Robbin The Grave, Sonny Terry

Sonny Terry – Robbin' The Grave

Artist: Sonny Terry Title: Robbin' The Grave Album Type: Solo Studio Album (Original Vinyl Release) Original Release Date: 1974 Label: Blue Labor (Catalog: BL 101) Genre: Blues / Piedmont Blues

Background & Production Robbin' The Grave is a later-career gem from the legendary Piedmont blues harmonica master Sonny Terry. Recorded in New York, the album was produced by Heiner Stadler and Kent Cooper for the independent Blue Labor label. The sessions feature Terry in a stripped-back, intimate setting, supported by Bob Malenky on guitar and vocals, and Michael Rura on piano. This record is highly regarded for capturing Terry’s signature "whooping" vocal style and virtuosic harmonica trills with modern (for the mid-70s) clarity, away from his usual long-term partner Brownie McGhee.

Musical Composition & Style The album is a definitive example of the Piedmont blues style—characterized by finger-style guitar and light, danceable rhythms.

• The Title Track: "Feel Like Robbin' The Grave" is a gritty yet rhythmic standout that sets the tone for the record's dark-edged humor.

• Virtuoso Harmonica: Tracks like "The Boogie" and "Playing With The Thing" showcase the breath control and rhythmic complexity that made Terry a global influence.

• Storytelling: Songs like "Black Night Road" and "That Train And My Woman" highlight the traditional blues narratives of travel, loss, and resilience.

• Vocal Texture: Terry’s "whoops"—a high-pitched vocalization mimicking a steam whistle or hound dog—are integrated seamlessly into the instrumental passages.

Original Pressing & Collector Notes The original 1974 Blue Labor pressing is the primary target for blues collectors seeking the best audio quality.

• Identification: The original US pressing (BL 101) features the Blue Labor label. Look for "1974 Blue Labor Records, New York" in the credits.

• International Versions: In Australia, the album was released in 1975 on the Interfusion label (L 353 38 / BL 101) under license from Blue Labor. This version is often easier to find in the Oceania region.

• German Pressing: A 1982 German release on the MMG label (64 0004) is also in circulation, often identified by the GEMA rights society credit.

• Mastering: Blue Labor releases were typically mastered with a "dry," authentic sound to preserve the acoustic nuances of the performance.

  • Keywords: Sonny Terry, Robbin' The Grave, Original Pressing, 1974 Vinyl, Blue Labor, Piedmont Blues, Harmonica Blues, Bob Malenky, Blues Vinyl.

  • Collection Ideas: Piedmont Blues Masters, Independent Blues Labels, Harmonica Legends, 70s Acoustic Blues.

  • Related Artists: Brownie McGhee, Blind Boy Fuller, Reverend Gary Davis, Lead Belly, Mississippi John Hurt.

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve