The Too Bad Jims - Over The Hill: A Tribute To RL Burnside (2025)

There are many shades of blue in the blues — music that has often shape-shifted in the century-plus that it’s been busily creating its unique place in the history of American music.

One of those musical hues is a shamefully lesser known but powerful and influential style known as Hill Country Blues — or sometimes North Mississippi Hill Country Blues, based on its origins in the hill country of northern Mississippi bordering on Tennessee. It’s a style that leans heavily on percussion, which has been traced to influences from West Africa that were brought to America by African slaves. R.L. Burnside was one of its most well-known practitioners, with his original dramatic and hypnotic style.

Which brings us, where else, to the United Kingdom and a pair of Washington state transplants who call themselves the Too Bad Jims, after Burnside’s album on the Fat Possum label, “Too Bad Jim.” The Jims are veteran guitarists and Burnside aficionados Little Victor and Son Jack Jr., who added Nick Simonon on drums. This tribute album is their debut, featuring ten songs from Burnside that range from the well-known (to blues fans) to more obscure tracks.

The trio leans heavily into the Hill Country style, with their aggressive guitar work and hypnotic percussion. “Miss Maybelle” launches their effort, with dual vocals adding another layer to the already dynamic mix. “Going Down South” adds razor-sharp slide that brings eerie overtones to an already other-worldly feel. “Long Haired Doney” increases the tempo without decreasing the intensity, and then “Peaches” shakes the tree with a touch of melody.

“Black Mattie” is classic Burnside, faithfully freshened by the Jims’ talented enthusiasm, with an invitation to hit the dance floor with trance-like moves. “Out On The Road” shuffles in with thumping Delta-Chicago riffs, then “Jumper on the Line” leaps out with a wicked beat. “Over The Hill” is a droning chant with intervals of hand-claps and a gospel feel. “Alice Mae” and “Skinny Woman” close the set in fiery style and guitars blazing.

With this passionate Burnside tribute, the Too Bad Jims give the slogan “keeping the blues alive” fresh meaning. They’re reviving a valuable piece of blues history before it gets lost in the primeval mist that cloaks the often-hidden origins of this music. ~Jim White