Born in Tunica, MS in 1937, Arthur Williams moved to Chicago as a teenager where he learned to play blues harmonica under the tutelage of Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson II, before returning to his native Mississippi. In the 1965, he was featured on Frank Frost's classic album Jelly Roll Blues which showcased William's harp work on classics like "Harpin' on It" and "My Backscratcher". In 1972, Williams moved to St. Louis where he put music on the back burner while supporting a family. In the 90's, Williams staged a comeback releasing two albums on the Fedora label before moving over to the Rooster Blues imprint to release what is one of the finest recordings of the year.

The disc leads off with "You Got My Nose Open" featuring the weathered voice and deep toned harp of Williams before moving into the slow blues instrumental "Midnight Blue", which features superb backing from the members of Williams' band and is an example of blues harmonica playing at it's finest. Williams does a couple of nice acoustic versions of Sonny Boy Williamson II's "Don't Start Me To Talking" and "Keep It To Yourself". Williams also covers Muddy Waters' "Trouble No More", Jimmy Reed's "Down In Virginia" and puts down one of the most lowdown versions of "Reconsider Baby" that you will ever hear. Williams original "Clarksdale Train" allows him to display one of the fullest, most traditional harp styles working today. "Ride With Your Daddy" is a reworking of a tune Williams cut 35 years ago behind Frank Frost on his classic Jewel/Paula album. The album closes with "'67 Cadillac" a Delta based tune laced with the kind of techno effects that Fat Possum likes to use on some of it's recordings.

Without a doubt Midnight Blue ranks as one of the new years best traditional blues recordings. With strong vocals, great harp playing and a supportive backing group that lays down a strong foundation and never overwhelms the music, it is a disc that should not be missed.
- Barry T. Gober

February 2001 Southwest Blues