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I was among the few who bought one of the 100 copies of Charlie Sayle's 'Dusty Road' album that reached England in the late 70s. Of course he went onto my 'must tour' list. At the time I was rolling around the country six or seven times a year with such greats as Lowell Fulson, Phil Guy, Lefty Dizz, Louisiana Red and many others (all gone now, I think). So when Charlie finally materialised I was amazed to find that this apparently rough-edged, street-playing bluesman was a quietly spoken nice man. As a bonus he had a bass playing wife who was taking care of business in a way that would have put many blues professionals to shame... When Charlie and Kerry arrived in England I thought this was the perfect package for touring. Charlie with just about the best blues harmonica technique and startlingly original musical ideas and Kerry with her bass playing perfectly attuned to Charlie but also giving the show that rarity in the blues world... sex appeal. Sadly, that combination of talents only lasted for the one tour so that was that... But before they came to England for the tour I had arranged for them to cut this album in a US studio with their current musicians. And what an album - all new songs from Charlie - and he has a way with words that matches his harmonica playing and singing talents - with a tough little blues band who knew his music inside out and also the second harmonica of Larry Wise which added a twist to things. This is the complete album session with every track included. For me as a label owner it's one of the most frustrating type of albums - a highly original album by an artist few people have heard of - frustrating! But Charlie is still on the scene in Washington DC, he's playing and working with some good people and getting back on the festival circuit where he deserves to be. This album, and its follow-up produced by Bobby Parker will be important chapters in Charlie's career but that career is by no means over.JOHN STEDMAN