Walk Right In (VMP - E142)

While blues scholars debate his age at the time of his passing (some say 107 and others claim 96), one fact is true: In his long life, Gus Cannon altered the evolution of American roots music. But in comparison to his contribution, so few know his name. The album is, in fact, one of the rarest blues albums to ever have existed on vinyl. Its original run of no more than 500 copies was distributed almost entirely in 1963 within the Memphis metro area. It has existed for years in a nether world of rare albums and obscure banjo blues — a genre with an even tinier market today than the already small one back then. The songs here, plus a few appearances on some blues compilations, round out his brief oeuvre. With that unique Venn diagram, Gus Cannon’s music, understandably, wasn’t anyone’s priority for a reissue. Until now.  Walk Right In represents an anomaly in blues albums; it not only captures Gus Cannon’s playing, but also features his running commentary on how he found the songs and what they mean to him. He even tells some jokes. It’s not just a studio album: These 30 minutes capture what it must have sounded like to catch Cannon down on the corner of Beale and Second. This is not just any reissue. It’s an earnest attempt to keep the flame of Gus Cannon’s memory burning into a second century, a chance to extend his legacy just a little bit longer.