Robert Johnson, the ‘King of the Delta Blues’, only recorded 29 songs, but nevertheless became a cult figure. In his short musical lifetime his talent grew so rapidly that someone once concluded that he must have sold his soul to the devil for it. Robert never denied it and even wrote a song about it, ‘Crossroads Blues’ (me and the devil, hellhound on my trail). It is no surprise that many blues artists all over the world have been inspired by this eccentric man, and this includes Tucker Smallwood. Until recently I only knew him as a film actor. It was news to me that he is also a singer and lover of the blues. Together with Arlen Roth (guitar), Pat Conte (acoustic guitar), T. C. James (keyboard), Jerry Jemmott (bass) and drummer Herb Lovelle they make up the group Possession. Their album, ‘Incarnation – The Songs of Robert Johnson’, is clearly a tribute to Robert Johnson and includes 15 tracks. Many well known songs are included, such as ‘Stones in My Passway’, Phonograph Blues’, ‘Sweet Home Chicago’, and ‘Me and the Devil Blues’. Very beautifully and especially rhythmically performed is the opening tune, ‘Walking Blues’, as well as the up tempo ‘Travelin’ Riverside Blues’. Another notable song is the acoustic version of ‘Crossroads Blues’. Tucker’s voice in combination with the acoustic guitar is very good here. Unfortunately not everything succeeds quite as well. I find ‘Mean Black Spider’ to be a great disappointment. In this song the slide guitar and Tucker’s vocals just don’t measure up. My final opinion of this album: mixed feelings.

Translation by: Amy Crawshaw