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OLD HAT HOME > OLD HAT RELEASES > CD 1002 - VIOLIN, SING THE BLUES FOR ME

VIOLIN, SING THE BLUES FOR ME
African-American Fiddlers, 1926-1949
OLD HAT CD 1002
Old Hat CD-1003

The Music For THe DanceThe violin played a significant role in the early history of recorded blues, with its crying vibratos and sliding notes creating a dramatic and soulful sound. Violin, Sing The Blues For Me offers 24 tracks of this rare music, played by many of the greatest black fiddlers who recorded before mid-20th century. From the sophisticated style of Lonnie Johnson to the raw Delta blues of Henry Sims to the rollicking tunes of the Memphis Jug Band, these musicians demonstrate the depth and diversity of African-American fiddle music. Included are two early instrumentals by the multi-talented Howard Armstrong, also known as “Louie Bluie,” whose career in music spanned seven decades. This unique collection presents 73 minutes of vintage fiddle music, carefully remastered from the original 78 rpm records. In addition to blues, the album contains country dances, rags, stomps, and folk songs. The CD comes with a 32-page, full-color booklet with detailed history, complete discography, and a host of rare photographs and illustrations.


Broken Bed BluesLiving Blues Critics’ Award: Best Historical Blues Album, 2000

“A top-notch compilation of classic performances with superb booklet and photos as well. This is an essential album for anyone interested in blues or string band music.”   
 —Terry Zwigoff, director: Crumb, Ghost World, Bad Santa

“A revelatory survey of Southern black virtuosity from the first half of this century, Violin, Sing The Blues For Me restores the instrument’s forgotten African-American pioneers to their rightful place in country-fiddle history.”    —David Fricke, Rolling Stone, December 16-23, 1999

LISTEN TO REVIEW FROM ALL THINGS CONSIDERED (NPR)

 


SONG LIST AND SOUND SAMPLES

Windows Media Real One Player
     
1. VIOLIN BLUES  Johnson Boys
2. K.C. RAILROAD BLUES Andrew & Jim Baxter
3. BEAVER SLIDE RAG “Peg Leg” Howell & His Gang
4. ALMA WALTZ Mississippi Mud Steppers
5. WINDOW PANE BLUES Tommie Bradley
6. TRAVELIN’ RAILROAD MAN Alabama Sheiks
7. PIG MEAT BLUES Whistler & His Jug Band
8. RIGHT NOW BLUES Frank Stokes
9. EAST JACKSON BLUES Bo Chatman

10. MEMPHIS BLUES Mobile Strugglers

11. VINE STREET DRAG Tennessee Chocolate Drops
12. BROKEN BED BLUES Kansas City Blues Strummers
13. LONESOME BLUES Henry Williams & Eddie Anthony
14. MEMPHIS SHAKEDOWN Memphis Jug Band

15. ADAM AND EVE Tommie Bradley

16. TELL ME MAN BLUES Henry Sims
17. BLUE COAT BLUES “Blue Coat” Tom Nelson
18. SALTY DOG  Booker Orchestra
19. BABY, PLEASE DON'T GO Joe Williams’ Washboard Blues Singers
20. STOP & LISTEN BLUES NO. 2 Mississippi Sheiks

21. STEALIN’ BLUES Cow Cow Davenport

22. THE MOORE GIRL  Andrew & Jim Baxter
23. HIGHWAY NO. 61 BLUES  Jack Kelly & His South Memphis Jug Band

24. TED’S STOMP Louie Bluie & Ted Bogan

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