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.
Life on the railroad evoked slow country-blues songs from vocalist Walter “Buddy Boy” Hawkins. His voice is as slow and sweet as molasses in “Snatch it Back Blues,” one of only twelve songs recorded by this mysterious artist. Relax on your porch swing and drink in Buddy Boy’s slow laments.
King Solomon Hill, determined to be the late Joe Holmes, left us just six haunting blues songs, all recorded in 1932. “My Buddy Blind Papa Lemon” describes the pain King Solomon Hill experienced when he learned of the death of his friend and fellow musician, which he crooned on his bottleneck guitar. You can hear the hard drinking and rambling life in his wavering lyrics and sliding fingers.
A soulful rendition of “I Must Have That Man,” Billie Holiday’s intimate crooning and impeccable timing doesn’t disappoint. Lady Day confirms that, like her voice, heartbreak is timeless. Recorded in New York, early on in her career, you feel her personal tragedies in this gem. But, like Billie, the end of this sorrowful song is triumphant with a strong brass finish.
Listen to the dept of sorrow in that harmonica. A real blues player cannot cheat the feeling of grief on any topic. It comes from within. When the river runs dry on land and in the heart, the music must replenish the soul for hope to be replenished. I’m proud to honor another mp3 by Jaybird Coleman.
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.
