South Australian Roots & Blues Society

Jessie Mae Hemphill & Friends: Dare You to Do it Again by David Stoeckel

If you saw Martin Scorsese's film "Gangs of New York" you will surely remember the chilling drum and fife band marching through the Five Points catacombes summoning the "dead rabbits" to do battle against the "nativists". This album opens with a rousing drum and fife band that summons you to marshal behind a banner that proudly reads "The Jessie Mae Hemphill Foundation". Buy this CD and you support a cause that gives north Mississippi hill country blues musicians like Hemphill the recognition and reward they deserve.

If you caught one of Molten Mike's gigs back in November you will remember his homage to Jessie Mae. His version of Hemphill's "Nobody's fault but mine" was the highlight of his show for me. He talked affectionately of Jessie Mae with her slay bells sewn on cuffs and sleeves that accompanied her boogie guitar playing.

This is one banner that you should marshal behind. Yes brothers and sisters heed the call! Get this CD and you will be able to join Jessie Mae and friends in this Juke Joint Jam. Yes folks it's a cool clear spring night just outside of Como County Mississipppi and we are gathered in this old potato barn to ..."get it on!". Some of North Mississippi's best roots musicians are here to celebrate the musical achievements of non other than Jessie Mae herself. Now don't let that six shooter ominously poised on her thigh put you off! This is a gregarious gathering and all blues and roots enthusiasts are more than welcome. The band is warming up, the field recording is set to go ...you wouldn't want to miss this would you? ...Jessie Mae dares to do it again ... dare you to join her!