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
14.2.25
ST. LOUIS COUNTRY BLUES — Complete Recorded Works 1929-1937 of HENRY SPAULDING, HENRY TOWNSEND, JAYDEE SHORT | DOCD-5147 (1993) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless
2.2.25
JAZZ GILLUM — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order ★ Volume 3 • 1941-1946 | DOCD-5199 (1993) RM | FLAC (tracks), lossless
Abridged from this albums original booklet notes. This collection picks up the Jazz Gillum story during the session of July 1941! On this date Washboard Sam was replaced by one Amanda Porter (also known as Ann Sortier or Sorter the wife of Charlie McCoy) a lady whose collection of household utensils makes Sams scullery appear impoverished. Hear Jazz Gillum and Big Bill Broonzy strain to remain serious as Amanda clouts, scrapes or rattles everything in sight; pots, pans and what sounds like the kitchen sink! At times the affect is similar to the arrival of a piece of modern sculpture at the bottom of a lift-shaft. The last song done that day was Gillums hymn to male bonding Me and My Buddy,
Me and my buddy never will have no fallin out Cos we got wise to wimmin; we know what its all about.
Did Gillum and Big Bill have a falling out, perhaps over the authorship of Key To The Highway? It is strange that, despite their long association there is no mention at all of Jazz Gillum in Big Bill Broonzys autobiography. By the time of Gillums next session Pearl Harbor had been attacked and the US was at war. In these last two sessions before the Petrillo ban on recording took effect Jazz knocked out sixteen titles including his version of Casey Bill Weldons Outskirts Of Town and Tell Me Mama, a number previously passed around between Big Bill and Louis Lasky. Two tracks, Water Pipe Blues and Youre Tearing Your Playhouse Down did not see issue until well into the age of the long playing record. It is some measure of Bill Gillums popularity that of the sixty six sides he had cut for Bluebird since 1936 these were the first to stay in the can. If these were Jazz Gillums glory days they were soon to be cut short when Uncle Sam tore his playhouse down by inducting him into the army. Gillum remained in the service until 1945 when he returned to civilian life and tried to pick up the reins of his recording career while supporting himself by working at more mundane jobs. At his first post-war session he took advantage of the presence of Roosevelt Sykes to record Five Feet Four over Sykes 44s backing. For a couple of years it seemed as if the old times had revived – but there were soon to be some major changes in public taste that would spell the end for Jazz and a lot of his contemporaries. DOCD-5199
Tracklist :
1 I Got Somebody Else 3:02
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
Washboard – Amanda Sorter
Washtub Bass [possibly] – Al Collins
Washtub Bass [probably] – Alfred Elkins
2 Maybe You'll Love Me Too 3:11
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
Washboard – Amanda Sorter
Washtub Bass [possibly] – Al Collins
Washtub Bass [probably] – Alfred Elkins
3 It Looks Bad For You 2:49
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
Washboard – Amanda Sorter
Washtub Bass [possibly] – Al Collins
Washtub Bass [probably] – Alfred Elkins
4 Me And My Buddy 3:05
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
Washboard – Amanda Sorter
Washtub Bass [possibly] – Al Collins
Washtub Bass [probably] – Alfred Elkins
5 It's All Over Now 2:53
Double Bass [possibly, or], Washtub Bass [possibly] – Alfred Elkins
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano [probably] – Horace Malcolm
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
6 War Time Blues 2:44
Double Bass [possibly, or], Washtub Bass [possibly] – Alfred Elkins
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano [probably] – Horace Malcolm
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
7 You Are Doing Me Wrong 2:51
Double Bass [possibly, or], Washtub Bass [possibly] – Alfred Elkins
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano [probably] – Horace Malcolm
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
8 One Letter Home 2:39
Double Bass [possibly, or], Washtub Bass [possibly] – Alfred Elkins
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano [probably] – Horace Malcolm
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
9 Down South Blues 3:14
Double Bass [possibly, or], Washtub Bass [possibly] – Alfred Elkins
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano [probably] – Horace Malcolm
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
10 You Drink Too Much Whiskey 3:03
Double Bass [possibly, or], Washtub Bass [possibly] – Alfred Elkins
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano [probably] – Horace Malcolm
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
11 No Friend Blues 2:53
Double Bass [possibly, or], Washtub Bass [possibly] – Alfred Elkins
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano [probably] – Horace Malcolm
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
12 From Now On 2:39
Double Bass [possibly, or], Washtub Bass [possibly] – Alfred Elkins
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano [probably] – Horace Malcolm
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
13 I'm Gonna Leave You On The Outskirts Of Town 2:58
Double Bass [possibly, or], Washtub Bass [possibly] – Alfred Elkins
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano – Blind John Davis
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
14 I Couldn't Help It Blues 2:56
Double Bass [possibly, or], Washtub Bass [possibly] – Alfred Elkins
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano – Blind John Davis
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
15 My Big Money 2:54
Double Bass [possibly, or], Washtub Bass [possibly] – Alfred Elkins
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano – Blind John Davis
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
16 Woke Up Cold In Hand 2:47
Double Bass [possibly, or], Washtub Bass [possibly] – Alfred Elkins
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano – Blind John Davis
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
17 Water Pipe Blues 2:50
Double Bass [possibly, or], Washtub Bass [possibly] – Alfred Elkins
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano – Blind John Davis
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
18 Tell Me, Mama 3:12
Double Bass [possibly, or], Washtub Bass [possibly] – Alfred Elkins
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano – Blind John Davis
Vocals – Jazz Gillum
19 Deep Water Blues 3:18
Double Bass [possibly, or], Washtub Bass [possibly] – Alfred Elkins
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano – Blind John Davis
Vocals – Jazz Gillum
20 You're Tearing Your Playhouse Down 2:52
Double Bass [possibly, or], Washtub Bass [possibly] – Alfred Elkins
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano – Blind John Davis
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
21 Go Back To The Country 2:47
Double Bass – Ransom Knowling
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano – Roosevelt Sykes
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
22 Five Feet Four 3:04
Double Bass – Ransom Knowling
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano – Roosevelt Sykes
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
23 Afraid To Trust Them 3:24
Double Bass – Ransom Knowling
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano – Roosevelt Sykes
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
24 Whiskey Head Buddies 2:50
Double Bass – Ransom Knowling
Guitar – Big Bill Broonzy
Piano – Roosevelt Sykes
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
25 Reckless Rider Blues 3:02
Double Bass – Alfred Elkins
Guitar – Leonard Caston
Piano – Big Maceo Merriweather
Vocals, Harmonica – Jazz Gillum
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31.12.24
KOKOMO ARNOLD — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order ★ Volume 2 : 1935-1936 | DOCD-5038 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless
For completists, specialists, and academics, Document's Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 2 (1935-1936) is invaluable, offering an exhaustive overview of Kokomo Arnold's early recordings. For less-dedicated listeners, the disc is a mixed blessing. There are some absolutely wonderful, classic performances on the collection -- "Policy Wheel Blues" and "'Cause You're Dirty" to name just two -- but the long running time, exacting chronological sequencing, and poor fidelity (all cuts are transferred from original acetates and 78s) are hard to digest. The serious blues listener will find all these factors to be positive, but casual listeners will find the collection of marginal interest for the very same reasons. Thom Owens
Abridged from this albums original booklet notes. By 1935 Kokomo Arnold was firmly ensconced in Chicago. He was still a country boy to many of his associates but, never an unworldly man; he was quickly getting wise to the big city and its ways. Despite his dedication to his basement bootlegging business and a strong desire to “go fishing instead” he had become a fixture on the local entertainment scene, working beside most of the big names in the blues at that time. The session on July 23th 1935 saw the first use of a piano to support his highly personal slide style and speculation among collectors has it that this was his first collaboration with Peetie Wheatstraw. It was during the period covered by this albujm that Kokomo returned to Milk Cow Blues; covering his own hit in an attempt to recreate its success. This concentration on a winning theme may have made sense commercially but artistically Kokomo had much more to offer. He drew his subject matter from all over and if in April he was celebrating that rural scourge/hero the boll weavil by July he was commenting on the big city preoccupation of Policy. The mysterious John Russell also reappears in the sub title to Big Leg Woman where he seems to be giving Kokomo considerable trouble. I wonder if this was a real person who Kokomo felt the need to castigate in song or a fictional character from black urban mythology. DOCD-5038
Tracklist :
1 Kokomo Arnold– Southern Railroad Blues 2:59
2 Kokomo Arnold– Bo Weavil Blues 3:04
3 Kokomo Arnold– Busy Bootin' 2:27
4 Kokomo Arnold– Let Your Money Talk 2:47
5 Kokomo Arnold– 'Cause You're Dirty 2:59
6 Kokomo Arnold– Tonic Head Blues 2:48
7 Kokomo Arnold– Policy Wheel Blues 2:54
8 Kokomo Arnold– Travelling Rambler Blues 2:54
9 Kokomo Arnold– Stop, Look And Listen 3:04
10 Kokomo Arnold– Doin' The Doopididy 2:57
11 Kokomo Arnold– The Mule Laid Down And Died 2:51
12 Kokomo Arnold– Big Leg Mama (John Russel Blues) 2:40
13 Kokomo Arnold– Milk Cow Blues - No. 3 2:50
14 Kokomo Arnold– Milk Cow Blues - No. 4 2:53
15 Kokomo Arnold– Down And Out Blues 3:02
16 Kokomo Arnold– Model "T" Woman Blues 2:54
17 Roosevelt Sykes– Jet Black Snake 3:18
18 Kokomo Arnold– I'll Be Up Someday 3:04
19 Kokomo Arnold– I Can't Get Enough Of That Stuff 2:36
20 Kokomo Arnold– Desert Blues 2:50
21 Kokomo Arnold– Bull Headed Woman Blues 2:53
22 Kokomo Arnold– Sundown Blues 2:38
23 Roosevelt Sykes– The Honey Dripper 2:47
Credits :
Guitar – Kokomo Arnold (tracks: 17, 23)
Vocals, Guitar – Kokomo Arnold (tracks: 1 to 16, 18 to 22)
Vocals, Piano – Roosevelt Sykes (tracks: 17, 23)
15.5.21
ROOSEVELT SYKES — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order • Vololume 1 (1929-1930) DOCD-5116 (1992) APE (image+.cue), lossless
This volume, the first in a seven-part series collecting all of Roosevelt Sykes' recordings between 1929 and 1942, begins with the classic "44 Blues" and includes 22 more sides from late 1929 and early 1930. Also including several duets with Mae Bell Miller and Bee Turner, it is essential for hardcore fans of blues piano. Rovi Staff
ROOSEVELT SYKES — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order • Volume 2 (1930-1931) DOCD-5117 (1992) APE (image+.cue), lossless
Tracklist :
1 32-20 Blues 3:05
Roosevelt Sykes
2 Give Me Your Change 3:00
Roosevelt Sykes
3 I Love You More and More 3:03
Roosevelt Sykes
4 Kelly's 44 Blues 2:52
Roosevelt Sykes
5 3-6 and 9 2:54
Roosevelt Sykes
6 We Can Sell That Thing 2:33
Roosevelt Sykes
7 Conjur Man Blues 3:06
Roosevelt Sykes
8 Cotton Seed Blues 2:51
Roosevelt Sykes
9 No Good Woman Blues 3:02
Roosevelt Sykes
10 Drinkin' Woman 2:45
Roosevelt Sykes
11 Papa Sweetback Blues 3:19
Roosevelt Sykes
12 He Treats Me Like a Dog 3:00
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: St. Louis Bessie
13 Meat Cutter Blues 2:55
Roosevelt Sykes
14 Side Door Blues 2:46
Roosevelt Sykes
15 Big Time Woman 2:46
Wilton Crawley
Roosevelt Sykes
16 Thanksgivin' Blues 2:45
Roosevelt Sykes
17 Kelly's Special 2:43
Roosevelt Sykes
18 Don't Put the Lights Out 2:48
Roosevelt Sykes
19 No Settled Mind Blues 2:37
Roosevelt Sykes
20 As True As I've Been to You 3:06
Roosevelt Sykes
21 Hard Luck Man Blues 3:13
Roosevelt Sykes
22 Don't Squeeze Me Too Tight 2:52
Roosevelt Sykes
23 You So Dumb 3:26
Roosevelt Sykes
24 Nasty But It's Clean 3:02
Roosevelt Sykes
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ROOSEVELT SYKES — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order • Volume 3 (1931-1933) DOCD-5118 (1992) APE (image+.cue), lossless
Document's Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 3 (1932-1933) continues its
chronological overview of Roosevelt Sykes' early recordings. As on the
previous volume, Sykes reworks his "44 Blues," hits a few highlights
("Sail on Black Sue," "Highway 61 Blues"), tries his hand at a double
entendre or two, and invites a few guests. (Actually, most of the tracks
are features for outside vocalists, including Emerson Houston, Clarence
Emerson, "Stump" Johnson, and Carl Rafferty.) Also in common with most
Document collections, the lengthy running time, chronological
sequencing, and fair audio quality are enough to make it a bit
off-putting for most listeners. Thom Owens
Tracklist :
1 Hard Luck Blues 2:50
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Emerson Houston
2 Strange Man Blues 2:54
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Emerson Houston
3 Sail on Black Sue 3:12
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Johnson's Jazzers
4 Barrel of Whiskey Blues 2:51
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Johnson's Jazzers
5 Prisoner's Blues 2:45
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Matthew McClure
6 Mosby Stomp 3:15
Roosevelt Sykes
7 Mr. Sykes Blues 3:09
Roosevelt Sykes
8 Highway 61 Blues 3:09
Roosevelt Sykes
9 Jelly Roll Mill 3:07
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Eithel Smith
10 In Here With Your Heavy Stuff 3:03
Isabel Sykes
11 Don't Rush Yourself 2:50
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Isabel Sykes
12 I Done You Wrong 2:51
Roosevelt Sykes
13 Sad and Lonely Day 2:22
Roosevelt Sykes
14 Try My Whiskey Blues 2:53
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Clarence Harris
15 Lonesome Clock Blues 3:09
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Clarence Harris
16 Found a Note on My Door 2:50
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Frank Pluitt
17 New 44 Blues 2:57
Roosevelt Sykes
18 Working Dollar Blues 3:04
Roosevelt Sykes
19 Big Legs Ida Blues 2:52
Roosevelt Sykes
20 Devil's Island Gin Blues 2:59
Roosevelt Sykes
21 Dresser With the Drawers 2:32
Carl Rafferty / Roosevelt Sykes
22 Mr. Carl's Blues 3:32
Roosevelt Sykes
feat: Carl Rafferty
23 She Showed It All 3:03
Napoleon Fletcher
+ last month
LUCY REED — This Is Lucy Reed (1957-2001) RM | Mono | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless
In a perfect world, Lucy Reed would have been much better-known and would have built a large catalog. But regrettably, the obscure Midwester...
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