Description
Drink Small – Titel – Vinyl Record
Drink Small, known as the ‘Blues Doctor,’ is a legendary American blues and gospel musician, celebrated for his powerful, soulful voice, skilled guitar work, and witty, often humorous lyrics. Drink Small has been a key figure in the Piedmont blues tradition and is known for blending blues with gospel, creating a distinct sound that reflects both his Southern roots and his versatility as a musician.
The breadth of Drink Small’s repertoire is fascinating in itself, but what’s even more impressive is his depth as a performer in any of his chosen genres. His records may suddenly shift from a solo acoustic blues-guitar track to a smooth soul ballad with horns to who-knows-what, yet Small never seems to be caught out of place. He can be gruff and rough, clean and modern, or light and bouncy, altering his voice and guitar to suit the mood. Rated one of America’s top gospel guitarists before he turned to blues in the late ’50s, the South Carolina ‘Blues Doctor’ for years had only one 45 on the market (Sharp, 1959). His discography has recently begun to grow considerably, finally revealing the extent of his songwriting and performing talents.
Drink Small is heavily influenced by the Piedmont blues style, which is characterized by fingerpicking guitar techniques and an upbeat, rhythmic feel. His music often blends elements of traditional blues with gospel and soul, reflecting his deep connection to both sacred and secular music traditions. Drink Small is known for his rich, gravelly voice, which lends a powerful, emotional depth to his performances. His lyrics often contain humor and clever wordplay, giving his songs a unique charm while still addressing themes like love, struggle, and redemption.
This live album showcases Drink Small’s talent for storytelling and crowd engagement, featuring humorous and heartfelt performances. The album highlights his blues prowess, especially on tracks where his guitar work and vocal delivery are at their most expressive. On this album, Drink Small combines his traditional blues sound with electric guitar, bringing a more modern edge to his music while retaining the authentic Southern blues feel.
Drink Small often uses humor in his songs, drawing on everyday experiences and larger life lessons. His lyrics are filled with wit, addressing themes of love, aging, and human relationships in a lighthearted but insightful manner. Having a background in gospel music, Drink Small also explores themes of faith, redemption, and spirituality, particularly in songs that draw from his gospel roots.
Drink Small is a skilled guitarist, known for his intricate fingerpicking style that is typical of Piedmont blues. His guitar work complements his deep, resonant voice, creating a full, rich sound that’s both intimate and powerful. Whether playing acoustic or electric, Drink Small’s performances are dynamic and engaging. He often incorporates audience interaction into his live shows, using humor and storytelling to connect with his listeners on a personal level.
Drink Small has been a major influence on the blues and gospel music scenes, particularly in the Southern United States. His ability to blend the secular and the sacred has earned him a unique place in American music history. Drink Small has been recognized as a living legend in the blues community, receiving accolades for his contributions to the genre and for keeping the Piedmont blues tradition alive. His music continues to inspire both younger blues musicians and longtime fans of the genre.
Drink Small is a celebrated figure in the blues and gospel traditions, known for his deep, soulful voice, expert guitar playing, and humorous, heartfelt lyrics. His music, rooted in the Piedmont blues style, blends humor, faith, and everyday life experiences, creating a distinctive sound that resonates with audiences across generations. As the ‘Blues Doctor,’ Drink Small’s legacy continues to impact the world of blues and gospel, keeping these important musical traditions alive and vibrant.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal with promo punch in jacket cover
Wild Dog Series – Ichiban Records 1990
Track Listing
D.U.I.
Steal Away
Thank You Pretty Baby
Don’t Let Nobody Know
Widow Woman
I’m Tired Now
Honky Tonk
They Can’t Make Me Hate You
Bishopville Women
Can I Come over Tonight?
