Homesick James died in mid-December. At 96, he was the oldest living blues musician. His long career led him through the south in the 1930s in the company of greats such as Blind Boy Fuller and Sleepy John Estes. In the post-war years, he was one of the major figures in Chicago blues. For a while, he was a member of his cousin Elmore James's band The Broomdusters, playing second guitar and bass. When Elmore James died young in 1963, Homesick became the keeper of the flame for his high-energy slide guitar style, recording one of the 1960's best blues albums ("Blues On The South Side") and taking part in the influential series "Chicago: The Blues Today." He enjoyed great popularity in Europe where he made a number of recordings with his friend harmonica player Snooky Pryor, who also died last year. This program also includes a track from the great conga player and band leader Ray Barretto's final album. Barretto died last February. The pianist on the album, Hilton Ruiz, also passed away last year, following a fall in New Orleans. This show also includes some "acid jazz" from Rusty Bryant and more.

Homesick James died in mid-December. At 96, he was the oldest living blues musician. His long career led him through the south in the 1930s in the company of greats such as Blind Boy Fuller and Sleepy John Estes. In the post-war years, he was one of the major figures in Chicago blues. For a while, he was a member of his cousin Elmore James's band The Broomdusters, playing second guitar and bass. When Elmore James died young in 1963, Homesick became the keeper of the flame for his high-energy slide guitar style, recording one of the 1960's best blues albums ("Blues On The South Side") and taking part in the influential series "Chicago: The Blues Today." He enjoyed great popularity in Europe where he made a number of recordings with his friend harmonica player Snooky Pryor, who also died last year. This program also includes a track from the great conga player and band leader Ray Barretto's final album. Barretto died last February. The pianist on the album, Hilton Ruiz, also passed away last year, following a fall in New Orleans. This show also includes some "acid jazz" from Rusty Bryant and more.