Get Down With It

Free form Friday this month. Lots of favorites to share with you as we reach out to our awesome first responders once more here in Sonoma County. August, our static month of warm weather, has turned on us this year (as has everything else) as climate change once more comes knocking on our front and back doors. We’ll try to work on two hours of musical distraction with NRBQ, Little Richard, O. C. Smith, Marlene Dietrich, and Merle Haggard…how’s that for a lineup? Songs about San Antonio, a little place called Hickory Holler, some Madeline Kahn, Tommy Dorsey, and Nina Simone covering Chuck Berry. Money is the root of all evil, and Julia Lee will remind you this Friday morning. Tune into Sonoma County Community Radio once more at 9 Pacific on 92.5 FM, streaming to the world at freespeechnobull.com/listen.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Little RichardGet Down With itOKeh Rhythm & BluesAmazon
2Ivory Joe HunterYou Can't Stop This Rocking and RollingIvory Joe HunterAmazon
3Three Sharps And A FlatThat's The RhythmHot Harmony Groups 1932-1951: Vol 1: That's the RhythmAmazon
4The Miller SistersTen Cats DownRockin' Memphis [Disc 3]Amazon
5The SensationsLet Me InBook Of Love: The Argo Records Story 1956-1962Amazon
6Lou RawlsLove Is A Hurtin' ThingOn The Soul SideAmazon
7Irma ThomasHurtin' for CertainMy Heart's in Memphis: The Songs of Dan PennAmazon
8Billy Joe RoyalIt Keeps Right On Hurtin'Greatest HitsAmazon
9O. C. SmithThe Son Of Hickory Holler TrampMore Dirty Laundry: The Soul Of Black CountryAmazon
10Arthur AlexanderGenie in the JugLonely Just Like Me: The Final ChapterAmazon
11Frank BlackSunday Sunny Mill Valley Groove DayHoneycombAmazon
12Marlene DietrichThe Boys In The Back RoomThe Blue AngelAmazon
13Madeline Kahn With Mel Brooks And CompanyI'm Tired – Blazing SaddlesWarner Bros.: 75 Years Of Film Music – Songs (3)Amazon
14Jimmy DuranteStart Off Each Day With A SongThe Great SchnozzleAmazon
15Ella Mae MorseAn Occasional ManSingles 3Amazon
16John FogertyDown On The CornerThe Long Road Home: Ultimate John Fogerty Creedence CollectionAmazon
17Tommy Dorsey & His Clambake SevenThe Music Goes Round And RoundMe & Orson Welles (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)Amazon
18NRBQMusic Goes Round And AroundTiddly WinksAmazon
19Nina SimoneBrown Eyed Handsome ManWild Is The Wind/High Priestess Of SoulAmazon
20Merle HaggardSan Antonio RoseTribute To The Best Damn Fiddle PlayerAmazon
21Riders in the SkyDown the Trail to San AntoneThe Best of the West Rides AgainAmazon
22Junior BrownLong Walk Back to San AntoneLong Walk BackAmazon
23Bill KirchenIs Anybody Goin' To San AntoneDieselbilly Road TripAmazon
24Tommy DuncanStars Over San AntoneBeneath a Neon Star in a Honky TonkAmazon
25Cliff "Ukelele Ike" EdwardsMinnie, My Mountain MoocherSinging In The RainAmazon
26Cliff "Ukelele Ike" EdwardsPaddlin' Madelin' HomeSinging In The RainAmazon
27Julia Lee & Her Boy FriendsDon't Save It Too Long (The Money Song)Kansas City Blues 1944-1949 Disc 2Amazon
28The Andrews SistersRum And Coca-Cola20th Century Masters: MillenniAmazon
29Dinning SistersButtons And BowsAlmost Sweet And Gentle [Disc 1]Amazon
30Bing Crosby & The Andrews SistersThe Three CaballerosGolden Age of the Andrews Sisters [Disc 2]Amazon
31Bob Hope, The Clark SistersThat's Not the KnotBest of Bob Hope – Capitol RecordsAmazon
32The Boswell SistersWha'd Ja Do To Me?The Object Of My AffectionAmazon
33Little RichardJenny JennyBob Dylan Presents: Cover to Cover – The OriginalsAmazon
34James BarnettKeep On TalkingAfter Hours 3 – More Northern Soul MastersAmazon

Discovering Document Records

Today’s Deeper Roots show explores the Document label once more but, this time, we’ll be asking Gary and Gillian to tell us more. They’ll share some personal anecdotes about what brought them to their life’s work. So many of us from the baby boomer generation discovered early roots music through covers by bands from our early years that led us to recurring moments of musical revelation. And many of us found ourselves digging, rummaging, exploring, collecting, and listening for those mother lodes of musical treasures that surfaced like bits of gold on that river of time that runs from ‘then’ to the ‘now’. It’s the second part of our interview with this delightful couple from across the pond. Hear their stories of connecting with this music and how it informed their life’s work with Document Records.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Lil' Son JacksonRockin' And Rollin'Bill Wyman's Blues Odyssey [Disc 2]Amazon
2Big Bill BroonzyKey to the HighwayColumbia Records' 125th Anniv.Amazon
3Deeper RootsIntro and Early Document w Johnny PartDocument Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
4Peetie WheatstrawPeetie Wheatstraw StompBill Wyman's Blues Odyssey [Disc 2]Amazon
5Big Bill BroonzyGood BoyBill Wyman's Blues Odyssey [Disc 2]Amazon
6Deeper RootsDiscovery of the Folk and BluesDocument Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
7The Rolling StonesConfessin' The Blues12 X 5Amazon
8Deeper RootsBuys DocumentDocument Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
9Major "Big Maceo" MerriweatherKid Man BluesBill Wyman's Blues Odyssey [Disc 2]Amazon
10Deeper RootsImpact of American MusicDocument Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
11Josh WhiteNobody Knows You When You're Down And OutIn Chronological Order, Volume 6 (1944-45)Amazon
12Deeper RootsHunting Swap Meets for Blues (With Music)Document Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
13Gitfiddle Jim (Kokomo Arnold)Paddlin' BluesDown In The Basement: Joe Bussard's Treasure Trove Of Vintage 78s: 1926-1937Amazon
14Deeper RootsGrowing Up with Music to the BeatlesDocument Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
15Cliff Richard & The ShadowsPlease Don't TeaseHit The Road Jack: The ABC-Paramount StoryAmazon
16The BeatlesAnna (Go to Him)Please Please MeAmazon
17Deeper RootsClosing Snippet 1Document Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
18Deeper RootsDocument ProjectsDocument Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
19Walter 'Cowboy' WashingtonIce Pick MamaBill Wyman's Blues Odyssey [Disc 2]Amazon
20Blind Willie McTellStole Rider BluesComplete Recorded Works In Chronological Order – Volume 1 – 18 October 1927 to 23 October 1931Amazon
21Deeper RootsMusical influencesDocument Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
22John Lee HookerDemocrat ManThat's My StoryAmazon
23Bo DiddleyPretty ThingHis Best: The Chess 50th Anniversary CollectionAmazon
24Deeper RootsEarly music lovesDocument Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
25Freddie & The DreamersIf You Gotta Make a Fool of SomebodyA's, B's & EP'sAmazon
26James RayIf You Gotta Make A Fool Of SomebodyBirth Of Soul: 3Amazon
27The McCoysHang on SloopyOperation Dumbo DropAmazon

Crazy Blues Centennial

It was the year 1920.  One of the more important events in the annals of popular music in the United States occurred 100 years ago this month. Mamie Smith and Her Jazz Hounds’ recording of Perry Bradford‘s tune “Crazy Blues” became an instant hit and was the first significant recording in the blues genre. And Mamie herself was also the first African American female popular singer to lead a commercial recording. This week on Deeper Roots we celebrate with the first installment of a show featuring two hours of music including two very special guests: Gillian and Gary Atkinson, proprietors of Document Records in the UK. I had a chance to interview the two about the label and about the dawn of blues and jazz recording including the early century social impact of black artists. A very special opportunity offered for a very special time. We’ll also hear about a recent video release called Searching for Secret Heroes, a resurrection of a long lost documentary made by Sam Charters, released by Document this past April.

 

EDIT

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Mamie SmithCrazy BluesAmerican Roots Music [Disc 2]Amazon
2Deeper RootsPre 20th Century – Gillian Atkinson InterviewDocument Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
3James Reese Europe's 369th U.S. Infantry "Hell Fighters" BandThe Darktown Strutters' BallJames Reese Europe's 369th U.S. Infantry "Hell Fighters" Band (Remastered)Amazon
4James Reese Europe's 369th U.S. Infantry "Hell Fighters" BandMemphis BluesJames Reese Europe's 369th U.S. Infantry "Hell Fighters" Band (Remastered)Amazon
5Deeper RootsCrazy Blues Recording – Gary/Gillian AtkinsonDocument Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
6Deeper RootsSelling the Crazy BluesDocument Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
7Kid Ory's Creole Jazz BandRoyal Garden BluesThe History of Jazz :The SwingAmazon
8Mamie SmithMamma Whip! Mamma Spank!Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 2Amazon
9Edna HicksHard Luck Blues (Pm 12023, 1629-2)The Rise & Fall of Paramount Records, Volume 1 (1917-1927)Amazon
10Ma Rainey and Lovie Austin's Blues SerenadersHoney Where You Been So Long? (Pm 12200, 1701-2)The Rise & Fall of Paramount Records, Volume 1 (1917-1927)Amazon
11Deeper RootsThe Circle of Musicians – Gillian AtkinsonDocument Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
12Hall Johnson ChoirSt. Louis BluesWhen The Sun Goes Down: Walk Right In – The Secret Story Of Rock & RollAmazon
13Jelly Roll MortonBuddy Bolden's Blues (I Thought I Heard Buddy Bolden Say) [Album Version]The Rose & The BriarAmazon
14Deeper RootsDocument Records with Gary AtkinsonDocument Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
15Lovie Austin and Her Blues SerenadersTraveling Blues (Pm 12255, 10005-2)The Rise & Fall of Paramount Records, Volume 1 (1917-1927)Amazon
16Deeper RootsGillian and Gary Discussing Blues in the Jazz AgeDocument Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
17The Hokum BoysWe Don't Sell It Here No MoreGeorgia Tom – Complete Recorded Works Vol. 1 (September 1928 – 5 February 1930)Amazon
18Deeper RootsEarly Influentials in the CirclesDocument Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
19Deeper RootsEarly Influentials in the CirclesDocument Interview – Crazy Blues CentennialAmazon
20Bessie SmithI Need A Little Sugar In My BowlThe AnthologyAmazon
21Deeper RootsSearching for Secret Heroes SerendipityCrazy Blues Centennial InterviewsAmazon
22Furry LewisJohn HenrySearching For Secret HeroesAmazon
23JD Short – Memphis Willie BAlone In The Evening HoursSearching For Secret HeroesAmazon
24Hattie HeartColdest Stuff in TownSearching For Secret HeroesAmazon
25Trixie Smith and her Down Home SyncopatorsFreight Train Blues (Pm 12211, 1767-1)The Rise & Fall of Paramount Records, Volume 1 (1917-1927)Amazon
26Sippie Wallace With Clarence Williams' Blue FiveBaby I Can't Use You No MoreThe Complete Clarence Williams Sessions, Vol. 2 – 1923-1925Amazon
27Sara Martin/Fats WallerTain't Nobody's Bus'ness If I DoThe Compete Recorded Works Vol. 1, [Disc 1]Amazon
28Lizzie MilesElectrician BluesRude DudesAmazon
29Victoria Spivey and Her Hallelujah BoysBlack Snake SwingThe Victoria Spivey Collection 1926-1937Amazon
30Ida CoxI've Got The Blues For Rampart StreetBlack Swan SamplerAmazon
31Mamie SmithYou Can't Keep A Good Man DownMamie Smith Vol. 1 (1920-1921)Amazon

Fall of Empire

Authoritarianism right in our own backyard. What are the signs that we should concern ourselves with? Much has been revealed over the centuries of how power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. While our so-called checks and balances lay down in fear in the face of fascism and the childish fear of being made fun of by the playground bully, the innocents are called terrorists and the terrorists, patriots. Up is down and down is up, right? Music’s been made of the human condition over time and there’s also been books and countless political speeches…and we’re going to take our time today to share the music and speak of the ballot box which is our only weapon, it seems, in a democracy. When cowards and sycophants led by the GOP and Fox News pretend patriotism, we know we’re in trouble and we know that the hard rain is falling. Federal troops are attacking mothers, veterans, and peaceful protesters with impunity and there are no checks. There is no balance. As songwriter R. B. Morris observes, that’s how every empire falls…and you can tune in for inspiration as the August march on Washington is just around the corner.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Great Big SeaEnd of the WorldGreat Big CDAmazon
2Danko, Fjeld & AndersenWhen Morning Comes to AmericaDanko / Fjeld / AndersenAmazon
3Neil YoungBound for GloryOld WaysAmazon
4Willie NelsonVote Em OutVote 'Em OutAmazon
5Ray CharlesAmerica The BeautifulUltimate Hits Collection [2 of 2]Amazon
6Ry CooderRally 'Round The FlagBoomer's StoryAmazon
7The Abyssinian Baptist Church Sanctuary ChoirBattle Hymn Of The RepublicThe Civil WarAmazon
8Johnny CashRagged Old FlagRagged Old FlagAmazon
9Joan BaezThe President Sang Amazing GraceWhistle Down the WindAmazon
10The Dixie HummingbirdsJesus Children of America20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Dixie HummingbirdsAmazon
11R.B. MorrisThat's How Every Empire FallsSinging Through the Wall. Songs for Western SaharaAmazon
12Simon & GarfunkelAmericaOld Friends Disc 2Amazon
13Paul SimonAmerican TuneThere Goes Rhymin' SimonAmazon
14Neko Case & Her BoyfriendsThrice All AmericanNo Depression Compilation – What It Sounds Like Vol. 1Amazon
15Dr. JohnThe Patriotic Flag-WaiverBabylonAmazon
16Steve EarleDear Old FlagDivided & United: The Songs of the Civil WarAmazon
17Jay & the AmericansOnly in AmericaRed, White & Rock Disc 2Amazon
18Jimmy GriggsThe Beginning Of The EndThe Beginning Of The End – The Existential Psychodrama In Country Music (1956-1972)Amazon
19William Elliot WhitmoreCivilizationsRadium DeathAmazon
20Dorothy Love CoatesThe Kingdom Of Babylon Is Falling DownA City Built 4 SquareAmazon
21Bob DylanSomething's Burning, BabyEmpire BurlesqueAmazon
22Bruce CockburnCall It DemocracyWorld Of WondersAmazon
23The TrumpeteersBabylon's FallenGood News, Vol. 2: Wade In The WaterAmazon
24Jerry Lee LewisEnd Of The RoadA Half Century Of Hits [Disc 1]Amazon
25Roy ZimmermanThe Liar Tweets TonightThe Liar Tweets Tonight (Single)Amazon