Lonesome Lefty's Scratchy Attic

DON MESSER 25th Anniversary Album

2012-02-18T11:06:00.000-08:00

Probably the most widely distributed recordings by Don Messer are the twelve tunes he recorded for Rodeo in 1958. It has never been clear to me why Don, who recorded practically exclusively for the Compo Company's Apex label (later adopted into the MCA line) his entire career made a "25th Anniversary Album" for George Taylor's Rodeo Records. What I do know is that these tracks have been released in every format including 78 (pictured below), LP, 8-track, cassette, and finally to CD from which mp3 rips have circulated the internet. The original LP release was Rodeo RLP 38 but like most Rodeo titles it was later re-issued on the label's Banff line as "Canada's Don Messer and His Islanders" (Banff RBS 1266, c. 1965). Unfortunately a (fake) stereo version of the Banff issue was also offered (Banff SBS 5266) and this edition accounts for most of the circulating copies. Subsequent adaptations of the album to other formats have continued to use the the "stereo" versions, which have also found their way onto many Canadian fiddle compilations. I can usually tolerate fake stereo more than most and put up with a little echo, but in my opinion what was done to these classic recordings is right up there with Capitol's dreadful "duophonic" monstrosities.
I am pleased, therefore, to present here what I believe are the first digital versions sourced from the rare original mono LP. Enjoy!

Includes jacket/label scans

Tracks:

1. Anniversary Schottische
2. Poor Girls Waltz
3. Plaza Polka
4. Westphalia Waltz
5. Lamplighter Hornpipe
6. Buckwheat Batter
7. Hannigans Hornpipe
8. Interlake Waltz
9. Riley's Favourite Reel
10. Pilot Mound Waltz
11. Grant Lambs Breakdown
12. The Girl I Left Behind

*download here*

2012-02-18T11:05:00.000-08:00

2012-02-18T11:04:00.000-08:00

DON MESSER Rare Singles

2012-02-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

Canadian fiddle legend Don Messer began recording in 1937 and continued to do so until his death in 1973. During those years hundreds of titles were released, first on 78 rpm and later 45 rpm singles, as well as over 30 LPs. In fact Messer's material was so enduringly popular in his own lifetime that by 1960 most of his pre-vinyl singles had been compiled onto a series Apex LPs. On "Rare Singles" I have gathered twelve tunes recorded between 1937 and 1960 that for whatever reason never made it to these albums. Details of the twelve titles are as follows:

Patronella (Melotone 93106, Starr 16072, Apex 26299-B) - Messer's first records were made in 1937 employing an unconventional process whereby the Compo Company of Montreal arranged permission to record tunes off his CBC network radio broadcasts. Six titles were recorded this way and first released on the Melotone label as "Don Messer and His New Brunswick Lumberjacks" and on the Starr label (aimed at the French Canadian market) as "Orchestre Don Messer". In the 1940s these recordings were integrated into the Apex label's 26000 series with the more familiar "Don Messer and His Islanders" label credit and by 1960 five of the six titles were reissued on LP. "Patronella", recorded July 3, 1937, had to wait until 1979 when a fairly noisy transfer was included on "The Good Old Days", a collection of vintage Messer records and radio transcriptions (click here). The present version is a new transfer from an Apex 78 issue of the original matrix on which an announcer's clipped intro can be heard immediately before the tunes starts. Presumably this is due to the "on the fly" nature of cutting a matrix off live radio.
Yesterday's Roses / When Paddy McGinty Plays His Harp (Apex 26295-A/26295-B) - In July of last year I posted a collection of recordings by Charlie Chamberlain including a number of titles from 1940s Apex 78s (click here). Since that time I was lucky enough to add this 78 to my collection, thanks to the Attic's good friend Stephen of Cedar Island. Charlie croons a ballad on side A and hams his way through an Irish novelty on side B.
Cec McEachern's Breakdown (Apex 26318-B) - PEI born Cecil McEachern composed this tune which despite becoming standard Canadian fiddle repertoire was never issued on LP. The recording is from 1950, the year before guitarist/fiddler McEachern officially joined the band, but I strongly suspect he is playing second fiddle to Messer on this recording. Cecil is one of the last surviving Islanders alumni, and can be seen here playing in August of last year.
The Growling Old Man And Old Woman (Apex 26322-B) - This great Acadian reel was the flip side of Messer's classic 1950 "Woodchopper's Breakdown" 78. The tune later became a signature of the great Acadian fiddler Gerry Robichaud. It should not be confused with "The Old Man and The Old Woman" (Apex 26303, 1948), a Quebecois tune which was recorded by Madame Bolduc in 1930 (click here). The Messer recording of the latter tune features Charlie Chamberlain recalling Bolduc's chorus; a live version from "Don Messer's Jubilee" can be viewed here.
Gypsy Hornpipe / Harvest Home Hornpipe (Apex 26333-A/26333-B) - Two traditional tunes were issued on this 1952 Apex 78. While "Harvest Home" never made it LP, "Gypsy Hornpipe" was issued on "On The Air", a 1960 promo LP produced for Canada Packers as a customer incentive. The present transfer of "Gypsy Hornpipe" comes from that LP, which can be downloaded here.
The Old Red Barn / The Opera Reel (Apex 26340-A/26340-B) - A 1953 release that featured a jig and a reel, both traditional. The electric guitar solo in "The Old Red Barn" is by Cecil McEachern.
Johnny's Jig (Apex 26429) - This composition of Messer contemporary John Fraser was released on a 1957 45 (b/w "The Skipping Mouse Polka").
Bonnie Prince Charlie / Snowflake Breakdown (Apex 9-26447) - Messer released his last batch of singles in 1960 and thereafter concentrated on the LP market. This pairing of two tunes composed by Wally Traugott is from one of these very scarce 45s. The fascinating Wally Traugott was a legendary Canadian fiddler who went on to become a legendary L.A. mastering engineer, having mastered several classic rock LPs. His original late 1950s recording of the now classic "Snowflake Breakdown" can be downloaded here.

In addition to these tracks, which have long been out of circulation, I hope to soon present transfers of Don Messer's original LPs which include the bulk of his early titles.

Tracks:

1. Patronella
2. Yestersday's Roses
3. When Paddy McGinty Plays His Harp
4. Cec McEachern's Breakdown
5. The Growling Old Man And Old Woman
6. Gypsy Hornpipe
7. Harvest Home Hornpipe
8. The Old Red Barn
9. The Opera Reel
10. Johnny's Jig
11. Bonnie Prince Charlie
12. Snowflake Breakdown

*download here*

2012-02-04T07:21:00.001-08:00

2012-02-04T07:20:00.000-08:00

HACHEY BROTHERS Pickin' Strings Country Style

2012-01-13T17:33:00.001-08:00

Two rare and sought-after albums are featured in this post, the original mono editions of the instrumental "Pickin' Strings" LPs by the Hachey Brothers. Brothers Curly and Bobby Hachey were natives of Atholville, New Brunswick. Performing early on as the "Sunset Playboys", by the fifties they were known as the Hachey Brothers and gained a great deal of exposure performing with Willie Lamothe as his backup band. Bobby Hachey remained with Willie Lamothe for many years and became legendary in Quebec for his virtuosity as a lead guitarist.
"Pickin Strings Country Style" was released in 1958 (Banff RBS 1038, also released as Rodeo International RCW 1009) and although it contains no personnel listings, it pictures left to right Fernand Thibault on tenor banjo (also played violin), Bobby Hachey on mandolin (also played lead electric guitar), Curly Hachey on rhythm guitar and Mary Lou Farrah on upright bass. "Pickin' Strings No. 2" (Banff RBS 1052) is from 1960 and also lists no personnel. The Hachey Brothers and Fernand Thibault appear with Willie Lamothe on the 1960 London LP "Willie LAMOTHE et ses Cavaliers des Plaines" which can be downloaded from Uncle Gil's Rockin' Archive here.

The Hachey Brothers and Mary Lou
"Pickin' Strings Country Style"

Tracks:

1. Panhandle Rag
2. Rippling Water Jig
3. Sugarfoot Rag
4. Guitar Breakdown Boogie
5. Apple Rag
6. Corina
7. A Gay Ranchero
8. San Antonio Rose
9. Spanish Two-Step
10. South
11. Country Gentleman
12. Old Joe Clark

*download here*

The Hachey Brothers
"Pickin' Strings No. 2"

Tracks:

1. Black Mountain Rag
2. Minnitonka Breakdown
3. Dizzy Strings
4. The Old Man And Old Woman
5. Holiday Clog
6. Four String Polka
7. Dakota Reel
8. Torquay
9. Grey Eagle
10. How High The Moon

*download here*

2012-01-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

MAC BEATTIE A Visit To The Ottawa Valley

2012-01-09T18:19:00.001-08:00

Mac Beattie and the Ottawa Valley Melodiers are one of my very favourite "classic" Canadian country bands, and I am most pleased to present seven of their vintage Banff albums at the Scratchy Attic.
"A Visit to the Ottawa Valley" was the group's first LP, originally issued on the Rodeo label (RLP 64) c. 1960, and reissued on Banff (RBS 1170) in 1963. Some of the recordings comprising the LP were definitely first released as singles in the fifties on the Rodeo and London labels; I'm not sure if any of these tracks were recorded at the time of the album's release or not.
John MacNab Beattie (1916-1982) was a native of Arnprior, Ontario. He led the Melodiers from 1937 on and off until his death, and became a legend in the Ottawa Valley playing dances, bars, radio and television. He composed songs about Valley life and culture, several of which have become classics. His autobiography, "This Ottawa Valley of Mine" was published shortly after his death in 1982 and is a fascinating document of not only Mac and the Melodiers, but of Valley life in the early and mid 20th Century. If you can't track down a copy, you can visit a wonderful website dedicated to Mac here.

Includes jacket and label scans.

Tracks:

1. The Log Drivers Song
2. Moonlight Memory
3. Moonshine Mac
4. Blue Laurentians
5. My Renfrew County Home
6. The Arnprior Centennial Song
7. Lake Dore Waltz
8. Tribute To Frank Martin Of Lake Dore, Ont
9. Little Stubby Toes
10. Such Is The Life Of A Band

*download here*

MAC BEATTIE Canadian Folk and Country Songs

2012-01-09T18:04:00.001-08:00

"Canadian Folk and Country Songs" (Banff RBS 1185), Mac and the Melodier's second album, was released in 1964. Like RBS 1211, it contains songs most associated with Beattie's legacy such as "My Red Headed Girl From Quebec" and "In A Little Shack Up The Pontiac."

Includes jacket and label scans.

Tracks:

1. The Good Old Maritimes
2. Vancouver Island
3. Miners' Holiday
4. My Red Headed Girl From Quebec
5. Paddy Daley
6. The Washboard Polka
7. Take Me Back To The Madawaska Valley
8. In A Little Shack Up The Pontiac
9. Ross Township's My Home
10. Bonnechere Waltz

*download here*

MAC BEATTIE This Ottawa Valley Of Mine

2012-01-09T17:55:00.000-08:00

"This Ottawa Valley of Mine" (Banff RBS 1211) was released in 1965 and may be Mac's most classic album. It contains songs that have become standard fare for Canadian folk singers such as "Saturday Night Up The Gatineau", "Train Wreck At Almonte", etc.

Includes jacket and label scans.

Tracks:

1. This Ottawa Valley Of Mine
2. Sing A Swingy Lullaby
3. Carleton County
4. Saturday Night Up The Gatineau
5. Delta, My Leeds County Home
6. Train Wreck At Almonte
7. Bank Robbery At Cobden
8. The Lanark Fire
9. My Renfrew County Home
10. St. Patrick's Day At Neville's

*download here*

MAC BEATTIE Sing a Song

2012-01-09T17:34:00.001-08:00

From 1965 comes "Sing a Song" (Banff RBS 1242). It includes nine tunes composed by Mac as well as the traditional Irish song "The Stone Outside Dan Murphy's Door". Of particular note is the tribute to then-recently departed fiddler Ward Allen, "Maple Sugar Blues" and a great ode to classic Canadian fiddle culture, "The Old Tyme Fiddler's Dream."
Between this release and "25th Anniversary", Mac and the Melodiers released two other LPs. "Instrumental Favourites" (Banff RBS 1261) from 1966 featured instrumentals by Melodiers Jim Mayhew (piano) and Al Utronki (guitar). "Thru The Years" (Banff RBS 1282) was comprised of standards such as "Love Letters In The Sand" and "A Shanty In An Old Shanty Town"; it contained no Beattie originals.

Includes jacket and label scans.

Tracks:

1. Sing A Song
2. Just A Little While Ago
3. The Turkey's End
4. Could It Have Been Heaven
5. Rockabye Waltz
6. Maple Sugar Blues
7. The Old Tyme Fiddler's Dream
8. Tonight At My Table All Alone
9. Swingin' At The Hotel Renfrew
10. The Stone Outside Dan Murphy's Door

*download here*

MAC BEATTIE 25th Anniversary

2012-01-09T17:22:00.001-08:00

"25th Anniversary" (Banff RBS 1299) was released in 1968 to commemorate the Melodier's silver anniversary. It features ten of Mac's compositions including his tribute to the legendary Charlie Chamberlain.

Includes jacket and label scans.

Tracks:

1. A Fiddle, Gee-tar And Washboard
2. Misery Loves Company
3. Country Music Man ''Chuck Davis''
4. The Beaches Of Dieppe
5. A Canadian Song Of Thanks
6. On The Banks Of The Ottawa
7. Northern Ontario Blues
8. Mister Charlie Chamberlain
9. Dream Island
10. Moonlight Memories

*download here*

MAC BEATTIE In Stereo By Request

2012-01-09T17:10:00.000-08:00

"In Stereo By Request" (Banff SBS 5312) was released in 1969 and features stereo re-recordings of nine songs previously recorded by the Melodiers, as well as "Riding Down To Santa Fe" which I believe was their radio theme in the thirties.

Includes jacket and label scans.

Tracks:

1. Riding Down To Santa Fe
2. Madawaska Valley
3. Lake Dore Waltz
4. Squaws Along The Yukon
5. The Log Driver's Song
6. Little Shack Up The Pontiac
7. Tonight At My Table All Alone
8. My Red Headed Girl From Quebec
9. Northern Ontario Blues
10. Saturday Night Up The Gatineau

*download here*

MAC BEATTIE Mr. Ottawa Valley

2012-01-09T16:53:00.000-08:00

This is the first of seven posts in which I will present seven albums by Mac Beattie and the Ottawa Valley Melodiers. I am beginning with 1971's "Mr. Ottawa Valley" (Banff SBS 5333) and working my way back to his first, "A Visit To The Ottawa Valley" (Banff RBS 1170).
"Mr. Ottawa Valley" was Mac's last solo album, he released an LP with his daughter Bonnie in 1975, "Dad and Daughter" (Banff SBS 5419)

Includes jacket and label scans.

Tracks:

1. Snowmobiling
2. A Tribute To Frank Ryan
3. Back In The Pakenham Hills
4. Peter, Peter Pumkin Eater
5. My Happiness
6. Gavan's Hotel At Quyon, Quebec
7. Michael Patrick From The Mountain, Mary Ellen From The Bay
8. Lamplighting Time In The Valley
9. Autumn Memories
10. Pretty As A Queen

*download here*

PACKIE DOLAN "The Forgotten Fiddler"

2012-01-08T14:28:00.001-08:00

Having long been a great admirer of the legendary Michael Coleman's recordings, I was quite pleased to recently discover the work of his duet partner and contemporary, Packie Dolan. The only substantial information I was able to find about him is the following account from the now defunct Irish music site "The Knotted Chord":

Musicians of Longford: (The Knotted Chord Archive, 2002).

Packie Dolan (1904-1932) Fiddle, singer, dancer.

Patrick James or Packie Dolan was born in Ballinamuck, Co.Longford, the eldest of 9 children. His father John, a small farmer, played fiddle and taught Packie.
The area in which he was reared was well known for it's music. Fiddles and flutes were most common but uilleann pipes, tin whistle, accordion and concertina were popular also as well as singing. Frank Quinn and John Clarke before Packie and Paddy Reynolds after were famous New York based fiddlers and all came from this area.
With the depressed years during and after the first world war John and his wife Catherine decided to send their eldest children to the U.S.(Seven of the 9 would eventually emigrate to the U.S.). Packie, then aged 15 and his 13 year old sister Veronica Rose sailed from Liverpool to New York in December 1919, stayed with an Aunt and completed their education.
1920's New York was a very exciting place to be with opportunities aplenty. Packie married Briggetta Gaffney, also from Longford, in 1925 but tragically she died the following year of pneumonia. Packie was a plumber by trade and had steady employment and played music by night. His popularity with audiences, his jovial personality, good looks, and most of all musical ability on the fiddle made him a target of the many recording companies signing Irish artists at that time. He began recording in 1927, a duet with Michael Coleman initially, with Brunswick. His first solo was released by Colombia, followed by another duet with Coleman, also with Colombia.
In 1928 he got a job as a chauffeur and started his own band, "Packie Dolan and the Melody Boys" for the Ballroom circuit. The Victor label recorded them in May 1928. Hughie Gillespie, the fiddler from Donegal, was among the members. Their style and instrument combination of fiddle, whistle, and bones/bodhran, was unique and later formed the backbone of Sean O'Riada's Ceoltoiri Chualann and in turn the Chieftains.
In all, Packie recorded 24 sides in 6 sessions over 22 months which is the total output remaining. He was heavily influenced by the Sligo fiddle style, especially Coleman, but also James Morrisson. He also recorded some vaudeville style songs but not in the stage Irish form then popular. On "Mother Malone" he sings, dances, mentions himself in the lyric and plays fiddle.
In 1929 he made a visit home to Ireland for two months, a most unusual event in those days, which came about through a booking for his group as ships entertainment on a special excursion. The Wall Street crash in October 1929 meant the collapse of record sales but Packie was able to go back to plumbing. He became an American citizen in 1930 and married, in 1931, Marguerite Finneran from Roscommon. They were due to return permanently to Ireland in late 1932, awaiting the birth of their daughter Marjorie, when tragedy struck once more. A ferryboat was taking workmen to a building site on Rikers Island when on the third run that morning the boiler exploded and the ship went down with 125 men on board. Sixty eight men died including Packie Dolan, age just 28, an inestimable loss to future generations. His music was released by Harry Bradshaw on his VivaVoce label in 1994, titled "the forgotten fiddle player of the 1920's"(HB).

I find both his recordings and the account of his tragic life compelling. Listening to these tracks I'm struck by how much of his influence I can retroactively hear in the music that followed later in various traditions. His fiddling seems smoother and more rolling than Coleman's; perhaps this appeals to my Ontarian ears as I find his playing more accessible. I'm also taken with his impish vocal delivery, he was clearly as great an entertainer as he was a musician. Both "Mother Malone" and "Erin's Green Shore" turn up in the repertoire of the late million-selling Newfoundlander Harry Hibbs in versions that were clearly derived from Nolan's records, either directly or a few times removed. I'm sure more such lineage's could be traced, but I'll let the recordings speak for themselves.

Included in the download are the 22 tracks from the 1994 collection plus one additional track I found online and added.

Tracks:

1. (Reels) McFadden's (The Ewe Reel, McFadden's Favourite)
2. (Hornpipe) The Grove Hornpipe (The Liverpool Hornpipe)
3. (Song) Mother Malone
4. (Highland Flings) Miss Ramsey (Stirling Castle, Lady Mary Ramsey's Strathspey)
5. (Reel) Fitzmaurice's Flight (The Heather Breeze)
6. (Jig) The Fair at Drumlish (Saddle the Pony, Rakes of Kildare)
7. (Reel) The Windy Gap (Ah Surely)
8. (Song) A Drink in the Morn
9. (Reels) The Lady of the House (The Woman of the House, Ballinasloe Fair)
10. (Reels) The Duke of Leinster (The Duke of Leinster, The Lady's Pantalettes)
11. (Song) Erin's Green Shore
12. (Reels) The Steampacket (The Steampacket, The Flogging Reel)
13. (Jigs) The Cavan Lassies (The Humours of Ennistymon, Delaney's Drummers)
14. (Reel) Mullin's Fancy (The Boys of Ballinahinch)
15. (Highland Fling) Lasses of Donnibrook (The Keel Row, Love Will You Marry Me)
16. (Reels) The Blackhaired Lass (The Blackhaired Lass, The Dublin Reel)
17. (Song) One, Two, Three
18. (Jig) Royal Charlie (Behind the Bush in the Garden)
19. (Hornpipes) The Royal Stack of Barley (The Stack of Barley, Bantry Bay)
20. (Schottische) The Killarney Wonder
21. (Hornpipe) The First of May
22. (Reel) The Kilkenny Reel (The Reel of Mullinavat)
23. (Reels) The Irish Girl (The Irish Girl, The Blue Breeches)

*download here*

2012-01-08T14:27:00.000-08:00

New Blog CRAZY BLUES

2012-01-03T19:26:00.001-08:00

Just a heads up to my readers about a great new blog featuring early urban and rural blues recordings called "Crazy Blues". Check it out here.

WALDO MUNRO Original Recordings

2011-12-08T12:37:00.001-08:00

Waldo Munro (1930-2006) is best remembered as pianist in Don Messer's Islanders. He joined the band in 1951 upon the departure of Jackie Doyle, and remained there until Messer's death in 1973. Munro is often thought of in terms of his supporting role with Messer in which he provided the backbone of the Islander's sound, but featured in this post are 39 recordings which show his phenomenal skill as a solo pianist.
In his younger days Waldo was a star baseball pitcher around his hometown of Westville, Nova Scotia. Music became his true passion, however, and he idolized and emulated Fats Waller's stride piano style while playing with local pop orchestras. With Messer he adapted his style to old-time music, and his solo performances reflect a blend of pop standards and traditional jigs, reels, schottische, etc. He remained an Islander for 22 years, and was often featured solo on the hugely popular "Don Messer's Jubilee" TV show throughout it's run. Like many of Messer's musicians, he took a day job after Don's death and for many years drove a taxi cab in Halifax, still playing locally at night and occasionally backing fiddlers such as Graham Townsend and Bill Guest on recordings.
These recordings have been arranged chronologically into two separate collections/folders. The first collection consists of three tracks originally released on Apex 78's in the early fifties ("Sicilian Tarantella" also features solo guitar by Islander Cecil McEachern) along with all fourteen tracks from Munro's 1955 LP "Maritime House Party", Rodeo RLP 25. The second folder features the contents of two undated LPs, "Tap Dance to Waldo Munro at the Piano", Banff RBS 1144 and "Don Messer presents Piano Stylings by Waldo Munro", Point P-290. I would estimate the Banff LP c. 1960, and the Point LP c. 1965.

An obituary of Waldo Munro can be read here.

A wonderful YouTube video of Waldo backing Charlie Chamberlain on "The Broken Down Piano" and then playing a solo version of "Money Musk" is here.

Waldo Munro - Original Recordings Part 1

Tracks:

1. Abegweit Reel
2. Free and Easy
3. Sicilian Tarantella
4. Belle Dun
5. White Cockade & Rakes Of Mallow
6. Balkan Hills & Road To The Isles
7. Scenes From The Finland Woods
8. MacDougall's Polka
9. Rambler's Hornpipe
10. Bonnie Lass Of Bon Accord
11. Growling Old Man & Old Woman
12. Tina's Reel
13. Robin's Return
14. Golden Wedding Reel
15. Money Musk
16. Blue Danube
17. Big John MacNeill

*download here*

Waldo Munro - Original Recordings Part 2

Tracks:

1. You Meet The Nicest People In Your Dreams, It's A Sin To Tell A Lie
2. Piano Roll Blues, Tea For Two
3. Nola
4. Sweet Lorraine, Ain't Misbehavin'
5. Melancholy Baby, I Only Want A Buddy, Shanty In Old Shanty Town
6. Loch Lomond, Roamin' In The Gloamin', My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean
7. Shine, Nagasaki, My Gal Sal
8. Are You From Dixie, ''B'' Flat March, Tipperary
9. Black & White Rag
10. Let's Do It Again, Come On Let's Get Happy
11. Jubilee Rag
12. Money In Advance, Czar Of Russia
13. Memories, Rye Waltz, Turkey In The Straw
14. Blue Bells Of Scotland
15. Carry Me Back To Old Virginny, Camptown Races
16. Sierra Sue, MacDougall's Polka
17. Home On The Range, 12th Street Rag
18. Westville Boogie, Darlin' Nellie Gray
19. In The Sweet By And By
20. Loch Lomond, Peerless Hornpipe
21. Alley Cat, Laventine's Barrel
22. Peggy O'Neill, Peg Of My Heart, Ripplin' Water Jig

*download here*

2011-12-08T12:36:00.000-08:00

2011-12-08T12:35:00.000-08:00

GRAHAM TOWNSEND Famous Canadian Fiddler

2011-11-25T13:10:00.001-08:00

With this post, I have finally wound my way back to Townsend's first LP on the Banff label, RBS 1083 from 1960, "Famous Canadian Fiddlers Volume 1". Nine of the album's ten tunes are Graham's compositions, the tenth composed by fellow Shelburne champion Victor Pasowisty. Like RBS 1116, accompaniment is provided by Waldo Munro, Duke Neilsen, and Warren MacRae, all members of Don Messer's Islanders. Incidentally, the only other "Famous Canadian Fiddlers" album issued was Volume 2 by Joe Murphy and His Band, RBS 1084 (a reissue of Rodeo RLP 14).

Includes jacket/label scans.

A two part video of Graham and his wife Eleanor's set at the 1994 Cobden fair in Cobden, Ontario is here and here.

Tracks:

1. George Taylor's Breakdown
2. East Coast Jig
3. The Frank McKnight Waltz
4. Mike MacNeil's Hornpipe
5. Don Tremaine's Reel
6. Sawdust Breakdown
7. The Roman Teller Waltz
8. The Rae Simmons Polka
9. Pat The Budgie Breakdown
10. The Don Valley Hornpipe

*download here*

GRAHAM TOWNSEND Fiddling Favorites

2011-11-25T12:31:00.001-08:00

Graham Townsend's second LP on the Banff label, RBS 1116, contains ten tunes on which he is backed by Islanders Waldo Munro on piano, Duke Neilsen on upright bass, and Warren MacRae on drums.
This is the only one of Graham's Banff LPs that does not have composer credits on the labels. The following is each tune's origins to the best of my knowledge:
Honey Harbour Two Step - this is definitely a Townsend original.
Saint Mary's Polka - This is a different tune than the common Irish polka of the same name. I am unsure of this tune's origin.
Saint Francis Reel - A traditional tune found in old Messer collections. It was also recorded by Earl Mitton in the 60's.
Mel's Jig - Johnny Mooring composed a tune with this title, but never recorded it. However, as Graham and Johnny were reportedly not the best of friends, I suspect, like the following tune, this jig may have been composed by Mel Lavigne.
Rocket Richard Reel - This tune was composed by Mel Lavigne in honour of hockey great Maurice "The Rocket" Richard. For more info on Mel Lavigne, click here.
The Butler's Waltz - I suspect this is a Townsend original.
The Olympic Two Step - One of Graham's original compositions.
The Walker Street Reel - A traditional reel popular in many different traditions.
Iris Girl Jig - I believe "Iris" is a typo of "Irish". This tune is more commonly known as "Shandon Bells".
The Mouth of the Tobique Breakdown - A traditional tune named for the Tobique River in northwest New Brunswick. Popularized by Don Messer.

Includes jacket/label scans.

To see Graham participating in a fiddle workshop at the 1991 Shetland Folk Festival, click here.

Tracks:

1. Honey Harbour Two Step
2. Saint Mary's Polka
3. Saint Francis Reel
4. Mel's Jig
5. Rocket Richard Reel
6. The Butler's Waltz
7. The Olympic Two Step
8. The Walker Street Reel
9. Iris Girl Jig
10. The Mouth Of The Tobique Breakdown

*download here*

GRAHAM TOWNSEND International Champion

2011-11-22T23:25:00.000-08:00

"Internation Fiddling Champion 1963", Banff RBS 1163 is presented in this post, but the album's name and issue number are somewhat misleading. Titled for Graham's 1963 Shelburne win, this is actually a reissue of his first LP, originally released as "Fiddling To Fortune" on Rodeo RLP 44 in 1958. Although I was not able to come up with an image of the original Rodeo jacket, to the best of my memory it was identical to the Banff issue except for the title at the top, and used a burgundy/red/pink colour scheme as opposed to blue.
Townsend made this record in Halifax when he was just sixteen years old. His son once told me that Graham was expecting Don Messer's Islanders to be at the session as his accompaniment, but arrived to be informed they were unavailable. The young fiddler was dissatisfied with the group provided, and apparently was never very fond of this album. The accompaniment is steady if not stellar, but Graham's playing already shows a maturity and confidence well beyond his years on the eight originals and four traditional tunes heard here.

Includes jacket/label scans.

A very nice 1983 interview of Townsend by Winston Simpson in Miami, Manitoba is here. In it, Graham talks about his early career.

Tracks:

1. Graham's Hornpipe
2. Sunset Jig
3. The Royal Princess Two Step
4. Halifax Polka
5. Midnight Waltz
6. Gay Fiddler's Hornpipe
7. Month Of May Reel
8. Dusty Miller's Reel
9. East York Jig
10. Buckingham Reel
11. Port Severn Breakdown
12. Reefer's Hornpipe

*download here*

The Inimitable GRAHAM TOWNSEND

2011-11-22T18:56:00.000-08:00

Winding our way back through Graham's Banff releases, here's SBS 5239 from 1966. This album is particularly nostalgic for me, as in my youth I had a cassette copy which I nearly wore out in my walkman! It contains ten original Townsend tunes, many of which are his best known, such as "Ice On The Road", "Waltzing Through The Leaves", etc.

Includes jacket/label scans.

A great video clip of Graham and Peerie Willie Johnson playing jazz at the 1991 Shetland Folk Festival is here.

Tracks:

1. Ice On The Road
2. Waltzing Through The Leaves
3. Little Robbie's Jig
4. Alex & Maureen's Two Step
5. President Kennedy's Waltz
6. Harvey's Tune
7. Blue Bells On The Hills
8. Pinetree Jig
9. Pretty Little Cindy
10. The Rainbow Waltz

*download here*

ROMANIUK FAMILY Point Recordings

2011-11-22T12:12:00.000-08:00

The contents of two 1960s albums on the Point label comprise today's post. Ed Romaniuk and his sisters Elsie and Anne grew up in Edson, Alberta as devotees of the original Carter Family, whose music came into their home via radio and records. As the Romaniuk children grew up, they played this music themselves, entertaining on local radio, festivals, concerts, etc. They eventually were able to meet their idols, A.P. Carter himself granting their efforts his approval. An account by Ed of he and Elsie accompanying Sara Carter to Memorial Celebrations in Bristol, Virginia in 1971 is included in the notes to a Carter Family LP I previously featured, click here.
On each of the two albums, half the songs are traditional Carter repertoire, the other half being Romaniuk originals. The download includes scans of the covers and labels, which include composer credits. I feel I should make mention to followers of the Attic that albums posted here without a scan of the back of the jacket, usually indicate that a generic back slick (often advertising other LPs on the label) was used. Unfortunately, many Canadian LPs were released this way, thus depriving us of any biographical information about the artist.

I would like to thank Andyrama for providing access to his copy of "Songs We Love To Sing."

Tracks:

1. In The Sweet Bye & Bye
2. Jimmy Brown The Newsboy
3. Anchored In Love
4. The Homestead On The Farm
5. Wildwood Flower
6. My Alberta Rose
7. My Dear Old Foothills
8. The Lover's Plea
9. What A Lovely World To Live In
10. 'Neath The Pine Tree On The Hill
11. Church In The Wildwood
12. When The Springtime Comes Again
13. The Wreck On The C & O
14. Beautiful Home
15. My Little Home In Tennessee
16. My Rocky Mountain Home
17. Pray Unto The Lord
18. I'm Losing My Friend
19. Do You Sometimes Think Of Me
20. Soldier Boy's Mother
21. I'll Never Take You Back Again

*download here*

2011-11-22T12:11:00.000-08:00

GRAHAM TOWNSEND Salute's Canada's Centennial

2011-11-21T04:35:00.001-08:00

Keeping on with the posts of Graham Townsend's Banff albums, here's RBS 1258 from 1967. Twelve tunes are featured in honour of the Centennial, each one commemorating a Canadian locale. Three are Townsend originals, the balance either traditional or tunes composed by legendary fiddlers Ned Landry, Earl Mitton, Ward Allen, and Cecil McEachern.
I would like to thank Andyrama for access to this LP to transfer, and Su for sending me the jacket and label scans.

A 1988 live video of Graham playing "Bully of the Town" and the "Clarinet Polka" is here.

Tracks:

1. Montreal '67
2. Banks Of Newfoundland
3. Nova Scotia Hop
4. Spud Island Breakdown
5. New Brunswick Breakdown
6. Quebec Reel
7. Ontario Swing
8. Alberta Polka
9. Saskatchewan Jig
10. Manitoba Waltz
11. B.C. Centennial
12. Canadian Centennial Breakdown

*download here*

KING GANAM and his Sons of the West 78s

2011-11-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

Back in September of last year I posted all the available LP tracks by the late fiddler, King Ganam (click here). While all his albums are comprised of instrumental fiddle tunes, he apparently released some singles featuring vocals as well. I have been able to track a couple of these rare 78s down, which I am presenting in this post.
The first, on RCA Victor's Canadian Bluebird series, contains the song "Forever In My My Heart" which credits Ganam as composer. The vocal is by Pete Vitelli, about whom I can find absolutely no information. The flip side is "The Island Breakdown", a tune which never made it to any of his LPs. I don't have an exact date for this record, but it would be around the mid fifties.
The next 78, on RCA Victor's Canadian 56-3200 black label series (usually reserved for pop material) features two vocal performances by a young Tommy Hunter. Hunter's CBC-TV show ran from 1965 to 1992, and was beyond popular. The Canadian Encyclopedia states that he made his first recordings with Ganam in 1958, so it's a pretty safe bet that these tracks were among them. Tommy sings the pop-like ballad "Teenage Love Is A Losing Game" which again is credited to Ganam. It's hard to say if King wrote these songs, or was simply savvy enough to copyright them in his own name. On the flip Hunter performs the Hank Williams composition "I Don't Care (If Tomorrow Never Comes)", originally recorded by Molly O'Day (it can be found here).
I would like to thank the Attic's good friends Andyrama and Stephen of Cedar Island for providing access to these records which have allowed me to share some rare vintage Canadian country.

Tracks:

1. Forever In My Heart
2. The Island Breakdown
3. Teenage Love Is A Losing Game
4. I Don't Care (If Tomorrow Never Comes)

*download here*

2011-11-15T15:23:00.000-08:00

GRAHAM TOWNSEND Salutes Canada's P.M.s

2011-11-14T06:06:00.000-08:00

In 1967 Canada celebrated it's Centennial and Graham chose to mark the occasion by composing fourteen tunes, each named in honour of one of the country's (then) fourteen Prime Ministers. It is a testament to Townsend's influence that some of these tunes wound their way into Canadian fiddle culture and are still played today. By the end of the year following the release of this LP, "Trudeaumania" had set in and John Durocher would compose "Prime Minister Trudeau's Reel" for Don Messer. I am not aware of any subsequent memorializing of Prime Ministers via fiddle tunes...

Includes jacket/label scans.

To see a video of Graham playing for legendary Ottawa Valley stepdancer Donnie Gilchrist at the 1983 Pembroke, Ontario fiddle contest, click here.

Tracks:

1. Sir John A. MacDonald Waltz
2. Alexander MacKenzie March
3. Sir John Abbott Waltz
4. Sir John S.D. Thompson Jig
5. Sir MacKenzie Bowell Jig
6. Sir Charles Tupper Waltz
7. Sir Wilfred Laurier Reel
8. Sir Robert Borden Waltz
9. Arthur Meighen Two Step
10. W.L. Mackenzie King Strathspey
11. R.B. Bennett Hornpipe
12. Louis St. Laurent Reel
13. John Diefenbaker Polka
14. Lester Pearson Clog

*download here*

GRAHAM TOWNSEND and His Fiddle

2011-11-14T04:58:00.000-08:00

Another classic in this post, SBS 5284, which is touted as "Introducing Rodeo's Golden Stereo Series." One of three albums Graham released on Banff during the centennial year, it contains many of his signature compositions and one by Ned Landry. It also has a few traditional tunes of which I think Townsend's version of the "Les Guenilles" ("The Rags"), a fine French Canadian tune, is a standout. Also, you're not dreaming, that really is a chorus of backup singers adding "oooh-wahs" to "Sidewalk Waltz", a tune popularised by Nashville fiddler Chubby Wise. They really were all listening to one another back then...

Includes jacket/label scans.

A great video of Graham playing a medley of reels at an outdoor festival is here.

Tracks:

1. Sidewalk Waltz
2. The Lighthouse Keeper
3. Prince County Jig
4. Les Guenilles
5. Waverley Two Step
6. Ottawa Valley Reel
7. Fred Wilson's Clog
8. Spirit Of Springhill
9. Evelyn's Waltz
10. Point Prim Hornpipe

*download here*

GRAHAM TOWNSEND and his Country Fiddle

2011-11-13T17:34:00.001-08:00

Here is the next of Graham's Banff LPs, SBS 5296, "Graham Townsend and his Country Fiddle" from 1968. The ten track album is comprised of three of his original compositions, two traditional tunes, as well as tunes by Graham's fiddling contemporaries June Eikhard, Al Cherny, Ward Allen, and Andy DeJarlis.

Includes jacket/label scans.

Incidentally, a wonderful video of Graham playing and discussing fiddle styles is here.

Tracks:

1. Journeyman's Jig
2. Fisher's Hornpipe
3. Jemeny Cricket Polka
4. Minstrel's Fancy
5. Donnie Gilchrist's Breakdown
6. Frenchie's Reel
7. Fairy Toddler
8. Carousel Waltz
9. Gilles Roy
10. St. Patrick's Day In Quebec

*download here*

GRAHAM TOWNSEND plays Don Messer

2011-11-13T03:30:00.000-08:00

A little over a year ago I presented "World Champion Folk Fiddler", Banff SBS 5406 (click here), Graham Townsend's last album on Rodeo's Banff line of LPs (he recorded 10 for the label). With this post I begin to wind my way back through Graham's Banff output by featuring his 1969 collection, "I Like Don Messer", SBS 5306. On it Townsend plays twelve of Don Messer's signature tunes as only he could. I feel these LPs, especially 5239 onward, are really his seminal recordings. He never made a bad LP, but to me the 1960's Banff LPs really defined his style.
Graham is accompanied here by fellow fiddle great Paul Menard on guitar, singer/producer Dougal (Dougie) Trineer on bass and tenor banjo, and the great Carol Kennedy (now Carol Dawson, wife of fiddler Peter Dawson) on piano.

Includes jacket/label scans.

Tracks:

1. Big John McNeil
2. Rippling Water Jig
3. Don Messer's Breakdown
4. Country Waltz
5. Lightning Hornpipe
6. Vail's Breakdown
7. Uncle Henry's Reel
8. Little Burnt Potato
9. Norweigan Waltz
10. Rambler's Hornpipe
11. Grandfather's Reel
12. Blue Mountain Hornpipe

*download here*

Posts at MR. MEADOWLARK'S

2011-11-13T03:14:00.000-08:00

Just a note to let my readers know I have recently transferred some LPs that are posted at the blog "Mr. Meadowlark's Music and Memories." There is a Don Messer promo LP, some solo Marg Osburne LPs, and some of Marg & Charlie Chamberlain's sacred duet albums. To visit this wonderful blog, click here.
In addition to the above mentioned transfers, Mr. Meadowlark's site contains many great posts, including several vintage Canadian country and fiddle albums. He also hosts a great online radio show, "Meadowlark Jamboree", every Thursday night from 9pm to Midnight (EST) at "The Bluegrass Mix", to visit the site click here.

BOB KING Original RCA Recordings

2011-11-09T14:49:00.000-08:00

Featured today is a great RCA Camden collection comprised of 10 original 1950's recordings by the legendary Bob King. King (1934-1989) was a successful regional country singer in the Ottawa Valley in the fifties, during which time he was signed to RCA Victor's Montreal division. These fantastic recordings have been out of circulation for years, this LP being the only edition of these tracks other than the original single issues.
Some standout tunes are "Josephine", a King original which contains the magnificent line "I'm a singin' hillbilly from Montreal" and "Crazy Me", also an original which was covered by Smilin' Jack Silvers on his Acadia album previously featured here. Perhaps his best work of this era is his original 1954 single of "Laurel Lee" which is reputed to have sold 40,000 copies regionally.
Bob's Montreal producer tried to interest the company's Nashville division in his work but to no avail and by the end of the fifties he was recording for George Taylor's Rodeo label, where he made some remakes of his old hits, as well as keeping new singles on the market. In the sixties he was a member of CFRA Ottawa's "Happy Wanderers", a regional supergroup that broadcast daily and played dates all over eastern Ontario. He continued to record and perform with his wife, French language country singer Marie, until his death.

I would like to thank Two Dollar Bill for the use of this rare LP.

I have also transferred some of Bob King's post RCA albums for Uncle Gil's Rockin' Archives, click here.

A brief biography of Bob King is here.

Tracks:

1. Josephine
2. Crazy Me
3. Hey Mam
4. I Don't Believe In Settlin' Down
5. Let's Make A Fair Trade
6. Anxious
7. Laurel Lee
8. Did You Do It
9. Always Lend A Helping Hand
10. Pretty Little Girl In Blue

*download here*

JIMMY SHAND and his Strict Tempo Band

2011-10-23T22:01:00.001-07:00

Having enjoyed the previously posted collection of Jimmy Shand recordings immensely, I was happy to come across this LP which I had forgotten was in my collection. Being a little Shand crazy lately, I decided to transfer and post it as a companion to the "King of the Melodeon Men".
The LP was produced for the North American market, and received the following notice in the July 1, 1957 issue of Billboard:

One of Scotland's most popular bands makes it's North American debut in this Capitol of the World album. Shand's jaunty accordion solo work and "strict tempo" are showcased on a group of lively Scottish country dance tunes: Merrily Dance (sic) the Quaker's Wife," "Primrose Polka," etc. Authentic Celtic wax for the specialty market.

Includes jacket and label scans.

Tracks:

1. My Love She's But A Lassie Yet
2. Birks Of Invermay
3. St. Bernard Waltz
4. Teviot Brig (Jig)
5. De'il Amang The Tailors
6. Lord Hume's Reel
7. Primrose Polka
8. The Cumberland Reel
9. The Duke Of Perth (Broon's Reel)
10. The Glasgow Highlanders (Strathspey)
11. The Gordon Waltz
12. Merrily Danced The Quaker's Wife (Jig)

*download here*

JIMMY SHAND The King of the Melodeon Men

2011-10-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

I have long enjoyed the vintage recordings of the great Scottish accordionist Jimmy Shand (1908-2000) and was thrilled to locate this 1994 collection of some of his classic 78's. Shand's name is synonymous with the Scottish Country Dance movement, and no doubt dancers have comprised the majority of his record buyers through the years. Nonetheless, I find his recordings, especially his earlier ones, to be fantastic listening.
The present compilation contains 21 tracks spanning the years 1934-1954, including 3 of his earliest for Regal-Zonophone, the remainder originally released on the Parlophone label.
Shand's career is well documented, a nice bio can be read here.
The folder contains all 21 tracks on mp3, as well as a text file with complete tune lists, release number and year for each track.

Tracks:

1. Set of Reels - The Punch Bowl/My Love She's But Lassie Yet/Fair Maid of Perth
2. The Drunken Piper/The Laird of Drumblair/De'il Amang The Tailors
3. The Machine Without Horses/My Wife's A Wanton Wee Thing/Glendaruel Highlanders
4. La Russe - La Russe/The Punch Bowl/Cairdin 'Ot
5. Scottish Waltz - Jock O' Hazeldean/We'd Better Bide A Wee/My Nannie's Awa'/Auld Scotch Song
6. Hornpipes - Dundee Horpipe/Millicent's Favourite
7. Eightsome Reel - The De'il Amang The Tailors/Staten Island/Speed The Plough/The Wind That Shakes The Barley/Mrs. McLeod
8. Bluebell Polka
9. Dundee Reel - Bonnie Dundee/Rock And Wee Pickle Tow/Atholl Gathering
10. Merrily Danced The Quaker's Wife - Merrily Danc'd The Quaker's Wife/Dumfries House/Bonnie Doon
11. Miss Betty Fitchet's Wedding
12. The New Rigged Ship/Off She Goes/Kinloch of Kinloch
13. The Queen Mary Waltz
14. La Valeta
15. The Londonderry & High Level Hornpipes
16. Primrose Polka
17. Petronella
18. The Duke of Perth (Broon's Reel) - Duke Of Perth/This Is No My Ain Lassie/The Wandering Drummer
19. Reel of 51st Division - The Drunken Piper/Bonnie Ann
20. Inverness Gathering/Braes Of Tullymet/Kitty High
21. The Agnes Waltz

*download here*

RAY FRANCIS & The WHIPPOORWILLS

2011-10-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

I have presented many vintage albums of great Canadian country music here at the Scratchy Attic, but none gives me as much pleasure to share as these two 1960's LPs by a great band from my hometown of Chatham, Ontario, Ray Francis and the Whippoorwills. Growing up in a "country music family", I often heard my grandparents speak fondly of this band, proudly proclaiming they were "as good as anything out of Nashville". I believe my grandmother even sang a number with the boys on an occasion or two. Many years later I was privileged enough to get to share the stage a few times with the group's steel guitarist, the late Max Dauphin.
Francis and his outfit cut two albums in 1963 and 1964, for the Arc and Canatal labels, respectively. The notes to the Arc LP state "As soon as Arc Records heard Ray Francis and The Whippoorwills they immediately recognized that here was one of the most professional sounding country bands in the land." I can only wholeheartedly agree with that statement; I feel that the album is one of the real gems in Arc's early catalog. At a time when Canadian recordings tended to be of the "one microphone in a room" variety, the Whippoorwills albums sound balanced and cohesive, unlike many other "local" albums of this period, which while quaint, are often decidedly amateurish. The Whippoorwills were really more a regional than a local band, with some very impressive connections and credentials, as outlined in the articles at the following link to the Chatham Music Archives.
As of 2009, Ray Francis was still active as a musician, and in 2007, the local Chatham newspaper ran a story on his career with the Whippoorwills. A scan of that article is included along with the original LP jackets and labels, and of course the contents of the LPs are downloadeable as mp3s below.
The fact that the Chatham area was home to such a great traditional Country band back in the day makes me very proud to be carrying on the tradition of this kind of singing and playing in the present. Kudos to Ray Francis, John Tengelis, Ray Dauphin, Max Dauphin and Bill Taylor for leaving a great legacy!

Tracks:

1. Crying In The Deep Blue Sea
2. I've Got A Right To Know
3. A House With Everything But Love
4. I'll Kiss The Past Goodbye
5. The Same Old Me
6. All Over Again
7. Toujour Moi
8. I Can't Run Away From Myself
9. Three Hearts In A Tangle
10. Anymore
11. A Dimes Worth Of Dreams
12. Carribean
13. Honey Lovin'
14. When Two Worlds Collide
15. Lost In The Islands
16. A Wound Time Can't Erase
17. Ridin' High
18. Little Darlin'
19. Drivin' Nails In My Coffin
20. Dead End Twist
21. What Would You Do
22. South Of The Border
23. Tears Broke Out On Me
24. Tears Will Fall

*download mp3s here*

*download scans here*

2011-10-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

BURL IVES The Wayfaring Stranger

2011-07-24T13:52:00.001-07:00

Between McCarthy era testimony, a slew of unbelievably bad 1960's LPs, and Claymation snowmen, it's pretty easy to forget that at one time, Burl Ives was a dynamic and convincing performer of American folk songs. When I picked this 78 album up at a local junk store, the latter day Burl was on my mind and it languished on my shelves for some time. I'm glad I finally gave these discs a spin, though, because they're wonderful.
This album of three 78rpm discs was recorded and released by Asch Records (Moses Asch, later to found the Folkways label) in 1944. Asch 78s of this era are notoriously lo-fi and noisy, but enjoyable nonetheless. Incidentally, Columbia released an 78 set by Ives in 1944 with the same title, but comprised of different tunes.

Tracks:

1. Poor Wayfaring Stranger, Buckeyed Jim
2. The Bold Soldier, The Sow Took The Measels
3. The Foggy Foggy Dew
4. Black Is The Color
5. The Blue Tail Fly
6. Henry Martin (Pirate Ballad)

*download here*

2011-07-24T13:49:00.000-07:00

JIMMIE OSBORNE Original King Recordings

2011-07-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

The Attic's new friend, Bobsluckycat, has kindly supplied these 49 tracks by Jimmie Osborne, whose Audio Lab LP was featured a couple of posts back. He transferred them from the original King LPs in his collection, and states:

These are listed by song title, record number and recording date. Missing B or A sides of any number have never been re-issued outside the original 78rpm and/or 45rpm release. Most were very topical, for the time, which date badly. Some are gospel songs or just missing. A few songs beyond the 49 here in 1954 and 1955 were never re-issued at all and probably only saw very limited release (1000 copies total or less) to fulfill the contract between King and Mr. Osborne which ran 7 years.
Jimmy Osborne was a minor country star, who put out some pleasing recordings, but while he had regional followings, he couldn't latch on to the "Big" one. I don't know why. He was at WLS, KWKH, WLW on their radio & TV shows, but never caught on there. He was mostly a low paid radio D.J. and when his King contract ended at the beginning of the rockabilly/rock-n-roll era, his career was essentially over in country music. When you listen to these songs, the melodies on some may sound familiar. Reason being is while Osborne wrote the lyrics to a lot of his songs, he "borrowed" heavily from previous songs for the melodies. Some more than others.

Many thanks to Bobsluckycat, who's lucky cat, Mr. Lucky, is pictured below!

Tracks:

1. My Heart Echoes (King 715 A) (10-1947)
2. Your Lies Have Broken My Heart (King 715 B) (10-1947)
3. Forever Far Apart (King 725 A) (10-1947)
4. It's So Hard To Smile (King 725 B) (10-1947)
5. Mom Is Dying Tonight (King 736 A) (12-1947)
6. A Vacant Sign Upon My Heart (King 736 B) (10-1947)
7. Son, Please Meet Me In Heaven (King 768 A) (12-1947)
8. Not Unloved Nor Unclaimed (King 768 B) (12-1947)
9. The Death Of Little Kathy Fiscus (King 788 AA) (04-19-1949)
10. Your Lovin' And Huggin' (King 817 A) (04-19-1949)
11. Tears Of St. Ann (King 817 B) (08-31-1949)
12. Forever And A Day (King 831 A) (08-31-1949)
13. I'm Gonna Strut My Stuff (King 831 B) (08-31-1949)
14. What A Price To Pay For Love (King 863 A) (08-31-1949)
15. You're The Only Angel (King 863 B) (03-12-1950)
16. God Please Protect America (King 893 AA) (07-26-1950)
17. The Moon Is Weeping Over You (King 893 A) (07-26-1950)
18. The Old Family Bible (King 908 A) (10-02-1950)
19. The Door To My Heart Is Wide Open (King 926 A) (10-02-1950)
20. My Saddest Mistake (King 942 A) (07-26-1950)
21. No Bitter Tears (King 942 B) (10-02-1950)
22. I Hate To Be Jealous (King 958 A) (03-27-1951)
23. Tell Me Daddy If You Know (King 958 B) (03-27-1951)
24. He'll Come Like A Thief In The Night (King 971 A) (03 -27-1951)
25. It's Just A Habit With You (King 988 B) (10-11-1951)
26. Love Me Or Leave Me (King 1012 A) (10-11-1951)
27. It's Me Who Has To Suffer (King 1012 B) (10-11-1951)
28. Missing In Action (King 1038 A) (12-1951)
29. Give Back My Ring And Picture (King 1038 B) (12-1951)
30. A Million People Have Died (King 1048 A) (12-1951)
31. God Has Taken My Flower (King 1048AA) (03-27-1951)
32. How Many Hearts Can You Break (King 1066 A) (10-11-1951)
33. We Can't Take It With Us To Our Grave (King 1066 AA) (12-1951)
34. Mama Don't Agree (King 1117 A) ( (07-31-1952)
35. Automobile Baby (King 1117 B) (07-31-1952)
36. This Evil Life Don't Pay (King 1144 A) (07-31-1952)
37. Don't Slam The Door (King 1144B) (07-31-1952)
38. Nag, Nag, Nag (King 1193 A) (03-1953)
39. I'm Scared To Go Home (King 1193 B) (03-1953)
40. Hills Of Roan County (King 1231 B) (03-1953)
41. You All Come (King 1295 A) (11-10-1953)
42. My Tissue Paper Heart (King 1314 A) (11-10-1953)
43. It Just Tears Me All To Pieces (King 1314 B) (11-10-1953)
44. I Did And I Does And I Do (King 1354 A) (04-20-1954)
45. A Tennessee Ocean (King 1354 B) (04-20-1954)
46. Blue Days And Lonely Nights (King 1363 A) (04-20-1954)
47. An Empty Old Cottage (King 1993 A) (09-02-1954)
48. Helpless Heart (King LP 730 Previously Unissued)
49. You Get The Roses, I Get The Thorns (King LP 892 Previously Unissued)

Please note that due to size, the 49 files have been split into two folders.

*download folder #1 here*

*download folder #2 here*

2011-07-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

2011-07-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

JIMMY WILLIAMS Three's A-Crowd

2011-07-21T00:06:00.002-07:00

The little 45rpm disk pictured here is another total mystery. I purchased it about five years ago in a thrift shop in Wallaceburg, Ontario. It contains two great country tunes by one Jimmy Williams, with both of the compositions credited to Hank Martin. I'm assuming the "JW" tag for both the label and publishing company is a reference to Mr. Williams. The only other info shown is "W. Cutcher/R. Jacoby Productions", with no indication of a date or locale on the label. I have no idea who either Williams or Martin are; I'm pretty certain this is not the Jimmy Williams that recorded with Red Ellis on Starday. I have been unable to find any reference to this record online, as you can imagine, there are many people who go by these names!
The "a" side, "Two's A-Plenty - Three's A-Crowd" is fairly uptempo, while the flip, "Revenge" is a good deal slower, and a pretty convincing honky-tonk "weeper". The recording quality is somewhat raw and lo-fi (the brief tape drop-out on the second side is on the actual disk), but I find this record very enjoyable. Williams is a good, if not especially technical, honky-tonk singer, and the harmony on the choruses adds a lot to these performances. To my ears the sparse rhythm section consists of acoustic rhythm, electric bass, and snare, with the vocal driven along by an incessant but tasteful steel player.
All in all, this is nice little country obscurity. It's hard to say if this is a local act from Southwestern Ontario, or was left behind by someone "passing through". We may never know, but, as always, if anyone has any info about this record, please drop me an email to lonesomelefty@yahoo.ca
Happy listening!

Tracks:

1. Two's A-Plenty-Three's A Crowd
2. Revenge

*download here*

2011-07-21T00:06:00.001-07:00

JIMMIE OSBORNE Singing Songs He Wrote

2011-07-17T06:46:00.001-07:00

I recently went looking around the blog-sphere to see if I could find any Jimmie Osborne albums, and alas, no luck. I therefore decided to remedy the situation by presenting this LP on King's Audio Lab label. This dinner plate of a disc was issued in 1959, and features twelve tunes composed and performed by the late Kentucky singer. This is great postwar southeastern country music, Osborne's style is reminiscent of of Acuff, the Bailes Brothers, Hank Williams, etc. Unfortunately, Jimmie commited suicide in 1957 and is not as well remembered he should be.
The links below contain more biographical information:

Biography @ Hillbilly-Music.com

Biography @ rocky-52.net

Tracks:

1. The Death Of Little Kathy Fiscus
2. It's Just A Habit With You
3. Give Back My Ring And Picture
4. We Can't Take It With Us To Our Grave
5. How Many Hearts Can You Break
6. You Get The Roses, I Get The Thorns
7. God Has Taken My Flower
8. This Evil Life Don't Pay
9. I Hate To Be Jealous
10. Nag, Nag, Nag
11. Mama Don't Agree
12. The Moon Is Weeping Over You

*download here*

CHARLIE CHAMBERLAIN Singing Lumberjack

2011-07-16T15:44:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 39th anniversary of the passing of Don Messer's legendary "Singing Lumberjack", Charlie Chamberlain. He passed away July 16, 1972, just two days after his 61st birthday, the 14th also marked the hundredth anniversary of his birth. At the time of his death, he had broadcast with Messer on radio and later television for over 40 years, and to Canadians was a larger-than-life legend. As such, Charlie has become an almost mythical figure, about whom many anecdotes circulate, some more borne of reality than others.
Chamberlain was born in Bathurst, New Brunswick in 1911. His mother was widowed early and to assist, Charlie went to work in the lumber woods at the age of eight. In this setting he became an strong and extroverted youngster who was eager to entertain. During WWI, he allegedly sang to the soldiers on passing troop trains, who would throw coins in appreciation. While riding a train himself, a friend of Don Messer's heard Charlie warbling, and put him in touch with the radio fiddler who was looking for a vocalist. Thus began the mutually beneficial association that made Canadian musical and broadcasting history. Charlie Chamberlain performed pretty much exclusively with Messer for the rest of his career.
Chamberlain is most often recalled as an incredible character, a true "Good Time Charlie". A huge man with huge appetites, he seems to have lived his life "in the moment". Charlie preferred to receive his pay from Messer in cash, even asking for small bills which were easier to spend. He was notoriously generous, and quite freely shared his money with friends and neighbours, and although he was one of Canada's most loved and recognized entertainers, he always kept a day job. During the sixties, when Don Messer's Jubilee was pretty much the highest rated TV show in Canada, many a motorist was shocked to have Charlie pump their gas at a service station in Lakeside, NS.
Modern accounts of Charlie often imply his talent was more as an entertainer than a singer, and by the TV years, which are most remembered, the years of hard living had definitely taken a toll on his voice. The early recordings here, however, show that in his prime, Chamberlain was a formidable radio crooner. I have always felt that the Don Messer band in the thirties and forties was sort of like a northeastern equivalent to what Bob Wills was in the southwest; a popular dance band rooted in the local fiddling tradition that nonetheless could play whatever dancers might request, modern or otherwise. This makes Charlie a hard singer to peg genre-wise, here he sings pop of the day, western songs, and a great deal of Irish novelty material. Unfortunately, there seems to be no recordings in circulation of the many lumberjack ballads for which Charlie was noted in his early radio years.
Tracks 1-12 in this collection are drawn from 1940s Apex label 78s and radio transcriptions, and track 13 is a 1958 radio performance. Chamberlain is backed on these by Don Messer and his Islanders. Tracks 14-23 are the contents of Charlie's only solo LP, a collection of Irish songs first issued in 1967 on the Point label (reissued in the 70s on MCA Coral, shown below). The final track is a solo performance from a 1967 LP of hymns with Marg Osburne. On the LP tracks, Charlie is accompanied by Rae Calder at the organ.
On a personal note, I really enjoy the 78 era stuff the most, in particular "Swinging To The Rhythm Of An Irish Jig", about swing music taking over at the local ceilidh(!), and "I Had A Hat", which cleverly interpolates Miss McLeod's Reel and the Irish air Port Láirge in a 1940s pop context. I would like to thank Andyrama for the use of a rare Messer promo LP from which "The Broken Down Piano" and "Goin' Back" were sourced.
Incidentally, there are many great clips of Charlie on YouTube. A couple of favourites are a series of National Film Board vignettes, one of which is here, and a take from Don Messer's Jubilee of Charlie performing Acadian mouth music while Don fiddles "The Old Man and The Old Woman", seen here.
Tracks:

1. The Broken Down Piano
2. Goin' Back
3. Somebody's Thinking Of You Tonight
4. Goin' To The Barndance Tonight
5. Swinging To The Rhythm Of An Irish Jig
6. Valley In The Sky
7. I Had A Hat
8. Jack The Sailor
9. MacNamara's Band
10. It's The Same Old Shillelagh
11. Clancy Lowered The Boom
12. The Tread On The Tail Of Me Coat
13. I'm Alone Because I Love You
14. The Ballymaquilty Band
15. How Can You Buy Killarney
16. The Sweetest Music Comes From Ireland
17. That Old Irish Mother Of Mine
18. With My Shillelagh Under My Arm
19. There's Nothing Like The Smile Of The Irish
20. Isle Of Innisfree
21. The Mountains Of Mourne
22. The Stone Outside Dan Murphy's Door
23. Galway Bay
24. He

*download here*

2011-07-16T15:43:00.001-07:00

2011-07-16T15:42:00.001-07:00

RAMBLIN' ROSS ALLEN Memories of Hank

2011-07-15T12:21:00.001-07:00

Featured today is a piece of Canadian country music history, the first LP ever issued on the Arc label's early 500 series, "Memories of Hank Williams as sung by Ramblin' Ross Allen" (spelled "Allan" on the cover, but "Allen" on the label and back slick). Arc Sound Ltd. was a producer of amps and P.A. equipment originally located in the Toronto suburb of Scarborough. In the late fifties they began to dabble in record production, turning out several cheap "top hits" type LPs. The release of the this album in 1959, however, marked the beginning the Arc label in earnest; it was the first in a decade long series of productions which were for the most part recorded in Toronto utilizing local talent. A majority of these, especially the earlier ones, were country. The albums recorded during this time have preserved the music of several Canadian country artists that would otherwise would be lost to the ages; the type of performers who while not national stars, would have had followings on regional radio or TV and in clubs. Arc also released many country albums by Americans who were popular and toured in Canada, including many artists featured on WWVA's Wheeling Jamboree (from Wheeling, West Virginia), heard extensively in Eastern Canada.
Unfortunately, I have very little information regarding Ramblin' Ross Allen. Unlike many Arc LPs which at least provide a locale of origin for the artist, the notes to this LP only state that "Ross Allen is one of the most promising young Country singers today." An online source provides a birth date of February 27, 1937, and he also had a self titled LP as well as some singles released on the London label. Otherwise, he is somewhat enigmatic. If anyone can provide more information on Ramblin' Ross, please contact me and I'll post it.
The present download contains the twelve LP tracks, as well as jacket and label scans including the 2nd edition of the jacket (most of the earliest Arc albums were later released with more "colourful" covers) shown below.

Tracks:

1. I Could Never Be Ashamed Of You
2. Your Cheating Heart
3. Moanin' The Blues
4. Jambolaya
5. Mansion On The Hill
6. Mind Your Own Business
7. Nobody's Lonesome For Me
8. Baby We're Really In Love
9. Two Different Worlds
10. Why Don't You Love Me
11. I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive
12. Wedding Bells

*download here*

2011-07-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

JIMMY NEWMAN & BILLY CARSON on Crown

2011-05-20T23:16:00.001-07:00

Courtesy of the Attic's pal Andyrama comes this interesting 1963 budget LP on Crown, "Guest Star of the Grand Ole Opry" (CST 329). As is typical of such cheapie albums of its era, it brings together a noted artist and a mysterious one with no apparent rhyme or reason.
The first side it comprised five of excellent late 40's/early 50's tracks by Louisianian Jimmy Newman. These were recorded originally for Feature, a Lake Charles, Louisiana label owned by the legendary J.D. Miller. The sixth track in the folder was not on the LP, but is transferred from another bargain bin album, the 1967 Design compilation "The World of Country Music" (SDLP-640). I believe this is the original version of "Cry, Cry Darling", recorded in 1953 for the Khourys label, also in based out of Lake Charles. The tune was a regional hit, and became a National one when re-recorded for Dot the following year. Jimmy C. Newman went on to a career as a legendary country and Cajun singer, and was, indeed, a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It is his later success that this album seems to be intended to capitalize on.
The remaining five tracks are credited to Billy Carson, and I find them rather enjoyable. They're obviously from a later period than the Newman songs, as they're in true stereo. I am unsure if Billy Carson is the Bill Carson who was a legendary employee of Fender guitars. It seems logical, however I can find practically no reference to these recordings or song titles anywhere other than in regards to this LP; very often budget records would utilize recordings that otherwise never made it to release. It's also possible that Billy Carson was a completely fictitious identity used for this release and was not the actual artist's name! An article/obituary with details about the above mentioned Bill Carson can be read here.

On May 25, our friend "Country Boy Lance" commented that the Billy Carson on this and other Crown LPs is in fact Glen Cass. See comments for details. Thanks, Lance!

Tracks:

1. Jimmy Newman - What Will I Do
2. Jimmy Newman - Let's Stay Together
3. Jimmy Newman - Don't Say Goodbye
4. Jimmy Newman - If You Lose You'll Understand
5. Jimmy Newman - I'll Have To Burn All The Letters
6. Jimmy Newman - Cry,Cry Darling
7. Billy Carson - The Big Wall
8. Billy Carson - I'll Always Love You
9. Billy Carson - Just In Her Way
10. Billy Carson - Window That I Look From
11. Billy Carson - Lost Vein Of Love

*download here*

COON-SANDERS NIGHTHAWKS Radio's Aces

2011-05-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

A bit of a departure from my recent posts, today I feature the legendary Joe Sanders (1896-1965) and Carleton Coon (1894-1932), who led one of the first widely successful radio bands, the Nighthawks. Legend attributes their collaboration to a chance meeting while trying out sheet music in a Kansas City music shop, a meeting which led to the formation of the "Coon-Sanders Novelty Orchestra". The group struck pay-dirt in 1922 when they began a series of late night broadcasts on WDAF originating from Kansas City's Muehlebach Hotel. Re-christened "The Nighthawks", the band began a decade long run that carried them to Chicago, and eventually New York. A very "publicity oriented" organization, the Nighthawks astutely exploited the new medium of radio, with stunts like setting up a ticker-tape machine on the bandstand to register requests during broadcasts. At one point the band traveled to engagements with each member piloting his own expensive Cord automobile.
Despite such flamboyance, Coon and Sanders' exiting, highly detailed music was the real basis of their popularity. The orchestra set a very high standard for the era; the Nighthawks were a disciplined collection of solid musicians, both men were exceptional vocalists, and Sanders' skills as a truly gifted and inventive composer/arranger gave the band a quality that is still evident on their recordings today. The Nighthawks' fame, influence, and legacy may have continued beyond the "roaring twenties" if the hard-living Carleton Coon had not succumbed to complications from blood poisoning in May of 1932.
While never again achieving the success of the Nighthawks, Joe Sanders continued to work, leading respectable Orchestras until retiring in 1959. The pictured "Radio's Aces" LP was in preparation when Sander's passed away in 1965, and released later that year. It features sixteen of the band's Victor recordings, some of which used alternate masters to the original 78rpm versions. Also included in this post is a small run 1974 LP featuring a 1945 broadcast by Joe Sanders' Orchestra on Coca-Cola's "Victory Parade of Spotlight Bands". This performance provides an interesting contrast to the Nighthawk's 1920's work, while the latter is of course more subdued, we do hear a flash of the old energy on Sander's vocal performance of "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby?". The seconds side of this LP features an appearance on the same series by the Orchestra of Henry King, more about whom can be found here.

Coon-Sanders Nighthawks
"Radio's Aces"

Tracks:

1. Here Comes My Ball And Chain
2. I Ain't Got Nobody
3. Little Orphan Annie
4. Darktown Stutter's Ball
5. High Fever
6. Alone At Last
7. Tennessee Lazy
8. Deep Henderson
9. Alone In The Rain
10. Wabash Blues
11. What A Girl!What A Night!
12. Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now
13. Roodles
14. After You've Gone
15. Sluefoot
16. Rhythm King

includes jacket and label scans

*download here*

Joe Sanders & His Orchestra/Henry King & His Orchestra
"Victory Parade Of Spotlight Bands Volume 4"

1. Joe Sanders - Part 1 - Honeysuckle Rose, Wish You Were Waiting For Me (Joe Sanders - vocal), Saturday Night (Mary Malloy - vocal), In The Middle Of Nowhere (Joe Sanders - vocal)
2. Joe Sanders - Part 2 - Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby? (Joe Sanders - vocal), Don't You Know I Care? (Mary Malloy - vocal), Blue Skies
3. Henry King - Alexander's Ragtime Band, (medley) The Day After Forever, There Goes That Song Again (Virginia Jackson - vocal), Tico Tico, (medley) Waiting, Don't You Know I Care? (Tommy Smith - vocal), You've Got Me Where You Want Me (Virginia Jackson - vocal), Why Don't You Kiss Me? (Tommy Smith - vocal), Accentuate The Positive (Virginia Jackson - vocal), Tea For Two

includes jacket scans

*download here*

2011-05-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

ALL LINKS NOW RESTORED!

2011-05-17T23:37:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to put up a quick post to say that finally, all the links at the Attic are once again "live". I would like to thank Uncle Gil and Jackie Oh for assisting me in finding some of the folders I was missing. Hopefully we'll see no more malicious deletion of files.
It has also come to my attention that some unscrupulous online retailers have been selling CDs made from transfers posted here, specifically, files I transfered from LPs or private tapes and restored myself. They have even used my scans for cover art! While there's really nothing I can do to control or stop this, it certainly defeats the purpose of "sharing". All I can say is buyer beware, especially of this seller, any CDs they offer which were derived from this site were obviously made from compressed mp3s, and are not full CD quality. I have not examined the actual product, but I strongly suspect they are (very overpriced) home burns. It should go without saying, but you should NEVER be asked to pay for files from the Scratchy Attic...

SMILIN' JACK SILVERS OK Jamboree

2011-05-14T17:34:00.001-07:00

Back in November of 2008 I posted an LP by Smilin' Jack Silvers and his Sons of the Plains (click here). I knew nothing about the album or the artist, other than that it was superb. I mentioned in the post that if anyone knew anything about Smilin' Jack to drop me a line. I'm glad I did, as I not only learned a good deal about him, I was able to obtain the audio recording of one of his TV broadcasts that I now (finally!) present here.
All in all, I exchanged emails with four people, three of whom played with Jack, and two of whom played on the LP. It started when I received an email from Gerry Forget, who's former brother-in-law was Bob Vall ée, the group's fiddler. He in turn put me in touch with Terry Sutton, who played steel with Jack. I also received an email from Bill Gokey, who played bass and banjo.
Rather than rewrite Jack's story, I'll reprint some excerpts from the emails, so you can learn the story as I did:

Gerry Forget

"My former brother in law (Robert "Bob" Vallée) was a member of the group "Smiling Jack Silvers' Sons of the Plains" for a time. I remember this from when I was 6 or 7 years old. They used to have a TV show from Cornwall, Ontario way back then that was called OK Jamboree...

I remember meeting Jack and hearing the band play. I also remember meeting Dusty King Sr. who was very popular. This was very, very good to listen to.
Another very good local musician from a slightly later time was Johnny Mooring, that I heard playing many times along with my wife of many years. He met an untimely death in, I believe, 1974 during an attack after a gig...

I made a few calls to my sister today regarding the band to check my recall as a young boy. Smilin' Jack's birth name apparently was Leo Boisclair. Some of the other members of the band besides Bob Vallee (fiddle) were Terry Sutton (steel guitar- can be heard on the Stone-Canyon web site), Don Mitchell, Dollard "Vic" Huneault (bass).
In the early '70's when I was about 18, my steady girlfriend (now my wife) used to go out every Saturday night to the hotels in the Valleyfield or Rivière Beaudette Qc. area and listen to Johnny Mooring playing (he would occasionally come over to our table because another one of my former brother in-laws used to play from time to time with Johnny). Another good (French) country singer from the area was Marcel Laframboise. We always had a good time on Saturday night, and the booze was cheap."

Bill Gokey

"Back in the early 60's I played for a brief time in Jack's band - he was from Lancaster, Ontario, and his last name wasn't Silvers. He had a weekly TV show on CJSS in Cornwall, Ontario, called "The O.K. Jamboree". Band members were: Terry Sutton (McElroy), steel; Don Mitchell, electric guitar; Dusty King (Bruce Dustin), flat-top rhythm & vocals; Bob Vallee, fiddle; and Bill Gokey on electric bass & 5-string banjo.
The show was cancelled in 1962 when CTV Network took over Channel 8 and turned it in to a satellite station.
I believe the album was cut about 1963."

Terry Sutton

"Hi, my name is Terry Sutton and I was the steel player with Smilin' Jack from 1957 to 1960-61. We started on a Cornwall radio station CKSF in 1957 as "The Sons Of The Plains" then when channel 8 went on the air we moved over to it for about two years and played Northern New York State, Eastern Quebec and many Eastern Ontario gigs...

Smilin' Jack (Leo Boisclair) was born in Cornwall Ont. but moved to the Valleyfield QC. area at a young age and lived for many years in St Stanislaus QC. I came to work for Jack from the Smiley Willette Show on Channel 5, Plattsburg N.Y. He always had good players with him and was very popular around the east. The Smilin' Jack record was recorded in the RCA Victor studios in Montreal, and around the same time Dusty King recorded an album with the same musicians, i.e. Don Mitchell on Lead Guitar, Yours Truly on Steel, Bob Vallee on Fiddle, Sandy Parr on Bass and Jack on acoustic, and as there were no drums then we had a person named "Wave" on acoustic guitar with paper through the strings to make a snare sound. I produced the album with every ones help.
I'm still playing quite often here in Connecticut where I moved in 1965, spent some years in Nashville with various artists."

Robert Vallée

"Hi Mike. Congradulations for your research on an old country album. According to the info from Terry & Bill they gave you all the info that I know. By the way, I was the fiddler on that first album."

Receiving the above information and reflections was an wonderful. If that wasn't enough, Terry told me he had a reel-to-reel tape of one of the "OK Jamboree" television shows, and he was willing to send me a copy. This amazed me, as there is so little live broadcast material of vintage Canadian country kicking around. I have found this recording fascinating, to say the least.
The "OK Jamboree" was broadcast Saturday nights on CJSS-TV Cornwall, a station that had a short run, 1959 to 1963, as a private CBC affiliated broadcaster. It was sponsored by O'Keefe Ale (hence the "OK" - get it?) and fortunately the commercials are included on the recording. The guest on this episode is "Miss" Terry Parker, a fantastic singer and yodeler who's Banff recordings I will try to feature in the future. I hope you all enjoy this great treasure as much as I have.

I CANNOT THANK ENOUGH GERRY, BILL, ROBERT, AND ESPECIALLY TERRY FOR ALL THE TIME AND ATTENTION THEY GAVE ME TO SHARE SMILIN' JACK'S MUSIC AND STORY! I'M SURE MR. BOISCLAIR APPRECIATES IT SOMEWHERE!

NOTE: The half-hour show is included as a single mp3. Please be aware there is some noticeable tape drop out near the beginning of the show, a small concern considering the rarity of this type of recording.

Program:

Intro, Theme (host, Roger D.)
O'Keefe Tune
Crazy Creek (fiddle solo, Bob Vallée)
Excuse Me, I Think I've Got A Heartache (vocal, Smilin' Jack & Vic Huneault)
Please Help Me, I'm Falling (vocal, Terry Parker)
O'Keefe commercial
The Pickup Reel (fiddle solo, Bob Vallée)
Goofus (guitar solo, Don Mitchell)
Tumbling Tumbleweed (vocal, Terry Sutton & Smilin' Jack)
Personal appearance announcements
The Yodeling Bird (vocal, Terry Parker)
O'Keefe commercial
Fraulein (vocal, Terry Sutton)
Smoky Mountain Rag (instrumental, The Sons of the Plains)
O'Keefe Tune
Theme, Closing

*download here*

2011-05-14T17:33:00.001-07:00

2011-05-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

GRAHAM TOWNSEND on Arc & London

2011-05-13T22:49:00.000-07:00

The response to the first Graham Townsend album I posted (World Champion Folk Fiddler) was so positive I have decided to present a few more. The majority of Graham's albums before the 1970s were on Rodeo Records' Banff label, but the present two albums, both from the early 1960s, are exceptions.
Like most LPs on the Arc label, "Fancy Fiddlin'" (Arc 576) has circulated widely and is not all that difficult to find. It contains Graham's first recordings of the novelty tunes "Listen to the Mockingbird" and "Dragging the Bow", as well as the Townsend compositions "Rocking Chair Jig" and "McDowell's Breakdown" (named for his frequent piano accompanist, Phyllis McDowell). By comparison, "Championship Fiddle Favorites" on the London label (GA. 1006, reissued in "stereo" as EBX 4128) is somewhat of a rarity, which is a shame as it's a wonderful album. Like the previously featured Banff LP, these albums were highly influential and inspirational to me, with tunes like "Caber Feigh", "Bows of Oak Hill" and "Lug O' The Spade" remaining an important part of my repertoire to this day. Perhaps in putting these transfers out there, another generation can absorb them as I and so many others did.

Fancy Fiddlin'
Arc 576

Tracks:

1. Blue Water Hornpipe
2. Teenagers' Waltz
3. Listen to the Mocking Bird
4. Rocking Chair Jig
5. Cuckoo's Nest
6. McDowell's Breakdown
7. Caber Feigh
8. Town & Country Schottische
9. Dragging the Bow
10. Peek A Boo Waltz
11. Carnival Hornpipe
12. Hurricane Hazel

Championship Fiddle Favorites
London GA. 1006, also issued as EBX 4128

Tracks:

1. Orange Blossom Special
2. Old Rose Waltz
3. Speed The Plough Reel
4. Bows Of Oak Hill
5. Sugar Tree Stomp
6. Lug O' The Spade
7. Billy In The Low Ground
8. Jack Pine Reel
9. High Level Hornpipe
10. Our Last Waltz
11. Pop Corn Reel
12. Faded Love

*download here*

2011-05-13T22:45:00.000-07:00

DON MESSER & NED LANDRY 78s @ archive.org

2011-05-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

I have posted some 78 era tunes by Don Messer and Ned Landry at the Internet Archive (archive.org). I was motivated to do this after downloading a particularly atrocious rip of Messer's old recording of St. Anne's Reel... If there is a significant response to these, I may do more. Enjoy!

The links are below:

Don Messer and His Islanders - Don Messer's Breakdown, Johnny Wagoner's Breakdown
Apex 26222-A (78rpm)
April 8, 1942
*click here*

Don Messer and His Islanders - Favorite Polka, By The Fireside
Apex 26220-B (78rpm)
March 9, 1942
*click here*

Don Messer and His Islanders - Flanigan's Polka
Apex 26272-A (78rpm)
December 1943
*click here*

Don Messer and His Islanders - Little Burnt Potato
Apex 26273-B (78rpm)
December 1943
*click here*

Don Messer and His Islanders - Rippling Water Jig
Apex 26297-B (78rpm)
December 16, 1947
*click here*

Don Messer and His Islanders - Soldier's Joy
Apex 26290-A (78rpm)
March 8, 1947
*click here*

Don Messer and His Islanders - St. Anne's Reel
Apex 26291-A (78rpm)
March 8, 1947
*click here*

Ned Landry (Violin with piano accompaniment by Bruce Holder) - Soldier's Joy
RCA Victor Bluebird Series 55-3254-A (78rpm)
1951
*click here*

Ned Landry (Violin with piano accompaniment by Bruce Holder) - Devil Among The Tailors
RCA Victor Bluebird Series 55-3254-B (78rpm)
1951
*click here*

Incidentally, back on February 2 of this year, Ned Landry celebrated his 90th birthday! There's a great article about it here.

2011-05-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

GERRY ROBICHAUD Down East Fiddler

2011-05-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

Two 1970s LPs are presented here by the great New Brunswick fiddler Gerry Robichaud. The first is 1973's "Down East Fiddling" on the Voyager label, the second is "Maritime Dance Party", a 1978 offering on Alcazar.
Robichaud was born in St. Paul, NB in 1931 and absorbed both the local Acadian style as played by his mother, and the popular "down east" tunes popularized on Maritime radio by fiddlers like Don Messer and Tommy Linkletter. He played extensively in his native New Brunswick until moving to Boston in 1955. There he continued as an expert exponent of this music, playing at the city's French club from the year of his arrival onward, as well as participating in (and often winning) numerous contests throughout the years. A pair of 1960s LPs on the Banff label established his reputation in Canada, much as the present albums did in the US in the next decade. Robichaud was featured in the 1983 documentary film "New England Fiddles" (see link below), and in 1996 Rounder records produced "The Slippery Stick", a spectacular CD featuring Gerry accompanied on guitar by his brother Bobby, playing tunes from their childhood.
Gerry Robichaud is one of the great surviving fiddlers from Canada's "golden age" and is a highly respected player. Much to my delight, a search of youtube finds videos of the 79 year old performing beautifully as recently as March of this year. Some of these clips feature Gerry playing alongside his granddaughter, so we can rest assured his great music will live on through generations.

Click here to see a youtube clip of Gerry and his granddaughter Melissa playing together on March 3, 2011

Click here to stream the 1983 film documentary, "New England Fiddles"

Click here for the detailed biographical notes on Gerry from Rounder's 1996 CD, "The Slippery Stick"

Gerry Robichaud, "Down East Fiddling"
Voyageur VRLP 310-S, 1973

Tracks:

1. Slope Road Jig
2. Golden Wedding Reel
3. Centennial Waltz
4. Sandra's Jig
5. Ottawa Valley Reel
6. Uncle Louie's Clog
7. Don Tremaine's Jig
8. Grand Valley Waltz
9. Rocket Richard's Reel
10. Prince County Jig
11. Mother's Day Waltz
12. Dickie Rogers
13. Peace River Jig
14. Daffodil Waltz
15. David's Jig
16. Twin Sisters

*download here*

Jerry (sic) Robichaud, "Maritime Dance Party"
Alcazar/Fretless FR-201, 1978

Tracks:

1. Walker Street Reel, Temperance Reel
2. East Coast Jig, Buchta Dancers' Jig
3. Shelburne Reel
4. Spider Island Jig, Sue's Jig
5. Maxime Leblanc's Reel, Angus Robichaud's Reel
6. Debbie's Jig, Cadeau's Jig
7. York County Hornpipe, Shelburne Rotary Breakdown, Cuckoo's Nest
8. Gold And Silver Waltz
9. New Brunswick Hornpipe, Rainy Reel
10. Cotton-Eyed Joe, Pacific Slope Reel

*download here*

2011-05-07T14:49:00.000-07:00

GRAHAM TOWNSEND World Champion Fiddler

2010-09-13T22:50:00.001-07:00

It is hard for me to believe I have never until now posted a Graham Townsend album at the Attic. Graham has never properly received his due as on of the very greatest fiddlers in recorded history. Through his lifespan was relatively short (1942-1998), his accomplishments were enormous, and his technical mastery of the instrument was practically unmatched. It is not unfair to say (because recordings of his playing exist to back up the claims) that he had under his fingers Irish, Scottish, Canadian, Nashville, Bluegrass, and Jazz (Venuti or Grapelli) styles of fiddling.
Legally blind since birth, the native of Buckingham, Quebec began playing before he was ten years if age and by his mid-teens was a formidable force on the Canadian contest circuit, setting many records with his numerous wins. Despite this, he is remembered as a genuine and helpful man with a passion for all those who played and shared a love for his chosen instrument. His influence was definitely immense, yet in the scant years since his death he seems not to be remembered as would be expected of a man who's records were reliable sellers in every market in the country. Graham recorded over thirty albums in his career, which found their way into homes from coast to coast.
The present album was released in 1970, and was probably recorded in either Montreal or Ottawa. It has long been a favourite of mine, as I purchased a cassette copy as a youth of about 13, and listened to that tape until it nearly unraveled. I was always very struck by Townsend's control of the bow, brilliant phrasing and overall taste. On the album he covers tunes from the Acadian (Golden Wedding Reel), Irish (Rakes Of Kildare), Scots (Lord Athlone's March), Metis (Princess Irena) and Ukranian (Bandura Waltz, Zaporozich) traditions with equal aplomb. Although this is only one of the many great Townsend albums recorded through the years, I hope it will continue to be, as it was for me, a fantastic introduction to the fiddle marvel who was Graham Townsend.

Click here for a bio of Graham at the Canadian Encyclopedia.

Click here for liner notes to many of Graham's albums, including extensive biographies.

Tracks:

1. Golden Wedding Reel
2. Princess Irena
3. Bandura Waltz
4. Stack Of Barley
5. Quarterdeck
6. Joys Of Quebec
7. Zaporozich
8. Calgary Waltz
9. Lord Athlone's March
10. Rakes Of Kildare

*download here*

GAETAN POIRIER French Canadian Fiddling

2010-09-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

I have always loved this album of traditional French Canadian style fiddling, complete with foot tapping, despite having no knowledge about M. Poirier whatsoever. All I know is that the album was released in 1973 on Buckshot, which was a product of Jack Boswell's Paragon/Marathon/Condor family of labels. The original issue number on LP was BT-9006, but the present transfer of this rarity comes from the 8-Track edition, 8T-9006.
The liner notes (from the LP, a text file of which is enclosed in the download) state M. Poirier hailed from St. Hubert Compté Temis Kuata, Québec. Though no session credits are included, I strongly suspect the great Canadian champion fiddler Graham Townsend is playing the piano on this album, he may well have produced it besides. Townsend produced many LPs for Boswell during this period, and upon careful listening I find many traits of his distinctive piano accompaniment style to be present.
A few of these tracks have popped up on Canadian fiddle compilations through the years, but the complete original album has become yet another obscure Canadian classic. I hope this post goes it's small way in keeping Canada's vast musical traditions alive.

Incidentally, if you are interested in owning, like myself, an 8-Track copy of this rare album, online retailer "8 Track Shack" has it:

Click here to see listing for "Gaetan Poirier, French Canadian Fiddling"

The same retailer also has an 8 Track copy of an album previously featured at the attic:

Click here to see listing for "Eddie Poirier, Fiddling in the Irish, Scottish & Cape Breton Style"

Tracks:

1. Noranda Mine Worker's Reel
2. Macamic Reel
3. My Sister's Reel
4. Hangman's Reel
5. Pointe Au Pic Reel
6. Ste. Isidore Reel
7. Mocking Bird Hill
8. Mountaineer's Reel
9. Winter Carnival Reel
10. The Girl I Left Behind
11. Liverpool Hornpipe
12. Smash The Window

*download here*

KING GANAM Original Recordings

2010-09-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, just wanted to apologize for being away for so long. It's been over a year since I've put up any new posts, I'm afraid other things have just kept me away. Several moves, a broken ankle, and many other responsibilities prevented me from finding time to properly transfer, upload, and annotate all the items I would like. I'm glad to say that people seem to continue to discover the Attic and download items! I am somewhat backlogged in correspondence, so if you have not received a reply please do not take it personally. I intend to try to catch up on emails in the next few weeks.
On to today's post. Featured here are 40 tracks by legendary Canadian fiddler Ameen Sied "King" Ganam (1914-1994). Ganam was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan to an English mother and a father of Syrian decent. Ganam is an interesting figure in fiddle history who's style bridged a number of traditions and who's story and background are the very fabric of the Canadian cultural mosaic. He began leading "western" style cowboy bands in his home territory in the early 1940's and continued to be successful throughout the decade, but it was his association with the early CBC TV production "Country Hoedown" that brought him to national prominence. Ganam had already landed in Toronto by 1956, the year "Country Hoedown" was launched. The program was a runaway success, sparking longstanding careers for the likes of Gordie Tapp and Tommy Hunter.
The recordings here were all cut for RCA Victor's Canadian division during the 50s and very early 60s and released in varying combinations on 78s, 45s and LPs on RCA's Bluebird, Victor and Camden imprints. Ganam's repertoire is somewhat more varied that that of the average Canadian fiddler of the time. Some, especially the earlier tracks, seem very much like western swing, featuring heavy accordion bordering at times on the sort of lounge jazz made popular by artists such as Art VanDamme. He plays some southern sounding "hoedown" pieces and a great deal of old time time dances, waltzes, schottische, etc. Of course, there are Canadian style jigs and reels as well, played at a somewhat faster pace than contemporaries like Don Messer or Ned Landry favoured. I find it particularly fascinating to hear Ganam play the "Red River Jig", a tune from the Métis tradition of Manitoba and his native Saskatchewan. It is interesting to speculate if he played in and/or for those communities enough to have picked the tune up and kept it in his repertoire.
Like so many of the great fiddlers, "King" seems to have suffered his popularity and by the sixties had experienced difficulties with alcohol and mental health. He relocated to California in 1962 and spent his remaining days there, returning to his native country only occasionally. His influence was immense and his tunes, especially the enduring "Four String Polka" are still played widely.

Click here for a biography at the Canadian Encyclopedia.

Click here for a biography from "Folk and Country Songs", November 1956.

Tracks:

Angus Campbell-Reel, Arkansas Traveler, Black Mountain Rag, Cattle Call, Champagne Polka, Congress Park Reel, Dawson Creek Reel, Dick McDougall Reel, Endearing Young Charms, Fireman's Reel, Four String Polka, Golden Eagle-Hornpipe, Happy Times Schottische, Heel And Toe Polka, Holiday Waltz, Josh King's County Breakdown, Kiley's Reel, King Ganam's Special, Kitty O'Neil Jig, Marilyn Bell Reel, Miller's Reel, Mitton's Breakdown, Old Time Polka, Once Upon My Cheek, Oompah Rag, Qu'Appelle Valley Breakdown, Red River-Jig, Ridin' Ole Paint, Leadin' Ole Ball, Ridin' The Fiddle, Rippling Water Jig, Smash The Window, The Farmer's Jamboree-Jig, The Farmer's Schottische, The Maritime Polka, The Mohave Hornpipe, The Rocket Reel, The Shelburne Reel, The Tipsy Sailor Jig, To The Ladies-Jig, Western Reel Medley

*download folder #1 here*

*download folder #2 here*

2010-09-06T14:49:00.000-07:00

2010-09-06T14:39:00.000-07:00

SONGS OF THE HILLS Audio Lab

2009-05-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

Another Audio Lab album from 1959, this time "Songs Of The Hills", AL 1515. I recently was lucky enough to add this fine album to my collection. It contains tunes by many regional country acts who recorded for the King family of labels at some point. Of special note is Jimmy Martin and Bob(by) Osborne's 1951 recording of "My Lonely Heart", and Red Perkin's original recording of the frequently covered "Big Blue Diamonds", not to mention Jack Cardwell's descriptive tribute, "The Death Of Hank Williams". I also really enjoyed "The Lights Are Growing Dim" by unique-voiced Harvie June Van. With the exception of Martin, Osborne, and Redd Stewart of Pee Wee King fame, these are all artists that had followings, but never made the big time, which to me just makes it that much more interesting. Hopefully all of you out in blogland feel the same. Enjoy!

Includes jacket and label scans

Tracks:

1. Jimmie Osborne-The Death Of Little Kathy Fiscus
2. Shorty Long-Good Night Cincinnati, Good Morning Tennessee
3. Clyde Moody-Shenandoah Waltz
4. Luke McDaniel-Honey, Won't You Please Come Home
5. Redd Stewart-Thy Burdens Are Greater Than Mine
6. Jimmy Martin & Bob Osborne-My Lonely Heart
7. Jack Cardwell-The Death Of Hank Williams
8. Ann Jones-God Gave Me You
9. Red Perkins-Big Blue Diamonds
10. Charlie Gore-If God Can Forgive You, So Can I
11. Harvie June Van-The Lights Are Growing Dim
12. Pop Eckler-Money, Marbles And Chalk

*download here*

TIME FOR PRAYER Audio Lab

2009-05-30T02:31:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, Lefty here. Just wanted to apologize for the lack of posts of late. Things have been very busy around the old Double L Ranch, and they are probably going to continue to be throughout the summer. I just won't be able to post as much as I'd like. I will, however, try to make the posts I can get together count, with fairly primo stuff. I have been lucky to come into some rather special albums in my travels, and the LP shown here is no exception.
Audio Lab was King Records' attempt at a budget subsidiary, with albums issued between 1959 (the issue date of the present LP) and 1962. They were made up for the most part of back catalog material from the Cincinnati label's vaults, much of it never otherwise issued on long play. King must not have sold these in great volume, as today they are extremely scarce, sought after, and valuable, even in less than perfect condition.
It always astounds me how many avid record collectors neglect to check in on their local thrift shops. Although many of these outings are duds, the gems that can be found at other times can really make up for it. In what is, I suppose, the kind of boasting only fellow record collectors would understand, I am rather proud to relate that I purchased "Time For Prayer" (AL 1518) at a "Bibles For Missions" thrift store in Windsor, Ontario. In an attempt to clear their vinyl stock, they had reduced LPs to three for a quarter (Rose Maddox on Harmony was one of the the other records involved in this purchase). So your pal Lefty's advice, buckaroos and buckarettes, is get out there and scavenge!
I really love this album from start to finish. Some particular points of interest are:
"Jesus Will Save Your Soul" - This track by Tommy Magness features Don Reno and Red Smiley at what I believe is the first session they participated on together.
"John Three Sixteen" - Originally released on 78 as King 1050-AA. The Harlan County Four are actually the Delmore Brothers along with Red Turner and Zeke Turner (no relation). Very cool.
"Little David Play On Your Harp" - Whew, it's the Gospel Ranger hisself!
"I Feel Like Travelling On" - My ears tell me Alton and Rabon Delmore's voices and guitars accompany Clyde Moody on this track. I beleive Clyde was a sometime sub for Merle Travis on Brown's Ferry Four sessions, as was Red Foley.
"Be On Time" - I've been just nuts about Mac O'Dell for a very long time, having grown up with a 78 of "Penicillin". Note harmony by Don Reno, that could even be Don on mandolin (he did, after all, play everything...)
Once again, I appreciate all you good folks patience as the posts get farther apart. Things should pick up in the fall, until then I hope all the followers of this blog have a great summer!

Includes jacket and label scans

Tracks:

1. Tommy Magness-Jesus Will Save Your Soul
2. Harlan County Four-John Three Sixteen
3. Brother Claude Ely-Little David Play On Your Harp
4. Clyde Moody-I Feel Like Traveling On
5. Kitty Mann-Paradise
6. Musical Millers Quartet-I'm On The Battlefield For My Lord
7. Shannon Grayson-I'm Gonna Walk On
8. Trace Family Trio-My Mother's Dying Message
9. Mac Odell-Be On Time
10. J.E.Mainer-Walking For The Lord
11. Cope Brothers-I'll Have A New Life
12. Gurney Thomas-Savior Of The Old Rugged Cross

*download here*

EARL HEYWOOD Serenade Ranch

2009-05-17T16:21:00.001-07:00

The late Earl Heywood (1917-2006) was one of Canada's pioneering country music performers. Born in Exeter, Ontario, he resided most of his life in Wingham where he became one of the personalities most associated with station CKNX and it's famous traveling Barn Dance. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Heywood on a few occasions, as well as exchanging letters and phone calls with him. He was always most encouraging of my musical pursuits. He also never failed to mention that his radio debut had occured in 1941 over station CFCO, in my hometown of Chatham, Ontario.
The album featured in this post is a cassette I purchased at the Ernie King Music Store in Wingham about twenty years ago (I'm not sure if this was ever on LP or not). It is comprised of recordings of Earl's old "Serenade Ranch" show which was broadcast live over CKNX from 1946 to 1953, only seven of the programs having been saved on transcriptions. These were rather crudely edited to create the program here, with what sounds to be mostly later commentary by Earl, and some mighty annoying applause and crowd noise which is certainly not original. However, this is still a fascinating document of early Canadian country radio, especially in light of how little of this type of material is extant. The performances here are top notch, with Earl and his wife Martha accompanied by "the fiddling champions" Mel Levigne and Ward Allen (who we also hear sing harmony!), Bill Mankiss on accordion, Lloyd Bank on steel, and Jack Kingston on bass(!). I hope you enjoy these memories of "Canada's Singing Cowboy", Earl Heywood.

Includes a scan of the cassette insert.

Sides One and Two are included as individual mp3s of the continuous program.

Tracks:

Side One - Theme Song (Intro.), You Can't Break My Heart - Earl, I Love You - Earl & Martha (Duet), Roll Along Jordan - Sage Brush Trio, My Crazy Heart - Earl, Square Dance Time - Earl Calls, Old New Brunswick Moon - Earl & Martha (Duet), Cowpoke Pokin' Along - Earl, Theme Song

Side Two - Theme Song (Intro.), Tho I Tried - Earl, Tag Along - Earl & Martha (Duet), Wait A Little Longer - Little Patsy Anne, Blues In My Heart - Earl, Square Dance Time - Earl Calls, Christmas Candles - Earl & Martha (Duet), Ridin' Down The Canyon - Earl & Martha (Duet), Theme Song

*download here*

BOB WILLS Keepsake Album

2009-05-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

This 1965 LP on Dewey Groom's Longhorn label (transferred from a 1980's reissue) features the legendary Bob Wills in a wonderfully relaxed setting, recalling fiddle tunes of his youth with a small group of musicians. As the liner notes state:

This recording was made with one microphone strategically suspended above the group as they sat in the studio reminiscing over several cups of coffee. There wasn't any rehearsal or arrangements and our efforts to capture the spontaneity that goes with this "visit" were a complete success.

Although many of the tunes on the LP have been issued on several budget compilations through the years, I really feel the original uninterrupted program must be heard for full effect. Therefore this transfer is presented as two continuous mp3s for sides one and two.

Includes jacket and label scans.

Tracks:

Side One - Big Taters In The Sandy Land, Mayflower Walt, Billy In The Low Ground, Beaumont Rag, Faded Love

Side Two - Dian Waltz, Done Gone, Put Your Little Foot, Bob's First Fiddle Tune, Bob's Schottische, Gone Indian, No Disappointments In Heaven

*download here*

BILL LONG My Favorite Songs

2009-04-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

Bill Long was a country singer who despite being born in New Mexico had a substantial career in Canada. It is written that early on he worked at times with both Clayton McMichen and Red Foley, but it was at station CHCH in Hamilton, Ontario, that he seems to have had his greatest success. In addition to the album shown here, recorded for Toronto's Arc label around 1965, he left behind a scattering of 1950's 78's on the Capitol, London, King (pressed by Quality in Canada), Arrow and Sparton labels.
This post features as many of these 1950's tracks as I could locate, plus all the tunes from the Arc LP. The earliest of these feature accompaniment by the "Ranch Girls", some feature the "Mainstreeters" (no doubt the band from CHCH's "Main Street Jamboree"), and the LP features backing from such Arc mainstays as Mickey McGivern and Ollie Strong. Of special note is the "Ranch Of The Golden Rule" where Bill is joined by "the Yonge Street Children's Choir". It has been noted that Long hosted a Sunday children's TV show, and it is to be imagined that is the origin of this number.
I really enjoy his interpretations of Canadian classics such as "Memories That Never Die", "Blue Canadian Rockies" and Buddy Reynold's "Spruce Bug" and "Little Shoes". Despite being American, he had a real feel for the Canadian country repetoire. "What A Waste (Of A Good Corn Likker)", popularized by Mac Wiseman, was also written by Canadian Slim Gordon. I don't believe there has been a CD compiling Bill Long's work, so I hope this post fills the void.

Includes jacket and label scans for the Arc LP, as well as scans of the 78 labels where available.

Click here for more about Bill Long at hillbilly-music.com

Click here for more about the Main Street Jamboree at hillbilly-music.com

Tracks:

1. Call Of The Mountain
2. I Couldn't Think Of Anything To Write
3. What A Waste (Of A Good Corn Likker)
4. Your Daddy Is A Railroad Man
5. Little Shoes
6. Memories That Never Die
7. Candy Coated Apples And A Lem'n An' Lime
8. Relax, Relax, Relax
9. Ranch Of The Golden Rule
10. Blue Canadian Rockies
11. Won't You Ride In My Little Red Wagon
12. One Has My Name
13. Mind Your Own Business
14. Across The Wires
15. One Fallen Leaf
16. No One Will Ever Know
17. Spruce Bug
18. The Love That You Give
19. This Ole House
20. I'll Sail My Ship Alone
21. Send Me The Pillow
22. If Jesus Came To Your House

*download here*

2009-04-29T12:33:00.001-07:00

CAFÉ DE PARIS 24 Accordion Classics

2009-04-29T12:18:00.000-07:00

Through the years, I have become rather partial to Parisian bal-musette music. This collection of tracks recorded 1930-1941 is a fantastic introduction to a wonderful genre that should be heard more widely. The following online review says it best:

CAFE DE PARIS brings together traditional French songs (with accordion prominenly featured) from the 1930s and '40s. Songs by Edith Piaf, Jean Gabin, and Emile Vacher are included on this charming, nostalgic collection.

Take a trip back in time to pre-World War II era Paris, where intellectuals, artists, bon vivants, bourgeoisie, dandys, military, socialists, fascists all mixed together in the cafes and clubs of one of the most vibrant cities in the world. The presence of the accordion in these recordings is a French trademark, harkening back to an era when the pace of life was slower, but the subtext of angst became the predictor of the turbulent years that would mark the end of the decade and continue into the next. Features songs from the legendary Edith Piaf, Emile Vacher, Jean Gabin, Gus Viseur, Freres Peguri, Damia and many more.

Tracks:

1. Gus Viseur-Flambee Montalbanaise(Valse Swing)
2. Edith Piaf-L'accordeoniste
3. Medard Ferrero & Ses Clochards-El Ferrero
4. Les Freres Peguri-Enivrante
5. Michael Warlop Orchestre-Strange Harmony
6. Emile Vacher-Mado
7. Gus Viseur-Matelotte
8. Jean Gabin-Quand On Se Promene
9. Emile Vacher-Sporting Java
10. Tony Murena Et Ensemble-Pepee
11. Damia-La Guinguette A Ferme Ses Volets
12. Gus Viseur-Swing Valse
13. Guerino & Son Orchestre-Brise Napolitaine
14. Orchestre Musette Victor(Boris Sarbeck)-Coeur Vagabond
15. Tony Murena Ensemble-Nostalgia Gitana
16. Gus Viseur-Soir De Dispute
17. Quartette Swing Emile Carrara-Le Charmeur De Serpents
18. Medard Ferrero & Ses Clochards-Les Triolets
19. Guerino & Son Orchestre-Gallito
20. Gus Viseur-Swing 39
21. Emile Prud'homme Orchestre-Pinsonnette
22. Gus Viseur-Rosetta
23. Tony Murena Ensemble-Melancolie
24. Gus Viseur Et Son Ensemble-Jeannette

*download here*

ALBERTA SLIM with the Bar X Ranch Boys

2009-04-20T22:34:00.000-07:00

Eric C. "Alberta Slim" Edwards (1910-2005) is another one of the great Canadian country pioneers who should not be forgotten. He was an early radio star, and was a fixture in western Canada at rodeos and fairs (he never played bars). Performing in a style inspired by Wilf Carter (yet distinctive and unique), he began recording in 1948, his releases appearing on RCA Victor's 55-0000 Bluebird Series, as well as having records issued on Gavotte, Sparton, and Point.
Although born in England, he migrated to western Canada with his parents as a young boy, and spent his youth homesteading, eventually drifting away from home via the boxcars, and entertaining for tips on street corners. A fellow musician who called himself Alberta Slim joined the army in 1939, leaving Edwards some shirts emblazoned with the name. Rather than remove it, he began performing with the handle himself, and continued to do so up until two years before his death at age 95.
I'm always glad to turn up and present recordings which prove there were songs extolling the virtues of our country in the days before the great Stompin' Tom, and that baby boomers did not invent "distinctly Canadian" music. This post collects the content of his two RCA Camden LPs, plus two tracks from volumes one and two of the "Canadian Country Jamboree" collections, also on RCA Camden. The tracks from the first LP (CAL-699, 1962) as well as the CCJ comps (CAL-677, 1962 and CAL-992, 1966) are earlier recordings from the 78 era, while the final album, "Canada, My Homeland" (CAL-2113, 1967) presents tunes newly recorded during the centennial year.

Click here for a fantastic site dedicated to Alberta Slim

Includes jacket and label scans.

Thanks to Andyrama for the use of CAL-2113 to transfer.

Tracks:

1. New Canadian Polka
2. Treasure You Can't Buy
3. It All Seems To Happen To Me
4. I'm Lonesome For Mommy Tonight
5. Sitting On A Hill Top
6. Little Tin Cowboy
7. When You Play Your Last Card
8. Red River Two Step
9. When The Good Lord Knocks On Your Door
10. Red River Waltz
11. Tears Of Shame
12. North Of The Border
13. Canada,My Homeland
14. The Calgary Stampede
15. Canada Land Of The Free
16. Call Of The Cariboo
17. The Laura Secord Story
18. Beautiful British Columbia
19. Red River Valley Two Step
20. Canadian Sunset
21. When It's Apple Blossom Time In Annapolis Valley
22. My Home By The Fraser

*download here*

2009-04-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

CARL MANN The Sun Story

2009-04-19T22:07:00.001-07:00

Tennessee born Carl Mann was only sixteen years old when he had a minor hit with his version of "Mona Lisa" in 1959. Although the influence of fellow Sun pianists Jerry Lee Lewis and Charlie Rich can be heard, Mann's style is unique, and very catchy.
This 1977 LP collects twelve of his Sun recordings, and as bonus I have added his cover of the Hank Williams classic "Take These Chains From My Heart" from a 1980's Plantation budget cassette.

Click here for a biography of Carl Mann

Tracks:

1. Mona Lisa
2. Too Young
3. Kansas City
4. Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes
5. Baby I Don't Care
6. Blueberry Hill
7. Ubangi Stomp
8. South Of The Border
9. Crazy Fool
10. Pretend
11. Mexicali Rose
12. Rockin' Love
13. Take These Chains From My Heart

*download here*

SONS OF THE PIONEERS 25 Favorite Cowboy Songs

2009-04-10T02:46:00.001-07:00

A little while ago I featured a post by the Farr Brothers which included two tracks drawn from this album. Upon listening to the LP, which comes to us via courtesy of our good buddy Andyrama, I was so impressed I decided to feature it in it's entirety. Recorded in 1956, it features the classic Sons of the Pioneers sound, unlike some of the later 60's LPs. The album features 25 tracks, but being well before the K-Tel era, the songs tend to clock around 1:30 to 2:00. For 1956 this makes it almost like a concept album! Despite the quick durations, this album has some exceptional performances ("Along the Santa Fe Trail" being a personal favourite) and I hope you all enjoy.

Includes jacket and label scans

NEW - Courtesy author Michael Mendelson:

Click here for a page with PDF files of the original book and notes for the "Texas Crapshooter" LP!

Tracks:

1. Tumbling Tumbleweeds
2. Press Along To The Big Corral
3. Wind
4. Bunkhouse Bugle Boy
5. Home On The Range
6. La Borachita
7. Timber Trail
8. Happy Cowboy
9. Cowboy Lament
10. Pajarillo Barrenquero
11. So Long To The Red River Valley
12. Come And Get It
13. Cool Water
14. Curly Joe From Idaho
15. Cowboy's Dream
16. Along The Santa Fe Trail
17. The Last Round-up
18. Farr Away Stomp
19. Red River Valley
20. Carry Me Back To The Lone Prairie
21. Sweet Betsy From Pike
22. Slow Moving Cattle
23. Texas Stomp
24. Yellow Rose Of Texas
25. The Everlasting Hills Of Oklahoma

*download here*

T. TEXAS TYLER 4 Star Recordings

2009-04-08T00:04:00.001-07:00

David Luke Myrick (1916-1972), professionally known as "T. Texas Tyler" was exceedingly popular on the West Coast during the postwar years. A unique and engaging performer, he made many records during this period for Wm. McCall's 4 Star label in Pasadena. These recordings have endeared Tyler to generations of listeners, as they were extensively re-issued through the fifties and sixties as fodder for a slew of "budget" LPs. At one point, there was hardly a country cheapie comp issued that did not contain at least one track by him.
This post features 51 tracks recorded by 4 Star, although some were originally released through other labels such as Decca for wider distibution. They have been transferred from 78s, electrical transcriptions, and of course dimestore LPs on labels like Design, Hilltop, etc. Of particular interest is a promo 78 which features a spoken message from Tyler to plug his personal appearances, and some rare gospel tracks from 10", 33⅓ rpm discs that 4 Star sent to radio stations in place of heavy, breakable 78s. I have tried to use the best source available for each track.

Click here for a biography of T. Texas Tyler

Tracks:

A Beautiful Life, A Boy And A Girl, A Million Tear Drops, Bumming Around, Careless Love, Country Boy, Courtin' In The Rain, Cowboy's Prayer, Cry-Baby Heart, Dad Gave My Dog Away, Deck Of Cards, Did You Ever Go Sailing, Farther Along, Filipino Baby, Fireman's & Engineer's Ball, Go On And Sweep Around Me, God Put A Rainbow In The Sky, Golden Wrist Watch, He Remembered Me, Hot Rod Rag, I Ain't Got A Lick Of Sense, I Tickled Her Under The Chin, If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again, In The Sweet Bye And Bye, Just Out Of Reach, Kiss Me Like Crazy, Let's Get Married, Light Hearted Guy, My Bucket's Got A Hole In It, Nothing At All, Oklahoma Hills, Old Blue, Personal Announcement for Appearance, Praise The Lord, Pretender, Remember Me, River Girl, Shake My Mother's Hand For Me, She Wouldn't Do For You, Since I Gave My Heart To Jesus, Tattler's Wagon, Ten-Ten-Tennessee Line, That Beautiful Picture, That's What You Mean To Me, The Land Where We'll Never Grow Old, The Old Country Church, The Old Hymns Mother Used To Sing, The Scratchin' Itch, Tired Of It All, What A Friend We Have In Jesus, You've Got To Live Your Religion Every Day

*download here*

2009-04-08T00:03:00.001-07:00

2009-04-08T00:02:00.000-07:00

HILTONAIRES Ska-Motion In Ska-Lip-So

2009-04-07T23:23:00.000-07:00

This curious LP jumped out at me when I discovered it at a local bookshop. I'm usually pretty suspect of "tourist" LPs, but these guys looked interesting, and the album had some great song titles. I was not let down, for here is Jamaican mento recorded in 1965 when first wave ska was the craze. It was an education for me, as I was not terribly familiar with this wonderful genre, which is referred to in Jamaica as "country music", and in some ways is to Reggae what American country music is to Rock. For more about this album and mento music in general, please visit the site below:

Click here to visit www.mentomusic.com

Tracks:

1. Ska-Motion
2. Bollo-Man
3. Chiney Baby
4. Ska And Fall Back
5. Jack-Ass
6. Jamaica
7. Shame And Scandal
8. The Dove
9. Seven Bells
10. Ethiopia
11. Tom Dooley
12. Parson And All

*download here*

JACK TEAGARDEN A Teagarden Party

2009-04-07T22:48:00.000-07:00

Another budget CD I've had for many years, this features twelve great 1930's recordings by one of my favourite jazz entertainers ever. As with the previous post, there's really not much I can say other than this is truly great music. Enjoy!

Click here for more Jack Teagarden tunes @ Red Hot Jazz

Tracks:

1. Muddy River Blues
2. Wolverine Blues
3. You Rascal You
4. Love Me
5. I Just Couldn't Take It Baby
6. A Hundred Years From Today
7. Blue River
8. Ol' Pappy
9. Fare-Thee-Well To Harlem
10. Stars Fell On Alabama
11. Junk Man
12. Gotta Right To Sing The Blues

*download here*

FATS WALLER Have A Little Dream On Me

2009-04-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

This is a CD I picked up several years ago featuring ten great Waller tracks recorded in 1934. It begins with Waller's classic recording of "Honeysuckle Rose" and continues on with more obscure but great titles. "A Porter's Love Song To A Chambermaid" is one of my particular favourites. There's really not to much else to say - Fats was one of the greatest!

Click here for a bio and more tunes by Fats Waller

Tracks:

1. Honeysuckle Rose
2. I Wish I Were Twins
3. Armfull O' Sweetness
4. Do Me A Favor
5. A Porter's Love Song To A Chambermaid
6. Georgie May
7. Then I'll Be Tired Of You
8. Don't Let It Bother You
9. Serenade For A Wealthy Widow
10. Have A Little Dream On Me

*download here*

WORLD'S GREATEST COUNTRY FIDDLERS

2009-03-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

Another great southern fiddle compilation here, this time from the CMH catalog. This collection was first released on LP in 1982, with a CD issued in 1989. It spans scope and style from Paul Warren's 1960's radio broadcasts right through to Vassar Clements 1980's electric violin. As this is a very large album (seventy minutes long) it has been split into two folders for download.

Tracks:

1. Johnny Gimble-Flower Of Mexico
2. Buddy Spicher-Soldier's Joy
3. Fiddlin' Red Herron-Goodnight Waltz
4. Paul Warren-Sally Goodin'
5. Ramona Jones-Whiskey Before Breakfast
6. Benny Martin-Home Sweet Home
7. Clarence 'Tater' Tate with Lester Flatt's Nashville Grass-Fiddlin' Cricket
8. Kenny Baker with Bobby Osborne-Dusty Miller
9. Chubby Wise-Chicken Reel
10. Buddy Spicher & Benny Martin-Down Yonder
11. Joe Maphis with Johnny Gimble-Bonaparte's Retreat
12. Buddy Spicher-East Tennessee Blues
13. Fiddlin' Ronnie Stewart-Durham's Bull
14. Benny Martin-Beautiful Dreamer
15. Fiddlin' Red Herron-Rock Jenny Rock
16. Paul Warren-Denver Belle
17. Vassar Clements with Josh Graves-Katy Hill
18. Johnny Gimble-Dreamy Eyes
19. Fiddlin' Red Herron-Fire On The Mountain
20. Johnny Gimble-Darling Nellie Grey
21. Clarence 'Tater' Tate with Lester Flatt's Nashville Grass-Nashville Wagoner
22. Buddy Spicher & Benny Martin-Put Your Little Foot
23. Cliff Bruner with the Johnny Gimble Band-Crafton Blues
24. Paul Warren-Stony Fork
25. Buddy Spicher-Bitter Creek
26. Ramona Jones-Ramona's Choice
27. Vassar Clements with Josh Graves-Paddy On The Turnpike
28. Benny Martin-Fiddler's Dream
29. Buddy Spicher-Silver Bell, Red Wing
30. Kenny Baker with Bob Osborne-Sally Ann
31. Paul Warren-New Five Cents
32. Johnny Gimble-Carroll County Blues
33. Chubby Wise-Chubby's Cacklin' Hen
34. Randall Collins & Jerry Moore with the Pinnacle Boys-Latin Leprechaun
35. Ramona Jones-Cluck Ol' Hen
36. Chubby Anthony-Lee Highway Blues

*download folder #1 here*

*download folder #2 here*

30 FIDDLER'S GREATEST HITS

2009-03-20T16:59:00.001-07:00

First released by Gusto as a 2 LP set in the seventies, this collection presented 30 (well, 29) classics from the legendary Starday-King catalog. It has since become a sort of a classic in itself, as it's never been to hard to obtain. It has probably appeared in every format, eventually even CD.
The only real flaw in the collection was that it included the same recording twice under two different titles. Tommy Jackson's "Cotton Eyed Joe" appears as track 15, and then reappears as "Fiddlin' Joe" at track 25. Therefore, for this post I have substituted "The Original Jole Blon" by Harry Choates as track 25. It was taken from the LP set "Country Music Hall Of Fame", Starday SLP 164.
This is a really important collection of southern fiddle tunes. Some of the LPs this material are drawn from have (Fiddlin' Arthur Smith) and will (Chubby Wise) be featured in their entirety at the Attic, but there are many great recordings here that are otherwise hard to find. Enjoy!

Tracks:

1. Scotty Stoneman-Orange Blossom Breakdown Revival
2. Howdy Forrester-Still On The Hill
3. Chubby Wise-Peacock Rag
4. Buck Ryan featured with Reno & Harrell-Maiden's Prayer
5. Buddy Spicher & Shorty Lavender-Three Fiddle Swing
6. Ken Clark-Lee Highway Ramble
7. Benny Martin-Big Tiger Special
8. Joe 'Red' Hayes-Sweet Nellie
9. Harry Choates-Drag That Fiddle
10. Mac Magaha featured with Reno & Smiley-Mac's Hoedown
11. Curly Fox-Black Mountain Rag
12. Fiddlin' Arthur Smith-Tulsa Hop
13. Jerry Rivers-Molly And Tenbrooks
14. Fiddlin' Red Herron-Listen To The Mocking Bird
15. Tommy Jackson-Cotton Eyed Joe(Fiddlin' Joe)
16. Mac Magaha featured with Reno & Smiley-Richmond Ruckus
17. 'Curly' Ray Cline featured with the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers-Kentucky Fiddler
18. Scotty Stoneman-Talkin' Fiddle Blues
19. Fiddlin' Red Herron-Devil's Dream
20. Fiddlin' Arthur Smith-Louise
21. Joe 'Red' Hayes-Texas Quickstep
22. Howdy Forrester-Trott Along
23. Bob Wills-Beaumont Rag
24. Jerry Rivers-Joys Of Quebec
25. Harry Choates-The Original Jole Blon
26. Chubby Wise-Opry Fiddler's Blues
27. Buddy Spicher & Shorty Lavender-Twin Fiddle Polka
28. Ken Clark-Merry Mountain Hoedown
29. Curly Fox-Whistlewood
30. Benny Martin-Sparta Waltz

*download here*

HANK SNOW Radio & Rare Demos

2009-03-20T01:51:00.000-07:00

Fourteen rare tracks are featured in this post by the Singing Ranger, Hank Snow. The source for most of them is the old "Country Style U.S.A." series of recruitment programs. The balance are demos that Snow likely made at his home studio (he was one of the first in Nashville to record at home). These recordings were transferred from a small run bootleg tape in my possession.

Tracks:

1. Intro-Devil's Dream & Caribbean
2. New Blue Velvet Band
3. Conscience I'm Guilty
4. The Tramp's Story
5. Maple Leaves
6. My Blue Eyed Jane
7. Closing-Devil's Dream & Stay A Little Longer(Faron Young,vcl)
8. Intro-Devil's Dream & Golden Rocket
9. Lifetime Blues
10. A Fool Such As I
11. Stolen Moments
12. Aunt Nana's Courtin' Party(Instrumental)
13. Just A Faded Petal From A Beautiful Bouquet
14. Train Of Love & Closing

*download here*

JOHNNIE WOODS Souvenir Album

2009-03-19T23:28:00.001-07:00

The late John Woods was a native of Brockville, Ontario who played for many years with Tom Wilson and his Western All Stars. Tom and the All Stars were a very popular band in Eastern Ontario during the late fifties onward. In fact, Tom Wilson still plays with a popular Bluegrass Band, "Tom Wilson and Border Bluegrass".
In the eighties Wilson produced this tape in honour of his departed fiddler, "The Johnnie Woods Album". It is comprised of tracks from the All Stars' old Banff albums as well as radio airshots. As a bonus I have included "The St. Lawrence River's My Home" from one of the group's Banff LPs, RBS 1262. This tune became a regional hit and remain's Wilson's theme song to this day.
Woods tackles a few bluegrass numbers here, but the bulk of this is good old Ontario fiddling. Some of the tunes are his own compositions. John Woods is not one of the big names remembered by fans of Canadian fiddling, but he's a great fiddler who should be heard more. I hope this post is enjoyed as much as I enjoyed transferring it! Includes a scan of the cassette insert.

Tracks:

1. Big Sandy River
2. Ploughboy's Reel
3. Thousand Islands Jig
4. Bill Cheatham
5. Katy's Jig
6. Drifting and Dreaming
7. Golden Triangle Reel
8. All Stars Reel
9. Bowin' The Strings
10. Swamp Lake Breakdown
11. Rambler's Hornpipe
12. Snow Deer
13. Beldoon Quickstep
14. Blue Mountain Rag
15. The St. Lawrence River's My Home

*download here*

2009-03-19T23:27:00.000-07:00

PETE PIKE

2009-03-19T19:32:00.001-07:00

Five tunes here from the late Pete Pike. Pike was a Virginian who spent many years recording and playing with the legendary bluegrass mandolinist Buzz Busby. Indeed, Pete Pike is most often remembered as a bluegrasser, however his performances here are pure honky tonk. These tracks are all taken from budget LP comps, and I believe they were made in connection with 4 Star records, though released originally on Coral or Decca. The sessions were all done at Ben Adleman Studios in D.C., and interestingly are from some of the same sessions as many of Busby's classic sides.

~~Click here for a great site with a very comprehensive biography of Pete Pike!~~

UPDATE! - May 20, 2011 - The above link is now dead, but much of the same information is available at this great blog. I have added three more files to the five originally posted, Pete's original "I Can See An Angel", and a couple of Rebel tracks, the requested "Cold Grey Dawn" (this and "Angel" from the above link) and a bluegrass version of "In The Pines", which is from the old Rebel LP box set.

Tracks: new tracks and info in red...

1. I'm Burning All You Letters (4 Star - rec. June 7, 1955)
2. I'm Walking Alone (4 Star - rec. June 7, 1955)
3. All Because Of My Jealous Heart (4 Star - rec. 1956)
4. In The House Of The Lord (4 Star - rec. September 2, 1954)
5. It's Just Between Us Two (or "Just Between The Two of Us") (4 Star - rec. 1956)
6. I Can See An Angel (4 Star - rec. September 2, 1954)
7. Cold Grey Dawn (Rebel - rec. Fall 1958)
8. In The Pines (Rebel - rec. circa February 1963)

*download here*

EDDIE POIRIER Irish, Scottish & Cape Breton Fiddle

2009-03-19T18:36:00.000-07:00

Eddie Poirier is a great Canadian fiddler and multi-instrumentalist originally from Rogersville, New Brunswick. He has made many albums through the years in a variety of styles, playing fiddle, banjo, etc. I picked this one up on cassette about fifteen years ago, and it has been a great favourite. The first edition on vinyl probably came out in the mid seventies, I believe on the Buckshot label.
These tunes are all old style repetoire, bowed in an aggressive manner. The late Johnny Wilmot of Cape Breton was somewhat of a mentor to Poirier during these years, and no doubt some of these tunes were learned from him. There's a lot a faux "celtic" fiddling floating around out there these days, if you want a taste of the real old maritime stuff, I strongly recommend this album.

Tracks:

1. Hughie Shorty's Reel, Walker Street Reel
2. French Reel
3. Mora Shien Reel, Capre Phe
4. Donegal & Sandhill Hornpipe
5. Seige Of Innis
6. Sheehan's Reel, Patty On The Turnpike
7. Moon Coin Paddy, Cronin's Reel
8. Reeve's Reel
9. Tea Toddler's Reel
10. Pet Of The Piper, Harper's Fancy
11. Lord Albert's Jig
12. When The Kettle Boils Over, Lark In The Morning

*download here*

THE AMERICAN COWBOY

2009-03-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a mysterious but wonderful little tape I found at a thrift shop. It's a collection of ten early recordings of cowboy songs by performers both legendary and obscure. Dated 1987, it was a product of something called "Demand Performance Cassettes" out of Glendale, California. A web search brings up very little about this outfit, but it seems they had a fantastic catalog. No info here other than the artists and titles, but these largely speak for themselves. Enjoy!

Tracks:

1. Mac McClintock-Old Chisholm Trail
2. Dude Martin-Git Along Little Dogies
3. Carl T.Sprague-The Cowboy
4. Ken Maynard-The Lone Star Trail
5. Goebel Reeves-Cowboy's Prayer
6. Carl T.Sprague-Following The Cow Trail
7. Delmore Brothers-Bury Me Out On The Lone Prairie
8. Goebel Reeves-The Cowboy's Lullaby
9. Arizona Joe-Down The Old Texas Trail
10. Mildred And Dorothy Good-Bucking Bronco (My Love Is A Rider)

*download here*

FARR BROTHERS Texas Crapshooter

2009-03-11T07:27:00.001-07:00

Texas brothers Hugh and Karl Farr were the musicians who brought a bit of Django /
Grappelli style jazz to the records of the Sons of the Pioneers for over twenty years. Here are twenty-five examples of the brothers holding forth with their hot and highly developed instrumental prowess. The first twenty-three tracks are from the collection "Texas Crapshooter" and are from 1930's radio transcriptions. The remaining two tracks are drawn from a 1956 Sons of the Pioneers album on the RCA Victor label (LPM-1130). Thanks again to Andyrama for access to these LPs.
Some great info about the Farr Brothers can be found at the links below:

Click here for a biography of Hugh Farr

Click here for a biography of Karl Farr

NEW - Courtesy author Michael Mendelson:

Click here for a page with PDF files of the original book and notes for the "Texas Crapshooter" LP!

Tracks:

1. 'Deed I Do (Std Q107)
2. Fine Time At Our House (Std MB 2580 A)
3. Farr Into The Night (Ortha 064059)
4. Old Maderia Waltz (Std B 2553 A)
5. Bye, Bye Blues (Std Q107)
6. Skinner's Sock (Std MB 1721 A)
7. Main Street (Std B 2564 A)
8. Oom Pah Rag (Std B 2545 A)
9. Lazy River (Std Q107)
10. Bon Ton Schottische (Ortha 064469)
11. Tom & Jerry (Std B 2553 A)
12. Ragtime Annie (Std B 2545 A)
13. Now Or Never (Ortha 064059)
14. Bluebird Blues (Std M 3062)
15. Prairie Reverie (Std MB 3366 A)
16. Soldier's Joy (Std B 2545 A)
17. Alabamy Stomp (Std 1722 A)
18. Seaside Schottische (Std M 1717)
19. Rye Whiskey Waltz (Std B 2553 A)
20. Desert Hokum (Std M 3373)
21. Karlen Stomp (Std Q109)
22. Whing-Ding (Std MB 1721 A)
23. Texas Crapshooter (Std M 1716)
24. Farr Away Stomp (RCA Victor LPM-1130)
25. Texas Stomp (RCA Victor LPM-1130)

*download here*

Mercury-Starday HILLBILLY HIT PARADE

2009-03-11T01:25:00.003-07:00

Colin Escott writes:

In late 1956, there was a realignment in some of the top management jobs in Nashville. Jim Denny, who had booked George (Jones) through the Opry's Artist Service Bureau, quit to head his own agency. His place was taken by Dee Kilpatrick, formerly A&R director at Mercury Records. Mercury tried to fill Kilpatrick's shoes with Bob Shad and Art Talmadge, but, toward year-end, Mercury president Irv Green concluded a deal with Starday Records that saw Pappy Daily and Don Pierce take over Mercury's country roster to form the Mercury-Starday label. By this point, (Jack) Starnes (original partner in Starday with Pappy Daily) was out of the picture. The deal became effective January 1, 1957...

...In July 1958, Mercury-Starday dissolved with acrimony on all sides. Pierce had fallen out with Daily, and assumed sole control of the Starday label. Daily kept the Mercury distributorship in Texas and hung onto George's management contract. The Starday assets were divided, some of George's masters remained with Pierce and some were assigned to Mercury. George himself remained with Mercury, Pappy as his producer.

The above saga sheds some light on this 1958 LP. The title, of course, is the same as Starday SLP-102, but shares none of the same tracks. It certainly features the same artists and sound, it's clearly a Starday production. It features some Jones' tracks not often found on Starday/Mercury comps (Singing The Blues) as well as duets by George and both Benny Barnes and Jeanette Hicks. Some fantastic Benny Barnes solo numbers are here as well, including the classic "Poor Man's Riches" and a few cool Johnny Cash covers. James O'Gwynn covers the Mel Tillis penned "I'm Tired", then a big hit for Webb Pierce. Leon "The Blind Balladeer" Payne sounds very unlike himself singing Sonny James' teen ballad, "Young Love". The surprise for me on the album was Earl Aycock, who I'd never really heard of. "The Same Two Lips" is a great track by Earl, who it turns out was a Texas disc jockey who also made a few records.
All in all this follows the same pattern of mostly covers of major-label country hits as the Starday version. It could practically have been a second volume to it. There was in fact a Volume II (MG 20328) on Mercury-Starday, and I believe it as well as Starday SLP-102 have been featured on other blogs. Thanks to the attic's good friend Andyrama for the opporotunity to transfer this fantastic album!

Includes jacket and label scans

Tracks:

1. Benny Barnes-Poor Old Me
2. George Jones-Singing The Blues
3. George Jones and Jeanette Hicks-Yearning
4. Benny Barnes-There You Go
5. George Jones-Uh,Uh,No
6. George Jones-Just One More
7. Benny Barnes-Train Of Love
8. Benny Barnes-Am I Losing You
9. George Jones-Don't Stop The Music
10. Benny Barnes-Poor Man's Riches
11. James O'Gwynn-I'm Tired
12. Leon Payne-Young Love
13. George Jones-Gonna Come Get You
14. Earl Aycock-The Same Two Lips
15. Earl Aycock-I'm Comin' Home
16. George Jones and Benny Barnes-I've Got A New Heartache

*download here*

2009-03-11T01:25:00.001-07:00

ERVIN ROUSE Original Recordings

2009-03-10T21:33:00.000-07:00

The late Ervin Rouse (1917-1981), composer of the enduring classic "Orange Blossom Special" has perhaps one of the most fascinating biographies in the history of country music. In his sixty-four years, he went from playing vaudeville and New York City's "Village Barn" to informally entertaining roughians at dive bars in the depths of the Florida Everglades. Along the way he met and played with greats, refused an offer to join the Grand Ole Opry, drank to excess, spent time in a mental institution, and made a small fortune in royalties which he seemed to barely appreciate.
These six recordings are about the only work in circulation by Ervin Rouse and his brother Gordon. The first four tracks are from a Rouse Brothers session for Bluebird in Manhattan on June 14, 1939. Included is Ervin's original version of "Orange Blossom Special" as well as a variant of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" titled "The Family Circle".
"Jackson Schottische" was recorded by Bob Miller in October of 1953. Miller traveled twice that year to Ervin's swamp residence in Florida to record some selections for King records. The October trip was his second and yielded this track, which was released on the Deluxe label, number 2007.
The final track here is a home recording from 1973 of Ervin playing "Sweeter Than The Flowers" (the other country standard he composed) with his ex-wife's brother Virgil. Although the song was initially recorded commercially by both Moon Mullican and Roy Acuff, this is believed to be the only recording of Rouse playing and singing it himself. Unfortunately the tape has been rather over-processed.
The above photograph is from 1939, the same year as the Bluebird sessions. It is a stark contrast to the photo below, taken in 1976 at the Gator Hook, a rowdy establishment in Florida's Big Cypress Swamp. The full saga of Ervin's life is too involved to fully disclose here, I strongly recommend the book "Orange Blossom Boys: The Untold Story of Ervin T. Rouse, Chubby Wise and the World's Most Famous Fiddle Tune".

Click here for "Orange Blossom Boys" at Amazon.com

Author Randy Noles tells us he has a new revision called "Fiddler's Curse"!

Click here for "Fiddler's Curse" at Amazon.com

Click here for an interview with Johnny Cash about Rouse at the Folk Archivist

Tracks:

1. My Family Circle
2. Orange Blossom Special
3. Bum Bum Blues
4. (I've Got Those) Craven County Blues
5. Jackson Schottische
6. Sweeter Than The Flowers

*download here*