Category Archives: Blues

Deeper Mississippi John Hurt

Join us as we peer into the music of Mississippi John Hurt, performed by contemporary artists with some bits and pieces of his own music. We’ll also feature some fragments from the original interview conducted by Tom Hoskins in 1963 after some simple sleuthing, in the town of Avalon not far from Hurt’s boyhood home of Teoc, Mississippi. The story of his rediscovery after the sixties folk revival (and Harry Smith’s original Anthology of American Folk Music) is legend. Sit back on a Friday morning and listen in for some of the great music of the minstrel from Teoc

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Bruce CockburnAvalon, My Home TownAvalon Blues: A Tribute To Mississippi John HurtAmazon
2Jesse Colin YoungCreole BelleTogetherAmazon
3John OatesSpike Driver BluesArkansasAmazon
4Doc & Merle WatsonGot the Blues (Can't Be Satisfied)Live & Pickin'Amazon
5Bill MorrisseyAvalon BluesThe Essential CollectionAmazon
6Taj MahalFrankie And AlbertThe Best Of Taj MahalAmazon
7John HiattI'm SatisfiedAvalon Blues: A Tribute To Mississippi John HurtAmazon
8David JohansenLet The Mermaids Flirt With MeShakerAmazon
9Dave Van RonkSpike Driver BluesTwo Sides of Dave Van RonkAmazon
10Rhiannon GiddensThe Angels Laid Him AwayFreedom HighwayAmazon
11JL StilesTrouble I Had All My DaysSolo SessionsAmazon
12Taj MahalSatisfied 'N' Tickled TooThe Essential Taj MahalAmazon
13Chris SmitherTribute to Mississippi John HurtHoneysuckle DogAmazon
14John FaheyRequiem for John HurtEssential John FaheyAmazon
15Big Bill BroonzyFrankie And JohnnyClassic African-American Ballads (Smithsonian Folkways)Amazon
16Ben HarperSliding DeltaAvalon Blues: A Tribute To Mississippi John HurtAmazon
17Bettye LaVetteNobody's Dirty BusinessAmerican Epic: The Sessions [Disc 2]Amazon
18Mike DowlingBlue Harvest BluesThe Blues Ain't NewsAmazon
19Rory BlockCandy ManAvalon: A Tribute To Mississippi John HurtAmazon
20Lucinda WilliamsAngels Laid Him AwayAvalon Blues: A Tribute To Mississippi John HurtAmazon
21Dave Alvin With Dean SchlabowskeLouis CollinsThe Executioners Last Songs, Volume 2Amazon
22Mississippi John HurtChickenBest Of Mississippi John Hurt [Live]Amazon
23John OatesMy Creole BelleArkansasAmazon
24Doc & Merle WatsonStack O'leeBallads From Deep GapAmazon
25Mississippi John HurtAvalon BluesAvalon Blues: The Complete 1928 OKeh RecordingsAmazon
26Spuyten DuyvilMake Me A PalletSocial Hour MusicAmazon

Early Gospel Blues

Gospel music informed much of the music from the early century and the blues took it’s soul and inspiration from many passages. Numerous street corner buskers promoted the scripture and many, like Blind Willie Johnson, Gary Davis, Oda Mae Terrell, and Mother McCollum were known as musical evangelists in addition to their place in the church. And the spirituals also informed the music of Blind Boy Fuller, Charley Patton, Barbecue Bob, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and so many early blues men and women. We’ll sample a few and take our Friday evening show with some reverence and grit.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Washington PhillipsDenomination Blues – Part 1Preachin' The Gospel – Holy BluesAmazon
2Mississippi John HurtPraying On The Old Camp GroundAvalon Blues: The Complete 1928 OKeh RecordingsAmazon
3Mother McCollumJesus Is My Air-O-PlaneGuitar Evangelists (1928-1951)Amazon
4Mother McCollumOh Lord I'm Your ChildGuitar Evangelists (1928-1951)Amazon
5Blind Lemon JeffersonHe Arose From The DeadThe Complete Classic Sides Remastered: Atlanta & Chicago 1926 [Disc 2]Amazon
6Blind Joe Taggart And Joshua WhiteScandalous And A Shame (Pm 12780, 20942-4)The Rise & Fall of Paramount Records, Volume 2 (1928-1932)Amazon
7Sam CollinsI Want To Be Like Jesus In My HeartComplete Recorded Works 1927-31Amazon
8Barbecue BobWhen The Saints Go Marching InComplete Recorded Works Vol 1Amazon
9Blind Willie JohnsonI'm Gonna Run To The City Of RefugePreachin' The Gospel – Holy BluesAmazon
10Charley PattonLord I'm DiscouragedBlues Images Presents: 1920's Blues Classics Vol.14Amazon
11Bukka WhiteI Am In the Heavenly WayMasters Of The Delta Blues: The Friends Of Charlie PattonAmazon
12Bo Weavil Jackson (Sam Butler)Heaven Is My ViewBackwoods Blues (1926-1935)Amazon
13Lil McClintockSow Good Seeds21 Classic Blues Songs From The 1920's Vol. 10Amazon
14Blind Nesbit GussiePure ReligionVol. 2-(1929-34)Amazon
15Blind Gussie NesbitCanaan's LandWhen I Reach That Heavenly Shore: Unearthly Black Gospel 1926 – 1936Amazon
16Skip JamesJesus Is a Mighty Good LeaderComplete Early RecordingsAmazon
17Blind Boy FullerPrecious LordHeart Ease Blues (The Blues Collection Vol.55)Amazon
18Blind Boy FullerMust Have Been My JesusHeart Ease Blues (The Blues Collection Vol.55)Amazon
19Josh WhiteJesus Gonna Make Up My Dying BedPreachin' The Gospel – Holy BluesAmazon
20Josh WhiteLord, I Want To Die EasyComplete Recorded Works 1929-1940 Vol. 2Amazon
21Blind Willie McTellI Got Religion I'm So Glad (w/ Kate McTell)The Classic Years: 1933 – 1935 New York " ChicagoAmazon
22Bull City RedI Feel Like Shoutin'Blues And Gospel From The Eastern States (1935-1944)Amazon
23Memphis MinnieLet Me RideMemphis Minnie – Queen of Country Blues, 1929 – 1937 [Disc 4]Amazon
24Brownie McGheeDone What My Lord SaidThe Complete Brownie McGhee [Disc 2]Amazon
25Jimpson & GroupNo More My LordParchman Farm: Photographs And Field Recordings: 19471959Amazon
26Sister O. M. TerrellGod's Little BirdsCountry Gospel 1946-1953Amazon
27Rev. Gary DavisGet Right ChurchGospel, Blues, and Street SongsAmazon
28Reverend Gary DavisI Am The Light Of This WorldHarlem Street SingerAmazon
29Blind Willie McTellLord Have Mercy If You PleasePig 'n Whistle RedAmazon
30Sister Rosetta TharpeEverybody's Gonna Have A Wonderful Time Up ThereVol. 3-1946-47 Complete RecordAmazon
31Sister Rosetta TharpeSaviour Don't Pass Me ByComplete Recorded Works, 1938 – 1944; Volume 1Amazon
32Big Joe WilliamsKing JesusShake Your BoogieAmazon

Free Form – Old Records

Old records are honored…as they are each week. The 33s, the 45s, and the 78s…all forms, all speeds. We’ll take a musical trip back to the dawn of doo wop, head to the border for an encounter with el toro relajo, visit the Big Broadcast sounds of early radio and hotel orchestras including Ted Weems and the Sunshine Boys. We’ll also gear up for a classic 1914 recording by the piano genius Felix Arndt. Arthur Alexander, Los Lobos, Tampa Red, and Left Frizzell also join in…just for you on a free form Friday morning on Deeper Roots.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Irma ThomasOld RecordsIf You Want It, Come and Get ItAmazon
2Lewis Bronzeville FiveNatchez Mississippi BluesThe Dawn Of Doo-Wop Vol. 1Amazon
3Leon RedboneSweet LorraineAny TimeAmazon
4Los LobosGoodnight My LoveEl Cancionero: Mas y Mas (2 of 4)Amazon
5The TreniersGood Rockin' TonightThey Rock! They Roll! They Swing!Amazon
6The LarksRockin' in the Rocket RoomRhythm 'N' Blues: Early Doo Wop 1943-55, vol. 1Amazon
7The SwallowsRoll, Roll, Pretty BabyRhythm 'N' Blues: Early Doo Wop 1943-55, vol. 1Amazon
8Irma ThomasGirl Needs BoySoul Queen of New OrleansAmazon
9Norah JonesHow Many Times Have You Broken My Heart?The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams [LP/CD]Amazon
10Arthur AlexanderEvery Day I Have to CryLonely Just Like Me: The Final ChapterAmazon
11Arthur AlexanderAnnaThe Craft of Music, Vol. 2Amazon
12Ry Cooder w/Jim DickinsonTexas BopThe Border/Alamo BayAmazon
13The MavericksHey Tonight (Bonus)Quiero CreedenceAmazon
14The Texas TornadosLittle Bit Is Better Than Nada4 AcesAmazon
15Don Santiago Jimenez SrAy Te Deja San AntonioBob Dylan Presents: Radio Radio, Theme Time Radio Hour, Vol. 1Amazon
16Linda RonstadtEl Toro Relajo (The Troublesome Bull)Mas CancionesAmazon
17Dwight YoakamThis TimeThis TimeAmazon
18Lefty FrizzellJust Can't Live That Fast (Any More)Hillbilly Fever: Vol. 2 – Legends Of Honky TonkAmazon
19Charlie WalkerPick Me Up On Your Way DownHillbilly Fever: Vol. 2 – Legends Of Honky TonkAmazon
20Tex Russell & His Hollywood CowboysWhat It Means To Be BlueKings Of Western Swing, Vol. 2Amazon
21Felix ArndtDesecration RagThe Big Broadcast vol. 9Amazon
22The Sunshine BoysIt's Unanimous1929-1931 – The Complete SetAmazon
23Ted Weems & His OrchestraFrom Saturday Night Till Monday MorningThe Complete Ted Weems and His Orchestra Vol. 2 (1926-1928)Amazon
24Danny KayeCivilizationDanny Kaye The Best ofAmazon
25Tampa RedShake It Up a LittleThe Bluebird Recordings (1934-1936)Amazon
26Louis Armstrong & All His StarsThe Younger GenerationWhen you're smilingAmazon
27Louis ArmstrongA Kiss To Build A Dream OnWonderful World Of Louis Armstrong – DemoAmazon
28Bob DylanThe Love That FadedThe Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams [LP/CD]Amazon
29Charlie LouvinKnoxville Girl (w. Will Oldham)Charlie LouvinAmazon
30Vince GillRandall KnifeThis One's For Him: A Tribute To Guy Clark Disc 2Amazon
31Modern HicksWings Of A DoveTornado AlleyAmazon
32Freddie KingLonesome Whistle BluesUltimate CollectionAmazon

Superstition

Superstition and luck are the topics for our theme show on a Friday night in Sonoma County on community radio. Deeper Roots explores those superstitious topics of charms, clovers, black cats, and numerology this week.  Join Dave Stroud for blues from the Wolf, Lucille Bogan, and Albert King; county star power from Skeets McDonald, Ernest Tubb, and Elvis; plus a lot of special treats including tracks from Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, Casey Bill Weldon, Joe Barry, and Larry Campbell. We’ll also be wishing on star power from Cliff Edwards and Petra Haden…and four leaf clover luck from Nick Lucas, Bill Haley, and Al Miller. From the turn of the century to a couple of contemporary sounds.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Chris Thomas KingSuperstitious BluesMe, My Guitar and the BluesAmazon
2Ernest TubbSince That Black Cat Passed My PathYodelling Mad! The Best Of Country Yodelling Vol 1Amazon
3Howlin' WolfI Ain't SuperstitiousBlues Classics '27_'69 [Disc 3]Amazon
4Casey Bill WeldonJinx BluesBlues, Blues, Hoodoo, Halloween – Scary Blues & Jazz 1925-1961Amazon
5Lucille BoganSuperstitious Blues (Hooch House Blues)Complete Recorded Works – Volume 2Amazon
6Al MillerI Found A Four Leaf Clover (BP 8047, 12923-A)The Rise & Fall of Paramount Records, Volume 1 (1917-1927)Amazon
7Bobby "Blue" BlandFriday The 13th ChildHis California AlbumAmazon
8Stevie WonderSuperstitionTalking BookAmazon
9Dr. JohnI Been HoodoodDefinitive Pop CollectionAmazon
10Louis JordanSomebody Done Hoodooed The Hoodoo ManJivin' With JordanAmazon
11Al ReedHoodooThe Ultimate Rockin' Halloween Party (American Horror Songs 1930s – 1950s)Amazon
12Harold Melvin & The Blue NotesBad LuckIf You Don't Know Me By NowAmazon
13Dusty SpringfieldSpookyLock, Stock & Two Smoking BarrelsAmazon
14Bill Wyman's Rhythm KingsSpookyAnyway The Wind BlowsAmazon
15Bill Frisell & Petra HadenWhen You Wish Upon A StarPetra Haden And Bill FrisellAmazon
16Robert JohnsonWish Upon A StarClose Personal FriendAmazon
17Koko TaylorBorn Under a Bad SignThe Best of Koko TaylorAmazon
18Larry CampbellBad Luck CharmLarry Campbell & Teresa WilliamsAmazon
19Elvis PresleyGood Luck CharmElvis' Golden Records (Volume 3)Amazon
20Joe BarryFour Leaf CloverI'm a Fool to Care: The Complete Recordings 1958-1977, Vol. 1Amazon
21Bill HaleyFour Leaf Clover BluesRock 'N' Roll Arrives CD1Amazon
22Nick LucasI'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf CloverTip-Toe Thru' the TulipsAmazon
23Skeets McDonaldLooking At The Moon And Wishing On A StarSkeets McDonald – One Classic Album & Singles CollectionAmazon
24Cliff EdwardsWhen You Wish upon a Star40 Your Hit ParadeAmazon
25WarSpill the WineRemember the Titans: An Original Walt Disney Motion Picture Soundtrack (2000 Film)Amazon
26Johnny Otis & Marci LeeCasting My Spell on YouBlues, Blues, Hoodoo, Halloween – Scary Blues & Jazz 1925-1961Amazon
27Albert KingBorn Under A Bad SignStax 50th Anniversary Celebration [Disc 1]Amazon
28William BellBorn Under A Bad SignThis Is Where I LiveAmazon
29Billy Boy ArnoldCell No. 13 BluesBilly Boy Arnold Sings: Big Bill BroonzyAmazon
30Brownie McGheeSecret MojoBlues, Blues, Hoodoo, Halloween – Scary Blues & Jazz 1925-1961Amazon
31Screamin' Jay HawkinsI Put a Spell on YouBlues, Blues, Hoodoo, Halloween – Scary Blues & Jazz 1925-1961Amazon

Rockin’ Rhythm & Gospel

We gravitate towards gospel because it’s roots are so entwined with virtually every form of music we feature on Deeper Roots; so we’ll revisit the sound once more. However, in this episode we’ll focus on the rock and rhythm inspiration…gospel performances that were more worldliness than holiness. Jesus Rocked The Jukebox is the name of an album that we’ve leaned on in this episode and expanded from there with examples of over-the-top performances in the key of the sacred but with the pounding rhythmic syncopation of the secular. Join Dave Stroud as he pulls out the stop with the likes of The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Detroiters, The Highway QCs, Fannie Bell Chapman, and a host of others. Breathtaking gospel for a Friday evening in Sonoma County.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Pilgrim TravelersAfter While (Take 8)Jesus Rocked The Jukebox: Small Group Black Gospel (1951-1965)Amazon
2The DetroitersLet Jesus Lead YouJesus Rocked The Jukebox: Small Group Black Gospel (1951-1965)Amazon
3The Dixie HummingbirdsJesus Children of America20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Dixie HummingbirdsAmazon
4The Swan SilvertonesTrouble In My WayLove Lifted MeAmazon
5The Dixie HummingbirdsTrouble In My WayThe History of Black Gospel Volume 6Amazon
6Lou Rawls & The Chosen Gospel SingersWalk With MeNuggets Of The Golden Age Of Gospel, 1945-1958Amazon
7The Original Blind BoysPeople Don't Sing Like They Used To SingJesus Rocked The Jukebox: Small Group Black Gospel (1951-1965)Amazon
8The Blind Boys Of AlabamaHe's AlrightJesus Rocked The Jukebox: Small Group Black Gospel (1951-1965)Amazon
9Fannie Bell ChapmanHe's My Rock, My Sword, My ShieldFire In My Bones : Raw + Rare + Otherworldly African-American Gospel, 1944-2007Amazon
10The Chosen Gospel SingersAnanaisJesus Rocked The Jukebox: Small Group Black Gospel (1951-1965)Amazon
11The Chosen Gospel SingersTrouble Of This World's ConditionI Heard The Angels Singing : Electrifying Black Gospel From The Nashboro Label 1951-1983Amazon
12Rosa ShawOn The HighwayNuggets Of The Golden Age Of Gospel 1945-1958Amazon
13Sister Emily BramEach DayNuggets Of The Golden Age Of Gospel 1945-1958Amazon
14Sister Rosetta TharpeUp Above My Head There's Music In The AirGospel TrainAmazon
15Sister Rosetta TharpeRock MeSister Rosetta Tharpe and the Spirit of Gospel, Vol. 3Amazon
16Lucky Millinder/Sister Rosetta TharpeShout, Sister, Shout!The Gospel of BluesAmazon
17The Staple SingersWade In The WaterFreedom HighwayAmazon
18The Staple SingersJacob's LadderFreedom HighwayAmazon
19The Golden Gate QuartetWade In The Water (1946)Vol. 5 (1945-1949) (Complete Recorded Works In Chronologial Order, Vol. 5, 1939-1949)Amazon
20Gospel HummingbirdsPray OnTaking FlightAmazon
21The Highway QC'SWalk with MeGreat Gospel – People Get ReadyAmazon
22The Highway Q.C.'sThe Way Up The HillJesus Rocked The Jukebox: Small Group Black Gospel (1951-1965)Amazon
23Brother John SellersHe's My RockSmithsonian Folkways: Classic African American GospelAmazon
24The Swan SilvertonesMy RockJubilation! Great Gospel Performances: Vol. 2: More Black GospelAmazon
25Roberta Martin And The Roberta Martin SingersRock My SoulNuggets Of The Golden Age Of Gospel, 1945-1958Amazon
26Gospel SilhouettesRock In A Weary LandPowerhouse Gospel Vol 1Amazon
27The Swan SilvertonesSinner ManJesus Rocked The Jukebox: Small Group Black Gospel (1951-1965)Amazon
28Gospel SupremesSinner ManLocal Customs: Downriver RevivalAmazon
29Silvertone QuintetStand By MePowerhouse GospelAmazon
30Mary DeloatchThe Lord's Gospel TrainNuggets Of The Golden Age Of Gospel 1945-1958Amazon
31Roscoe Robinson With Huey Brown & The Silver QuintetteSinner's CrossroadsNuggets Of The Golden Age Of Gospel 1945-1958Amazon
32The Harmonizing FourHallelujahJesus Rocked The Jukebox: Small Group Black Gospel (1951-1965)Amazon
33The Staple SingersWill The Circle Be UnbrokenFolk, Gospel & Blues Will The Circle Be Unbroken Disk 2Amazon
34The Dixie HummingbirdsChristian's Automobile20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Dixie HummingbirdsAmazon

Elvis’ Roots

The influence of gospel, blues, country, and tradition has always informed the music of Elvis…and while we’re not digging too far into the later works, we’ll go sit with Elvis on the sofa with our ears to the Victrola and the crackling of WDIA Memphis and the smattering of black blues and gospel over the air. We’ll hear The Carters, Jimmy Reed, Smiley Lewis, Little Junior Parker, Mahalia Jackson, and a couple dozen more in this episode. Keep an ear out for some rare recordings including those whose meager popularity evaporated once Elvis went on to cover them. Names like Joe Dowell, The Eagles (not the LA band), Deacon Tom Foger, and Charlie Blackwell bely their contributions to the Elvis catalog.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Big Mama ThorntonHound DogBlues Classics '27_'69 [Disc 2]Amazon
2Bill Monroe And His Bluegrass BoysBlue Moon Of KentuckyColumbia Country Classics Volume 1: The Golden AgeAmazon
3Ernest TubbI Love You BecauseThe Texas Troubadour ([Disc 2] – Slippin' Around (The Hits Vol.2)Amazon
4Gene AustinLove Letters In The SandA Time To RelaxAmazon
5Eddy ArnoldIt's a SinCountry & Western Hit Parade 1947Amazon
6Red FoleyOld ShepTennessee Saturday NightAmazon
7The Lone Star CowboysJust BecauseEast Virginia Blues (When The Sun Goes Down Series)Amazon
8The Carter FamilyI'm Working On A BuildingThe Carter Family: 1927-1934 [Disc 5]Amazon
9Deacon Tom Foger & The Camp Meeting ChoirWorking On The BuildingPowerhouse GospelAmazon
10Kokomo ArnoldMilk Cow BluesBlues Classics: '27_'69 [Disc 1]Amazon
11Arthur GunterBaby Let's Play HouseThe Best Of Excello RecordsAmazon
12Jimmy ReedBig Boss ManThe Very Best of Jimmy ReedAmazon
13Jimmy ReedBaby What You Want Me To DoThe Very Best of Jimmy ReedAmazon
14Arthur Big Boy CrudupSo Glad You're MineRock Me Mama (The Blues Collection Vol.47)Amazon
15Arthur Big Boy CrudupSo Glad You're MineRock Me Mama (The Blues Collection Vol.47)Amazon
16Little Junior ParkerMystery TrainBob Dylan Presents: Cover to Cover – The OriginalsAmazon
17Little RichardLong Tall SallySpecialty Profiles: Larry WilliamsAmazon
18Chuck BerryPromised LandThe Chess Box Disc 2Amazon
19Lloyd PriceLawdy Miss ClawdyDoctors Professors Kings & Queens: Box New OrleansAmazon
20The EaglesTrying To Get To YouMercury R+B '46-'62 [Disc 1]Amazon
21Smiley LewisOne NightI Hear You Knocking: 1947-1962 Disc 3Amazon
22Clyde McPhatter & The DriftersMoney HoneyBob Dylan – Radio Radio – Theme Time Radio Hour Volume FourAmazon
23Roy BrownGood Rockin' TonightGettin' Funky [Disc 3] – The HitmakersAmazon
24Ivory Joe HunterI Need You SoThe Chronological Ivory Joe Hunter : 1947 – 1950Amazon
25Billy Bunn & His BuddiesThat's When Your Heartaches BeginMoney Honey – Rise of the Black Vocal Group 51-53Amazon
26Charlie BlackwellThe Girl of My Best FriendGems from the Warner Brothers Vault (Pt. 1)Amazon
27Big Joe TurnerShake, Rattle & RollLoud, Fast & Out of Control: The Wild Sounds of the '50s [Box] Disc 1Amazon
28Sister Rosetta TharpeI BelieveSister Rosetta TharpeAmazon
29The Golden Gate QuartetJoshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho (1946)Vol. 5 (1945-1949) (Complete Recorded Works In Chronologial Order, Vol. 5, 1939-1949)Amazon
30Sam Cooke And The Soul StirrersPeace In The ValleyThe Complete Specialty Recordings [Disc 1]Amazon
31Mahalia JacksonHow Great Thou ArtGospels, Spirituals, & Hymns, Vol.2 [Disc 1]Amazon
32Sister Rosetta TharpePrecious MemoriesSister Rosetta Tharpe and the Spirit of Gospel (Vol. 4)Amazon
33Joe DowellWooden HeartEasy Listening Gold 1960-1961Amazon
34Glen Gray & The Casa Lorne OrchestraBlue MoonBob Dylan Presents: Cover to Cover – The OriginalsAmazon

Dead Roots

While the lyrics and music of Robert Hunter took the Grateful Dead into remarkable directions, codifying their place among the bands of the latter half of the 20<sup>th</sup> century, by the time they reached their peak their roots were already firmly established. Their early music was clearly anchored in the sounds of tradition, reaching from the Appalachians to the Texas Gulf Coast. We’ll hear early (and contemporary) performances that inspired the band with songs of Blind Willie Johnson, Red Allen, The Mississippi Sheiks, Henry Thomas and Obray Ramsey. The landscape we’ll traverse includes blues, gospel, hillbilly, and folk…no Dead music, only music that served to inspire. This week on Sonoma County Community radio.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1David Grisman/Jerry GarciaBeen All Around This WorldBeen All Around This WorldAmazon
2Dave Van RonkHang Me, Oh Hang MeDave Van RonkAmazon
3Obray RamseyRain And SnowBest Of The TroubadoursAmazon
4Vince Martin & Fred NeilI Know You RiderTear Down The Walls/Bleecker & MacDougalAmazon
5Henry ThomasDont Ease Me InRagtime Texas Complete Recorded Works 1927-29Amazon
6The Memphis Jug BandOn The Road AgainTimes Ain't Like They Used To Be – Volume 1Amazon
7The Memphis Jug BandStealin' Stealin'Memphis Jug Band Vol. 2 (1928-1929)Amazon
8Cannon's Jug StompersViola Lee BluesFirst Time I Met the Blues (When the Sun Goes Down series)Amazon
9Hammie NixonViola Lee BluesLiving Country Blues: An Anthology Disc 3Amazon
10The Monroe BrothersRosa Lee McFallEarly Blue Grass MusicAmazon
11Prairie RamblersDeep Elem BluesWhite Country Blues (1926-1938)Amazon
12Mississippi SheiksSittin' On Top of the WorldColumbia Records' 125th Anniv.Amazon
13Roscoe HolcombSittin' On Top of the WorldClassic Piedmont Blues from Smithsonian FolkwaysAmazon
14Dillard ChandlerRain and SnowClassic Mountain Songs from Smithsonian FolkwaysAmazon
15The ChieftainsRain And SnowDown The Old Plank Road: The Nashville SessionsAmazon
16Gus Cannon's Jug StompersMinglewood BluesBob Dylan Presents: Cover to Cover – The OriginalsAmazon
17Jim Kweskin, Geoff Muldaur, et. al.New Minglewood BluesJug Band ExtravaganzaAmazon
18Blind Willie JohnsonNobody's Fault But MineVarious Artists: Bob Dylan – Cover To Cover – The Originals VOL. 2 [Disc 3]Amazon
19Sister Rosetta TharpeNobody's Fault But MineThe Great Gospel WomenAmazon
20Rev. Pearly BrownNobody's Fault But MineYou're Gonna Need That Pure ReligionAmazon
21Lightnin' HopkinsSee That My Grave Is Kept CleanThe Real Blues Brothers Vol. 2Amazon
22Lightnin' HopkinsOne Kind FavorJake Head BoogieAmazon
23Memphis SlimNext Time You See MeThe Greatest Hits OfAmazon
24Bob DylanJack-A-RoeWorld Gone WrongAmazon
25Joan BaezJack-A-RoeRare, Live & Classic [Box] (3 of 3)Amazon
26The Sunshine BoysWhat's the Matter With Deep ElemThe Western Swing: Doughboys, Playboys, and Cowboys – Oakie Boogie [Disc 4]Amazon
27Red AllenDeep Elem BluesThe Folkways Years 1964 – 1983Amazon
28The Light Crust DoughboysSittin' On Top Of The World1936-1941Amazon
29Dock WalshIn The PinesIn The Pines – Tar Heel Folk Songs And Fiddle Tunes – Old-Time Music Of North Carolina 1926-1936Amazon
30John SebastianMinglewood BluesChasin' Gus' GhostAmazon

Back on the Farm

The farmer, the farm, and songs of farming are at the core of this week’s theme show. Whether the songs’ focus is that of the hard-working folk of the farm, the raw materials, or the nostalgic reminders of life on the farm, we’ll push forward the playlist plough and take you to the barn for an early morning celebration with performers including bluegrass from James King, gritty Americana from Levon Helm and Bill Neely, core country from Bobby Bare and Porter Wagoner, or maybe some field recordings from the 20s featuring the likes of the Carolina Tar Heels…all of this music going Back On The Farm.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Marty Stuart/Merle HaggardFarmer's BluesCountry MusicAmazon
2Freeman StowersSunrise On The FarmSinners and Saints: Complete Recorded Works 1926-1931Amazon
3Bill FrisellFarmerDisfarmerAmazon
4Levon HelmPoor Old Dirt FarmerDirt FarmerAmazon
5Bill NeelyBlack Land Farmer16 Down Home Country ClassicsAmazon
6James KingThirty Years of FarmingBluegrass Number 1's: A Collection of Chart-Topping SongsAmazon
7Junior Sisk with Becky Isaacs Bowman and Sonya Isaacs YearyThe Wheat CropMac Wiseman – I Sang The SongAmazon
8Lemuel JonesPo' Farmer (Poor Farmers)Field Recordings, Vol. 1: Virginia (1936-1941)Amazon
9Peter RowanLet the Harvest Go To SeedBluegrass BoyAmazon
10Carolina Tar HeelsGot The Farm Land BluesAnthology Of American Folk Music, Vol. 1B: BalladsAmazon
11Cisco HoustonFarmer's LamentThe Folkways Years: 1944-1961Amazon
12J.E. Mainer & The Mountaineers (With Morris Herbert)17 Living On The FarmThe Legendry J.E. Mainer, Volume 4Amazon
13Walter BrennanOld RiversOld RiversAmazon
14The Bently BoysDown On Penny's FarmAnthology Of American Folk Music, Vol. 1B: BalladsAmazon
15Jim Kweskin & Geoff MuldaurDown on Penny's FarmPenny's FarmAmazon
16The Four WanderersFarmer's Life For MeBlack Vocal Groups Vol. 9 (1929-1942)Amazon
17Ben & Ellen HarperFarmer's DaughterChildhood HomeAmazon
18Bobby BareThe Farmer Feeds Us AllHard Time HungrysAmazon
19Porter WagonerThe Farmer and the Lord20 All-Time Greatest HitsAmazon
20Paula BrownFarm HollersHollerin'Amazon
21Warren Caplinger's Cumberland Mountain EntertainersMcDonald's Farm (1928)Work Hard, Play Hard, Pray Hard: Hard Time, Good Time, And End Time Music, 1923-1936Amazon
22Bubby BishopI Want To Go Back To The FarmThe Great Vintage CountryAmazon
23Wilf Carter (Montana Slim)On A Little Two Acre FarmDynamite Trail-The Decca Years, 1954-58Amazon
24Goose Island RamblersI Worked For a FarmerPolkabillyAmazon
25Buster Carter & Preston YoungA Lazy Farmer BoyBefore The Blues Vol. 3Amazon
26Rosetta HowardPlow Hand Blues [Album Version]Roots 'N' Blues/The Retrospective 1925-1950Amazon
27Roy Acuff & His Smoky Mountain BoysI'll Reap My Harvest In HeavenKing of Country Music [Disc 3] : Fireball MailAmazon
28Fiddlin' John CarsonTaxes On The Farmer Feeds Them All [Remastered 2003]Poor Man's Heaven – Blues And Tales Of The Great Depression – When The Sun Goes Down SeriesAmazon
29Ray Wylie HubbardAfter the HarvestCrusades of the Restless NightsAmazon
30Dry Branch Fire SquadDevil, Take The Farmer481 Bluegrass Class of 1990Amazon
31Glen CampbellArkansas FarmboyAdiosAmazon
32Milton Brown & His Musical BrowniesWhen It's Harvest Time, Sweet AngelineDaddy of Western Swing, Vol. 4 : Keep a Knockin'Amazon
33Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs With Mother Maybelle CarterThe Homestead On The Farm [Album Version]Songs Of The Famous Carter FamilyAmazon

Below the Mason-Dixon Line

Songs that highlight the states below the ‘line’ of intransigence. Portions are better known as Dixie, others (like Florida and Texas) appear as appendages or after-market expanses. The music this evening will explore songs of Louisiana from Doug Kershaw, Texas from Asleep at the Wheel, Alabama from Mance Lipscomb, and West Virginia featuring Louis Jordan. There’s a whole lot more including Taj Mahal, Bill Kirchen, The Louvin Brothers and Pokey LaFarge; all on a journey through a collection of states that two surveyors by the name of Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, in an attempt to resolve a dispute, attached their names to in the late 18th century.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Jimmie RodgersSomewhere Down Below The Mason Dixon LineRecordings 1927 – 1933 [Disc 5]Amazon
2Tom Darby & Jimmie TarltonDown In Florida On A HogDarby & Tarlton – Disc A (Atlanta 1927-29)Amazon
3Muddy WatersDeep Down In Florida #2King BeeAmazon
4Claire LynchMy Florida SunshineBill Monroe Centennial Celebration: A Classic Bluegrass Tribute Disc 1Amazon
5The Swe-DanesGeorgia Camp MeetingNew Discgems From Warner BrothersAmazon
6Dave Van RonkGeorgia Camp MeetingDave Van Ronk And The Ragtime Jug StompersAmazon
7Alex Campbell, Ola Belle Reed, Burl KilbyBringing in the Georgia MailOla Belle Reed and Southern Mountain Music on the Mason-Dixon LineAmazon
8Curley Williams & His Georgia Peach PickersGeorgia BoogieTravellin' BoogieAmazon
9Guy ClarkVirginia's RealTexas Cookin'Amazon
10The Carter FamilyMid The Green Fields Of VirginiaThe Carter Family 1927 – 1934 [Disc 3]Amazon
11Al BowllyMy Sweet VirginiaJust A Bowl Of CherriesAmazon
12Ethel WatersI'm Coming VirginiaOn Stage And Screen 1925 – 1940Amazon
13Hazel DickensWest Virginia, My HomeHand-Picked: 25 Years Of Bluegrass On Rounder Records [Disc 1]Amazon
14Louis JordanSalt Pork, West VirginiaThe Chronological Louis Jordan 1945-1946Amazon
15Dr. HorseSouth Poke West VirginiaHarlem Rock N' BluesAmazon
16Mance LipscombAlabama BoundAsh Grove 12/6/1964Amazon
17Evan MarshallThe Alabama JubileeMandolin MagicAmazon
18The Louvin BrothersAlabamaHand-PickedAmazon
19Neil Young/Stray GatorsAlabamaHarvestAmazon
20Jimmie DriftwoodArkansas TravelerAmericana, Vol. 1Amazon
21Carolina CottonThree Miles South Of Cash (In Arkansas)Oxford American 11th Edition Southern Music CD [Disc 2, "Arkansas Masters"]Amazon
22Bill KirchenArkansas Diamond (Album)Word To The WiseAmazon
23Taj MahalTexas Woman BluesThe Essential [Disc 1]Amazon
24Asleep at the WheelMiles and Miles of TexasThe Very Best of Asleep at the Wheel Since 1970Amazon
25Tommy DuncanTexas MoonTexas MoonAmazon
26Tony RiceHe Rode All the Way to TexasNight Flyer: The Singer Songwriter CollectionAmazon
27Waylon JenningsLuckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)The Essential Waylon Jennings [2007] Disc 2Amazon
28Clarence "Gatemouth" BrownGoing Back To LouisianaDoctors Professors Kings & Queens: Box New OrleansAmazon
29Doug KershawLouisiana ManDiggy Diggy LoAmazon
30Pokey LaFarge & the South City ThreeMississippi GirlMiddle of EverywhereAmazon
31Nina SimoneMississippi GoddamAnthology Disc 1Amazon
32Paul Whiteman & His OrchestraMississippi MudPaper MoonAmazon
33The Andrew SistersWhen the Midnight Choo Choo Leaves for AlabamaDouble Goldies [CD1]Amazon

The Hangman’s Rope

Songs about one of the most controversial of mankind’s attempt to balance the scales: the death penalty. Studies point to the fact that at least one in 25 people sentenced to the death penalty in the U.S. are innocent and yet the death penalty is legal in 32 states. In China, corporate fraud can be punishable by death…if it were the case here, our government would probably be on the straight and narrow. But I digress. The music this week will explore the long walk to eternity through the eyes of the condemned; the knowledge of the eventuality of the executioner’s song is clarity. And we’ve got country from a whole host of obscure characters, some blues and boogie, along with just a little bit of folk and bluegrass. A hundred years of the hangman’s rope in reflection.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Johnny CashI Hung My HeadAmerican IV: Man Comes AroundAmazon
2Gurf MorlixTheyre Hangin Me TonightThe Executioner's Last Songs, Volume 3Amazon
3Johnny BondAt Dawn I DieThe Hangman's Blues: Prison Songs In Country Music (1956-1972)Amazon
4Marty RobbinsThe Hanging TreeAll-Time Greatest HitsAmazon
5Peter, Paul & MaryHangmanSee What Tomorrow BringsAmazon
6Marty StuartHangmanGhost Train: The Studio B SessionsAmazon
7Ralston Bowles and May Erlewine-BernardHangmanDear Jean: Artists Celebrate Jean RitchieAmazon
8Cowboy CopasHangman BoogieHillbilly Boogie Box [Disc 4]Amazon
9The Pine Valley Cosmonauts & Puerto MuertoThe Hangman's SongThe Executioner's Last Songs, Vol. 1Amazon
10Al DeanHangmanThe Hangman's Blues: Prison Songs In Country Music (1956-1972)Amazon
11LeadbellyGallows PoleToo Late, Too Late – Vol. 12 – 1917-48Amazon
12Furry LewisJudge Harsh BluesFurry Lewis 1927 – 1929Amazon
13Brownie McGheeHangman's BluesThe Folkways Years (1945-1959)Amazon
14Blind Lemon JeffersonHangman's BluesComplete Recordings Vol. 3Amazon
15Blind Lemon JeffersonElectric ChairBlues Images Presents 1920's Blues Classics, Vol. 13Amazon
16Lonesome JohnnyDeath RowThe Hangman's Blues: Prison Songs In Country Music (1956-1972)Amazon
17Jimmy MinorDeath RowThe Hangman's Blues: Prison Songs In Country Music (1956-1972)Amazon
18Porter Wagoner(I Heard That) Lonesome WhistleThe Hangman's Blues: Prison Songs In Country Music (1956-1972)Amazon
19Dave AlvinSonora's Death RowWest of the WestAmazon
20Lee HazelwoodThe Girl On Death RowTwisted Tales From The Vinyl Wastelands Volume 2Amazon
21Johnny CashThe Mercy SeatAmerican III: Solitary ManAmazon
22Bessie SmithSend Me To The Lectric ChairEmpress Of The Blues Volume 2: 1926-1933 (CD A, 1926-1928)Amazon
23Booker T. & the MG'sHang 'Em HighThe Very Best of Booker T. & the MG'sAmazon
24Hoyle MillerTwelve Years On Death RowThe Hangman's Blues: Prison Songs In Country Music (1956-1972)Amazon
25Steve EarleWalking Down Death RowIf I Had A Song: The Songs Of Pete Seeger, Vol. 2Amazon
26The Blue Sky BoysStory Of The Knoxville GirlAbsolutely BluegrassAmazon
27Bob DylanSeven CursesThe Bootleg Series, Vols. 1-3 : Rare And Unreleased, 1961-1991 [Disc 2]Amazon
28Joan BaezGeordieThe First 10 YearsAmazon
29The Pine Valley Cosmonauts & Dean SchlabowskeGary Gilmore's EyesThe Executioner's Last Songs, Vol. 1Amazon