Ishmon Bracey

b. 9 January 1901, Byram, Mississippi, USA, d. 12 Feb 1970, Jackson, Mississippi, USA. Bracey’s blues acquired the uncompromising directness both from the intense youngster, and of the preacher he ultimately became, with small from the melodic adornment and mindful artistry of his associate Tommy Johnson. He discovered guitar in the Rev. Rubin Lacey, with whom he performed. Bracey was also followed by Johnson yet others, while executing at black cultural occasions around Jackson. It had been in firm with Johnson that he documented for Victor in 1928, however they hardly ever played jointly on record. Charley McCoy’s mandolin-like electric guitar provided an ideal foil to Bracey’s sinus performing and unadorned electric guitar playing. A following program for Paramount in 1930 was marred with the unsympathetic clarinet of Ernest Michall. In 1951, Bracey embraced religious beliefs and was ordained in the Baptist cathedral; he thereafter steadfastly refused to try out blues.