Sonny Terry, “Whoopin’ the Blues: The Capitol Recordings,” Capitol. ***

Recorded in 1947-50 sessions, these 16 tracks spotlight the singer/harmonica player as a soloist on gritty, country-influenced, sparsely accompanied blues. Terry, who died in 1986, was much better alone, though he’s best known for his collaborations with guitarist Brownie McGhee, which tend to have a more commercial sound.

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