Album Notes

This is the long awaited re-issue of the 1998 New Moon release Ragtime Millionaire often considered the best of Lightnin' Wells' small output. It is him alone, one man, two fingers and a thumb on a mission to preserve the sounds of the Piedmont blues. There is a nice variety of tunes that fall into the 'piedmont' category with songs associated with early practitioners such as Blind Boy Fuller, Josh White, Sonny Terry, Gary Davis and Blind Blake. Other examples include tunes of more recent vintage by Turner Foddrell and John Cephus. Wells does a 'bang up' job with this material and has an energetic but laid back approach which fits this material perfectly. This collection shows off Lightnin' Wells at his fingerpickin' best and the CD has a strong focus which would be of interest to anyone who enjoys country blues, acoustic guitar or authentic folk music.

Review quotes for Ragtime Millionaire;

"With his second album, Lightnin' Wells can clearly lay claim to the title 'King Of The Piedmont Bluesmen.' This C.D. is highly recommended." -- Elliott Crews, Up and Coming Magazine

"With consummate talent, clean recording and one of the best rounded collections of Piedmont blues around, this recording should be winning awards." -- Bruce E. Baker, Dirty Linen Magazine

"This acoustic guitarist, who may be the premier Piedmont blues musician today, solos on Ragtime Millionaire. Simple and clean, touched by the blues, yet tinged with happiness." -- Annette Thompson, Southern Living