Mudd's Folkblues Cafe

Sweet About Me

2010-03-30T00:46:00.000-07:00

SWEET ABOUT ME

Ohh watching me, hanging by a string this time.
Ohh easily, the climax of a perfect lie.
Ohh watching me, hanging by a string this time.
easily, smile is worth a hundred lies.
If there’s lessons to be learned,
I’d rather get my jamming words in first, so,
Tell you something that I’ve found
that the worlds a better place when it’s upside down, boy
If there’s lessons to be learned,
I’d rather get my jamming words in first, so,
When your playing with desire, don’t come running to my place
when it burns like fire boy

Chorus Sweet about me, nothing sweet about me,
Yeah, Sweet about me, nothing sweet about me,
Yeah, Sweet about me, nothing sweet about me,
Yeah, Sweet about me, nothing sweet about me, Yeah

Blue, blue, blue, waves they crash,
As time goes by, so hard to catch.
Too, too smooth, ain’t all that,
Why don’t you ride on my side of the track
If there’s lessons to be learned, I’d rather get my jamming words in first, so
Tell you something that I found
That's the world's a better place when it's upside down

If there's lessons to be learned
When your playing with desire,
Don’t come running to my place when it burns like fire boy

Eric Clapton

2010-03-30T00:39:00.000-07:00

Eric Patrick Clapton was born 30 March 1945 in Surrey, England. His early influences were B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy and no doubt Robert Johnson. Clapton has been one of the most gifted blues entertainers to come our way. The Yardbirds were touched by Clapton, also Beck and Page; all together at one point.

Cream Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker became the phenomena known simply as Cream, one of the most influential bands of the 60s. Enquires for the 45 rpm "Cat's Squirrel" at local record shops were futile, no-one had heard of it.

His first band was The Roosters with Tom McGuinness (Manfred Mann), he and Tom then formed Casey Jones and the Engineers. In 1963 he joined Keith Relf and Paul Samwell-Smith of The Yardbirds. He was nicknamed 'Slowhand' .. He left disgruntled when The Yardbirds recorded "For Your Love". In 1965 Eric joined John Mayall's Blues Breakers in 1965 where he acuired his second nickname 'God'. He also recorded a one off 4 track session with The Powerhouse (John Paul Jones, Steve Winwood (Traffic) and Jack Bruce ..

When Cream disbanded Clapton went on to found Blind Faith, acknowledged as the first ‘Supergroup’ with Steve Winwood, Ginger Baker and Rick Grech.

After a brief stint with Delaney and Bonnie & Friends they formed Derek and the Dominos in 1970.

Eric ‘dried out’ and release a new album '461 Ocean Boulevard'Several setbacks Clapton sunk deeper into his heroin addiction –

Beck and Clapton, Brian May and Page meet the Queen

Albums of note include: 'Another Ticket', 'Unplugged' 'Tribute to Robert Johnson' .....

3 CommentsClose this window Jump to comment form

Doug said...
Hi, this version is a bit quicker,I like Clapton's music. Jimmy Page 's stance is unmistakable and is that Page in the photo with the Queen?.I didn't recognise any other people other than the ones you mentioned.
7:21 PM
Minerva said...
Yeah it is the first 'Layla' I heard iT on that British Soapie Crossroads.Stevie Winwood has very short hair up front with Clapton. The ARMS Charity Concert (or concerts) was a rock concert given at the Royal Albert Hall in September 1983 in support of Action into Research for Multiple Sclerosis. The idea for hosting the concert was envisaged by Ronnie Lane, ex-bassist for The Small Faces and The Faces, himself a casualty of multiple sclerosis. The concert featured a star-studded line-up of well known British musicians, including Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Steve Winwood, Andy Fairweather-Low, Bill Wyman, Kenney Jones and Charlie Watts. The concert was particularly notable in the fact that it was the first occasion on which Clapton, Beck and Page, each a former lead guitarist for The Yardbirds, had performed together on stage..wikiBeck, Clapton, Brian May of Queen, Page meeting the Queen. The Queen asked Clapton 'had he been playing for very long'
8:29 PM
Doug said...
Yeah ok, thanks for all that info.You'd think the Queen would have done some research.Maybe she listens to opera or some old time music, maybe our music is becoming old time now.Cya

Bo Didley: Thanx for the Beat

2010-02-22T17:25:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of having lunch with Bo Diddley many years ago.

Bo Diddley "Road Runner"

Bo Diddley "Bo Diddley"

Sadly, just after this post Bo died 'Thanks for the beat, Bo

Crooks Like Us

2009-07-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

Gleebooks at Blackheath
PETER DOYLE
CROOKS LIKE US
PLUS

Doyle-Bongers Downhome Quartet

Join author and musician Peter Doyle as he talks about and shows images from Crooks Like Us, which chronicles Sydney’s underworld in photographs from the 1920s.

Then get down and boogie with Peter’s roots-blues-jazz-funk steel guitar and saxophone combo, Doyle-Bongers Downhome Quartet – from 4.30 to 6pm. Bring your dancing shoes!

Saturday August 8, 2.30 for 3pm

Gearin Hotel,
Pacific Hwy, Katoomba

Cost: $10/$7 conc. gleeclub welcome
$5 at the door for the band
Bookings: gleebooks 02 9660 2333
gleebooks at Blackheath 4787 6340
www.gleebooks.com.au/events

Pete Seeger

2009-04-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

Folks, People all over the world are organising a musical tribute to honour the great humanitarian and folk singer Peter Seeger however I don't think anyone has organised a Sydney event. If you are a Sydneysider and would like to sing at the Sydney party - 2pm Sat 3rd May - please let me know urgently.

Everyone is invited and especially those who can lead the crowd in one of Pete's songs. At this stage the event will be staged in kings Cross on the same day as the Kings Cross Food & Wine Festival. Let me know.Warren Fahey

Australian Folklore Unit http://www.warrenfahey.com/

wfahey@bigpond.net.au

PO Box 262, Potts Point, 2011.
0418423050

The event was abandoned due to the fact that it would clash with too many 'festivals' occurring in Sydney at the same time. Unfortunately for me who travelled thousands of miles to be at the event. Margaret subsequently apologised and sent me some marvellous CD's which I will review at a later date.

Bo Didley: Thanx for the Beat

2009-04-02T08:25:00.001-07:00

I had the pleasure of having lunch with Bo Diddley many years ago.

Bo Diddley "Road Runner"

Bo Diddley "Bo Diddley"

Sadly, just after this post Bo died 'Thanks for the beat, Bo

Tribute to Dave Van Ronk

2009-04-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

Transposing Scott Joplin's rags from piano to guitar can be attributed to Van Ronk

June 30, 1936 - February 10, 2002

Dave Van Ronk has been my inspiration and gave me my passion for the guitar and music.

I heard a sample of "Tell Old Bill" the other night for the first time in 40 years. Just to hear Dave sing (instead of me) made me teary.

My visual recollections are few. Only 'In Concert at the Bottom Line' DVD and a guest spot on Ray Martin's day time show doing "Maple Leaf Rag".

2002: Sitting at my desk in College, I keyed in Dave Van Ronk, to my horror I was looking at his obituary.

Van Ronk happened to me January, 1965, his voice, his guitar, his words were enthralling. He could sing so gently, finalising his songs with a gutteral shout.

His guitar sofly accompanying him, also in an ever increasing intensity.

Dave along with Dylan influenced my musical career. I diligently learned all the songs on the first and second vinyls "Cocaine Blues", "He was a Friend of Mine", "Tell Old Bill", man I was addicted. I went in search of his 'Ragtime Jug Stompers with the Red Onions Jazz Band'!

When my friend Graham died, he took with him his record collection, including Dave Van Ronk ..... it was too expensive to import LPs in those days, so I had to console myself with two scratchy (very scratchy) tracks, "Gospel Plow" and "Candy Man" off an old Newport Folk Festival LP. Whenever I'm feeling melancholy I pick away at a Van Ronk tune.

There is a site on Myspace with these four tracks for the listening:-

"Cocaine" "He Was A Friend Of Mine" "Mr Noah" "Statesboro Blues"

History of Rock and Roll
Dave talks 'bout Dylan for 10 secs

Dave Van Ronk “Candy Man”

Since writing this post I have now 5 Ronk CD's and playing the hell out of them!

Hatz Fitz

2009-04-02T04:56:00.000-07:00

I have had the pleasure of meeting Hatz on several occasions; Fredrick Town, Maclean, Yamba and Bundaberg. The best 'roots' guitarist I have seen in Australia and the most amazing 'live' performer I have seen to date. Unfortunately, his images are 'crap', his videos are 'crap' and his CDs are 'crap'. If he is ever 'discovered', these items will be priceless.

Triona & Maighread "Spanish Lady"

2009-04-02T00:50:00.000-07:00

'Spanish Lady', probably a euphemism for a 'lady of doubtful character'

Thanks to the Internet yet another mystery solved. The track "Spanish Lady" was given to me by my good friend and artist Eris Flaus. I have always wondered who sang this wonderful version.

From Amazon.com " the sisters Maighread and Triona Ní Dhomhnaill have been singing together since they were children, .. Triona as a singer and instrumentalist with the Bothy Band.. They recorded Idir an Dá Sholas together. The sisters learned most of these songs from their father Hiudai and their aunt Neili, who were well-known singers in their native Donegal ,,. Michael Simmons "

Triona and Maighread "Spanish Lady"

SPANISH LADY

As I was a walking through Dublin City, about the hour of twelve at night,
It was there I saw a fair pretty female, washing her feet by candlelight.

First she washed them then she dried them, over a fire of ambry coals,
And in all my life I never did see a maid so neat about the sole.

Chorus: She had 20, 18, 16, 14 - 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, none,
She had 19, 17, 15, 13, 11, 9, 7, 5, 3 and 1.

I stopped to look but the watchman passed, says he, “young fellow, the night is late",

Along with you home or I will wrestle you straight a-way to the Bridewell gate."

I got a look from the Spanish Lady, hot as a fire of ambry coals,
And in all my life I never did see, a maid so neat about the sole.

As I walked back through Dublin City, as the dawn of day was o'er,
Whom should I spy but the Spanish lady when I was weary and footsore.

She had a heart so full of loving , and her love she longed to share.
In all my life I never did meet a maid that had so much to spare.

I have wandered north and I've wandered south, by Stoneybatter and Patrick's Close,

And up and around by the Gloucester Diamond back by Napper Tandy's house.

But old age has laid her hand upon me, cold as a fire of ashy coals,
And gone is the lovely Spanish Lady neat and sweet about the sole.

Round and around goes the wheel of fortune, where it rests now wearies me.
Oh, fair young maids are so deceiving, sad experience teaches me.

Bothy Band "Pretty Peg"

Bothy Band 'jig'

Bothy Band "Drunken Lady"

"Spanish Lady" mp3 deactivated

Walking with my Cat named Dog

2009-03-29T00:08:00.000-07:00

What a haunting tune, I first heard it in the early 60s and find myself humming it quite often these days. Norma Tanega was Dusty Springfield's partner.

Norma Tanega "Walking with my Cat named Dog"

WALKING WITH MY CAT NAMED DOG

Walkin' all around the town, Singin' all the people down

Talkin' around, talkin' around

Me and my Cat named Dog, are walkin' high against the fog

Singin' the sun, singin' the sun

Happy sad and crazy wonder, chokin' up my mind

With perpetual dreamin'

Driftin' up and down the street, Searchin' for the sound of people

Swingin' their feet, swingin' their feet.

Dog is a good old cat, people what you think of that

That's where I'm at, that's where I'm at.

Happy sad and crazy wonder, chokin' up my mind

With perpetual dreamin' .. instr.

Dog is a good old cat, people what you think of that

That's where I'm at, that's where I'm at.

Woody "Hard Travellin"

2009-03-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

Woody Guthrie first came to my notice in 1965 in Dylan's "Song to Woody". His lyrics opened up a treasure box of history for me. I am presently listening to his 'Dustbowl Ballads', "Vigilante Man" would be my all time fave.

To those familiar with Woody there's not much I can say about this icon of the folk days that you don't already know.

Woody left us with a wealth of songs:

"This Land is Your Land", "This Train is Bound for Glory", "Do Re Me", "So Long, It's Bin Good to Know You" and "Pastures of Plenty" ..

Although, "This Land is Your Land" is credited to Woody it was first sung by The Carter Family.

I have just finished reading Woody's autobiography Bound for Glory. I found it rather monotonous, as was Guthrie's singing. Though without his influences we may not have had the privilege of seeing Dylan as we know him. Bob Dylan was greatly influenced by Woody Guthrie, aping his quirky stage characteristics. Without him we would not have been privy to a wealth of tunes recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary and The Weavers to name a few.

A folk singer in the true sense of the word, a troubadour who has left behind in his songs an account of the despair and poverty of The Depression Days of the 30's, his narrative voice has left us with knowledge of the times during the Dust Bowl caused by lack of forsight in agriculture.

"Tom Joad" John Steinbeck's 'Grapes of Wrath' 1930's

I found this video by fellow folk singers of his time; describes Guthrie and his arrival upon the folk scene in the city. It contains one of the surviving 1945 clips of Guthrie's "John Henry". Seems Guthrie was a 'travellin man', jumping boxcars and singing about the American countryside ..... the real deal.

Woodrow Guthrie was survived by his son Arlo Guthrie.

Donovan and crew "Hard Travellin" utube

Lonnie Donegan always a hoot “Hard Travellin”

"St. Louis Blues"

2009-03-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

W.C. Handy's "St. Louis Blues" is a classic, here is Furry Lewis doin' his version

Furry Lewis "St. Louis Blues"

Bessie Smith "St. Louis Blues"

Dave Brubeck "St. Louis Blues" and "Unsquare Dance"

Aust. visit presented by Digby Wolfe

Prewar Blues is a marvellous site for information and downloads.

Furry Lewis "St. Louis Blues" deactivated

Hats of to Eric

2009-03-27T05:28:00.000-07:00

CLAPTON ( G O D )

The Yardbirds

John Mayall's Bluesbreakers

Derek and the Dominoes

Powerhouse

Cream

Blind Faith

Hats off to you Eric! I think you have been one the most incredible entertainers that the 20th century has produced.

You have been the most consistent lead guitarist, sustaining your greatness throughout the decades.

Eric Clapton "Layla"

This video shows Clapton, Beck and Page, playing together
- along with Charlie Watts, Stevie Winwood and more!

A rare occurence. Can you spot who's who?

The Arms Concert at Royal Albert Hall

Ain't Got No Sugar Baby Now

2009-03-26T04:55:00.000-07:00

Tonight I bring to you the haunting classic

"Aint Got No Sugar Baby Now"

Doc, Dock and Roscoe

Doc Watson "Ain't Got No Honey Baby Now"

(overlaps "I'm a Stranger Here")

Roscoe Holcomb "Got No Sugar Baby Now"

'Roscoe Holcomb, Sept 5, 1912 - died Feb 1, 1981 was an American singer, banjo player, and guitarist from Daisy, Kentucky. A prominent figure in Appalachian folk music, Holcomb's repertoire included old-time music, hymns, and blues ballads. He was a competent harmonica player, and sang many of his most memorable songs acappella.'

Dock Boggs "Ain't Got No Honey Baby Now"

'Moran Lee "Dock" Boggs born in West Norton,Virginia Feb 7, 1898 – Feb 7, 1971) was an influential old-time singer, songwriter and banjo player. His style of banjo playing, as well as his singing, is considered a unique combination of Appalachian folk music and African-American Blues.'

FRED RAMEY "Hello Lynne, I subscribe to Google Alerts and received note from Google about a post about Doc Boggs, As you noted Doc Boggs was born just ouside of Norton Virginia. You may already know about the Doc Boggs (http://www.dockboggsfestival.com/) festival held annually at the "Country Cabin" located just ouside of Norton. I recently ran across several articles from the 1920s regarding Doc Boggs getting a record deal that I would be happy to share with you. Also, if you are interested in this style of music, you may also want to learn more about the 'The Crooked Road: Heritage Music Trail (http://www.thecrookedroad.org/) located in this part of Virginia. Fred"

Fred L. Ramey, Jr. Assistant City Manager city of Norton P.O. Box 618 Norton, VA 24273

http://www.nortonva.org/ Phone (276) 679-1160

Many thanks for the poster Fred

The Waifs "Lighthouseman"

2009-03-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

Waifs "Lighthouseman"

The Waifs formed in 1992, they are a folk rock band from Western Australia. The original members of the Waifs are Josh Cunningham (guitar, vocals) and sisters Vikki Thorn (harmonica, guitar, vocals) and Donna Simpson (guitar, vocals). Their current tour band also incudes Ben Franz (bass) and David Ross MacDonald (drums). They supported Bob Dylan when on his Australian tour, he asked them to join him in his 2003 North American tour, including the Newport Folk Festival. The Waifs own Jarrah Records, an independent label with John Butler of The John Butler Trio.

ARIA Awards for:
2003: Best Roots and Blues Album and Best Independent Album.
Best Produced Album and Best Engineered Album. Chris Thompson was the Producer and Engineer for ''Up All Night', as well as singles 'London Still', 'Bridal Train' and the live double album

2006: USA Songwriting Competition, First Prize in the 'Folk' category, and Overall First Prize for the song Bridal Train, written by Vikki Thorn
2003: ARIA Awards, Best Independent Release for Up All Night

Deep River Blues

2009-03-25T04:03:00.000-07:00

"Deep River Blues", the tune that showed me just what could be done with just 6-strings!

Doc Watson "Deep River Blues"

A rather stilted version.

Leo Kottke "Deep River Blues"

Doc Watson "Deep River Blues"

Doc's looking far more at ease.

Floyd Cramer and Chet Akins "On the Rebound"

Doc Watson and Chet Atkins "Canaan's Land"

Doc and Chet on the 'Toni Tennille Show'

featuring 'guitar-picks'

Doc Watson & Chet Atkins "Doin' that Rag"

"Pastures of Plenty"

2009-03-25T03:54:00.000-07:00

"Pastures of Plenty" was written in 1941 by Woody Guthrie

Two versions by Karl Denver just appeared on Utube !!!!!!!!!!!

Karl Denver "Pastures of Plenty" view also 2nd version by Karl

Arlo Guthrie "Pasture of Plenty"

Woody Guthrie "Pastures of Plenty"

Ramblin' Jack Elliot "Pastures of Plenty"

PASTURES OF PLENTY

Well, it's always we ramble, this river and I
All along your green valleys, I work till I die
My land I'll defend with my life need it be
'Cause my pastures of plenty must always be free

Green pastures of plenty from dry desert ground
From the Grand Coulee Dam where the waters run down
Every state in this union us migrants have been
Lord, we come with the dust and we go with the wind

California, Arizona, I harvest your crops
Then it's on up North to Oregon to gather your hops
Dig the beet from your ground, cut the grapes from your vine
Just to place on your table your that light, sparkling wine

Well, it's always we ramble, this river and I
All along your green valleys, I work till I die
My land I'll defend with my life need it be
'Cause my pastures of plenty must always be free.

Etta Baker

2009-03-25T03:20:00.001-07:00

Etta Lucille Baker (nee Reid) Mar 3, 1913 - Sept 23, 2006, grew up in the Johns River Township, Caldwell County, North Carolina, of African American/Native American heritage. Her parents Boone and Sally Reid introduced Etta to the guitar at the age of 3. As well as the 6 and 12 string guitars she was accomplished on the five-string banjo. For 26 years she worked in a textile mill and, raised nine children! In 1956 at the age of 60 Etta began playing music professionally and by 70 was performing full-time!

Interview with Etta is an excellent audio with Etta Baker telling her life story and playing a medley includes: "Railroad Bill", "John Henry", "Never Let Your Deal Go Down" and "Dew Drop" from NPR

The Traditional Years - Instrumental Music of the Southern Appalachians (samples only)
If you are a golk roots fan you may be interested in purchasing this CD. Recorded in 1956, these field recordings by Etta, family and friends were 'discovered' in the early '60s. This collection of songs was hugely responsible for the 'folk revival' in the 1960s and influenced greats such as Dave Van Ronk, Robert Zimmerman and Taj Mahal. I have this excellent CD.

In 2004 Etta recorded a CD with Taj.
"I came upon that record in the 60s. It didn't have any pictures so I had no idea who she was until I got to meet her years later. But man, that chord in 'Railroad Bill' ....it just cut right through me. I can't even describe how deep that was for me, just beautiful stuff .. Taj"

Etta also played and sang with her sister Cora Phillips (nee Reid). They recorded the CD 'Carolina Breakdown' together, this can be heard at Honey Where Ya Been So Long? Prewar Blues (an excellent site with a wealth of information and mp3's).

I recently purchased Etta's DVD The Fingerpicking Blues of Etta Baker she performs and discusses the fingerpicking styles from her repertoire.

I am presently attempting "Mint Julep". Etta Baker was one of the finest in the Piedmont tradition, listen to "One Cent Dime" at Florida Folk Life Collection an excellent music site. Also, you will find several tracks of Etta performing at Berea College.

View these incredible slides of Etta playin' News Observer

Wayne Martin plays fiddle on her banjo collection coming out soon.

Blues-rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd's CD '10 days Out' with Kenny and Etta playing guitar.

Etta Baker was acclaimed during her musical career and received several awards. In 1982, the North Carolina Folklore Society's Brown-Hudson Folklore Award, 1989 the Folk Heritage Award from the North Carolina Arts Council along with sister Cora, 1991 the National Endowment for the Arts, National Heritage Fellows and The North Carolina Award in 2003.

Patrick Sky

2009-03-25T00:41:00.000-07:00

' Here I sit in a world without pain,

while the Nectar of God, well it flows through my veins ... '

Many a night Wally and I would play Patrick's "Nectar of God"

It's a dirty old world it'll make a man cry

All the do-nothings live, God almight now

And the good people die.

When I left home my mother said son

Go into the world, God almight now

But don't you go wrong.

So here I sit in a world without pain

While the Nectar of God, God almight now

Well it flows through my veins.

When I left home my mother said son
Go into the world .. God almighty now
But don't you go wrong.

So here I sit in a world without pain
While the nectar of God .. God almighty now
Wll it flows through my veins.

Lat in the evening, and early in the morn

The mist on Dog Mountain hangs low

And the voice of my mother

Rides in on the down wind

Sayin' son, don't stay too long.

Yes, the green leaves of Autumn, they fall to the floor

And the inside is outside, God almighty now

And I can't find the door.

Well, you ask what's the blues, well I'll tell you if I can

It's a ten dollar woman, God almighty now

And a five dollar man.

Got the blues in my coffee, I got the blues in my head

If I die in the gutter, God almight now

Well, at least I'll be dead.

Well, I don't like living, but I don't wanna die

'Cos if I was dead, God almight now

Well, I'd miss getting high.

Late in the evening and early in the morn

The mist of Dog Mountain hangs low

And the voice of my mother

Rides on the down wind, Saying son, don't stay too long.

Patrick Sky "Guabi Guabi"

Also, click here for Arlo's version

' Guabi Guabi kuzwan le toum diomeah... '

I have always sang ' .. Guabi Guabi goose were made for dying .. '

ah well, who knew?? Guabi Guabi lyrics

Patrick Sky “Egrett Line"

Patrick Sky, Pennywhistlers, and Pete Seeger "Rosin the Bow"

Patrick Sky "Separation Blues"

"Viola Lee Blues"

2009-03-25T00:27:00.001-07:00

One classic I must make mention of is "Viola Lee Blues" credited to:

Noah Lewis - Gus Cannon Jug Stompers

Gus Cannon (guitar/jug) Elijah Avery (banjo/guitar)

Noah Lewis (harmonica/vocals Hosea Woods (kazoo)

Two versions of this song were recorded by Cannon on Sept.20, 1928 in Memphis Tennesse. The copyright credits the song (the 2nd version) to Noah Lewis.

Grateful Dead "Viola Lee Blues"

Monterey Pop Festival '67

Don't like this version, but then I don't care much for The Dead, Too experimental and mucky for me.

The Wheel "Viola Lee Blues"

Good one, boys!

by Frankie and the boys from 'Long Time Coming'

VIOLA LEE BLUES combination of Take 1 and 2

The judge he pleaded, clerk he wrote it
Clerk he wrote it down, indeedy
The judge he pleaded, the clerk he wrote it down
If you miss jail fellas, you must be Nashville bound.

Some got six months, some got one solid
Some got one solid year, indeedy
Some got six months, some got one solid year
But me and my buddy both got lifetime here.

Fix my supper mama, let me go to her
Let me go to bed, indeed Lord
Fix my supper, let me go to bed
I've been drinkin' white lightnin'
It's gone to my head.

The Judge, he pleaded, the clerk he wrote it
The clerk he wrote it down, he did it
The Judge, he pleaded, the clerk he wrote it down
Ain't got you sinners, You must be Nashville Bound

Some got six months, some got it solid
Some got it solid, yeah, indeedy
Some got six months, some got it solid yeah
Me any my buddy, we got lifetime here

I wrote a letter, I mailed it in there
I mailed it in there, there indeedy
I wrote a letter, I mailed it in there
You know by that, I have a friend somewhere

The Judge, he pleaded, the clerk he wrote it
The clerk he wrote it down, he did it
The Judge, he pleaded, the clerk he wrote it down
Ain't got you sinners, You must be Nashville Bound.

Listen to Viola Lee Blues by Ry Cooder FM

Note: Definition of White Lightnin'

All mp3 versions deactivated

A Soulin'

2009-03-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

I was wandering through the Botanical Gardens and for privacy sake let's just say I was 'aloft'. As I approached the Opera House I was privy to see Peter Paul and Mary, singing! Yep, that’s right an unscheduled rehearsal … God’s truth. I had previously been to see them at the Sydney Stadium early ‘60’s and will never forget their reference to a young lad named Bobby Dylan. They said he had promise as they launched into "Blowing in the Wind" .. hmmm, think he’ll make it?

Peter Paul and Mary "A Souling"

"A Souling" is a traditional English tune from the midlands inaccurately accredited to Paul Stookey.

All Hallows (that is, Halloween and All Soul's Day). Children would go from door to door asking for soul cakes. They asked for "any good thing to make us merry" but sould cakes were not originally intended for the living. Long before the Christian church gave the end of October and the beginning of November the name 'All Hallows', it was the Celtic New Year. It is thought that the sould cake tradition may be a remnant of the ancient, pre-Christian practice of preparing a final meal for the year's dead.

The song which launched Peter, Paul and Mary (PP&M)

Peter, Paul and Mary "If I Had a Hammer"

Mary Travers in her prime. With just a flick of her flaxen hair Mary gave me cold shivers. What a woman!

"Catfish Blues"

2009-03-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight I pay my respects to Robert Petway and "Catfish Blues"

Origins of "Catfish Blues"

Robert Petway 1941

' .. setting their hooks in-to-me .. not a word to oo say .. '

greeat lyrics, greeat phrasing with a haunting compelling drive,

a greeat song by the gutteral Robert Petway.

Sadly, to date, the only track I have heard of Petways.

Robert Petway's "Catfish Blues" music only

Jimi Hendrix "Catfish Blues"

ZZ Top "Catfish Blues"

Robert Petway "Catfish Blues" deactivated

One Kind Favour

2009-03-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

Blind Lemon Jefferson (ca. 1893–1929).

In 1997 he was given a new headstone with the lyrics .. 'one kind favour I’ll ask of you, see that my grave is kept clean' inscripted.

Under the pseudonym Deacon L. J. Bates, he recorded two spirituals "I Want to be Like Jesus in My Heart" and "All I Want is That Pure Religion".

Jefferson brought to us:-

"Matchbox Blues"

"See That My Grave Is Kept Clean"

"That Black Snake Moan"
"Black Horse Blues"

Blind Lemon Jefferson “See that my Grave is Kept Clean”

Blind Willie McTell

2009-03-24T05:05:00.000-07:00

May 05, 1901 - Aug 19, 1959

Blind Willie McTell played harmonica accordion, 6-string and 12-string acoustic guitars, his technique on the 12-string was unique, using a picking style that made it sound like he was playing more than one guitar. Although McTell is a treasure now, he played and recorded for 20 years without any notable recognition.

Probably the most comprehensive article I have read on McTell Bluesnet.hub

Blind Willie McTell's style has always appealed to me. Over the years I have purchased some not so good McTell CDs. I always longed for the Library of Congress Recording (1940) I had 'lost' years and years ago (in those days we had to send away to the States for these recordings) I was not impressed when someone 'hocked it'!!

Tracks included "Boll Weevil" "Delia" "Crapshooter's Blues" "Will Fox" "Chainey" and "King Edward Blues". "Just as Well to Get Ready" a spiritual with a poignant message. Willie's accompaniment on his 12 string is as haunting as his voice.

My personal favourite is

"Just as Well to Get Ready" ..

' Just as well to get ready you got to die .. maybe tomorrow, Lord you can't tell the minute or the hour .. just as well to get ready you got to die '

It seems to be unclear which archivist McTell was being interviewed by John or Alan Lomax?? This part of the interview I have remembered for 40 years!! The condescending Lomax in my opinion is oblivious to Willie's cutting wit.

Lomax: "you don't know any complaining songs at all?"

McTell: "wweell .."
Lomax: "ain't it hard to be a nigger, nigger. Do you know that one?"

Click here for McTell's history and to listen to monologues and tracks.

I came across this article (here) An excellent review from Ray Davies (Kinks)

William Samuel McTell recorded under several different names (with several different recording studios), including Pig 'n Whistle Red and is probably the most known of the Piedmont 'pickers'.

Blind Willie McTell "Searching the Desert"

contains a wonderful array of McTell photographs.

Dylan's Tribute to McTell

East Piedmont Blues Guitarists

Peg Leg Howell

2009-03-24T05:02:00.000-07:00

Joshua Barnes Howell was born in March 5, 1888 in Eaton, Georgia.

He died in August 1966.

The nickname 'Peg Leg' was acquired after an incident with a shotgun in 1916, where his brother-in-law allegedly shot him in the leg. As a result, he lost his leg and was fitted with a prosthesis.

Howell recorded everything from ballads, such as "Skin Game Blues". to dance numbers, such as *"Beaver Slide Rag". Howell even recorded some jazz, such as "New Jelly Roll Blues".

1923, he moved to Atlanta and recorded for Columbia Records on November 8, 1926, cutting four sides including "New Prison Blues". Peg Leg’s career was cut short when he was sent to River Camp Prison for 'bootlegging'.

By 1952, diabetes had taken Howell’s other leg!

Image: Henry Williams (guitar) Eddie Anthony (fiddle), Eugene Pedin on mandolin. The line-up of this 'Gang' was to change often.

1963, Testament Records recorded him 34 years after his last sessions. He was now 75 years old, both legs were gone; he suffered from diabetes and lived on welfare. According to some the new recordings did not have the magic of his earlier recordings.

“One of the most important aspects of Peg Leg Howell's music, is hearing the bridge between the influences of plantation work songs and traditional Blues music. It is a recorded link between the two forms.” says Merlin in Rags a fellow blogger, check it out.

Peg Leg Howell “Beaver Slide Rag”

*The Beaver Slide' was a barrelhouse or juke joint in the black section of Atlanta, Gorgia …

It is reported that in 1881 a journalist described the ‘Beaver Slide' on Decatur Street and referred to the "soul-harrowing music of a string band, the colored beaux and dusky damsels ...

trip the light fantastic toe, not forgetting to refresh themselves at the saloon counter when each dance is ended”

It would appear that this 1881 string bands were not just playing `hoe-downs', ‘jump-ups', etc. but surely something akin to the early blues when this reporter describes it as "soul-harrowing music". This was only some 7 years before Peg Leg Howell was born

in Eatonton, Ga. down in Putnam County.

"Tell Old Bill"

2009-03-24T04:52:00.000-07:00

Dave Van Ronk from 1987 Appearance on The John Hammond Show

a labour of love .. 1965. I first heard and learned to play this wonderful, song by Dave .. his energy ever increasing until he cries out in a gut wrenching finish.

Dave Van Ronk, off vinyl

Van Ronk sings Earthy Ballads and Blues (1959)

TELL OLD BILL

Tell Old Bill, when he come home this morning

Tell Old Bill, when he come home this evening

Tell Old Bill when he come home

he better leave them downtown girls alone