The World Series always makes me think of Ed Meeker and his classic song “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” on Edison recordings. What a chorus! Next year is this songs 100th anniversary. People everywhere still sing it. Now that’s popular music! This version is ripped from a 78rpm recording, but the quality and gusto of Ed’s voice resonates magnificently. Remember, “Strike 3, You’re Out at the Old Ball Game.”
Here’s a cool video on youtube with some historical images including the original penned lyric sheet:
Blind Blake was born Arthur Blake in Jacksonville Florida. During Blind Blake’s prosperous career he recorded over 75 cuts for the Paramount label. “Diddie Wa Diddie” shows off Blind Blake’s distinctive vocal and guitar rhythm. This song was later covered by Ry Cooder and Hot Tuna. I only wish somebody would tell me what “Diddie Wa Diddie” means.
Blind Roosevelt Graves’ and his brothers work under the moniker The Mississippi Jook Band made recordings that have been cited as among the earliest examples of rock and roll music. They made a number of 78 RPM sides for Paramount Records starting in 1929 and left a far bigger footprint on music and culture than they could have foreseen at the time. The high energy piece, “Hittin’ The Bottle Stomp” may have been conceived during the great depression, but it is anything but depressing. This is a crackling performance that stands the test of time. Enjoy.
A classic recording from the great Louis Armstrong, “Old Man Mose” has a swingin’ beat that will have your feet tappin’. Proving, once again, that jazz is the original American dance music. Enjoy this beautifully remastered song that’s sure to delight a whole new generation of jazz fans.
Walter Roland remains one of the blue’s most elusive and mysterious figures. Born in or around Birmingham AL, circa 1900. He first emerged on the city’s blues circuit during the 1920s already a skilled and versatile pianist whose repertoire ran the gamut from slow, gut-wrenching blues, to exuberant boogie-woogies. This mp3 is a testament to the boogie-woogie side of his playing.
Joe Calicott was also known as Mississippi Joe Calicot. As an American blues guitarist and singer, Calicott picked up his skills at the young age of 15. Known for his delicate guitar style and rich vocals, “Traveling Mama Blues” colorfully illustrates Calicott’s gift. “Traveling Mama Blues” also features another blues singer, Jim Jackson. Together they produce a song that dignifies the Mississippi blues era. Enjoy!
Their lively mandolin pickin’ will have you whistling along with the Two Poor Boys. Composed of Joe Evans and Arthur McClain, this country folk-blues duo hailed from near the Appalachia. Their repertoire reflects the diversity in their region as it ranges from blues and ballads, to hillbilly mandolin picking. The Two Poor Boys’ ethnicity has often been in question, and many historians still debate whether they were African American or Caucasian. Regardless the answer, this duo were amazing musicians with a diverse repertoire, and “So Sorry Dear” is a fine example of this range.
Georgia Pine Boy was also known as: Kansas Joe McCoy. Born in Mississippi, young McCoy had a talent for playing guitar and singing, and worked hard to become a known delta blues musician and songwriter. Finally McCoy makes a name for himself with his brother Charlie as blues sidemen. In “Look Who’s Coming Down The Road,” McCoy showcases his blues-y vocals and his catchy lyrics. Enjoy!
The World Series always makes me think of Ed Meeker and his classic song “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” on Edison recordings. What a chorus! Next year is this songs 100th anniversary. People everywhere still sing it. Now that’s popular music! This version is ripped from a 78rpm recording, but the quality and gusto of Ed’s voice resonates magnificently. Remember, “Strike 3, You’re Out at the Old Ball Game.”
Blind Blake was born Arthur Blake in Jacksonville Florida. During Blind Blake’s prosperous career he recorded over 75 cuts for the Paramount label. “Diddie Wa Diddie” shows off Blind Blake’s distinctive vocal and guitar rhythm. This song was later covered by Ry Cooder and Hot Tuna. I only wish somebody would tell me what “Diddie Wa Diddie” means.
