Memphis Jug Band – “Stealin’ Stealin'”
An American music institution, The Memphis Jug Band was active from the 1920’s all the way through the late 1950’s. Their repertoire over the years encompassed a wide variety of styles – folk, ballads, blues and jazz – and of course, jug music! “Stealin’ Stealin'” was recorded in Memphis, Tennessee in 1928, with bandleader Will Shade presiding on harmonica. A great track from the early stages of this storied band, from the vinyl 78RPM to your eardrums in hi-res mp3 format.
Charley Patton – “Poor Me”
It is impossible to overstate the importance of Charley Patton’s music and its lasting influence. Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker and other key figures in American music were directly and profoundly inspired by Patton in his lifetime. This recording of his own “Poor Me” – made shortly before his passing in 1934, captures Charley Patton’s masterful guitar technique and unique vocal style in a sublime solo performance.
Ora Alexander – “You’ve Got To Save That Thing”
Ora Alexander was a blues singer and Vaudeville performer who recorded for Columbia Records in the early 1930’s. “You’ve Got To Save That Thing,” one of her better known tracks, is a definitive slice of the Vaudeville Blues genre. The performance just plain rocks, with raw accompaniment in the barrelhouse style, and a blistering vocal that would bring the house down in any nightspot today. Judging from the hoots and hollers, those present at this recording session couldn’t contain their enthusiasm! Well neither can we.
London Philharmonic Orchestra – “Beethoven’s Concerto No. 5, in E-flat Major”
Here is a stellar performance of Beethoven’s Concerto No. 5, in E-flat Major, Op. 73 (“Emperor”), by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by George Szell, featuring Benno Moiseivitch on piano. The audio quality is superb, especially when you consider this was recorded in 1938 and only much later transferred to a digital medium. Here’s the first movement.
I. Allegro
Skip James – “Cherry Ball Blues”
Skip James’ recordings are instantly recognizable as much for his peculiar guitar style as for his utterly unique voice. He does this other-worldly falsetto wail kind of thing, and the way he tuned his 6-string acoustic steel string influenced many later music legends, including Eric Clapton. “Cherry Ball Blues” is a classic lament about losing love. This nice clean mp3 copy of the original vinyl side is free, and priceless.
Pink Anderson & Simmie Dooley – “Every Day In The Week Blues”
In the early 1960s Syd Barrett grafted Pink Anderson’s first name with another bluesman (Floyd Council), to form the name of Pink Floyd. Two decades before Barrett was born, Columbia Records recorded two 78’s with Pink Anderson & Simmie Dooley in 1928. This upbeat number features a humorous back and forth chatter between Pink Anderson and Simmie Dooley, both playing guitar and singing verses. This is a great tune that deserves to be heard.
The Best American Blues Song Sung By A Woman, Ma Rainey
Blues is a popular music genre which originated in the southern United States around the end of the 19th century. While most of these blues artists were male, one notable exception was Ma Rainey. She is known as the mother of the blues. Listen to “Slave to the Blues” and you will understand why.
Lottie Kimbrough – “Wayward Girl Blues”
What a lovely track by this classy classic performer. Lottie Kimbrough brings a message that rings true through the ages, with humor and a voice of gold.
Dick Justice – “Cocaine”
“Cocaine” by Dick Justice is a lighthearted account of the effects that drug addiction can have on life. Originally written and recorded by Luke Jordan in 1927, Justice re-made his own version of the song blending a little folk with some blues and speeding up the tempo.
Blind Willie Johnson – “Praise God I’m Satisfied”
Blind Willie Johnson, Texas blues man and virtuoso of the “bottleneck” or slide guitar, was born in Marlin, Texas, about 1902, and blinded at age seven. Johnson’s unique voice and his original compositions influenced musicians throughout the South, especially Texas bluesmen.
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