LONG AGO
STEVE HOWELL, DAN SUMNER & JASON WEINHEIMER
STEVE HOWELL, DAN SUMNER & JASON WEINHEIMER
Notes From Steve:
Bacon Fat – Andre Williams 3:38
I first heard this tune done by Doug Sahm. Jessie Ed Davis also did a terrific version of it. It was written and recorded first by Andre Williams, hit #9 on the US Billboard R&B chart in 1957.
Singin’ The Blues - J. Russel Robinson, Con Conrad, Sam M. Lewis, and Joe Young 3:59
I have always loved this great old song. It was originally released by vocalist Aileen Stanley in 1920. In 1927, Frank Trumbauer, Bix Beiderbecke, and Eddie Lang recorded and released a version of the song that greatly contributed to their reputation and influence. It was inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1977. My favorite versions have been recorded by Geoff Muldaur and Martha Wainwright on his magnificent “Private Astronomy” album, Connie Boswell, and Fletcher Henderson.
Angel Eyes - Matt Dennis and Earl Brent 4:33
This song from 1946 was popularized by Ella Fitzgerald, who named it her favorite song. She recorded it four times. The version by Frank Sinatra is the one most people recognize, but it has been done by innumerable artists over the years.
Please Send Me Someone To Love - Percy Mayfield 4:23
Percy Mayfield, originally from Minden, Louisiana and often referred to as the Poet Laureate of the Blues, wrote several tunes for Ray Charles. He wrote this tune in 1950 and it became one of his most successful songs, along with “Hit The Road, Jack.”. The message is timely.
Do Nothing ‘Til You Hear From Me - Duke Ellington and Bob Russell 4:09
Originally a 1940 instrumental entitled "Concerto for Cootie" as a feature for Duke Ellington’s lead trumpeter, Cootie Williams, this tune was a huge hit for Ellington in 1944. Personal favorite versions of mine are by Hampton Hawes, Mose Allison, Ella Fitzgerald, and Anita O’Day.
Song For My Father - Ellen May Shashoyan and Horace Silver 4:33
I lost my father a couple of years ago and I miss him very much. This wonderful Horace Silver song from 1964 expresses the essence of how I feel about him. Many others must feel the same way about their fathers, since over 180 versions of this tune have been recorded.
Dindi - Antônio Carlos Jobim and Aloysio de Oliveira 2:52
A world-famous bossa nova standard, Dindi (a Portuguese name pronounced “Jin-jee”), is one of my favorite Jobim compositions. The 1967 version recorded by Frank Sinatra and Jobim is probably the most well-known version.
Nothin’ But The Blues – Don George and Duke Ellington 4:09
From 1937, this tune is one of Duke Ellington’s greatest blues tunes. Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Joe Williams have all done fantastic versions.
Z’s - Dave Frishberg 3:44
To me, Dave Frishberg, is one of the greatest songwriters of the last half of the twentieth century. Along with a string of smart, funny, hip jazz tunes, he also wrote the music and lyrics for "I'm Just a Bill," the song in the ABC Schoolhouse Rock TV series about how a piece of legislation moves through Congress.
Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen - Jacob Jacobs and Sholom Secunda 3:46
"Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen" (Germanized Yiddish for "To Me You're Beautiful") was written in 1932 for the Yiddish language comedy musical, “I Would If I Could (You Could Live, But They Don't Let You).” The composer, Sholom Secunda, then sold the rights to his song for $30. Sammy Cahn heard the song and wrote English lyrics in 1937 for the Andrew Sisters, who turned it into a worldwide hit.
I’ll Remember April - Gene de Paul and Patricia Johnston and Don Raye 5:01
One might not think that a melody as beautiful as this one would have made its debut in the 1942 Abbott and Costello comedy “Ride 'Em Cowboy.” Well, there you go. Johnny Hartman’s and Judy Garland’s renditions are gorgeous.
I Thought About You - Johnny Mercer and Jimmy Van Heusen 4:04
When you match the universally recognized brilliance of Johnny Mercer’s lyrics with a beautiful musical composition from Jimmy Van Heusen, you get a wonderful song like this one. It has been a favorite of mine for a long time.
Personnel:
Produced by all of us.
Engineered, Mixed and Mastered by Jason Weinheimer at Fellowship Hall Sound, Little Rock, Arkansas; Foxtrot Studio, Shreveport, Louisiana; and Howell Ranch, Marshall, Texas; and by Dan Sumner at Fort Sumner Studio in Monroe, Louisiana.
Album Art and Layout: Isaac Alexander, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Photograph: Greg Spradlin
Publicity and Radio Airplay: Blind Raccoon LLC, Memphis, Tennessee
Instrumentation:
Recorded to Pro Tools via RME converters, Seventh Circle Audio, Rupert Neve Designs, and CADDCO preamps.
Much love and many thanks to our wives and kids. They are a very longsuffering bunch.
Bacon Fat – Andre Williams 3:38
I first heard this tune done by Doug Sahm. Jessie Ed Davis also did a terrific version of it. It was written and recorded first by Andre Williams, hit #9 on the US Billboard R&B chart in 1957.
Singin’ The Blues - J. Russel Robinson, Con Conrad, Sam M. Lewis, and Joe Young 3:59
I have always loved this great old song. It was originally released by vocalist Aileen Stanley in 1920. In 1927, Frank Trumbauer, Bix Beiderbecke, and Eddie Lang recorded and released a version of the song that greatly contributed to their reputation and influence. It was inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1977. My favorite versions have been recorded by Geoff Muldaur and Martha Wainwright on his magnificent “Private Astronomy” album, Connie Boswell, and Fletcher Henderson.
Angel Eyes - Matt Dennis and Earl Brent 4:33
This song from 1946 was popularized by Ella Fitzgerald, who named it her favorite song. She recorded it four times. The version by Frank Sinatra is the one most people recognize, but it has been done by innumerable artists over the years.
Please Send Me Someone To Love - Percy Mayfield 4:23
Percy Mayfield, originally from Minden, Louisiana and often referred to as the Poet Laureate of the Blues, wrote several tunes for Ray Charles. He wrote this tune in 1950 and it became one of his most successful songs, along with “Hit The Road, Jack.”. The message is timely.
Do Nothing ‘Til You Hear From Me - Duke Ellington and Bob Russell 4:09
Originally a 1940 instrumental entitled "Concerto for Cootie" as a feature for Duke Ellington’s lead trumpeter, Cootie Williams, this tune was a huge hit for Ellington in 1944. Personal favorite versions of mine are by Hampton Hawes, Mose Allison, Ella Fitzgerald, and Anita O’Day.
Song For My Father - Ellen May Shashoyan and Horace Silver 4:33
I lost my father a couple of years ago and I miss him very much. This wonderful Horace Silver song from 1964 expresses the essence of how I feel about him. Many others must feel the same way about their fathers, since over 180 versions of this tune have been recorded.
Dindi - Antônio Carlos Jobim and Aloysio de Oliveira 2:52
A world-famous bossa nova standard, Dindi (a Portuguese name pronounced “Jin-jee”), is one of my favorite Jobim compositions. The 1967 version recorded by Frank Sinatra and Jobim is probably the most well-known version.
Nothin’ But The Blues – Don George and Duke Ellington 4:09
From 1937, this tune is one of Duke Ellington’s greatest blues tunes. Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Joe Williams have all done fantastic versions.
Z’s - Dave Frishberg 3:44
To me, Dave Frishberg, is one of the greatest songwriters of the last half of the twentieth century. Along with a string of smart, funny, hip jazz tunes, he also wrote the music and lyrics for "I'm Just a Bill," the song in the ABC Schoolhouse Rock TV series about how a piece of legislation moves through Congress.
Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen - Jacob Jacobs and Sholom Secunda 3:46
"Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen" (Germanized Yiddish for "To Me You're Beautiful") was written in 1932 for the Yiddish language comedy musical, “I Would If I Could (You Could Live, But They Don't Let You).” The composer, Sholom Secunda, then sold the rights to his song for $30. Sammy Cahn heard the song and wrote English lyrics in 1937 for the Andrew Sisters, who turned it into a worldwide hit.
I’ll Remember April - Gene de Paul and Patricia Johnston and Don Raye 5:01
One might not think that a melody as beautiful as this one would have made its debut in the 1942 Abbott and Costello comedy “Ride 'Em Cowboy.” Well, there you go. Johnny Hartman’s and Judy Garland’s renditions are gorgeous.
I Thought About You - Johnny Mercer and Jimmy Van Heusen 4:04
When you match the universally recognized brilliance of Johnny Mercer’s lyrics with a beautiful musical composition from Jimmy Van Heusen, you get a wonderful song like this one. It has been a favorite of mine for a long time.
Personnel:
- Steve Howell – Vocals, Archtop and Flattop Guitar
- Dan Sumner – Archtop and Flattop Guitar
- Jason Weinheimer – Bass
Produced by all of us.
Engineered, Mixed and Mastered by Jason Weinheimer at Fellowship Hall Sound, Little Rock, Arkansas; Foxtrot Studio, Shreveport, Louisiana; and Howell Ranch, Marshall, Texas; and by Dan Sumner at Fort Sumner Studio in Monroe, Louisiana.
Album Art and Layout: Isaac Alexander, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Photograph: Greg Spradlin
Publicity and Radio Airplay: Blind Raccoon LLC, Memphis, Tennessee
Instrumentation:
- Steve – Benedetto 16B archtop, Kenny Hill Signature Classical, and Collings OM42 flat top.
- Dan Sumner – Benedetto 16B archtop and Collings OM3 flat top
- Jason Weinheimer ~ 1985 Fender Squier Precision Medium Scale bass.
Recorded to Pro Tools via RME converters, Seventh Circle Audio, Rupert Neve Designs, and CADDCO preamps.
Much love and many thanks to our wives and kids. They are a very longsuffering bunch.
HISTORY RHYMES
STEVE HOWELL & JASON WEINHEIMER FEATURING DAN SUMNER & DAVID DODSON
STEVE HOWELL & JASON WEINHEIMER FEATURING DAN SUMNER & DAVID DODSON
There'll Be Some Changes Made (Billy Higgins and Benton Overstreet - 1921)
Such a sweet breezy swinging intro to the album is just so inviting that establishes instantly that there is an intricate understanding of this arcane music. Wonderful acoustic guitar runs from Howell work brilliantly as they delicately propel this one along. Weinheimer's bass is the perfect accompaniment as the soul member of the rhythm section. The sound is joyful, playful and quite gregarious. Everything one could ever expect from a 1921 recording is here and done so very well by artists with just the right amount of appreciation of the music, true artisans in fact.
Blues In The Night (Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer - 1942)
Is there a more iconic line from the forties than "My Momma Done Told Me"? Hard to argue that there is and we all have sung it whenever we have heard the song believing we sing it better than any other. Such an iconic languid song that has an important position in the American Songbook. A rolling loping Blues ready made for Howell to certainly display is immense singing talent that is as languid and laconic as the song is. Perfectly sitting back rolling along with a cadence that is mesmerizing not raising the dust from the floor, but rather lazily rocking in an old rocking chair on the front porch. The guitar work from Howell and Sumner is simply sublime with stunning expressive runs that a quite breathtaking indeed. Once again the one-man rhythm section bassist Weinheimer sits in beautifully and has that loping "l'm in no hurry cadence” flowing along like the mighty Mississippi itself. Truly one of the most exquisite interpretations of this seminal song l have heard. Soft and gentle but powerful and monumental in impact.
Shuckin' Sugar (Blind Lemon Jefferson - 1926)
From my earliest years as a very young boy l was introduced to Texan finger pickin' guitarist Blind Lemon Jefferson and have been a lifelong fan. Here Steve and Jason chose one of my favorite songs from one of the greatest early male Blues troubadours. Howell's vocals are effortless with a delightful and seductive lisp that adds an authenticity to the song and style that is portrayed from such a glorious time in the Blues lexicon. That being said Howell's vocals are absolutely time, tone and phrasing perfect for this gorgeous if somewhat slightly comical song. A song so much of its time. Orchestration is to die for and, with the addition of mandolin from Dodson, the fullness is there to complete the wonderful guitar work from Howell. Weinheimer of course rounds out this complete offering of acoustic brilliance on bass. This truly is a track that will brighten even the saddest of hearts or the darkest of days as that is just what Blind Lemon Jefferson wanted from his music and now he has the perfect muses in Steve Howell, Jason Weinheimer, and David Dodson.
Jack Of Diamonds (Traditional)
This old traditional has a true colonial feel about it but is an old Texas gambling song. A perfect song to include on this album, as it is the perfect vessel for Howell’s laconic voice. Simplistic in structure but such was the want for songs of the era as there were few who could play an instrument let alone own one. Engaging mandolin from Dodson leads the orchestration along with Howell's glorious guitar. Weinheimer adds gentle backing on bass. Proof that often less is more and this is just perfect.
Frosty Morn (Traditional)
In keeping with the overwhelmingly beautiful acoustic sound of this acoustic album, one would expect that there be a Celtic tune. The difference here is that there is not the obligatory fiddle player but rather the mesmerizing mandolin playing from Dodson. The tune is not complex by any means but has a charm that is infectious and engaging as is all Celtic music. The guitar playing from Howell and Sumner is quite beautiful but takes a step back to allow Dodson's mandolin to shine. Weinheimer's bass carries the rhythm section perfectly keeping the cadence in that perfect dance inducing tempo.
If I Had My Way (Rev. Gary Davis as "Samson And Delilah" - 1956)
Such a prominent Old Testament story from the Bible that has been recorded under numerous titles, l always knew it as ‘Samson And Delilah.’ Here Howell ups the ante with his vocals and really opens up his range and is tantalizingly wonderful to say the least. In fact Howell has a far greater range in his voice that l think he even realizes he has. Such an amazing reading of this classic song that one could rightly assume was written by Howell himself. The emotive phrasing is an absolute standout as he is able to weave a web around the listener drawing you into this age-old story. The guitar playing from Howell is expressive and keeps the brilliant expressive cadence throughout. I have not heard as good of an interpretation of this epic song/story since the great Rev. Gary Davis put it to wax in 1956.
Everybody Loves My Baby (Jack Palmer and Spencer Williams - 1924)
Harking back to a time when Blues was giving birth to Jazz and the world was exposed to some of the most talented artists ever to grace the bandstands and radios in the United States great songs were written for them. This was one of those very songs, songs that will forever stand the test of time. In the nineties with the big resurgence of the Neo-Swing movement any group worthwhile had to sing this very song. Such was its appeal and just how much it epitomized the period. Here Howell stays true to the song, not messing around and muddying the waters with tricks, smoke and mirrors. Such an iconic masterpiece deserves to be allowed to shine in its own right and here it does just that. Howell's vocals are exquisite as he delivers them in a part spoken style that is extremely engaging and smile invoking. The guitar work swings wonderfully with Howell and Sumner putting on a masterclass of virtuosity. Now this is how you play swing guitar. Weinheimer once again holds that rhythm on bass and keeps the tempo swingin'.
You Don't Know Me (Cindy Walker and Eddie Arnold - 1955)
Most people l suppose know this song most from Ray Charles but l also know it just as much from Rhythm & Blues vocal group The Four Fellows who recorded the song in 1956. For me it is the quintessential love song that l have always loved dearly. Such a sentimental pathos dripping heart wrenching glorious ballad it is. Here Howell puts his heart and soul into the song unafraid to lay bare his soul in doing so. Throughout his engaging vocals display a mesmerizing fragility that has a warmth and vulnerability that draws the listener to him and you feel as though he is embracing you with the lyrics and simple guitar accompaniment. In keeping with the simplicity of the vocals the orchestration also has that understated genius. Howell and Weinheimer deliver an absolutely heart wrenchingly exquisite display of guitar and bass that is so good that tears well up in your eyes. Truly a performance for the ages.
I Got A Right To Sing The Blues (Ted Koehler and Harold Arlen - 1932)
If you put two genius guitarists together with Archtop guitars the result can be nothing short of breathtaking. Howell and Sumner do just that in the very first thirty seconds of this track. As l said nothing short of breathtaking and throughout the performance rises to dizzying heights of magnificence. The combination of Howell and Sumner is one that is one that rarely if ever happens in this day and age as these two virtuoso guitarists are not ego driven and easily share the spotlight together and in fact appear to enjoy playing together. A match truly made in heaven. Howell's vocals here are much more controlled and display a rather firmer control throughout and without any sign of fragility whatsoever. Again his phrasing is sublime and l think it is all about his complete understanding and love of the music he performs and the eras that the music comes from. This music isn't easy at all to sing and that being said many a newer artist scoffs at the music for being too simplistic but l prefer to think there is a bit of fear about the music. In keeping this wonderful cadence percolating along we have the ever-present one man rhythm section in Jason Weinheimer and his work is again absolutely perfect.
Texas Rangers (The Falls Rangers - 1943)
I am particularly interested in this song, Steve, as a child l loved watching the Texas Rangers on television. That being said l have never heard this song before, so my recollections really have no bearing whatsoever on this song. Your family connection is palpable and heartfelt Steve what with such a generational connection to the Texas Rangers. Quite a mournful song but it is quite a mournful tale of life and death. For me it is the perfect recording for such a song with your plaintiff vocals and acoustic guitar. Then we add Weinheimer's bass adding more depth and potency. Dodson's banjo then adds another element that is important as this recording builds and builds to a wonderful conclusion.
Titanic (Huddie Ledbetter, "Leadbelly" - 1912)
At the turn of last century, Leadbelly wrote so many songs that would feature throughout the century and into this one also, but unfortunately Titanic didn't. I for one don't know why, as it is such a jaunty song in that iconic simple storytelling style he used to write a very impressive body of work. Howell delivers a perfect rendering of the song with his vocals playful and very much in control of the performance. It is interesting that Leadbelly has quite a Celtic cadence about this song which is fitting considering the Titanic was built in Ireland, whether or not this was intentional one can only speculate. Adding to the incredible appeal of this offering is the guitar and bass playing from Howell and Weinheimer. It really doesn't get any better than this and you know l think ole Huddie would be upstairs doing a bit of a jig on hearing this, l know l am.
Pine Bluff, Akansas (Bukka White - 1937)
Hey! If ya'll are looking for us we are out back on the porch! Here Howell lays it bare with some good ole Bukka White Country Blues that has the intensity of 100-proof shine. Good enough to strip the paint off of the walls. Dry and laconic Howell is in command of this one vocally as he meanders through the lyrics with a potent passion to emphasize the great witting of the song. Again Howell produces a brilliant display on guitar that is quite reserved and somewhat restrained, as in keeping with this Country Blues. Weinheimer's bass is splendidly placed in the mix as he holds down the perfect cadence. Adding to this stunning orchestration once again Dodson plays the gorgeous mandolin. All in all this is what and should be how you play Country Blues.
Personnel:
Such a sweet breezy swinging intro to the album is just so inviting that establishes instantly that there is an intricate understanding of this arcane music. Wonderful acoustic guitar runs from Howell work brilliantly as they delicately propel this one along. Weinheimer's bass is the perfect accompaniment as the soul member of the rhythm section. The sound is joyful, playful and quite gregarious. Everything one could ever expect from a 1921 recording is here and done so very well by artists with just the right amount of appreciation of the music, true artisans in fact.
Blues In The Night (Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer - 1942)
Is there a more iconic line from the forties than "My Momma Done Told Me"? Hard to argue that there is and we all have sung it whenever we have heard the song believing we sing it better than any other. Such an iconic languid song that has an important position in the American Songbook. A rolling loping Blues ready made for Howell to certainly display is immense singing talent that is as languid and laconic as the song is. Perfectly sitting back rolling along with a cadence that is mesmerizing not raising the dust from the floor, but rather lazily rocking in an old rocking chair on the front porch. The guitar work from Howell and Sumner is simply sublime with stunning expressive runs that a quite breathtaking indeed. Once again the one-man rhythm section bassist Weinheimer sits in beautifully and has that loping "l'm in no hurry cadence” flowing along like the mighty Mississippi itself. Truly one of the most exquisite interpretations of this seminal song l have heard. Soft and gentle but powerful and monumental in impact.
Shuckin' Sugar (Blind Lemon Jefferson - 1926)
From my earliest years as a very young boy l was introduced to Texan finger pickin' guitarist Blind Lemon Jefferson and have been a lifelong fan. Here Steve and Jason chose one of my favorite songs from one of the greatest early male Blues troubadours. Howell's vocals are effortless with a delightful and seductive lisp that adds an authenticity to the song and style that is portrayed from such a glorious time in the Blues lexicon. That being said Howell's vocals are absolutely time, tone and phrasing perfect for this gorgeous if somewhat slightly comical song. A song so much of its time. Orchestration is to die for and, with the addition of mandolin from Dodson, the fullness is there to complete the wonderful guitar work from Howell. Weinheimer of course rounds out this complete offering of acoustic brilliance on bass. This truly is a track that will brighten even the saddest of hearts or the darkest of days as that is just what Blind Lemon Jefferson wanted from his music and now he has the perfect muses in Steve Howell, Jason Weinheimer, and David Dodson.
Jack Of Diamonds (Traditional)
This old traditional has a true colonial feel about it but is an old Texas gambling song. A perfect song to include on this album, as it is the perfect vessel for Howell’s laconic voice. Simplistic in structure but such was the want for songs of the era as there were few who could play an instrument let alone own one. Engaging mandolin from Dodson leads the orchestration along with Howell's glorious guitar. Weinheimer adds gentle backing on bass. Proof that often less is more and this is just perfect.
Frosty Morn (Traditional)
In keeping with the overwhelmingly beautiful acoustic sound of this acoustic album, one would expect that there be a Celtic tune. The difference here is that there is not the obligatory fiddle player but rather the mesmerizing mandolin playing from Dodson. The tune is not complex by any means but has a charm that is infectious and engaging as is all Celtic music. The guitar playing from Howell and Sumner is quite beautiful but takes a step back to allow Dodson's mandolin to shine. Weinheimer's bass carries the rhythm section perfectly keeping the cadence in that perfect dance inducing tempo.
If I Had My Way (Rev. Gary Davis as "Samson And Delilah" - 1956)
Such a prominent Old Testament story from the Bible that has been recorded under numerous titles, l always knew it as ‘Samson And Delilah.’ Here Howell ups the ante with his vocals and really opens up his range and is tantalizingly wonderful to say the least. In fact Howell has a far greater range in his voice that l think he even realizes he has. Such an amazing reading of this classic song that one could rightly assume was written by Howell himself. The emotive phrasing is an absolute standout as he is able to weave a web around the listener drawing you into this age-old story. The guitar playing from Howell is expressive and keeps the brilliant expressive cadence throughout. I have not heard as good of an interpretation of this epic song/story since the great Rev. Gary Davis put it to wax in 1956.
Everybody Loves My Baby (Jack Palmer and Spencer Williams - 1924)
Harking back to a time when Blues was giving birth to Jazz and the world was exposed to some of the most talented artists ever to grace the bandstands and radios in the United States great songs were written for them. This was one of those very songs, songs that will forever stand the test of time. In the nineties with the big resurgence of the Neo-Swing movement any group worthwhile had to sing this very song. Such was its appeal and just how much it epitomized the period. Here Howell stays true to the song, not messing around and muddying the waters with tricks, smoke and mirrors. Such an iconic masterpiece deserves to be allowed to shine in its own right and here it does just that. Howell's vocals are exquisite as he delivers them in a part spoken style that is extremely engaging and smile invoking. The guitar work swings wonderfully with Howell and Sumner putting on a masterclass of virtuosity. Now this is how you play swing guitar. Weinheimer once again holds that rhythm on bass and keeps the tempo swingin'.
You Don't Know Me (Cindy Walker and Eddie Arnold - 1955)
Most people l suppose know this song most from Ray Charles but l also know it just as much from Rhythm & Blues vocal group The Four Fellows who recorded the song in 1956. For me it is the quintessential love song that l have always loved dearly. Such a sentimental pathos dripping heart wrenching glorious ballad it is. Here Howell puts his heart and soul into the song unafraid to lay bare his soul in doing so. Throughout his engaging vocals display a mesmerizing fragility that has a warmth and vulnerability that draws the listener to him and you feel as though he is embracing you with the lyrics and simple guitar accompaniment. In keeping with the simplicity of the vocals the orchestration also has that understated genius. Howell and Weinheimer deliver an absolutely heart wrenchingly exquisite display of guitar and bass that is so good that tears well up in your eyes. Truly a performance for the ages.
I Got A Right To Sing The Blues (Ted Koehler and Harold Arlen - 1932)
If you put two genius guitarists together with Archtop guitars the result can be nothing short of breathtaking. Howell and Sumner do just that in the very first thirty seconds of this track. As l said nothing short of breathtaking and throughout the performance rises to dizzying heights of magnificence. The combination of Howell and Sumner is one that is one that rarely if ever happens in this day and age as these two virtuoso guitarists are not ego driven and easily share the spotlight together and in fact appear to enjoy playing together. A match truly made in heaven. Howell's vocals here are much more controlled and display a rather firmer control throughout and without any sign of fragility whatsoever. Again his phrasing is sublime and l think it is all about his complete understanding and love of the music he performs and the eras that the music comes from. This music isn't easy at all to sing and that being said many a newer artist scoffs at the music for being too simplistic but l prefer to think there is a bit of fear about the music. In keeping this wonderful cadence percolating along we have the ever-present one man rhythm section in Jason Weinheimer and his work is again absolutely perfect.
Texas Rangers (The Falls Rangers - 1943)
I am particularly interested in this song, Steve, as a child l loved watching the Texas Rangers on television. That being said l have never heard this song before, so my recollections really have no bearing whatsoever on this song. Your family connection is palpable and heartfelt Steve what with such a generational connection to the Texas Rangers. Quite a mournful song but it is quite a mournful tale of life and death. For me it is the perfect recording for such a song with your plaintiff vocals and acoustic guitar. Then we add Weinheimer's bass adding more depth and potency. Dodson's banjo then adds another element that is important as this recording builds and builds to a wonderful conclusion.
Titanic (Huddie Ledbetter, "Leadbelly" - 1912)
At the turn of last century, Leadbelly wrote so many songs that would feature throughout the century and into this one also, but unfortunately Titanic didn't. I for one don't know why, as it is such a jaunty song in that iconic simple storytelling style he used to write a very impressive body of work. Howell delivers a perfect rendering of the song with his vocals playful and very much in control of the performance. It is interesting that Leadbelly has quite a Celtic cadence about this song which is fitting considering the Titanic was built in Ireland, whether or not this was intentional one can only speculate. Adding to the incredible appeal of this offering is the guitar and bass playing from Howell and Weinheimer. It really doesn't get any better than this and you know l think ole Huddie would be upstairs doing a bit of a jig on hearing this, l know l am.
Pine Bluff, Akansas (Bukka White - 1937)
Hey! If ya'll are looking for us we are out back on the porch! Here Howell lays it bare with some good ole Bukka White Country Blues that has the intensity of 100-proof shine. Good enough to strip the paint off of the walls. Dry and laconic Howell is in command of this one vocally as he meanders through the lyrics with a potent passion to emphasize the great witting of the song. Again Howell produces a brilliant display on guitar that is quite reserved and somewhat restrained, as in keeping with this Country Blues. Weinheimer's bass is splendidly placed in the mix as he holds down the perfect cadence. Adding to this stunning orchestration once again Dodson plays the gorgeous mandolin. All in all this is what and should be how you play Country Blues.
Personnel:
- Steve Howell: Vocals: Archtop & Flattop Guitar
- Jason Weinheimer: Bass
- Dan Sumner: Archtop Guitar
- David Dodson: Mandolin & Banjo
GOOD AS I BEEN TO YOU
STEVE HOWELL & THE MIGHTY MEN FEATURING KATY HOBGOOD RAY
STEVE HOWELL & THE MIGHTY MEN FEATURING KATY HOBGOOD RAY
Notes From Steve:
Bacon Fat – Andre Williams 3:38
I first heard this tune done by Doug Sahm. Jessie Ed Davis also did a terrific version of it. It was written and recorded first by Andre Williams, hit #9 on the US Billboard R&B chart in 1957.
When I Was A Cowboy (Out On The Western Plains) – Huddie Ledbetter 6:58
In the summer of 1933, Alan Lomax and his father John Lomax visited the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola as part of one of his Southern folksong-collecting trips on behalf of the Library of Congress. It was on this trip that they heard Huddie Ledbetter playing a 12-string guitar and singing. Leadbelly played them his version of a cowboy song he called “Western Cowboy,” which they recorded on July 16, 1933. Great versions of this tune have also been done by the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, Rory Gallagher, and Alvin Youngblood Hart.
New Dirty Dozens – Lizzie Douglas (Memphis Minnie McCoy), Rufus Perryman and J. Mayo Williams 3:40
The dozens (also called “the dirty dozens”) is a verbal game in which two-line rhyming insults are shot back and forth in front of an audience. This great tune based on the dozens game was recorded by Memphis Minnie in 1930. The lyrics reflect an African American tradition of verbal jousting that includes everything from toasting, boasting, dissing, and snapping. Snaps are putdowns with a setup. “Your mama’s so fat…” followed by a snap, “…she broke her arm and gravy poured out.” Opponents slander each other’s families because the game is above all a test of one’s cool and the first person to get angry automatically forfeits. Katy clearly wins this session.
It Hurts To Be In Love - Howard Greenfield and Helen Miller 2:58
I have always loved Gene Pitney’s recordings. At the age of 12 I had the 45 of this hit from 1964 and wore it out. It is one of a long line of successful "Brill Building Sound" hits created by composers and arrangers working in the hit factory in New York City's Brill Building at 1619 Broadway. In the US, it peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Come Back Baby – Walter Davis 4:55
Written and recorded by the blues singer and pianist Walter Davis in 1940, this great blues song was also recorded by Ray Charles, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Stevie Wonder, Carolyn Hester, Dave Van Ronk, and several others.
Blues In The Bottle – Prince Albert Hunt 4:50
This great old song was first recorded by Prince Albert Hunt's Texas Ramblers on March 28, 1928, for the Okeh label. Archie "Prince" Albert Hunt was an American country blues fiddle player and one of the founders of the musical genre later called Western Swing. He was born in Terrell, Texas, and spent most of his musical career around the Deep Ellum area in Dallas and traveling with minstrel shows in the early 1920s. On March 31, 1931, Hunt was shot to death outside Confederate Hall in Dallas. His assailant, William M. Douglas, reported that he murdered Hunt out of jealousy because he caught Douglas dancing with his wife. I first heard it done by the Kweskin Jug Band. It was also recorded by, the Lovin’ Spoonful and later by Chris Smither.
Easy Rider – Huddie Ledbetter 6:22
Kathryn’s lovely rendition of this tune comes from the singing of Leadbelly. It has been done in many forms over the years. Ma Rainey's recording, "See See Rider Blues,” was very popular in 1925. Numerous musicians later recorded their own versions, often entitled “Easy Rider,” including Leadbelly, Big Bill Broonzy, Mississippi John Hurt, Lightnin' Hopkins, and Peggy Lee. Broonzy claimed that when he was about 9 or 10, around 1908, in Jefferson County, Arkansas, he learned to play the blues from an itinerant songster named "See See Rider," a former slave, who played a one-string fiddle and may well have been one of the first singers of what would later be called the blues.
The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore - Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio. 3:43
I first heard this song when it was released by The Walker Brothers in 1966. It hit #1 on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. It was originally released as a single by Frankie Valli as a solo artist in 1965 on the Smash label.
Bad Luck Blues – Blind Lemon Jefferson 5:08
Blind Lemon Jefferson, from Couchman, Texas, was, as far as I am concerned, the greatest of all of the Texas blues singers. He recorded this tune for the Paramount label in 1926. It has long been one of my very favorite recordings of his. My fascination with the country blues has been largely fueled by what the great Jim Dickinson referred to as “the unending search for Blind Lemon.”
Lining Track - Clarence Harmon 2:36
Early railroad workers were often called “Gandy Dancers” or “section hands." They used a specially manufactured 5-foot "lining" bar, which came to be called a "gandy," as a lever to keep the tracks in alignment. As they lined track, the section bosses used songs and chants employing call and response traditions brought from Africa and sea shanties to coordinate their group efforts. This wonderful old example of that tradition is from Work & Pray: Historic Negro Spirituals and Work Songs From West Virginia 1949-1953, a collection of field recordings gathered by Cortez Reece in 1951.
You Gonna Quit Me – Arthur “Blind” Blake 4:16
One of the first blues fingerstyle guitarists that made an impression on me, Arthur “Blind” Blake, was one of the absolute greatest of them all. From Jacksonville, Florida, his playing drew heavily from the sound and style of ragtime piano. This song was recorded in October 1927 in Chicago, Illinois. He is known for numerous recordings he made for Paramount Records between 1926 and 1932. This tune has also been done over the years by Bob Dylan, and Nick Katzman and Ruby Green.
Personnel:
Produced by Steve and The Mighty Men.
Engineered, Mixed and Mastered by Jason Weinheimer at Fellowship Hall Sound, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Foxtrot Studio, Shreveport, Louisiana.
Bacon Fat – Andre Williams 3:38
I first heard this tune done by Doug Sahm. Jessie Ed Davis also did a terrific version of it. It was written and recorded first by Andre Williams, hit #9 on the US Billboard R&B chart in 1957.
When I Was A Cowboy (Out On The Western Plains) – Huddie Ledbetter 6:58
In the summer of 1933, Alan Lomax and his father John Lomax visited the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola as part of one of his Southern folksong-collecting trips on behalf of the Library of Congress. It was on this trip that they heard Huddie Ledbetter playing a 12-string guitar and singing. Leadbelly played them his version of a cowboy song he called “Western Cowboy,” which they recorded on July 16, 1933. Great versions of this tune have also been done by the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, Rory Gallagher, and Alvin Youngblood Hart.
New Dirty Dozens – Lizzie Douglas (Memphis Minnie McCoy), Rufus Perryman and J. Mayo Williams 3:40
The dozens (also called “the dirty dozens”) is a verbal game in which two-line rhyming insults are shot back and forth in front of an audience. This great tune based on the dozens game was recorded by Memphis Minnie in 1930. The lyrics reflect an African American tradition of verbal jousting that includes everything from toasting, boasting, dissing, and snapping. Snaps are putdowns with a setup. “Your mama’s so fat…” followed by a snap, “…she broke her arm and gravy poured out.” Opponents slander each other’s families because the game is above all a test of one’s cool and the first person to get angry automatically forfeits. Katy clearly wins this session.
It Hurts To Be In Love - Howard Greenfield and Helen Miller 2:58
I have always loved Gene Pitney’s recordings. At the age of 12 I had the 45 of this hit from 1964 and wore it out. It is one of a long line of successful "Brill Building Sound" hits created by composers and arrangers working in the hit factory in New York City's Brill Building at 1619 Broadway. In the US, it peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Come Back Baby – Walter Davis 4:55
Written and recorded by the blues singer and pianist Walter Davis in 1940, this great blues song was also recorded by Ray Charles, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Stevie Wonder, Carolyn Hester, Dave Van Ronk, and several others.
Blues In The Bottle – Prince Albert Hunt 4:50
This great old song was first recorded by Prince Albert Hunt's Texas Ramblers on March 28, 1928, for the Okeh label. Archie "Prince" Albert Hunt was an American country blues fiddle player and one of the founders of the musical genre later called Western Swing. He was born in Terrell, Texas, and spent most of his musical career around the Deep Ellum area in Dallas and traveling with minstrel shows in the early 1920s. On March 31, 1931, Hunt was shot to death outside Confederate Hall in Dallas. His assailant, William M. Douglas, reported that he murdered Hunt out of jealousy because he caught Douglas dancing with his wife. I first heard it done by the Kweskin Jug Band. It was also recorded by, the Lovin’ Spoonful and later by Chris Smither.
Easy Rider – Huddie Ledbetter 6:22
Kathryn’s lovely rendition of this tune comes from the singing of Leadbelly. It has been done in many forms over the years. Ma Rainey's recording, "See See Rider Blues,” was very popular in 1925. Numerous musicians later recorded their own versions, often entitled “Easy Rider,” including Leadbelly, Big Bill Broonzy, Mississippi John Hurt, Lightnin' Hopkins, and Peggy Lee. Broonzy claimed that when he was about 9 or 10, around 1908, in Jefferson County, Arkansas, he learned to play the blues from an itinerant songster named "See See Rider," a former slave, who played a one-string fiddle and may well have been one of the first singers of what would later be called the blues.
The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore - Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio. 3:43
I first heard this song when it was released by The Walker Brothers in 1966. It hit #1 on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. It was originally released as a single by Frankie Valli as a solo artist in 1965 on the Smash label.
Bad Luck Blues – Blind Lemon Jefferson 5:08
Blind Lemon Jefferson, from Couchman, Texas, was, as far as I am concerned, the greatest of all of the Texas blues singers. He recorded this tune for the Paramount label in 1926. It has long been one of my very favorite recordings of his. My fascination with the country blues has been largely fueled by what the great Jim Dickinson referred to as “the unending search for Blind Lemon.”
Lining Track - Clarence Harmon 2:36
Early railroad workers were often called “Gandy Dancers” or “section hands." They used a specially manufactured 5-foot "lining" bar, which came to be called a "gandy," as a lever to keep the tracks in alignment. As they lined track, the section bosses used songs and chants employing call and response traditions brought from Africa and sea shanties to coordinate their group efforts. This wonderful old example of that tradition is from Work & Pray: Historic Negro Spirituals and Work Songs From West Virginia 1949-1953, a collection of field recordings gathered by Cortez Reece in 1951.
You Gonna Quit Me – Arthur “Blind” Blake 4:16
One of the first blues fingerstyle guitarists that made an impression on me, Arthur “Blind” Blake, was one of the absolute greatest of them all. From Jacksonville, Florida, his playing drew heavily from the sound and style of ragtime piano. This song was recorded in October 1927 in Chicago, Illinois. He is known for numerous recordings he made for Paramount Records between 1926 and 1932. This tune has also been done over the years by Bob Dylan, and Nick Katzman and Ruby Green.
Personnel:
- Steve Howell – Acoustic and Electric Guitar and Vocals
- Chris Michaels – Electric Guitar and Vocals
- Dave Hoffpauir – Drums and Vocals
- Jason Weinheimer – Electric Bass, Organ and Vocals
- Katy Hobgood Ray – Vocals
- Dave Ray - Vocals
Produced by Steve and The Mighty Men.
Engineered, Mixed and Mastered by Jason Weinheimer at Fellowship Hall Sound, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Foxtrot Studio, Shreveport, Louisiana.
A HUNDRED YEARS FROM TODAY
STEVE HOWELL & JASON WEINHEIMER
STEVE HOWELL & JASON WEINHEIMER
Notes from Steve:
Lulu’s Back In Town (Harry Warren/Al Dubin - 1935). This great old song was popularized by Fats Waller and subsequently recorded by many artists including Thelonious Monk, Art Tatum, and Leon Redbone.
Kansas City Blues (Jim Jackson - 1927) Originally a medicine show singer, Jim Jackson recorded this tune on October 10, 1927, for Vocalion Records. It was released as a two-part A-side and B-side single. It was Jackson's first record and an early blues hit. I first heard it by Michael Bloomfield on his record “If You Love These Blues, Play 'Em As You Please.”
Going Back To Florida (Lightnin’ Hopkins - 1959). I have loved this song since I first heard it on Lightnin’ Hopkins’ 1959 Smithsonian/Folkways record. Another great version was done by John Hammond in 1963.
Louis Collins (Mississippi John Hurt - 1928). Mississippi John Hurt recorded this tune in 1928. It has always been one of my top favorites from his repertoire. To me it is one of the most heart rending and beautiful of all American murder ballads. This one goes out to my dear friends who have lost children.
A Hundred Years From Today (Joe Young & Ned Washington/Victor Young - 1933). Jack Teagarden, the great jazz singer and trombonist from Vernon, Texas, has always been a big musical hero to me and one of my very favorite singers. He recorded at least four versions of this tune, the first being in 1932. It was also recorded by the great Ethel Waters. Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. It originally appeared in the Broadway show “Blackbirds of 1934.”
Got The Blues, Can’t Be Satisfied (Mississippi John Hurt – 1928). This tune has long been one of my very favorite John Hurt songs. He could boogie when he wanted to.
Basin Street Blues (Spencer Williams - 1928). This song was first recorded by Louis Armstrong. The famous intro verse was later written and added by Glenn Miller and Jack Teagarden. Basin Street was the main street of Storyville, the notorious red-light district of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in New Orleans. Next to the Louis Armstrong version, I think my favorite rendition was the one by Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys recorded during the group's heyday with vocalist Tommy Duncan.
Limehouse Blues – After You’ve Gone (Douglas Furber / Philip Braham - 1922) - Henry Creamer/Turner Layton/Mariano Rapetti (1918). “Limehouse Blues” is a British song about a “soiled dove” from the Limehouse district of east London, which housed the London Chinatown of the late 19th and early 20th century. “After You’ve Gone” was a big hit for Marion Harris in 1918. Both of these tunes have been recorded hundreds of times since and remain firmly planted in the standard jazz repertory.
Who’s Been Here? (Bo Carter - 1938). Bo Carter, one of the original Memphis Sheiks, was also a prolific recording artist in his own right. Often referred to as a master of the “single entendre,” he performed quite a bit of borderline blue material in his career. I learned this tune from a recording by the great John Miller.
Rocking Chair (Hoagy Carmichael - 1929). I have always loved this wonderful song about old age composed by Hoagy Carmichael in 1929. Louis Armstrong recorded it with Carmichael on vocals on December 13, 1929, at Okeh studios, roughly two months after the stock market crashed. Carmichael recorded it numerous times including a 1930 version featuring Bix Beiderbecke on cornet. Armstrong performed "Rockin' Chair" regularly and recorded it a number of times with his trombonist Jack Teagarden.
Lulu’s Back In Town (Harry Warren/Al Dubin - 1935). This great old song was popularized by Fats Waller and subsequently recorded by many artists including Thelonious Monk, Art Tatum, and Leon Redbone.
Kansas City Blues (Jim Jackson - 1927) Originally a medicine show singer, Jim Jackson recorded this tune on October 10, 1927, for Vocalion Records. It was released as a two-part A-side and B-side single. It was Jackson's first record and an early blues hit. I first heard it by Michael Bloomfield on his record “If You Love These Blues, Play 'Em As You Please.”
Going Back To Florida (Lightnin’ Hopkins - 1959). I have loved this song since I first heard it on Lightnin’ Hopkins’ 1959 Smithsonian/Folkways record. Another great version was done by John Hammond in 1963.
Louis Collins (Mississippi John Hurt - 1928). Mississippi John Hurt recorded this tune in 1928. It has always been one of my top favorites from his repertoire. To me it is one of the most heart rending and beautiful of all American murder ballads. This one goes out to my dear friends who have lost children.
A Hundred Years From Today (Joe Young & Ned Washington/Victor Young - 1933). Jack Teagarden, the great jazz singer and trombonist from Vernon, Texas, has always been a big musical hero to me and one of my very favorite singers. He recorded at least four versions of this tune, the first being in 1932. It was also recorded by the great Ethel Waters. Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. It originally appeared in the Broadway show “Blackbirds of 1934.”
Got The Blues, Can’t Be Satisfied (Mississippi John Hurt – 1928). This tune has long been one of my very favorite John Hurt songs. He could boogie when he wanted to.
Basin Street Blues (Spencer Williams - 1928). This song was first recorded by Louis Armstrong. The famous intro verse was later written and added by Glenn Miller and Jack Teagarden. Basin Street was the main street of Storyville, the notorious red-light district of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in New Orleans. Next to the Louis Armstrong version, I think my favorite rendition was the one by Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys recorded during the group's heyday with vocalist Tommy Duncan.
Limehouse Blues – After You’ve Gone (Douglas Furber / Philip Braham - 1922) - Henry Creamer/Turner Layton/Mariano Rapetti (1918). “Limehouse Blues” is a British song about a “soiled dove” from the Limehouse district of east London, which housed the London Chinatown of the late 19th and early 20th century. “After You’ve Gone” was a big hit for Marion Harris in 1918. Both of these tunes have been recorded hundreds of times since and remain firmly planted in the standard jazz repertory.
Who’s Been Here? (Bo Carter - 1938). Bo Carter, one of the original Memphis Sheiks, was also a prolific recording artist in his own right. Often referred to as a master of the “single entendre,” he performed quite a bit of borderline blue material in his career. I learned this tune from a recording by the great John Miller.
Rocking Chair (Hoagy Carmichael - 1929). I have always loved this wonderful song about old age composed by Hoagy Carmichael in 1929. Louis Armstrong recorded it with Carmichael on vocals on December 13, 1929, at Okeh studios, roughly two months after the stock market crashed. Carmichael recorded it numerous times including a 1930 version featuring Bix Beiderbecke on cornet. Armstrong performed "Rockin' Chair" regularly and recorded it a number of times with his trombonist Jack Teagarden.
SOLO GUITAR - STEVE HOWELL
- Autumn Leaves
- Dindi
- Stormy Weather
- I'll Remember April
- My Funny Valentine
- Nardis-Eleanor Rigby
- Lover Come Back to Me
- Emily
- I Remember You
- I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)
- California Dreaming
- Recorded at Foxtrot Studio, Shreveport, Louisiana
- September and November 2015
- Jason Weinheimer – Engineering and Mixing
For: My Dad
FRIEND LIKE ME
Another Friend Like Me – (Jesse “Baby Face” Thomas). Jesse “Baby “Face” Thomas was born in Logansport, Louisiana, and is best known for his song "Blue Goose Blues," named after a famous nightclub in Shreveport, Louisiana, and recorded for Victor in 1929. He recorded and performed throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s, based in the Los Angeles area, where he recorded this tune in 1948. In his later years he returned to Shreveport, where we all met him and heard him play frequently. Dave and Chris even backed him on some gigs. I have been playing this one for about forty years after hearing the wonderful version done by Roy Book Binder.
Aberdeen, Mississippi Blues – (Booker T. Washington "Bukka" White). Bukka White was born and raised near Aberdeen, Mississippi, about which he originally recorded this tune in Chicago in 1940. He first recorded for Victor Records in 1930, recording country blues and gospel numbers like many other country bluesmen of the era. Nine years later, while serving time for assault, he recorded for folklorist John Lomax. There was a "rediscovery" of White in 1963 by guitarist John Fahey and ED Denson, after which he became prominent in the folk revival scene of the 1960’s.
Elder Green Is Gone – (Charley Patton).Charley Patton was the first great delta bluesman. He has been referred to as the “Father of the Delta Blues” and the “Founder of the Delta Blues.” Born in 1891, Patton was older than the other Delta musicians who recorded during the golden age of the 1920’s and 1930’s, and originated and developed many of the themes that are now considered basic to the Delta blues repertoire. He recorded this song for Paramount Records in Grafton, Wisconsin, in 1929.
Oh, Lord, Search My Heart – (Reverend Gary Davis)This song has been one of my very favorite tunes by Reverend Gary Davis since I first started playing it about forty years ago after hearing Hot Tuna’s wonderful version rendition.
Little Sadie – (Traditional).In this little story the High Sheriff of Thomasville, North Carolina, apprehends the murderer of a young woman in Jericho, North Carolina. The earliest written record of the song dates from 1922 and the first sound recording was by Clarence Ashley in 1930. I always think of the definitive version being Doc Watson’s.
Roustabout – (Josh Thomas).According to Mike Seeger, Cliff Endres recorded Josh Thomas, then 80, playing this tune on the banjo in 1970 in Hollins, Virginia, near Roanoke. It has been said to represent the 19th century African clawhammer banjo style evolving into the blues. To my knowledge, the original cassette recording has never been released to the public but apparently exists and has been circulated among a small group of folk music aficionados and banjo players. Played on a gut-string gourd banjo, this was a staple of Mike Seeger’s set list for many years.
This Old Hammer – (Nelson Harmon).This one comes from the field recordings of Cortez D. Reece in southern West Virginia between 1949 and 1953. Reece, working on his dissertation for a doctorate in musicology from the University of Southern California, traveled to old coal camps and railroad towns, seeking out unique traditional songs that reflected the culture. This one, sung in Reece’s anthology by Nelson Harmon, a retired high school science teacher, deals with the archetypal blues theme of the poor boy a long ways from home and the mythic African-American steel-driving super hero, John Henry.
Viola Lee Blues – (Noah Lewis)Recorded on September 20, 1928, by Gus Cannon’s Jug Stompers, this tune was written and sung by Noah Lewis, the band’s harmonica player. Viola Lee Blues was also one of the first of the Grateful Dead's first main jamming tunes.
Me and My Uncle – (John Phillips)This song was composed by John Phillips of The Mamas and the Papas, and popularized in versions by Judy Collins and the Grateful Dead. The story is that John Phillips originally wrote and then promptly forgot it after a wild evening session with a cassette recorder running in an Arizona hotel room with Judy Collins, Stephen Stills, Neil Young and others in 1963. When Phillips began receiving publishing royalties from a song on a Judy Collins record with which he was unfamiliar, he called her and she reminded him of the song. It was later heard by the Grateful Dead, who adopted it as one of their historically most-played songs in their long concert career. It has also been performed by Joni Mitchell, Dino Valente, and by John Phillips himself.
Pretty Flamingo – (Mark Barkan)A hit in 1966 by Manfred Mann, this song reached number one in the UK Singles Chart in May of 1966 and spent eight weeks on Billboard 's Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 29 in the US during August of 1966. It has been covered by Gene Pitney, The Everly Brothers, and many others
Aberdeen, Mississippi Blues – (Booker T. Washington "Bukka" White). Bukka White was born and raised near Aberdeen, Mississippi, about which he originally recorded this tune in Chicago in 1940. He first recorded for Victor Records in 1930, recording country blues and gospel numbers like many other country bluesmen of the era. Nine years later, while serving time for assault, he recorded for folklorist John Lomax. There was a "rediscovery" of White in 1963 by guitarist John Fahey and ED Denson, after which he became prominent in the folk revival scene of the 1960’s.
Elder Green Is Gone – (Charley Patton).Charley Patton was the first great delta bluesman. He has been referred to as the “Father of the Delta Blues” and the “Founder of the Delta Blues.” Born in 1891, Patton was older than the other Delta musicians who recorded during the golden age of the 1920’s and 1930’s, and originated and developed many of the themes that are now considered basic to the Delta blues repertoire. He recorded this song for Paramount Records in Grafton, Wisconsin, in 1929.
Oh, Lord, Search My Heart – (Reverend Gary Davis)This song has been one of my very favorite tunes by Reverend Gary Davis since I first started playing it about forty years ago after hearing Hot Tuna’s wonderful version rendition.
Little Sadie – (Traditional).In this little story the High Sheriff of Thomasville, North Carolina, apprehends the murderer of a young woman in Jericho, North Carolina. The earliest written record of the song dates from 1922 and the first sound recording was by Clarence Ashley in 1930. I always think of the definitive version being Doc Watson’s.
Roustabout – (Josh Thomas).According to Mike Seeger, Cliff Endres recorded Josh Thomas, then 80, playing this tune on the banjo in 1970 in Hollins, Virginia, near Roanoke. It has been said to represent the 19th century African clawhammer banjo style evolving into the blues. To my knowledge, the original cassette recording has never been released to the public but apparently exists and has been circulated among a small group of folk music aficionados and banjo players. Played on a gut-string gourd banjo, this was a staple of Mike Seeger’s set list for many years.
This Old Hammer – (Nelson Harmon).This one comes from the field recordings of Cortez D. Reece in southern West Virginia between 1949 and 1953. Reece, working on his dissertation for a doctorate in musicology from the University of Southern California, traveled to old coal camps and railroad towns, seeking out unique traditional songs that reflected the culture. This one, sung in Reece’s anthology by Nelson Harmon, a retired high school science teacher, deals with the archetypal blues theme of the poor boy a long ways from home and the mythic African-American steel-driving super hero, John Henry.
Viola Lee Blues – (Noah Lewis)Recorded on September 20, 1928, by Gus Cannon’s Jug Stompers, this tune was written and sung by Noah Lewis, the band’s harmonica player. Viola Lee Blues was also one of the first of the Grateful Dead's first main jamming tunes.
Me and My Uncle – (John Phillips)This song was composed by John Phillips of The Mamas and the Papas, and popularized in versions by Judy Collins and the Grateful Dead. The story is that John Phillips originally wrote and then promptly forgot it after a wild evening session with a cassette recorder running in an Arizona hotel room with Judy Collins, Stephen Stills, Neil Young and others in 1963. When Phillips began receiving publishing royalties from a song on a Judy Collins record with which he was unfamiliar, he called her and she reminded him of the song. It was later heard by the Grateful Dead, who adopted it as one of their historically most-played songs in their long concert career. It has also been performed by Joni Mitchell, Dino Valente, and by John Phillips himself.
Pretty Flamingo – (Mark Barkan)A hit in 1966 by Manfred Mann, this song reached number one in the UK Singles Chart in May of 1966 and spent eight weeks on Billboard 's Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 29 in the US during August of 1966. It has been covered by Gene Pitney, The Everly Brothers, and many others
YES, I BELIEVE I WILL
I Had A Notion – (Terry Garthwaite)
A lot of great acoustic and fingerstyle guitar music was released on the Kicking Mule Records label during its existence between 1974 and 1988. Panic When The Sun Goes Down by Nick Katzman and Ruby Green (aka Terry Garthwaite) was released in 1976 and contained some of the best country blues guitar playing and singing to appear on record after the 1930’s. This tune was a part of that collection.
Walk On Boy – (Wayne P. Walker – Mel Tillis)This Mel Tillis tune from 1960 was a long-standing staple of Doc Watson’s repertoire. It has been done over the years by various artists including Johnny Rivers and the Rice Brothers.
Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning – (Traditional)Recorded by Blind Willie Johnson 1928, the origin of this tune is found in Matthew 25:1-13 containing the Parable of the Wise and the Foolish Virgins. Matthew 25:13. “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour……..” The historical note following hymn number 369 in The New Century Hymnal, describes “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning”, as being “possibly one of the code songs in which to keep one’s lamp ‘trimmed and burning’ could have meant keeping a lookout for a conductor of the underground railroad.” The words take on a new meaning from the viewpoint of runaway slaves escaping to freedom. In addition to Blind Willie Johnson, great versions have been recorded in the past by such artists as Mississippi Fred McDowell and Hot Tuna.
Country Blues (aka Hustling Gamblers) – (Dock Boggs)Moran Lee "Dock" Boggs (February 7, 1898 West Norton, Virginia – February 7, 1971) was a seminal old-time singer, songwriter and banjo player. His style of banjo playing, as well as his singing, is considered a unique combination of Appalachian folk music and African-American blues. The appearance of two of his recordings from the 1920s, "Sugar Baby" and "Country Blues", on Harry Smith's 1951 Anthology of American Folk Music collection brought him to the attention of traditional music fans. A coal miner for most of his life, Boggs was initially recorded in 1927 and again in 1929. Boggs recorded 'Country Blues' in 1927, having learned it as "Hustlin' Gamblers," from an itinerant photographer and musician, Homer Crawford, of Tennessee, around 1914. Dock Boggs once said, "Lonesome songs always appealed to me." I say, me, too.
Future Blues – (Willie Brown)Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Willie Brown played with such notables as Charley Patton, Son House and Robert Johnson. He was not known to be a self-promoting frontman, preferring to "second" other musicians. Little is widely known about the man of whom Robert Johnson sang "You can run, you can run, tell my friend boy Willie Brown" in Cross Road Blues. Recorded in Paramount sessions of 1930 with Charley Patton in Grafton, Wisconsin. It was released on the B-side of Brown’s single M & O Blues. Only three copies of this disc are known to exist today.
Wasted Mind – (Danny Barnes) Danny Barnes has written tons of truly great songs, but this one is special to me. There are a lot of young folks in my part of the country, and probably a lot of other places, who are aimless without the slightest sense of what their future might look like. A mind is indeed a terrible thing to waste at any age.
Mr. Blue – (DeWayne Blackwell)This lovely tune was a hit for The Fleetwoods, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1959. It has also been done over the years by David Bromberg, Garth Brooks, and the Classics IV.
Devil’s Side – (Nick Katzman)Another one from Nick Katzman & Ruby Green. This one appeared on “Sparkling Ragtime & Hard Bitten Blues” on the Kicking Mule Records label Released in 1980.
I Know You Rider – (Traditional)This song appeared in the 1934 book, American Ballads and Folk Songs, by the noted father and son musicologists and folklorists, John Lomax and Alan Lomax. I first learned it as done by Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Cassidy on their first Hot Tuna record. Other notable versions have also been recorded by Joan Baez, The Grateful Dead, The Byrds, and John Renbourn.
Rake and Rambling Blade – (Traditional)This is a version of the song collected in 1930, from Emma L. Dusenbury, Mena, Arkansas. The song is English-Irish, part of the "Newry Highwayman" - "Jolly Blade" - "Rambling Boy" - "Wild and Wicked Youth" - "Irish Robber" group of related folk songs. This song cluster appeared in American printings of broadsides in mid-nineteenth century. Versions of this song have been recorded by Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Norman Blake, Joan Baez and Hedy West.
Produced by Steve Howell and The Mighty Men
Recorded direct to digital between November 2012 and May 2013,
Mixed and Mastered by Jason Weinheimer
Fellowship Hall Sound, Little Rock, Arkansas.
501-416-9413
[email protected]
CD Cover:
Design and layout by Nick West with Hemingway West - Shreveport, Louisiana.
Photography by Ron Munden.
903-923-8840
East Texas Towns
Greg Spradlin
Contact:
Steve Howell. 903-926-9261
[email protected]
Booking, Radio & Press:
Betsie Brown. Blind Raccoon LLC. Memphis, Tennessee.
901-278-6850
[email protected]
Distribution:
Burnside Distribution Corporation. Portland, Oregon.
Note from Steve:
I am very proud of this record. My undying gratitude goes out to my dear friends who made this record with me. Dave and I have played music together over 27 years, Chris and I have played music together over 24 years, and I have known Jason almost 20 years. I know them to be fine individuals of enormous intelligence and character with a very powerful musical sensibility and unerring taste. I am very lucky that they are willing to associate themselves with me and I give them most of the credit for this record turning out so well. They are truly Mighty Men.
Instrumentation:
Publishing Credits:
© 2013. Out Of The Past LLC. All rights reserved.
A lot of great acoustic and fingerstyle guitar music was released on the Kicking Mule Records label during its existence between 1974 and 1988. Panic When The Sun Goes Down by Nick Katzman and Ruby Green (aka Terry Garthwaite) was released in 1976 and contained some of the best country blues guitar playing and singing to appear on record after the 1930’s. This tune was a part of that collection.
Walk On Boy – (Wayne P. Walker – Mel Tillis)This Mel Tillis tune from 1960 was a long-standing staple of Doc Watson’s repertoire. It has been done over the years by various artists including Johnny Rivers and the Rice Brothers.
Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning – (Traditional)Recorded by Blind Willie Johnson 1928, the origin of this tune is found in Matthew 25:1-13 containing the Parable of the Wise and the Foolish Virgins. Matthew 25:13. “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour……..” The historical note following hymn number 369 in The New Century Hymnal, describes “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning”, as being “possibly one of the code songs in which to keep one’s lamp ‘trimmed and burning’ could have meant keeping a lookout for a conductor of the underground railroad.” The words take on a new meaning from the viewpoint of runaway slaves escaping to freedom. In addition to Blind Willie Johnson, great versions have been recorded in the past by such artists as Mississippi Fred McDowell and Hot Tuna.
Country Blues (aka Hustling Gamblers) – (Dock Boggs)Moran Lee "Dock" Boggs (February 7, 1898 West Norton, Virginia – February 7, 1971) was a seminal old-time singer, songwriter and banjo player. His style of banjo playing, as well as his singing, is considered a unique combination of Appalachian folk music and African-American blues. The appearance of two of his recordings from the 1920s, "Sugar Baby" and "Country Blues", on Harry Smith's 1951 Anthology of American Folk Music collection brought him to the attention of traditional music fans. A coal miner for most of his life, Boggs was initially recorded in 1927 and again in 1929. Boggs recorded 'Country Blues' in 1927, having learned it as "Hustlin' Gamblers," from an itinerant photographer and musician, Homer Crawford, of Tennessee, around 1914. Dock Boggs once said, "Lonesome songs always appealed to me." I say, me, too.
Future Blues – (Willie Brown)Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Willie Brown played with such notables as Charley Patton, Son House and Robert Johnson. He was not known to be a self-promoting frontman, preferring to "second" other musicians. Little is widely known about the man of whom Robert Johnson sang "You can run, you can run, tell my friend boy Willie Brown" in Cross Road Blues. Recorded in Paramount sessions of 1930 with Charley Patton in Grafton, Wisconsin. It was released on the B-side of Brown’s single M & O Blues. Only three copies of this disc are known to exist today.
Wasted Mind – (Danny Barnes) Danny Barnes has written tons of truly great songs, but this one is special to me. There are a lot of young folks in my part of the country, and probably a lot of other places, who are aimless without the slightest sense of what their future might look like. A mind is indeed a terrible thing to waste at any age.
Mr. Blue – (DeWayne Blackwell)This lovely tune was a hit for The Fleetwoods, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1959. It has also been done over the years by David Bromberg, Garth Brooks, and the Classics IV.
Devil’s Side – (Nick Katzman)Another one from Nick Katzman & Ruby Green. This one appeared on “Sparkling Ragtime & Hard Bitten Blues” on the Kicking Mule Records label Released in 1980.
I Know You Rider – (Traditional)This song appeared in the 1934 book, American Ballads and Folk Songs, by the noted father and son musicologists and folklorists, John Lomax and Alan Lomax. I first learned it as done by Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Cassidy on their first Hot Tuna record. Other notable versions have also been recorded by Joan Baez, The Grateful Dead, The Byrds, and John Renbourn.
Rake and Rambling Blade – (Traditional)This is a version of the song collected in 1930, from Emma L. Dusenbury, Mena, Arkansas. The song is English-Irish, part of the "Newry Highwayman" - "Jolly Blade" - "Rambling Boy" - "Wild and Wicked Youth" - "Irish Robber" group of related folk songs. This song cluster appeared in American printings of broadsides in mid-nineteenth century. Versions of this song have been recorded by Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Norman Blake, Joan Baez and Hedy West.
- Steve Howell – Acoustic Guitar, Resophonic Guitar and Vocals
- Chris Michaels – Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar and Bass
- Dave Hoffpauir – Drums
- Jason Weinheimer – Keyboards
Produced by Steve Howell and The Mighty Men
Recorded direct to digital between November 2012 and May 2013,
Mixed and Mastered by Jason Weinheimer
Fellowship Hall Sound, Little Rock, Arkansas.
501-416-9413
[email protected]
CD Cover:
Design and layout by Nick West with Hemingway West - Shreveport, Louisiana.
Photography by Ron Munden.
903-923-8840
East Texas Towns
Greg Spradlin
Contact:
Steve Howell. 903-926-9261
[email protected]
Booking, Radio & Press:
Betsie Brown. Blind Raccoon LLC. Memphis, Tennessee.
901-278-6850
[email protected]
Distribution:
Burnside Distribution Corporation. Portland, Oregon.
Note from Steve:
I am very proud of this record. My undying gratitude goes out to my dear friends who made this record with me. Dave and I have played music together over 27 years, Chris and I have played music together over 24 years, and I have known Jason almost 20 years. I know them to be fine individuals of enormous intelligence and character with a very powerful musical sensibility and unerring taste. I am very lucky that they are willing to associate themselves with me and I give them most of the credit for this record turning out so well. They are truly Mighty Men.
Instrumentation:
- Steve – Kevin Ryan Signature Abbey Grand Parlor, Collings OM41 ASB, National Resorocket, AER Acousticube III, Radial PZ-Pre.
- Dave - C&C kit with Gretsch, Ludwig and Slingerland snare drums. DW pedals and hardware. Constantinople, Bosphorus, Dream, and Meinl cymbals. Vater sticks and Promark brushes.
- Chris – Gibson ES 335, Eastman T386, Nash T63, Kevin Ryan Signature Abbey Grand Parlor, Indiana 6-string guitar- banjo, Danelectro baritone electric, Fender Vibrolux, Reissue Fender Deluxe Reverb, Vox AC 15. Bass amp: Ampeg SB 12 Portaflex (66).
- Jason –Hammond M3 Organ
- Microphones - Vocals - Shure SM7b
- Electric Guitars - Beyerdynamic M160 ribbon mic
- Bass - A Designs REDDI tube direct box and 1965 Ampeg SB-12 amp
- Drums - KEL Audio HM-7U and pair of Audio Technica 4040s
Publishing Credits:
- I Had A Notion –Red Shoes Publishing
- Walk On Boy – Universal / Songs of Polygram International, Inc.
- Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning – Chandos Music
- Country Blues (aka Hustling Gamblers) – Figs. D Music, Inc., OBO Stormking Music.
- Future Blues – Kicking Mule
- Wasted Mind – Minner Bucket Records
- Mr. Blue – EMI Unart Catalog, Inc.
- Devil’s Side – Kicking Mule
- I Know You Rider – EMI Blackwood Music Inc.
- Rake and Rambling Blade – Public Domain
© 2013. Out Of The Past LLC. All rights reserved.
SINCE I SAW YOU LAST
Downtown Blues (Frank Stokes) - Frank Stokes was another country bluesman who played a wide variety of music in the songster tradition in the Memphis, Tennessee. A blacksmith by trade, he also paid a lot of dues in vaudeville and minstrel shows. I first heard this tune done by the great Geoff Muldaur when he was in the Jim Kewskin Jug Band and have loved it ever
since.
Acadian Lullaby (Jim Mize) - Jim Mize is a wonderful songwriter and performer from Conway, Arkansas, who is a buddy of mine. To me this tune illustrates cross pollination that goes on between Louisiana and Texas. When Louisiana women want to run off, they seem to come to Texas and vice versa. Ever shall it probably remain.
Red Cadillac & A Black Moustache (L. May and W.B. Thompson) - This tune was first recorded by Warren Smith on Sun Records in 1957. It has been covered through the years by such artists as Robert Gordon, Bob Dylan, and Brian Setzer. It was a staple of East Texan Bob Luman's rockabilly years. I have done this tune for years in different settings and particularly wanted to include it here due to the fact that Joe Osborn played it when he was in Luman's band in the late 1950's.
Farmer John (Don Harris and Dewey Terry) - Don and Dewey recorded some great rock and roll in California in the late 1950's and early 1960's. They wrote some great songs but never had a hit under their own name. The Premiers' version of this song reached #19 in 1964 after having been covered The Searchers a year earlier. It has also been done live off and on for years by Los Lobos.
Charley James (Mance Lipscomb) - This is my favorite Mance Lipscomb song. I've always been an enormous fan of his repertoire and his wonderful fingerstyle guitar playing. Being an East Texan, I've always appreciated the legacy of the songsters who have come out of this region. Mance, who was a sharecropper from Navasota, Texas, is truly one of the greatest in that tradition.
I Won't Cry (Joseph Ruffino and Dorothy Labostries) - The first version of this tune that I heard was by the great Johnny Adams, but as soon as I heard Doug Sahm's version, I knew I had to learn it.
Wild About My Lovin' (Traditional) - Jim Jackson did the earliest version of this tune that I am familiar with. I first heard it in the mid-sixties by The Jim Kweskin Jug Band and The Lovin' Spoonful.
Since I Fell For You (Woodrow "Buddy" Johnson) - Buddy Johnson recorded several hits in the years just before and during World War II that he performed with his nine-piece jump blues orchestra. This tune was originally recorded by his sister Ella, but did not become a hit until it was recorded by Lenny Welch in the early 1960's. To me, it is the epitomy of an R&B-inflected torch song.
Easy Rider Blues (Public Domain) - Blind Lemon Jefferson from Wortham, Texas, was one of blues music's first commercially successful recording artists, recording almost one hundred titles between 1926 and 1929, most of them on the hugely influential Paramount label. During that period he became one of the most popular male blues singers in black America. He spent a good deal of time in the Deep Ellum section of Dallas, where he played on street corners for spare change. Although known primarily as a bluesman, he also sang and played hymns, spirituals, work songs, and folk tunes in the tradition of a Southern songster. Jefferson's guitar style had a huge impact on his contemporaries and future generations of bluesmen. He died in December 1929, after most likely suffering a heart attack during a Chicago snowstorm.
Crawlin' King Snake (John Lee Hooker and Bernard Besman) - This tune has been in my repertoire for a long time. I have always loved the Freudian imagery it evokes.
Little Red Hen (Taj Mahal) - I have been playing this tune for years and have always loved the barnyard allegory around which it is based. Of course, Taj Mahal is "The Man." To me, this song perfectly shows how little difference there is between man and beast.
Ready For The River (Gus Kahn and Neil Moret) - This is a great old Gus Kahn tune from the 1920's. It first appeared in the Metro Movietone Revue, a short musical comedy featuring film of several vaudeville acts, in 1930. I have been playing this song for going on thirty five years and I never get tired of its mix of blues and humor. Great versions of this song have also been done by Duck Baker and Guy Van Duser.
since.
Acadian Lullaby (Jim Mize) - Jim Mize is a wonderful songwriter and performer from Conway, Arkansas, who is a buddy of mine. To me this tune illustrates cross pollination that goes on between Louisiana and Texas. When Louisiana women want to run off, they seem to come to Texas and vice versa. Ever shall it probably remain.
Red Cadillac & A Black Moustache (L. May and W.B. Thompson) - This tune was first recorded by Warren Smith on Sun Records in 1957. It has been covered through the years by such artists as Robert Gordon, Bob Dylan, and Brian Setzer. It was a staple of East Texan Bob Luman's rockabilly years. I have done this tune for years in different settings and particularly wanted to include it here due to the fact that Joe Osborn played it when he was in Luman's band in the late 1950's.
Farmer John (Don Harris and Dewey Terry) - Don and Dewey recorded some great rock and roll in California in the late 1950's and early 1960's. They wrote some great songs but never had a hit under their own name. The Premiers' version of this song reached #19 in 1964 after having been covered The Searchers a year earlier. It has also been done live off and on for years by Los Lobos.
Charley James (Mance Lipscomb) - This is my favorite Mance Lipscomb song. I've always been an enormous fan of his repertoire and his wonderful fingerstyle guitar playing. Being an East Texan, I've always appreciated the legacy of the songsters who have come out of this region. Mance, who was a sharecropper from Navasota, Texas, is truly one of the greatest in that tradition.
I Won't Cry (Joseph Ruffino and Dorothy Labostries) - The first version of this tune that I heard was by the great Johnny Adams, but as soon as I heard Doug Sahm's version, I knew I had to learn it.
Wild About My Lovin' (Traditional) - Jim Jackson did the earliest version of this tune that I am familiar with. I first heard it in the mid-sixties by The Jim Kweskin Jug Band and The Lovin' Spoonful.
Since I Fell For You (Woodrow "Buddy" Johnson) - Buddy Johnson recorded several hits in the years just before and during World War II that he performed with his nine-piece jump blues orchestra. This tune was originally recorded by his sister Ella, but did not become a hit until it was recorded by Lenny Welch in the early 1960's. To me, it is the epitomy of an R&B-inflected torch song.
Easy Rider Blues (Public Domain) - Blind Lemon Jefferson from Wortham, Texas, was one of blues music's first commercially successful recording artists, recording almost one hundred titles between 1926 and 1929, most of them on the hugely influential Paramount label. During that period he became one of the most popular male blues singers in black America. He spent a good deal of time in the Deep Ellum section of Dallas, where he played on street corners for spare change. Although known primarily as a bluesman, he also sang and played hymns, spirituals, work songs, and folk tunes in the tradition of a Southern songster. Jefferson's guitar style had a huge impact on his contemporaries and future generations of bluesmen. He died in December 1929, after most likely suffering a heart attack during a Chicago snowstorm.
Crawlin' King Snake (John Lee Hooker and Bernard Besman) - This tune has been in my repertoire for a long time. I have always loved the Freudian imagery it evokes.
Little Red Hen (Taj Mahal) - I have been playing this tune for years and have always loved the barnyard allegory around which it is based. Of course, Taj Mahal is "The Man." To me, this song perfectly shows how little difference there is between man and beast.
Ready For The River (Gus Kahn and Neil Moret) - This is a great old Gus Kahn tune from the 1920's. It first appeared in the Metro Movietone Revue, a short musical comedy featuring film of several vaudeville acts, in 1930. I have been playing this song for going on thirty five years and I never get tired of its mix of blues and humor. Great versions of this song have also been done by Duck Baker and Guy Van Duser.
MY MIND GETS TO RAMBLIN'
Steady Rollin' Man - Nobody should need an introduction to Robert Johnson. His contribution
to blues and rock and roll has been and continues to be profound. His music represents the
synthesis of a body of great playing that went before him and, in his hands, reached an
incredible level of focus and performance. This has always been one of my favorites from his
repertoire.
Louise - Mississippi Fred McDowell has often been referred to as one of the Delta Blues slide guitarists/singers but actually embodied more of the North Mississippi style with clearer African
roots. I have always loved Fred McDowell's raw sound and have particularly loved this song for
many years. A wonderful blues story with great imagery.
Policy Blues - Armenter "Bo Carter" Chatmon has been referred to as the master of the "single entendre" because of his penchant for incorporating "blue" material into his tunes, which were at times pretty bawdy even for the country blues. His solo work from the late 1920's to the early 1940's is based upon often stunning guitar work, weaving multiple bass and treble parts simultaneously. He was the half-brother of blues legend Charlie Patton and a member and manager of the Mississippi Sheiks considered by many to be the premier Mississippi string and jug-band. In 1928, he recorded the original version of "Corrine Corrina," which later became a standard in several musical genres. Bo Carter and the Sheiks often played for whites, playing the pop hits of the day and white-oriented dance material, as well as for blacks, using a bluesier repertoire. He died in Memphis 1964.
All My Friends Are Gone - Turn of the century news reports reveal that Delia Green, age 14, was shot and killed by Moses Houston, age 16, in the poor, black and violent Yamacraw section of Savannah, Georgia, at about 11:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, 1900. She died early Christmas morning in her bed at her home. Supposedly, she had been receiving Moses' attentions for several months, but when Moses claimed her as "his girl" she denied it. This allegedly enraged Moses, who shot her without saying another word. Moses is often Curly or Curtis in different versions of the song. Leadbelly, Willie McTell, Blind Blake, Rev. Gary Davis, Bob Dylan, David Bromberg, Johnny Cash, Martin Simpson and Woody Gutherie have all played different takes on this tune. I learned the basic arrangement of the tune on this record from a performance by Stefan Grossman when I was playing folk clubs Great Britain and have always been captivated by the haunting movement of the music as the backdrop for this tragic tale.
I Can't Be Satisfied - This was the "A" side of Leonard Chess' first single release by Muddy Waters. Released in 1948, this tune was a big hit among big city African-Americans, particularly in Chicago, who had immigrated to the city to find work after World War II largely because it keyed into their feelings of separation from the rural South. I had the opportunity to shake Muddy Waters' hand and visit with him for a little while in 1974 and found him to be a very gracious gentleman who seemed genuinely appreciative of the adoration of his fans.
Ain't Nothin' In Ramblin' - Memphis Minnie McCoy, whose real name was Lizzie Douglas, was frequently billed as "The Woman Who Plays Guitar Like A Man." Surely many of her male contemporaries wished they could have played guitar like Memphis Minnie.
Mississippi Blues - This composer of this tune is not the "friendboy" of Robert Johnson who is mentioned in Johnson's "Crossroad Blues," but the more obscure William Brown of Sadie Beck's Plantation, Arkansas, who recorded this tune and two others under his own name for the Library of Congress on July 16, 1942. This tune imitates blues piano playing of the 1920's. It is a classic. It is the graduation piece for blues fingerpickers. It is often played as an instrumental, but Willie Brown played the verse as backing to his singing. I wanted to remind folks that this tune has a great lyric, as well as being a wonderful fingerstyle guitar piece.
Prodigal Son - Although the songwriting credit for this tune on the Rolling Stones' "Beggars Banquet" LP in 1968 represented that this song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, it is actually the work of the Rev. Robert Wilkins who recorded a secular version of this song in September 1929 for the Brunswick label in Memphis's Peabody Hotel as "That's No Way To Get Along." Upon his conversion and ordination as a minister, he later recorded it as "The Prodigal Son," basing the lyric on the parable from the Book of Luke.
Dirty Deal Blues - Rev. Wilkins recorded this tune in 1935 in Jackson, Mississippi, for the Vocalian label. I first heard this song first as "Dirty Deeds" by the great John Miller.
Windy & Warm - I learned this tune from listening to the playing of Chet Atkins and Doc Watson. It was written by John D. Loudermilk, the great Nashville songwriter who penned such great tunes as "Tobacco Road," "Abilene" and "Break My Mind."
Ain't You Sorry? - Mance Lipscomb was a sharecropper from Navasota Texas, who was, to me, one of the finest of all the country blues "songsters," a tradition I try to stay plugged into. Texas produced several of the great country blues "songsters" who had a very diverse songbook and did songs from several musical eras. I highly recommend the film about Mance entitled "A Well Spent Life" and the annual festival dedicated to him in Navasota.
Joshua F'it The Battle Of Jericho - This is probably the third song I ever learned as a little boy after "Jesus Loves Me" and "The Ballad Of Davy Crockett." I've always loved classical literature and put the heroic tradition in the Old Testament right up there with The Illiad. I associate this tune closely with Mahalia Jackson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and the great Golden Gate Quartet.
Rowdy Blues - Kid Bailey recorded two sides, one of which was this song, for the Brunswick record label on September 25, 1929, at Peabody Hotel, Memphis. He is one of the mysterious figures of the blues who appeared to record two pieces of pure genius and then disappeared, presumably to return to his rural Mississippi home. I love the hypnotic rhythm pattern in this tune and the cycle of the story from out of love, into love, and back to swearing off of love.
to blues and rock and roll has been and continues to be profound. His music represents the
synthesis of a body of great playing that went before him and, in his hands, reached an
incredible level of focus and performance. This has always been one of my favorites from his
repertoire.
Louise - Mississippi Fred McDowell has often been referred to as one of the Delta Blues slide guitarists/singers but actually embodied more of the North Mississippi style with clearer African
roots. I have always loved Fred McDowell's raw sound and have particularly loved this song for
many years. A wonderful blues story with great imagery.
Policy Blues - Armenter "Bo Carter" Chatmon has been referred to as the master of the "single entendre" because of his penchant for incorporating "blue" material into his tunes, which were at times pretty bawdy even for the country blues. His solo work from the late 1920's to the early 1940's is based upon often stunning guitar work, weaving multiple bass and treble parts simultaneously. He was the half-brother of blues legend Charlie Patton and a member and manager of the Mississippi Sheiks considered by many to be the premier Mississippi string and jug-band. In 1928, he recorded the original version of "Corrine Corrina," which later became a standard in several musical genres. Bo Carter and the Sheiks often played for whites, playing the pop hits of the day and white-oriented dance material, as well as for blacks, using a bluesier repertoire. He died in Memphis 1964.
All My Friends Are Gone - Turn of the century news reports reveal that Delia Green, age 14, was shot and killed by Moses Houston, age 16, in the poor, black and violent Yamacraw section of Savannah, Georgia, at about 11:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, 1900. She died early Christmas morning in her bed at her home. Supposedly, she had been receiving Moses' attentions for several months, but when Moses claimed her as "his girl" she denied it. This allegedly enraged Moses, who shot her without saying another word. Moses is often Curly or Curtis in different versions of the song. Leadbelly, Willie McTell, Blind Blake, Rev. Gary Davis, Bob Dylan, David Bromberg, Johnny Cash, Martin Simpson and Woody Gutherie have all played different takes on this tune. I learned the basic arrangement of the tune on this record from a performance by Stefan Grossman when I was playing folk clubs Great Britain and have always been captivated by the haunting movement of the music as the backdrop for this tragic tale.
I Can't Be Satisfied - This was the "A" side of Leonard Chess' first single release by Muddy Waters. Released in 1948, this tune was a big hit among big city African-Americans, particularly in Chicago, who had immigrated to the city to find work after World War II largely because it keyed into their feelings of separation from the rural South. I had the opportunity to shake Muddy Waters' hand and visit with him for a little while in 1974 and found him to be a very gracious gentleman who seemed genuinely appreciative of the adoration of his fans.
Ain't Nothin' In Ramblin' - Memphis Minnie McCoy, whose real name was Lizzie Douglas, was frequently billed as "The Woman Who Plays Guitar Like A Man." Surely many of her male contemporaries wished they could have played guitar like Memphis Minnie.
Mississippi Blues - This composer of this tune is not the "friendboy" of Robert Johnson who is mentioned in Johnson's "Crossroad Blues," but the more obscure William Brown of Sadie Beck's Plantation, Arkansas, who recorded this tune and two others under his own name for the Library of Congress on July 16, 1942. This tune imitates blues piano playing of the 1920's. It is a classic. It is the graduation piece for blues fingerpickers. It is often played as an instrumental, but Willie Brown played the verse as backing to his singing. I wanted to remind folks that this tune has a great lyric, as well as being a wonderful fingerstyle guitar piece.
Prodigal Son - Although the songwriting credit for this tune on the Rolling Stones' "Beggars Banquet" LP in 1968 represented that this song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, it is actually the work of the Rev. Robert Wilkins who recorded a secular version of this song in September 1929 for the Brunswick label in Memphis's Peabody Hotel as "That's No Way To Get Along." Upon his conversion and ordination as a minister, he later recorded it as "The Prodigal Son," basing the lyric on the parable from the Book of Luke.
Dirty Deal Blues - Rev. Wilkins recorded this tune in 1935 in Jackson, Mississippi, for the Vocalian label. I first heard this song first as "Dirty Deeds" by the great John Miller.
Windy & Warm - I learned this tune from listening to the playing of Chet Atkins and Doc Watson. It was written by John D. Loudermilk, the great Nashville songwriter who penned such great tunes as "Tobacco Road," "Abilene" and "Break My Mind."
Ain't You Sorry? - Mance Lipscomb was a sharecropper from Navasota Texas, who was, to me, one of the finest of all the country blues "songsters," a tradition I try to stay plugged into. Texas produced several of the great country blues "songsters" who had a very diverse songbook and did songs from several musical eras. I highly recommend the film about Mance entitled "A Well Spent Life" and the annual festival dedicated to him in Navasota.
Joshua F'it The Battle Of Jericho - This is probably the third song I ever learned as a little boy after "Jesus Loves Me" and "The Ballad Of Davy Crockett." I've always loved classical literature and put the heroic tradition in the Old Testament right up there with The Illiad. I associate this tune closely with Mahalia Jackson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and the great Golden Gate Quartet.
Rowdy Blues - Kid Bailey recorded two sides, one of which was this song, for the Brunswick record label on September 25, 1929, at Peabody Hotel, Memphis. He is one of the mysterious figures of the blues who appeared to record two pieces of pure genius and then disappeared, presumably to return to his rural Mississippi home. I love the hypnotic rhythm pattern in this tune and the cycle of the story from out of love, into love, and back to swearing off of love.
OUT OF THE PAST
I'm Going Away - Lottie Kimbrough's most famous song was "Rolling Log Blues," but this tune, recorded in 1930, is my favorite of hers. She was billed as the Kansas City Butterball and, like many singers and musicians of her day was a veteran of the vaudeville and cabaret circuits. Joe and Darren turned this primitive country blues solo tune into something completely different and wonderful - kind of what Mose Allison calls "Rhumboogie."
Meet Me Where They Play The Blues - Jack Teagarden has been one of my idols since I saw him on television when I was a young boy. He was from Vernon, Texas. His hot trombone playing and wonderful singing style made a really big impression on me and continue to inspire me today. In the early 1920's he played with the mythic early Galveston, Texas, jazz band - Peck Kelly's Bad Boys. He was a mainstay of the late 1920's New York jazz scene. From 1947 to 1951 he was a sideman with the Louis Armstrong's All-Stars. In my opinion, he was one of the few really great early white jazz singers. He died in Los Angeles in 1964 at the age of 58. The headstone on his grave reads "Where There Is Hatred, Let Me Sow Love."
St. James Infirmary - My British brother, Arnie Cottrell, taught me this tune when we played as a duo in folks clubs in England and Wales in the mid-1970's. Later I discovered the great Dave Van Ronk's version called "Gambler's Blues." This tune's history is tied to a cycle of ballads going back three or four centuries concerning what ethnomusicologists refer to as the "Unfortunate Rake." This story has taken innumerable forms through history. In the United States, this version of the song developed in the African-American community. In the white community, it became "The Streets of Laredo."
I Never Cried (Built Right On The Ground) - From Henderson, Kentucky, Theodore Roosevelt "Blind Teddy" Darby recorded this tune in Chicago on September 29, 1931, for the Victor record label. A great example of Jim, Joe and David bringing their musical sensibilities to a very primitive solo tune and transforming it beautifully.
Crazy Blues - It is commonly accepted that Mamie Smith made the first recording of a blues song in 1920 with her version "Crazy Blues" on Okeh Records. The record was a wild success, selling over a million copies in less than a year, and finally ending up selling over two million copies. After its success record companies realized that there was a lot of money to be made selling what were then called "race records" to various minority groups in big cities. It was a very important record, because it opened the doors of the recording industry to African-Americans, whether they were blues, jazz or popular singers or musicians. Smith herself really was not that much of a blues singer. She was more of a vaudeville performer, although she included blues and jazz numbers as part of her act which included trapeze acts, dancing, comedy, lavish costumes and jewelry, as well as music. Smith continued to record for Okeh until 1923, setting the standard for female blues singers who followed in her footsteps. Nearly every other Classic Blues singer of the 1920's borrowed something from her act or styled themselves to achieve her success.
When It's Sleepy Time Down South - This was Louis Armstrong's theme song for a large part of his career. It is a wonderful tribute to the "Southland" and one of my favorite examples of the traditional jazz genre. This one is for my mom.
Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now) - Previously recorded by Ry Cooder, Leon Redbone, Merle Haggard, and even Van Halen, for heaven's sake. Emmett Miller was a white minstrel performer who had the good fortune to have top-notch jazz musicians assigned to his Okeh Records sessions in the late 1920s. His records made between June of 1928 and September of 1929 where under the name of Emmett Miller and his Georgia Crackers. He recorded "Big Bad Bill" in December of 1928. This is my tribute to married men everywhere.
Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away) - This song was a big hit for Bing Crosby reaching #4 in the pop charts in 1931. I think the advice offered in this song is priceless and worth referring to often.
Church Bell Blues - Luke Jordan recorded this tune on August 16, 1927, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jordan was an important figure in and around Lynchburg, Virginia, highly regarded for his skillful, cleanly-picked guitar playing indicative of the East Coast style. I love this funny little song and its "after everything I've done for you" take on the politics between men and women.
Moon Going Down - Charlie Patton was arguably the most powerful blues recording artist of all time, considered by many to be the single most important figure in the history of traditional blues. Patton spent most of his life in the Delta region of northwestern Mississippi and was the Delta's first blues celebrity. From about 1900 he was often based at Dockery's plantation in Sunflower county. My mother grew up about 75 miles east of there in Ashley County, Arkansas. He spent most of his career playing blues and ragtime-based popular songs for dancers at rural parties and barrelhouses, where his singing and clowning made him a popular entertainer. He made nearly seventy recordings between 1929 and 1934. The mystery contained in his coarse, strained, sometimes unintelligible singing and heavily percussive guitar accompaniment has always intrigued me. This song was originally recorded for Paramount in Grafton, Wisconsin, in June of 1930.
Bye Bye Blackbird - Anyone who has spent an extended period of time far from home, alone and isolated from those who care for you, understands this great old standard from 1926. I always imagine that the lyrics are sung to the blackbird who hangs around outside your window all winter when you are somewhere far away and you are leaving to finally go home where it is warm and someone you love waits for you.
I've Found A New Baby - Ethel Waters recorded this song in 1926 before she started her career as a gospel singer ("His Eye Is On The Sparrow" and others). I've always been a big fan of Benny Goodman's small group recordings, particularly the ones featuring Charlie Christian. The Benny Goodman Sextet did an awesome version of this tune in the late 1930's. To me, this song epitomizes the traditional jazz genre - part jazz, part ragtime, part blues.
Bob McKinney - I have always been interested in songs about bad men. This one has its roots in the history of rural East Texas at the turn of the century. Henry Thomas (aka Ramblin' Henry Thomas aka Ragtime Texas) lived in and performed around Gladewater and Big Sandy, Texas, beginning his career in the 1890's and recording well into the 1920's. His style of playing was very much rooted in the 19 th century traditions of the itinerant troubadour. He played several different styles of music and performed to predominately white audiences. His songs have been done by Taj Mahal ("Fishin' Blues") and the Grateful Dead ("Don't Ease Me In"). Canned Heat's 1967 hit recording of "Going Up The Country" is almost a direct recreation of Thomas' "Red River Blues." The second half of this medley, "Make Me Down a Pallet On Your Floor," was popularized as the chorus of the 1895 Tin Pan Alley hit - "The New Bully".
Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans? - I have always thought this is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. It just drips with the feeling of New Orleans for me. I associate this song with Louis Armstrong and Jack Teagarden, who performed it for years as a staple of their shows.
Stack O'Lee - Another song about an archetypal bad man. The legend of Stack O'Lee (a/k/a "Stag" Lee a/k/a Stackerlee a/k/a Staggerlee) goes back to the male-only African-American social and political clubs in St. Louis. According to a St. Louis Globe Dispatch report from 1895, a carriage driver named Lee Sheldon murdered William Lyons, a levee hand, when, during an argument about politics, Lyons grabbed Sheldon's hat. As could be expected when someone messes with a man's hat, Sheldon promptly shot Lyons, who subsequently died. This story traveled down the river to New Orleans and Mississippi where its variations have, of course, grown into a mythic tale. Mississippi John Hurt's version has been my favorite since I first heard it in the early 1960's.
Blue Skies - Irving Berlin is arguably the finest songwriter and composer of the twentieth century. This evergreen from 1927 is one of my favorite tunes of all time. Berlin's first hit was in 1910 with "Alexander's Ragtime Band." He continued to turn out incredible songs for another five decades including: "How Deep Is the Ocean," "White Christmas," " There's No Business Like Show Business," "A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody," "Easter Parade" and his tribute to his beloved country, "God Bless America." Unlike the typical upbeat and sometimes almost trite versions of this tune often done in the past, I see this song from the perspective of someone who has been down for a long time and is finally seeing the clouds parting.
Meet Me Where They Play The Blues - Jack Teagarden has been one of my idols since I saw him on television when I was a young boy. He was from Vernon, Texas. His hot trombone playing and wonderful singing style made a really big impression on me and continue to inspire me today. In the early 1920's he played with the mythic early Galveston, Texas, jazz band - Peck Kelly's Bad Boys. He was a mainstay of the late 1920's New York jazz scene. From 1947 to 1951 he was a sideman with the Louis Armstrong's All-Stars. In my opinion, he was one of the few really great early white jazz singers. He died in Los Angeles in 1964 at the age of 58. The headstone on his grave reads "Where There Is Hatred, Let Me Sow Love."
St. James Infirmary - My British brother, Arnie Cottrell, taught me this tune when we played as a duo in folks clubs in England and Wales in the mid-1970's. Later I discovered the great Dave Van Ronk's version called "Gambler's Blues." This tune's history is tied to a cycle of ballads going back three or four centuries concerning what ethnomusicologists refer to as the "Unfortunate Rake." This story has taken innumerable forms through history. In the United States, this version of the song developed in the African-American community. In the white community, it became "The Streets of Laredo."
I Never Cried (Built Right On The Ground) - From Henderson, Kentucky, Theodore Roosevelt "Blind Teddy" Darby recorded this tune in Chicago on September 29, 1931, for the Victor record label. A great example of Jim, Joe and David bringing their musical sensibilities to a very primitive solo tune and transforming it beautifully.
Crazy Blues - It is commonly accepted that Mamie Smith made the first recording of a blues song in 1920 with her version "Crazy Blues" on Okeh Records. The record was a wild success, selling over a million copies in less than a year, and finally ending up selling over two million copies. After its success record companies realized that there was a lot of money to be made selling what were then called "race records" to various minority groups in big cities. It was a very important record, because it opened the doors of the recording industry to African-Americans, whether they were blues, jazz or popular singers or musicians. Smith herself really was not that much of a blues singer. She was more of a vaudeville performer, although she included blues and jazz numbers as part of her act which included trapeze acts, dancing, comedy, lavish costumes and jewelry, as well as music. Smith continued to record for Okeh until 1923, setting the standard for female blues singers who followed in her footsteps. Nearly every other Classic Blues singer of the 1920's borrowed something from her act or styled themselves to achieve her success.
When It's Sleepy Time Down South - This was Louis Armstrong's theme song for a large part of his career. It is a wonderful tribute to the "Southland" and one of my favorite examples of the traditional jazz genre. This one is for my mom.
Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now) - Previously recorded by Ry Cooder, Leon Redbone, Merle Haggard, and even Van Halen, for heaven's sake. Emmett Miller was a white minstrel performer who had the good fortune to have top-notch jazz musicians assigned to his Okeh Records sessions in the late 1920s. His records made between June of 1928 and September of 1929 where under the name of Emmett Miller and his Georgia Crackers. He recorded "Big Bad Bill" in December of 1928. This is my tribute to married men everywhere.
Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away) - This song was a big hit for Bing Crosby reaching #4 in the pop charts in 1931. I think the advice offered in this song is priceless and worth referring to often.
Church Bell Blues - Luke Jordan recorded this tune on August 16, 1927, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jordan was an important figure in and around Lynchburg, Virginia, highly regarded for his skillful, cleanly-picked guitar playing indicative of the East Coast style. I love this funny little song and its "after everything I've done for you" take on the politics between men and women.
Moon Going Down - Charlie Patton was arguably the most powerful blues recording artist of all time, considered by many to be the single most important figure in the history of traditional blues. Patton spent most of his life in the Delta region of northwestern Mississippi and was the Delta's first blues celebrity. From about 1900 he was often based at Dockery's plantation in Sunflower county. My mother grew up about 75 miles east of there in Ashley County, Arkansas. He spent most of his career playing blues and ragtime-based popular songs for dancers at rural parties and barrelhouses, where his singing and clowning made him a popular entertainer. He made nearly seventy recordings between 1929 and 1934. The mystery contained in his coarse, strained, sometimes unintelligible singing and heavily percussive guitar accompaniment has always intrigued me. This song was originally recorded for Paramount in Grafton, Wisconsin, in June of 1930.
Bye Bye Blackbird - Anyone who has spent an extended period of time far from home, alone and isolated from those who care for you, understands this great old standard from 1926. I always imagine that the lyrics are sung to the blackbird who hangs around outside your window all winter when you are somewhere far away and you are leaving to finally go home where it is warm and someone you love waits for you.
I've Found A New Baby - Ethel Waters recorded this song in 1926 before she started her career as a gospel singer ("His Eye Is On The Sparrow" and others). I've always been a big fan of Benny Goodman's small group recordings, particularly the ones featuring Charlie Christian. The Benny Goodman Sextet did an awesome version of this tune in the late 1930's. To me, this song epitomizes the traditional jazz genre - part jazz, part ragtime, part blues.
Bob McKinney - I have always been interested in songs about bad men. This one has its roots in the history of rural East Texas at the turn of the century. Henry Thomas (aka Ramblin' Henry Thomas aka Ragtime Texas) lived in and performed around Gladewater and Big Sandy, Texas, beginning his career in the 1890's and recording well into the 1920's. His style of playing was very much rooted in the 19 th century traditions of the itinerant troubadour. He played several different styles of music and performed to predominately white audiences. His songs have been done by Taj Mahal ("Fishin' Blues") and the Grateful Dead ("Don't Ease Me In"). Canned Heat's 1967 hit recording of "Going Up The Country" is almost a direct recreation of Thomas' "Red River Blues." The second half of this medley, "Make Me Down a Pallet On Your Floor," was popularized as the chorus of the 1895 Tin Pan Alley hit - "The New Bully".
Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans? - I have always thought this is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. It just drips with the feeling of New Orleans for me. I associate this song with Louis Armstrong and Jack Teagarden, who performed it for years as a staple of their shows.
Stack O'Lee - Another song about an archetypal bad man. The legend of Stack O'Lee (a/k/a "Stag" Lee a/k/a Stackerlee a/k/a Staggerlee) goes back to the male-only African-American social and political clubs in St. Louis. According to a St. Louis Globe Dispatch report from 1895, a carriage driver named Lee Sheldon murdered William Lyons, a levee hand, when, during an argument about politics, Lyons grabbed Sheldon's hat. As could be expected when someone messes with a man's hat, Sheldon promptly shot Lyons, who subsequently died. This story traveled down the river to New Orleans and Mississippi where its variations have, of course, grown into a mythic tale. Mississippi John Hurt's version has been my favorite since I first heard it in the early 1960's.
Blue Skies - Irving Berlin is arguably the finest songwriter and composer of the twentieth century. This evergreen from 1927 is one of my favorite tunes of all time. Berlin's first hit was in 1910 with "Alexander's Ragtime Band." He continued to turn out incredible songs for another five decades including: "How Deep Is the Ocean," "White Christmas," " There's No Business Like Show Business," "A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody," "Easter Parade" and his tribute to his beloved country, "God Bless America." Unlike the typical upbeat and sometimes almost trite versions of this tune often done in the past, I see this song from the perspective of someone who has been down for a long time and is finally seeing the clouds parting.