Beer Drinkin' Woman

Pianist Memphis Slim made his debut recording for Bluebird Records in 1940, firmly establishing his urbane, highly polished style. "Beer Drinkin' Woman" is a smooth, rolling, after-hours piano blues that tells the comedic story of a financially draining companion who drinks him out of house and home. Slim's incredibly clean piano playing was anchored by the steady, walking bass of Alfred Elkins. Singing with a rich, booming voice, Slim proved he was a master of the refined Chicago club sound, a style that perfectly bridged the gap between raw barrelhouse and the sophisticated R&B of the post-war era.