. Guys like Sonny Boy Williamson, Robert Johnson and Roosevelt Sykes. Leroy is up there with those greats.”

Fans of outstanding finger-picking guitar need to hear this record.

—Jim Hynes