ST. LOUIS COUNTRY BLUES — Complete Recorded Works 1929-1937 of HENRY SPAULDING, HENRY TOWNSEND, JAYDEE SHORT | DOCD-5147 (1993) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Three superior country blues vocalists-guitarists have all of their recordings as leaders reissued on this CD, with the exception of a few undiscovered titles and Henry Townsend's postwar sessions. Nothing much is known about Henry Spaulding, who just cut two titles in 1929, but his solo performances are excellent and haunting. Jaydee Short led three solo sessions during 1930-1933 (one under the pseudonym of Joe Stone) and is another mystery figure. Townsend, who is heard on 15 performances from 1929-1937 (with support here and there by guitarists Clifford Gibson and Robert Lee McCoy, Sonny Boy Williamson on harmonica, and pianist Roosevelt Sykes), is a legendary blues pioneer. Although all three of the leaders were based in St. Louis, their recordings were actually made in Chicago, Louisville, Aurora (Illinois), Grafton (Wisconsin), and New York City. Vintage blues collectors will definitely want this set. Scott Yanow

The authentic sounds of St. Louis country blues . Features  rare recordings from Henry Spaulding, Jaydee Short (a.k.a. Joe Stone), and blues pioneer Henry Townsend.   Henry Spaulding’s haunting solo performances, Jaydee Short’s remarkable talent, and Henry Townsend’s legendary status highlight the diverse offerings of this album. Recorded in various locations including Chicago, Louisville, and New York City. These tracks showcase the essence of blues music during this era. DOCD-5147
Tracklist :
1    Henry Spaulding–    Cairo Blues 2:40
Vocals, Guitar – Henry Spaulding
2    Henry Spaulding–    Biddle Street Blues 2:44
Vocals, Guitar – Henry Spaulding
3    Henry Townsend–    Henry's Worry Blues 3:05
Vocals, Guitar – Henry Townsend
4    Henry Townsend–    Mistreated Blues 2:57
Vocals, Guitar – Henry Townsend
5    Henry Townsend–    Long Ago Blues 2:54
Vocals, Guitar – Henry Townsend
6    Henry Townsend–    Poor Man Blues 2:58
Vocals, Guitar – Henry Townsend
7    Henry Townsend (as Jesse Townsend)–    No Home Blues 2:49
Guitar [Prob./Or] – Clifford Gibson
Vocals, Guitar [Poss./Or] – Henry Townsend
8    Henry Townsend (as Jesse Townsend)–    Take A Chance 3:10
Guitar [Prob./Or] – Clifford Gibson
Piano – Roosevelt Sykes
Vocals, Guitar [Poss./Or] – Henry Townsend
9    Henry Townsend (as Henry Thomas)–    She's Got What I Want
Piano – Roosevelt Sykes
Vocals – Henry Townsend
10    Henry Townsend (as Henry Thomas)–    My Sweet Candy 2:48
Piano – Roosevelt Sykes
Vocals – Henry Townsend
11    Henry Townsend (as Henry Thomas)–    Sick With The Blues 2:50
Vocals, Guitar – Henry Townsend
12    Henry Townsend–    Don't Love That Woman 3:15
Vocals, Guitar – Henry Townsend
13    Henry Townsend–    She's Got A Mean Disposition 3:16
Vocals, Guitar – Henry Townsend
14    Henry Townsend–    Lose Your Man 3:26
Guitar – Robert Lee McCoy
Harmonica – Sonny Boy Williamson
Vocals, Guitar [Miscredited] – Henry Townsend
15    Henry Townsend–    All I've Got's Gone 3:23
Guitar – Robert Lee McCoy
Harmonica – Sonny Boy Williamson
Vocals, Guitar [Miscredited] – Henry Townsend
16    Henry Townsend–    A Ramblin' Mind 2:53
Guitar – Robert Lee McCoy
Harmonica – Sonny Boy Williamson
Vocals, Guitar [Miscredited] – Henry Townsend
17    Henry Townsend–    Now I Stay Away 2:45
Guitar – Robert Lee McCoy
Harmonica – Sonny Boy Williamson
Vocals, Guitar [Miscredited] – Henry Townsend
18    Jaydee Short–    Telephone Arguin' Blues 3:11
Vocals, Guitar – Jaydee Short
19    Jaydee Short–    Lonesome Swamp Rattlesnake 2:47
Vocals, Guitar – Jaydee Short
20    Jaydee Short (as Jelly Jaw Short)–    Snake Doctor Blues 3:20
Vocals, Guitar – Jaydee Short
21    Jaydee Short (as Jelly Jaw Short)–    Barefoot Blues 2:55
Vocals, Guitar – Jaydee Short
22    Jaydee Short (as Jelly Jaw Short)–    Grand Daddy Blues 3:11
Vocals, Guitar – Jaydee Short
23    Joe Stone–    It's Hard Time 3:05
Vocals, Guitar – Joe Stone
24    Joe Stone–    Back Door Blues 2:57
Vocals, Guitar – Joe Stone