Big Maceo Merriweather - Power Piano Player: 2CD Set Big Maceo continues to enjoy high regard amongst musicians and listeners alike - because of the power of his playing, particularly the muscular way in which he rolled his bass figures. When he sang, it was in a world-weary and weathered tone that he supplemented with a harsh false bass that brought Charley Patton and Blind Willie Johnson to mind. The amalgam of instrument and voice was unique. Maceo came to Chicago and quickly established himself with Tampa Red. He"d learned his trade in the tough world of Atlanta and playing for parties in Detroit. The connection with Tampa Red was fortuitous. Through him, Maceo was introduced tothe recording studios - at their first joint session Tampa would record eight titles and Maceo six. Maceo was a newcome but that wasn t apparent when he cut Worried Life Blues - it"s been associated with him memory ever since. But whether it"s the tired intonation of Worried Life or the hard-edged cynicism of Can t You Read, there"s one thing for sure: he was always his own musician.