Thursday, March 25, 2010

A Few More Roots Gems



Seeing so much incredible new material find its way to youtube makes me regret not having the time to research and post at the same pace as last year. Unfortunately, my schedule won't allow it but perhaps in the coming months I can renew the posting pace of old. I have some interesting ideas for future posts yet they require research time i simply do not have at this juncture. For now, a few more hidden roots gems that contribute to the rich tapestry of American Roots Music.

Country Blues: Buddy Moss has never received the recognition that Blind Blake has yet technically he is right there. Among Piedmont Blues players form the 1920'2 and 30's Moss is at the very top. Check out his skills here on "Trick Ain't Walkin No More." Very nice thumb work and vocals.

Urban Blues: My glaring omission on last year's "Little Walter's Legions" post was to leave William Clark off the list. Clarke is a genuine talent who passed away to soon. Check out this live version of "Trying to stretch My Money."


R&B or Jump Blues: Tiny Bradshaw's work has appeared on the blog previously as a jump blues pioneer and as a link to rockabilly with his famous "The Train Kept a Rollin." Here, on Heavy Juice, R&B tenor sax ace Red Prysock really cuts loose on this R&B based shuffle.


Jazz: Cootie Williams is primarily known for his association with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Interestingly, he also had a hand in the emergence of Bebop, as evidenced here on "Epistrophy" this very unique recording from 1942, a Bebop forerunner. This is a true gem and marks the emergence of the post war sound to follow.


Rockabilly: This unique rockabilly "I'm Out" recording by the obscure aggregate The Surf Riders from 1958 captures the essence of the genre. Later covered by Johnny Preston.


Hillbilly Boogie: Glen Barber worked in rockabilly and swing genres. This classic "Ice Water" from 1954 is a fascinating example of the rockabilly swing style popular in the early to mid 1950's.