# Sonny Boy Williamson (2) – Final Sessions 1963-4 Review
Sonny Boy Williamson (2), born Rice Miller, was one of the most influential harmonica players in blues history and a key architect of the postwar Delta blues sound. His innovative harmonica technique and distinctive vocal style made him a legendary figure in Chicago blues during the 1950s and early 1960s. This 1979 release on Blue Night Records captures Williamson during the twilight of his career, preserving studio recordings from 1963 and 1964 that would become some of his final documented sessions.
The album presents a fascinating snapshot of an aging blues master at work, and the tracklist reveals Williamson's meticulous approach to his craft. "Mattie Is My Wife" appears twice with different takes, showing how Williamson worked through material in the studio, refining his interpretation across multiple versions. This behind-the-scenes glimpse into his recording process is historically valuable for enthusiasts interested in blues production practices of the era.
Musically, the album showcases Williamson's signature style: raw, emotionally direct Delta blues with his harmonica work as the centerpiece. "Nine Below Zero" stretches past five minutes and stands as a standout track, building intensity through his commanding harmonica playing and weathered vocals. The extended runtime allows Williamson to develop the song's narrative arc fully. "My Name Is Sonny Boy" serves as something of a statement piece, with Williamson asserting his identity and legacy over a steady blues groove.
The material ranges across classic blues themes, from romance and heartbreak on tracks like "Kind-Hearted Woman" and "Gonna Find Somebody Else" to spiritual reflection on "Milky White Way," which provides a contemplative closer to the record. "So Sad To Be Lonesome" and "Don't Tell Nobody" demonstrate Williamson's interpretive depth, transforming familiar blues narratives through his distinctive vocal phrasing and harmonica embellishments.
While these were late-period recordings, they document an artist still commanding his considerable talents. The Final Sessions 1963-4 remains an essential acquisition for serious blues collectors and Williamson devotees, offering authentic documentation of a blues immortal's work during his final years of recording activity.
