AMG Review of Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 3 (1931-1933)

Thom Owens
All Music Guide

Document's Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 3 (1932-1933) continues its chronological overview of Roosevelt Sykes' early recordings. As on the previous volume, Sykes reworks his "44 Blues," hits a few highlights ("Sail on Black Sue," "Highway 61 Blues"), tries his hand at a double entendre or two, and invites a few guests. (Actually, most of the tracks are features for outside vocalists, including Emerson Houston, Clarence Emerson, "Stump" Johnson, and Carl Rafferty.) Also in common with most Document collections, the lengthy running time, chronological sequencing, and fair audio quality are enough to make it a bit off-putting for most listeners.