Rare 1920s Blues & Jazz 1923-1929 (CD)

This CD could easily have been a contender for Document's 'Too Late, Too Late' series, featuring as it does previously unissued takes and recently discovered tracks from artists already covered on previous releases. It also continues the policy of introducing work by performers who feature only in the new fourth edition of the 'Blues And Gospel Records' discography. Among this group are the West Indian singer Sam Manning, and Sammie Lewis, both stated to be of 'no blues interest' in previous volumes of 'The Bible', and hence unlisted, but apparently reprieved in the new edition, which explains their inclusion on this collection. Sammie Lewis, who was probably a female impersonator, is accompanied by a forceful band, but had the annoying habit, as noted by liner note writer Steve Tracy, of adding the syllable 'ah' to the end of each line he sang, thus detracting from the overall presentation. The gap-filling 1923 coupling by Viola McCoy features the powerful piano accompaniment of Fletcher Henderson. Another rare coupling from 'Blind Richard' Yates presents some interesting lyrics. Clifford Hayes is another artist unlisted in previous editions of B&R who makes an appearance in the new one. Most of his work is already available on CD, and the seven tracks presented here are all alternate takes. Hayes plays violin, with Earl Hines on piano, and guitarist Cal Smith contributing some excellent solos. Two more alternate takes are those from the Dixie Jazzers, featuring Robert Cooksey and Bobby Leecan, the remainder of their recordings appearing on two previous Document CDs. The Q.R.S. Boys was the name of a group featuring the piano and flamboyant vocals of Walter 'Fats' Pichon, with the tenor saxophone of Robert Cloud, and Hawaiian guitar played by Benny Nawahi, who provides a fine solo on 'Wiggle Yo' Toes'. Altogether, a mixed bag of music from the borderlands of blues and jazz, presenting a surprising variety of styles.

Track Listing

• Viola McCoy (as Violet McCoy) - Don't Mean You No Good Blues
• Viola McCoy (as Violet McCoy) - Lonesome Daddy Blues
• Sam Manning And His Blue Hot Syncopators - Keep Your Hands Off That
• Sam Manning And His Blue Hot Syncopators - Go, I Got Somebody Sweeter Than You
• Sammy Lewis And His Bamville Syncopators - Arkansas Shout
• Sammy Lewis And His Bamville Syncopators - There'll Come A Time
• Sammy Lewis And His Bamville Syncopators - Hateful Papa Blues
• Sammy Lewis And His Bamville Syncopators - Leaving Town To Wear You Off My Mind
• Willie Lewis With Wilson's T.O.B.A. Band - Steady Roll
• Willie Lewis With Wilson's T.O.B.A. Band - Backyard Blues
• Blind Richard Yates (as by Uncle Charlie Richards) - Levee Blues
• Blind Richard Yates (as by Uncle Charlie Richards) - Wayward Roamer Blues
• Dixie Jazzers Washboard Band - Kansas City Shuffle (take 2)
• Dixie Jazzers Washboard Band - Black Cat Bone (take 2)
• Clifford Louisville Stompers - Automobile Blues (take 2)
• Clifford Hayes' Louisville Stompers - Frog Hop (take 1)
• Clifford Hayes' Louisville Stompers - Dance Hall Shuffle (take 1)
• Clifford Hayes' Louisville Stompers - Shoe String Stomp (take 1)
• Clifford Hayes' Louisville Stompers - Everybody Wants My Tootelum (take 1)
• Clifford Hayes' Louisville Stompers - Hey! Am I Blue (take 2)
• Clifford Hayes' Louisville Stompers - Shady Lane Blues (take 2)
• Q.R.S. Boys - Dad Blame Blues
• Q.R.S. Boys - Black Boy Blues
• Q.R.S. Boys - Wiggle Yo' Toes
• Q.R.S. Boys - I've Seen My Baby (And It Won't Be Long Now)

Additional Details

Label: Document Records

Genre: Blues

Run Time: 70 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 01/20/07

UPC: 714298561227