The Cold of the Morning
(Omnivore Recordings)
A legend in Memphis, Sid Selvidge has largely fallen through the cracks of history. Due to label problems, his 1976 masterpiece The Cold of the Morning was self-released. And despite The New York Times calling him “the finest male voice this observer has ever heard in the field of American popular music,” he never reached a wide audience. This reissue lets listeners to catch up with a remarkable talent whose music drew on country blues and folk while seamlessly threading its way through various American musical idioms. Produced with stark simplicity and intimate intensity by James Dickinson, The Cold of the Morning highlights Selvidge’s gorgeous voice and supple guitar playing. He offers some winning originals, as well as tunes by Jimmy Rodgers, Furry Lewis, a haunting version of “Danny Boy,” and an a capella rendition of “Boll Weevil.” There’s also raw and woozy full band versions of “Wished I Had A Dime” and “I Get the Blues When I Rains.” This beautifully packaged reissue includes detailed liner notes and six worthwhile bonus tracks recorded at the original sessions which further flesh out the range of Selvidge’s music. He may have missed his moment, but this music remains something close to timeless.
