Reviewed by Tony May

Riddle was an old time black Pentecostal whose innovative vocal and guitar style influenced pioneers of white country music such as the Carter Family. This recording brings Riddle's music to our ears for the first time, even though Mike Seeger (of New Lost City Rambles fame) recorded these 14 tracks from 1963-78. Mostly solo work, the programme includes delightful renditions of spirituals such as "I'm Working On A Building", "If You See My Saviour" and the title track, classic songs like "Titanic" and "Motherless Children", with some wonderful blues numbers, eg, "Broke And Weary Blues" and Charlie Nelson's "Red River Blues". All beautiful material, performed in a gentle, friendly style that's utterly captivating. Here's your chance to hear one of the great 'unknowns' whose influence stretched far beyond recognition or reward. Timeless music, one of my favourite new friends of '93.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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