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Urgent Blues-Folk by a Depressed One-Man-Band

Urgent Blues-Folk by a Depressed One-Man-Band

Abner Jay I'm so Depressed (19?? / 2009)

Unemployment and mental health issues are deeply interconnected. For example, a recent study found that people who are out of work are roughly twice as likely to develop depression. It is fitting, then, that American multi-instrumentalist Abner Jay first recorded his song “Depression” under the moniker Koko Joe and the Jobhunters sometime in the 1960s or 1970s, though the exact date remains unknown.

In 2009, Mississippi Records re-released the song under Jay’s given name with a slightly altered title: “I'm so Depressed”. The track is a striking showcase of Jay’s unique blues-folk style, performed entirely solo. He sings with an intense voice while simultaneously playing the drums (with his feet), electric banjo and harmonica.

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