A Nice Pair: Got the Blues

It’s Sunday which means it’s time for A Nice Pair – book and vinyl pairings that go together like hot days and iced tea. Today we’re pairing the book Heroes of Blues, Jazz and Country by Robert Crumb with the album The Rough Guide to Bottleneck Blues.

Robert Crumb’s Heroes of Blues, Jazz & Country is a colourful homage to the trailblazers of American music. With his unmistakable illustrations and short, punchy write-ups, Crumb shines a spotlight on the gritty, soulful artists who laid the groundwork for modern blues, jazz, and country. It feels like flipping through a hand-drawn hall of fame curated by someone who truly loves the music.

The Rough Guide to Bottleneck Blues is a rich compilation that dives deep into the haunting, soulful world of slide guitar blues. It features legendary pioneers like Son House and Blind Willie Johnson (both of whom are featured in the book), as well as lesser-known gems, showcasing the visceral feeling and raw-edged storytelling of early 20th-century Delta blues. With remastered tracks and a few modern interpretations, it’s a powerful primer on one of the most expressive and evocative styles in American roots music.