Walter Roland – “Jookit Jookit” (mp3)
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.
The Two Poor Boys – “So Sorry Dear” (mp3)
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 – “Look Who’s Coming Down The Road” (mp3)
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!
Ma Rainey – Shave em Dry Blues (mp3)
Ma Rainey was known to many as the Mother of the Blues. There is nothing innocent about her strong voice and demeanor; Ma Rainey tells it like it is with her throaty voice. She even referred to her group at one time as the “Assassinators of the Blues.” Ma Rainey recorded and sang with the likes of Louis Armstrong and Thomas Dorsey. “Shave Em Dry Blues” was just one of nearly 100 songs which she recorded.