Ry Cooder - Boomer's Story (1972)

Ry Cooder is an American musician, best known for his skill as a slide guitarist and his interest in American roots music.

Released the same year as Into The Purple Valley, Boomer's Story was a quiet and humble collection of old folk and blues songs, Cooder demonstrating his passion as a musical scholar, and interest in the dusty forgotten corners of American cultural history. Stylistically it follows the same rootsy formula as his previous two solo albums, but is undeniably more laid back and gentle in tone. Cooder's superb slide guitar is the highlight as always, with a roster of A-list session musicians backing him throughout (including drummer Jim Keltner). Blues singer Sleepy John Estes appears as a guest singer on one of his own songs, and Randy Newman also plays piano on another number. The album is perhaps best remembered for Cooder's brilliant instrumental rendition of the soul classic "The Dark End Of The Street" (one of three instrumentals on the album).

Into The Purple Valley (1972) <|> Paradise & Lunch (1974)
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