Showing posts with label Jerry McCain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jerry McCain. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Jerry McCain - Jerry McCain's Blues Party

Album: Jerry McCain's Blues Party
Size: 161,5 MB
Time: 70:01
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2024
Styles: Blues, harmonica blues
Art: Front, back

1. I Got The Blues All Over Me (Feat. Rob Baskerville) (4:33)
2. Boogie Buzz (Instr.) (Feat. The King Bees) (4:03)
3. Mama's Pride (4:27)
4. I Used To Have It (Feat. The King Bees) (Live) (5:49)
5. She's Tough (Feat. The King Bees) (Live) (4:03)
6. Burn The Crack House Down (Feat. The King Bees) (Live) (5:44)
7. Hotrod Ford (2:19)
8. Let Me Tell You Pretty Baby (1:23)
9. Hello Central (Feat. The King Bees) (Live) (5:25)
10. Look On Yonder Wall (Feat. Chick Willis & The King Bees) (Live) (4:52)
11. Back Door Loving (Feat. Penny Zamagni & The King Bees) (5:31)
12. Worried Life Blues (Feat. Nappy Brown & The King Bees) (Live) (6:23)
13. Blues Tribute (Feat. The King Bees) (Live) (4:17)
14. You Knows How To Love (1:14)
15. I Got To Go Home (2:15)
16. Cool It (Feat. Penny Zamagni & The King Bees) (3:38)
17. Who Told You (Feat. Nappy Brown & The King Bees) (Live) (3:54)

Get ready for an unforgettable musical journey with Jerry McCain's Blues Party. Featuring the legendary talents of Chick Willis, Nappy Brown, and The King Bees, this release promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Jerry 'Boogie' McCain. Born in Atalla, Alabama, Jerry McCain (1930-2012) was a pioneering harmonica player who left an indelible mark on the blues world. From his early days collecting scrap iron to buy his first harmonica to his iconic recordings with Trumpet Records, Jerry's journey is one of perseverance and immense talent. His collaborations with blues legends and his innovative amplified harp technique set him apart as a true musical genius.

Jerry McCain's Blues Party is more than an album; it's a testament to the deep bond and mutual respect between Jerry and The King Bees. After countless miles traveled, numerous phone calls, live performances, studio sessions, and backyard BBQs, The King Bees were welcomed into Jerry's world, creating music that is both authentic and soul-stirring. This album captures the essence of Jerry McCain's vibrant personality and musical brilliance. The stories of their first encounters, the legendary gigs, and the invaluable mentorship Jerry provided to The King Bees are woven into every track, bringing his spirit to life.

Jerry McCain's Blues Party mc
Jerry McCain's Blues Party gofile

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Jerry 'Boogie' McCain - Black & Blues

Album: Black & Blues
Size: 75,6 MB
Time: 32:09
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1980/1987
Styles: Blues, harmonica blues
Art: LP front & back

1. Love Whip (3:19)
2. If I'm Your Fool Baby (5:17)
3. Tuff Stuff (2:11)
4. She's Tough (2:31)
5. What About You (2:25)
6. Looks Like I Can See Everybody (4:24)
7. Steady (2:04)
8. I'll Come Running Back For More (2:59)
9. Something About My Baby (3:31)
10. Blues Singing Man (3:24)

Not only is Alabama-born Jerry McCain a terrific amplified harpist, he's also one of the funniest songwriters working the genre and has been for more than four decades, as anyone who's dug his out-of-control 1950s Excello rockers "My Next Door Neighbor" and "Trying to Please" will gladly testify. McCain was born on June 18, 1930, in Gadsden, AL. As a youngster, Little Walter was McCain's main man on harp, an instrument McCain began playing at age five.

Walter passed through Gadsden one fateful night in 1953 with his Aces, offering encouragement and a chance to jam at a local nightspot. That same year, "Boogie" McCain made his vinyl debut for Lillian McMurray's Trumpet label in Jackson, MS, with "East of the Sun"/"Wine-O-Wine" and his brother, Walter McCain, playing drums on the sides. McCain's 1954 Trumpet encore, "Stay Out of Automobiles"/"Love to Make Up," was solid Southern blues, but barely hinted at the galvanic energy of his subsequent output.

Jerry McCain signed with Ernie Young's Nashville-based Excello logo in 1955, cutting "That's What They Want" with his usual sidekick Christopher Collins on guitar. "Run, Uncle John! Run," "Trying to Please," the torrid "My Next Door Neighbor" (a prior homemade demo version of the track that surfaced much later was even crazier), and "The Jig's Up" ranked with McCain's best 1955-1957 Excello efforts.

The harpist is probably best-known for his two-sided 1960 gem for Rex Records, "She's Tough"/"Steady." The Fabulous Thunderbirds later appropriated the insinuating mid-tempo A-side, while McCain's harp chops were strikingly showcased on the flip. McCain waxed three 45s for OKeh in Nashville in 1962, utilizing Music Row mainstays Floyd Cramer, Grady Martin, and Boots Randolph as his backup for "Red Top" and "Jet Stream." A series of 1965-1968 sides for Stan Lewis' Shreveport-based Jewel Records included a tailor-made tribute to the company, "728 Texas (Where the Action Is)" (Jewel's address).

After too many years spent in relative obscurity, McCain rejuvenated his fortunes in 1989 by signing with Ichiban Records and releasing Blues 'n' Stuff, followed three years later by Struttin' My Stuff and Love Desperado. In 2000, McCain released an all-star album This Stuff Just Kills Me for the Jericho label featuring Johnnie Johnson, John Primer, Anson Funderburgh, Jimmie Vaughan, along with the Double Trouble rhythm section of Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton. McCain resurfaced on Ichiban in 2002 with the release of American Roots: Blues. /Biography by Bill Dahl, AllMusic

(Note: This album was re-released in 1987 entitled "Black & Blues Is Back!" with different front a back cover.)

Black & Blues mc
Black & Blues zippy

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Jerry McCain - Tough Stuff: The Hot Harmonica Singles Of Jerry McCain 1953-1962

Size: 149.8 MB
Time: 63:06
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2021
Styles: Harmonica Blues, Rockin' Blues, R&B
Art: Front & Back

01. East Of The Sun (2:45)
02. Wine-O-Wine (2:43)
03. Stay Out Of Automobiles (2:32)
04. Love To Make Up (3:02)
05. Crazy 'Bout That Mess (2:22)
06. Fall Guy (2:29)
07. Middle Of The Night (2:54)
08. Courtin' In A Cadiilac (2:14)
09. That's What They Want (2:22)
10. If It Wasn't For My Baby (2:52)
11. You Do'nt Love Me No More (2:32)
12. Run Uncle John! Run (2:28)
13. Things Ain't Right (2:50)
14. My Next Door Neighbor (2:11)
15. Trying To Please (2:38)
16. Listen! Young Girls (2:35)
17. Bad Credit (2:23)
18. Groom Without A Bride (2:32)
19. The Jig's Up (2:33)
20. She's Tough (2:24)
21. Steady (2:05)
22. Red Top (2:20)
23. Twist "62" (2:36)
24. Popcorn (2:09)
25. Jet Stream (2:23)

Influenced by Sonny Boy Williamson and Little Walter, Jerry McCain was one of the greatest blues harmonica players.

Recording prolifically due to his popularity on jukeboxes he enjoyed several regional hits.

This is the most comprehensive CD collection to date for Jerry McCain and includes recordings from all the labels he recorded for up until 1962.

One of his most famous songs, 'She's Tough' was taken to global popularity in the 1970s by The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

This is a must have CD for blues fans and in particular blues harmonica.

Thanks to Nappywrags
Tough Stuff: The Hot Harmonica Singles Of Jerry McCain 1953-1962 MP3
Tough Stuff: The Hot Harmonica Singles Of Jerry McCain 1953-1962 FLAC

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Jerry 'Boogie' McCain - Better Late Than Never (2 CD)

Album: Better Late Than Never
Size: 177,4 + 148,8 MB
Time: 76:46 + 64:18
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2008
Styles: Blues, harmonica blues
Art: Front, inside, cds

CD 1:
1. Ain't No Use For Drug Abuse (5:25)
2. Look At Me (3:39)
3. Blues Tribute (4:46)
4. They Call Me Boogie (3:58)
5. Burn The Crackhouse Down (4:51)
6. Courtin In A Cadillac (2:15)
7. The Cost Of Livin Is Too High (8:19)
8. East Of The Sun (2:45)
9. I Ain't Henpecked (6:31)
10. House Party Boogie (7:24)
11. If I'm Your Fool (5:28)
12. Keep Your Business To Yourself (5:32)
13. A Little Bit Of Something (3:52)
14. Long Arm Of The Law (5:41)
15. Momma's Gone (6:14)

CD 2:
1. Mercy Mercy (4:04)
2. You Are Messing With Me Baby (4:16)
3. Potato Patch (5:10)
4. Pull Up In My Garage (6:04)
5. She Tore Me Up (4:28)
6. She's Tuff (2:27)
7. Spoiled Rotten (To The Bone) (5:04)
8. Steady (Fifties Classic) (2:07)
9. Strut Your Stuff (4:41)
10. Sue Somebody (5:48)
11. Strange Things (3:25)
12. This Stuff Could Kill Me (6:25)
13. Ting Ting Tigaloo (2:05)
14. I Want To Be Your Santa Claus (4:03)
15. I Am Waiting On Jesus (4:05)

Not only is Alabama-born Jerry McCain a terrific amplified harpist, he's also one of the funniest songwriters working the genre and has been for more than four decades, as anyone who's dug his out-of-control 1950s Excello rockers "My Next Door Neighbor" and "Trying to Please" will gladly testify. McCain was born on June 18, 1930, in Gadsden, AL. As a youngster, Little Walter was McCain's main man on harp, an instrument McCain began playing at age five. Walter passed through Gadsden one fateful night in 1953 with his Aces, offering encouragement and a chance to jam at a local nightspot.

That same year, "Boogie" McCain made his vinyl debut for Lillian McMurray's Trumpet label in Jackson, MS, with "East of the Sun"/"Wine-O-Wine" and his brother, Walter McCain, playing drums on the sides. McCain's 1954 Trumpet encore, "Stay Out of Automobiles"/"Love to Make Up," was solid Southern blues, but barely hinted at the galvanic energy of his subsequent output.

Jerry McCain signed with Ernie Young's Nashville-based Excello logo in 1955, cutting "That's What They Want" with his usual sidekick Christopher Collins on guitar. "Run, Uncle John! Run," "Trying to Please," the torrid "My Next Door Neighbor" (a prior homemade demo version of the track that surfaced much later was even crazier), and "The Jig's Up" ranked with McCain's best 1955-1957 Excello efforts.

The harpist is probably best-known for his two-sided 1960 gem for Rex Records, "She's Tough"/"Steady." The Fabulous Thunderbirds later appropriated the insinuating mid-tempo A-side, while McCain's harp chops were strikingly showcased on the flip. McCain waxed three 45s for OKeh in Nashville in 1962, utilizing Music Row mainstays Floyd Cramer, Grady Martin, and Boots Randolph as his backup for "Red Top" and "Jet Stream." A series of 1965-1968 sides for Stan Lewis' Shreveport-based Jewel Records included a tailor-made tribute to the company, "728 Texas (Where the Action Is)" (Jewel's address).

After too many years spent in relative obscurity, McCain rejuvenated his fortunes in 1989 by signing with Ichiban Records and releasing Blues 'n' Stuff, followed three years later by Struttin' My Stuff and Love Desperado. In 2000, McCain released an all-star album This Stuff Just Kills Me for the Jericho label featuring Johnnie Johnson, John Primer, Anson Funderburgh, Jimmie Vaughan, along with the Double Trouble rhythm section of Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton. McCain resurfaced on Ichiban in 2002 with the release of American Roots: Blues. /Biography by Bill Dahl, AllMusic

Better Late Than Never (2 CD) mc
Better Late Than Never (2 CD) zippy

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Jerry McCain - That's What They Want: The Best Of

Size: 137,4 MB
Time: 59:04
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1995
Styles: Blues, harmonica blues
Art: Full

1. That's What They Want (2:22)
2. Courtin' In A Cadillac (2:13)
3. If It Wasn't For My Baby (2:53)
4. You Don't Love Me No More (2:33)
5. Run, Uncle John, Run! (2:28)
6. Things Ain't Right (2:54)
7. Tryin' To Please (2:37)
8. My Next Door Neighbor (2:11)
9. Listen, Young Girls (2:36)
10. Bad Credit (2:22)
11. The Jig's Up (2:29)
12. Groom Without A Bride (2:29)
13. A Cutie Named Judy (2:06)
14. Geronimo Rock & Roll (2:50)
15. It Must Be Love (3:18)
16. Rock & Roll Ball (2:54)
17. I Want Somebody To Love (2:12)
18. Turn Your Damper Down (2:49)
19. I'm A Ding Dong Daddy From A Rock & Roll City (2:30)
20. Choo Choo Rock (2:13)
21. Bell In My Heart (2:31)
22. My Next Door Neighbor (2:15)
23. Crying Like A Fool (3:07)

McCain has always marched to the beat of a different drummer and the proof of it is right here, 23 recordings that define the place where the blues and rock'n'roll meet at the end of a dark alley. The first 12 tracks are McCain's complete singles output for Excello Records, the sides upon which most of his reputation rests. From the cold hearted bravado of the the title track to the rocking insanity of "Trying To Please," this music is as special as it comes.

The following 11 tracks come from homemade demo tapes circa 1955 that were cut in Jerry's living room with a single mike, one track home tape recorder. Featuring grinding, massively distorted guitars, crashing drums and lyrical texts concerning themselves with going crazy to rock 'n' roll, rock 'n' roll as salvation ("Rock & Roll Ball," "Geronimo's Rock"), or going crazy from outside worldly pressures ("Bell In My Heart," "My Next Door Neighbors"), these masterpieces answer the musical question: what would a rock & roll album by Little Walter have sounded like? /Rovi Staff, AllMusic

(For personnel details, see artwork included.)

That's What They Want: The Best Of Jerry McCain mc
That's What They Want: The Best Of Jerry McCain zippy

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Jerry 'Boogie' McCain - Unplugged

Size: 115,1 MB
Time: 49:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2001
Styles: Harmonica blues
Art: Full

1. Olla Mae (4:19)
2. Gal Named Mary (5:56)
3. Sexual Harassment (5:22)
4. Excited By Your Charms (5:36)
5. If Love Kills Me (4:41)
6. Bad Love Blues (3:41)
7. Sun Won't Shine (3:29)
8. Take My Love & Leave Me Flat (5:08)
9. I Got You (4:16)
10. If You Love Me (3:06)
11. Look At Me (4:12)

In 1998, guitarist Timothy Duffy and his wife Denise, blues fans representing Music Maker Relief foundation, an non-profit organization dedicated to keeping alive Southern musical traditions and helping its artists to survive, paid a visit to Jerry in Gadsden in hopes of being able to record him for posterity. In short, all thought it would be a great idea, especially the totally acoustic part (without amps), and Tim summoned musician friends Microwave Dave (guitar) and Ardie Dean (drums) to round out the session which was held in a rented hotel room. The outcome wasn't a polished product by any stretch (all single takes) but at least it gave the listener a glimpse of what real down home juke blues is all about.

Unplugged mc
Unplugged zippy

Sunday, March 7, 2021

Jerry McCain - Struttin' My Stuff

Size: 102,6 MB
Time: 44:27
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1992
Styles: Blues, harmonica blues
Art: Full

1. Strut Your Stuff (4:39)
2. Sue Somebody (5:44)
3. Hold It Right There (5:36)
4. 1-900-Number (5:45)
5. Vote (5:10)
6. It's Gonna Be Good (4:19)
7. Dr. Love (8:36)
8. Get You Off My Mind (4:34)

Alabaman Jerry McCain is a veteran of the blues and in fact recorded for the Trumpet label in Jackson, MS, at the same time as Elmore James and Sonny Boy Williamson. As one would expect, his harp work is both traditional and solid. Although original, his instrumental style bears resemblance to the work of past masters - the Sonny Boys and the Walters - while his original lyrics reflect modern life. This is a fine set of funky, urban blues - a standout from the Ichiban catalogue. /Larry Hoffman, AllMusic

(For personnel details, see artwork included.)

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Struttin' My Stuff zippy

Friday, March 5, 2021

Jerry 'Boogie' McCain - This Stuff Just Kills Me

Size: 142,7 MB
Time: 61:36
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1999
Styles: Blues, harmonica blues
Art: Full

1. Where You Been (3:45)
2. Super Woman (5:00)
3. This Stuff Just Kills Me (6:23)
4. Viagra Man (6:11)
5. Slave Master (3:48)
6. My Deal At The Crossroads (5:26)
7. Jealousy (4:04)
8. Ain't No Use For Drug Abuse (5:23)
9. Mama's Gone (6:15)
10. Madison Mood (4:22)
11. Deadbeats (4:51)
12. Pull Up In My Garage (6:01)

Produced by Mike Vernon and recorded in Memphis, Austin, and Chicago in May of 1999 with an all-star cast, this catches McCain in peak form. With the Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble rhythm section of Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon anchoring things down, the guitar work is ably handled by Anson Funderburgh, Derek O'Brien, and John Primer with several guest appearances from Jimmie Vaughan sprinkled throughout the set. Add Johnnie Johnson guesting on four tracks and match it all up with some solid, humorous songwriting and you have one of McCain's most consistent efforts in years. A winner all the way. /Cub Koda, AllMusic

(For personnel details, see artwork included.)

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This Stuff Just Kills Me zippy

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Jerry McCain - Choo Choo Rock

Size: 67,7 MB
Time: 29:06
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1981
Styles: Harmonica blues, R&B
Art: Front

1. Cutie Named Judie (2:08)
2. Geronimo's Rock (2:52)
3. It Must Be Love (3:20)
4. Rock And Roll Ball (2:56)
5. I Need Somebody To Love (2:13)
6. Turn Your Damper Down (2:50)
7. I'm A Ding Dong Daddy From A Rock And Roll City (2:32)
8. Choo Choo Rock (2:14)
9. Bell In My Heart (2:32)
10. My Next Door Neighbour (2:15)
11. Crying Like A Fool (3:07)

Jerry McCain is an inexplicably obscure harmonica player who was most active in the 1950s. His first recordings were on Trumpet Records for Lillian McMurray (who also discovered Elmore James) in 1953; they were decent but unremarkable blues sides. In 1955, however, he put together a band with his brother and went uptempo, recording eleven raucous rock and roll demos in his living room, all original compositions. On the strength of these recordings he got a contract with Excello and issued several tracks, all great rockers but not up to the level of the insane, crude demos.

He’s been active on-and-off since then; his biggest hit was a 1970 cover of Guy Drake’s right-wing anthem “Welfare Cadillac”. He retired from his day job — private investigator — in the 1980s and later opened a nightclub, where he still performs occasionally. The living room recordings have been reissued a few times, originally on a European bootleg called “Choo Choo Rock”, then later on another boot and then finally on a legit-looking reissue that also included his complete Excello sides. All are long out of print.

These tracks are all great, but be sure to check out “My Next Door Neighbor”, which is in my Top 5 Best Song Lyrics of All Time list (he would record a tamer version for Excello a year later, with the line about the Devil removed), and “Bell in My Heart”, where McCain is accompanied by an alarm clock that is starting to wind down by the third verse. /Sluggo, Dinosaur Gardens

Choo Choo Rock mc
Choo Choo Rock zippy

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Jerry McCain - Absolutely The Best: The Complete Jewel Singles 1965-1972

Year: 2001
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:53
Size: 102,2 MB
Styles: Electric blues, harmonica blues
Scans: Full

1. Honky Tonk Part 1 (2:43)
2. She's Crazy 'Bout Entertainers (2:41)
3. Midnight Beat (2:08)
4. I Don't Care Where I Get My Loving (2:39)
5. 728 Texas (Where The Action Is) (3:59)
6. Homogenized Love (3:09)
7. Honky Tonk Parts 1 & 2 (3:50)
8. Love Ain't Nothing To Play With (2:23)
9. Put It Where I Can Get It (2:53)
10. Sugar Baby (1:59)
11. Stick 'Em Up (2:44)
12. Juicy Lucy (2:13)
13. Somebody's Been Talking (4:39)
14. Soul Spasm (3:09)
15. Honky Tonk Part 2 (2:35)

Not only is Alabama-born Jerry McCain a terrific amplified harpist, he's also one of the funniest songwriters working the genre and has been for more than four decades, as anyone who's dug his out-of-control 1950s Excello rockers "My Next Door Neighbor" and "Trying to Please" will gladly testify. McCain was born on June 18, 1930, in Gadsden, AL. As a youngster, Little Walter was McCain's main man on harp, an instrument McCain began playing at age five. Walter passed through Gadsden one fateful night in 1953 with his Aces, offering encouragement and a chance to jam at a local nightspot.

That same year, "Boogie" McCain made his vinyl debut for Lillian McMurray's Trumpet label in Jackson, MS, with "East of the Sun"/"Wine-O-Wine" and his brother, Walter McCain, playing drums on the sides. McCain's 1954 Trumpet encore, "Stay Out of Automobiles"/"Love to Make Up," was solid Southern blues, but barely hinted at the galvanic energy of his subsequent output.

Jerry McCain signed with Ernie Young's Nashville-based Excello logo in 1955, cutting "That's What They Want" with his usual sidekick Christopher Collins on guitar. "Run, Uncle John! Run," "Trying to Please," the torrid "My Next Door Neighbor" (a prior homemade demo version of the track that surfaced much later was even crazier), and "The Jig's Up" ranked with McCain's best 1955-1957 Excello efforts.

The harpist is probably best-known for his two-sided 1960 gem for Rex Records, "She's Tough"/"Steady." The Fabulous Thunderbirds later appropriated the insinuating mid-tempo A-side, while McCain's harp chops were strikingly showcased on the flip. McCain waxed three 45s for OKeh in Nashville in 1962, utilizing Music Row mainstays Floyd Cramer, Grady Martin, and Boots Randolph as his backup for "Red Top" and "Jet Stream." A series of 1965-1968 sides for Stan Lewis' Shreveport-based Jewel Records included a tailor-made tribute to the company, "728 Texas (Where the Action Is)" (Jewel's address).

After too many years spent in relative obscurity, McCain rejuvenated his fortunes in 1989 by signing with Ichiban Records and releasing Blues 'n' Stuff, followed three years later by Struttin' My Stuff and Love Desperado. In 2000, McCain released an all-star album This Stuff Just Kills Me for the Jericho label featuring Johnnie Johnson, John Primer, Anson Funderburgh, Jimmie Vaughan, along with the Double Trouble rhythm section of Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton. McCain resurfaced on Ichiban in 2002 with the release of American Roots: Blues. /Biography by Bill Dahl, AllMusic

Absolutely The Best: The Complete Jewel Singles 1965-1972 mc
Absolutely The Best: The Complete Jewel Singles 1965-1972 zippy

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Various - The Excello Story Vols. 1 & 2

Album: The Excello Story Vol. 1 1952-1955
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:07
Size: 121.6 MB
Styles: R&B, Louisiana blues
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[2:43] 1. Arthur Gunter - Baby Let's Play House
[1:51] 2. The Boyer Brothers - Step By Step
[3:04] 3. Kid King's Combo - Banana Split
[2:23] 4. Charlie Dowell Orchestra - Wail Daddy
[2:20] 5. Jack Cooley - Dyna-Flow
[2:43] 6. Del Thorne & Her Trio - Down South In Birmingham
[2:52] 7. The Silvertone Singers Of Cincinnati - I Got A Home In That Rock
[2:46] 8. The Leap Frogs - Dirty Britches
[2:58] 9. Little Maxie Bailey - Drive Soldiers Drive
[2:34] 10. Bernie Hardison - Love Me Baby
[2:39] 11. The Blue Flamers - Driving Down The Highway
[2:40] 12. The Dixie Doodlers - Best Of Friends
[2:46] 13. Shy Guy Douglas - I'm Your Country Man
[2:46] 14. Louis Campbell - Gotta Have You Baby
[2:31] 15. Louis Brooks & His Pinetoppers - Bus Station Blues
[2:50] 16. Jack Toombs - You're The Only Good Thing
[2:35] 17. Ray Batts - Stealin' Sugar
[2:50] 18. The Peacheroos - Be Bop Baby
[2:32] 19. Sons Of The South - God Is Alright
[2:34] 20. The Blue Rockers - Calling All Cows

Twenty sides from the earliest years of Excello, the Nashville-based label best known for Southern-style blues and R&B, though it also recorded some country and gospel. All of these styles are present on this compilation, which may make it an uneven listen for those whose interests don't encompass each of the genres. The quality, however, is good, including a number of rarities that don't make it onto many anthologies. Arthur Gunter's original version of "Baby Let's Play House," an R&B hit before it was covered by Elvis Presley the following year, is the most famous cut by far; the only other one to be a big hit was Kid King's Combo's "Banana Split," a New Orleans-styled instrumental that made the R&B Top Ten in 1953. A number of the other blues/R&B crossovers here are delights, including the Charlie Dowell Orchestra's jump blues "Wail Daddy"; Del Thorne's jiving "Down South in Birmingham," which sounds familiar enough to be a hit, although it wasn't; the Blues Rockers' "Calling All Cows," which sounds like a bluesier variation of the famous New Orleans tune "Iko Iko," and the Leap Frogs' "Dirty Britches," with Arthur Gunter on guitar, and which, like Gunter's "Baby Let's Play House," sounds pretty close to rock & roll. Beyond the blues/R&B realm, there's updated jugband-style blues from the Dixie Doodlers, pretty hot honky tonk by Ray Batts on "Stealin' Sugar," and early uptempo doo wop on the Peacheroos' "Be Bop Baby." ~Richie Unterberger

The Excello Story Vol. 1 1952-1955 mc
The Excello Story Vol. 1 1952-1955 zippy

Album: The Excello Story Vol. 2 1955-1957
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:09
Size: 121.7 MB
Styles: R&B, Louisiana blues
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[2:51] 1. The Marigolds - Rollin' Stone
[2:36] 2. Louis Brooks & His Hi-Toppers - It's Love Baby (24 Hours A Day)
[2:34] 3. Good Rockin' Sam - Now Listen Baby
[2:49] 4. The Solotones - Pork And Beans
[2:55] 5. Lightnin' Slim - Lightnin's Blues
[2:10] 6. Jerry McCain And His Upstarts - Courtin' In A Cadillac
[2:20] 7. Rudy Green - My Mumblin' Baby
[2:31] 8. Larry Birdsong - Pleadin' For Love
[2:23] 9. Guitar Gable - Congo Mombo
[2:58] 10. Guitar Gable - Irene
[2:18] 11. Jack Toombs - Kiss-A Me Quick
[1:55] 12. Johnny Jano - Havin' A Whole Lot Of Fun
[2:26] 13. Al Ferrier - Hey Baby
[3:13] 14. Little Al - No Jive
[2:01] 15. Little Al - Little Lean Woman
[2:37] 16. Clarence Samuels - Chicken Hearted Woman
[3:08] 17. Lonesome Sundown - My Home Is A Prison
[3:14] 18. Lightnin' Slim - Mean Ol' Lonesome Train
[2:57] 19. Lazy Lester - They Call Me Lazy
[3:03] 20. Slim Harpo - I'm A King Bee

The end of the period covered on the second installment of this Excello retrospective saw the label start to record the Louisiana swamp blues artists for whom it is most famed: Slim Harpo, Lazy Lester, Lightnin' Slim, Lonesome Sundown. While each of those artists is represented here by a cut or two (including Harpo's classic "I'm a King Bee"), much of it's devoted to more urban, mid-'50s blues/R&B crossover, most of it recorded in Nashville. A couple of these were big hits: the Marigolds' "Rollin' Stone" made the R&B Top Ten in 1955 (and was covered for a pop hit by the Fontane Sisters), while Louis Brooks made number two R&B that same year with "It's Love Baby (24 Hours a Day)" (covered with success by Ruth Brown). Jerry McCain does raw, early electric blues with "Courtin' in a Cadillac; " Guitar Gable does blues with a Mardi Gras rhythm on "Congo Mambo"; a young Johnny Copeland plays "chicken licking" guitar on Clarence Samuels' "Chicken Hearted Woman," and there are a couple of lowdown blues by Little Al (Arthur Gunter's brother). There's also some rockabilly by Johnny Jano, whose "Havin' a Whole Lot of Fun" is attractively over the top, and Al Ferrier, whose "Hey! Baby" is a transparent derivation of "Baby Let's Play House." Like volume one of this fine series, it's a good collection of a variety of sounds on the cusp of becoming rock & roll, though by this point the line was sometimes being crossed into bona fide early rock. ~Richie Unterberger

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Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Various - The Jewel-Paula Soul Story (2-Disc Set)

Stan Lewis, who owned and ran Stan’s Record Shop in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana, also started and operated three local independent record labels, the Jewel, Paula, and Ronn imprints, beginning with Jewel in 1963. He had a couple of big national hits with his labels, including Dale Hawkins' “Susie-Q” and John Fred's “Judy in Disguise,” but most of his attention went to the blues, R&B, and soul music that was closest to his heart. This two-disc, 36-track set focuses on that side of the Jewel/Paula catalog, and includes classic sides by John Lee Hooker, Sunnyland Slim, Otis Spann, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Big Joe Turner, Roosevelt Sykes, and others. ~Steve Leggett

Album: The Jewel-Paula Soul Story (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:33
Size: 113.5 MB
Styles: Soul, R&B
Year: 2015

[3:19] 1. Toussaint McCall - Nothing Takes The Place Of You
[2:34] 2. The Objectives - Oh My Love (Come Back To Me)
[3:00] 3. Little Charles - Guess I'll Have To Take What's Left
[3:03] 4. Billy Joe Young - I Had My Heart Set On You
[2:53] 5. Johnny And Jon - Why Did You Leave Me
[2:41] 6. Carter Brothers - Don't Pity Me
[2:37] 7. Toussaint McCall - I'll Do It For You
[2:56] 8. Joe Valentine - I Can't Stand To See You Go
[3:33] 9. Barbara West - The Love Of My Life
[2:25] 10. Lonnie & Floyd - What You Gonna Do
[2:50] 11. Jerry McCain - Put It Where I Can Get It
[3:03] 12. Ted Taylor - Without A Woman
[2:04] 13. Barbara West - Congratulations Baby
[2:33] 14. Tommy Ridgley - In The Same Old Way
[2:32] 15. Wallace Brothers - I Need Someone
[2:27] 16. Ola V. Harper - I Wanna Keep
[2:21] 17. Billy Keene - Losers Win Sometimes
[2:36] 18. Little Johnny Taylor - How Can A Broke Man Survive

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The Jewel-Paula Soul Story (Disc 1) zippy

Album: The Jewel-Paula Soul Story (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:54
Size: 128.0 MB
Styles: Soul, R&B
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[2:49] 1. Ted Taylor - Something Strange Is Goin' On In My House
[3:02] 2. Clay Hammond - You've Got Me Tamed
[2:42] 3. Little Johnny Taylor - How Are You Fixed For Love
[2:58] 4. Buddy Ace - Do What You Think Is Best
[3:45] 5. Jackie Day - Guilty
[3:30] 6. Willie Rogers - That's When I'll Stop Loving You
[3:40] 7. Albert Washington - Loosen These Pains And Let Me Go
[2:20] 8. Bobby Patterson - How Do You Spell Love
[2:49] 9. Shay Holiday - It's Not How Long You Make It
[3:13] 10. The Montclairs - Dreaming Out Of Season
[3:02] 11. Fontella Bass - I Want Everybody To Know
[2:07] 12. Bobby Patterson - It Takes Two To Do Wrong
[2:55] 13. Roscoe Robinson - (Standing In The) Safety Zone
[2:35] 14. Jesse Anderson - Help Wanted
[2:28] 15. Lee Shot Williams - Checking Out
[3:40] 16. Tommie Young - Do You Feel The Same Way
[3:12] 17. Bobby Rush - It's Alright
[4:59] 18. Buster Benton - Sweet 94

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Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Jerry 'Boogie' McCain - Turn Your Damper Down With..

Year: 1996
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s (vinyl)
Time: 33:09
Size: 77,0 MB
Styles: Electric blues, harmonica blues
Scans: LP front & back

1. Run Uncle John! Run (2:25)
2. Turn Your Damper Down (2:49)
3. I Need Somebody To Love (2:12)
4. You Don't Love Me No More (2:28)
5. Crazy About That Mess (2:17)
6. Stay Out Of Automobiles (2:28)
7. Bad Credit (2:19)
8. Trying To Please (2:33)
9. My Next Door Neighbor (2:06)
10. Courtin' In A Cadillac (2:10)
11. That's What They Want (2:18)
12. Steady (2:03)
13. She's Tough (2:22)
14. I'm A King Bee (2:32)

Born near Gadsden, Alabama, United States, Jerry McCain was one of five children of a poor family. Many of his siblings also became involved in music, most notably his brother, Walter, who played drums on some early recordings.[1] McCain picked up the harmonica from itinerant musicians "Chick" and "Shorty" who played at the local bars (and street corners) when he was young.

McCain was a fan of the music of Little Walter and met the artist when, in 1953, he traveled to Gadsden for a show. McCain's recording debut came via Trumpet Records the same year under the name "Boogie McCain", with his brother Walter on drums. The two tracks were "East of the Sun" and "Wine-O-Wine". After recruiting Christopher Collins, who would be with him throughout most of his career, he went on to the Excello label. During his years with the Excello (1955–57) he developed his amplified harmonica style, and unusual blues lyrics. The Excello Label period saw the release of such noted songs as "The Jig's Up", and "My Next Door Neighbor". His later recording for Rex Records "She's Tough" / "Steady" was an inspiration to The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Kim Wilson duplicated McCain's harp work on their version.

McCain also released singles and albums for Columbia, under their Okeh Records label (1962), and for the Shreveport-based Jewel (1965–68) record label. The complete collection of his Jewel label records are available on a compilation album and, in recent years, several of his early recordings have been released on "retrospective" and compilation CDs, including the Verose Vintage album, Good Stuff. His longest partner, Ichiban Records, also released several retrospectives in the 1990s, including ICH1516-2: Jerry McCain.

In 1989, after a period spent performing and touring with lesser known bands, McCain signed with Ichiban Records, and released the albums: Blues and Stuff, Struttin' My Stuff, and Love Desperado. During his time with Ichiban, McCain also released one record on the Jericho label, This Stuff Just Kills Me, which featured Jimmie Vaughan and Johnnie Johnson. His 1977 release, This Stuff Just Kills Me eventually appeared on the Music Maker label.

In 2002, Ichiban released an album called American Roots: Blues featuring McCain. McCain's abridged work was featured on track 8 of the Rhino Records Blues Masters Volume Four: Harmonica Classics, with an almost lost recording of "Steady". McCain's inclusion in the Blues Master series, was alongside Little Walter, Jimmy Reed, Junior Wells, Howlin' Wolf, Snooky Pryor, and George "Harmonica" Smith. /Wikipedia

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Thursday, April 20, 2017

VA - The Night Train Route 1: Rare Blues, R&B And Soul For The Dancefloor

Size: 151,9 MB
Time: 63:00
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Blues, R&B, Soul
Art: Front

01. James Brown - Night Train (3:29)
02. Sugar Boy Williams - Little Girl (2:30)
03. Billy Boy Arnold - Rockin' It Is (2:36)
04. King Coleman - Down In The Basement (2:30)
05. Ivory Joe Hunter - I'm Cuttin' Out (2:13)
06. Lightnin' Slim - Mean Ole Lonesome Train (3:10)
07. McKinley Mitchell - You're Not Gonna Break My Heart (2:21)
08. Little Willie John - I'm Shakin' (2:25)
09. Roy Brown & His Mighty-Mighty Men - She's Gone Too Long (2:14)
10. Muddy Waters - Trouble, No More (2:38)
11. Jerry McCain - The Jig's Up (2:30)
12. John Lee Hooker - You Gotta Shake It Up And Go (2:13)
13. Jesse Powell - The Walkin' Blues (Walk Right In, Walk Right Out) (Feat. Fluffy Hunter) (2:52)
14. Annie Laurie - Nobody's Gonna Hurt You (2:21)
15. Danny Cobb - My Isabella (2:51)
16. Dee Irwin - Anytime (1:35)
17. Honey Brown - Ain't No Need (2:40)
18. Otis Blackwell - Let The Daddy Hold You (2:19)
19. Jessie Mae - Don't Freeze On Me (2:13)
20. Wade Jones - I Can't Concentrate (2:26)
21. Rex Garvin - Emulsified (2:32)
22. Vicki Evans - Don't Talk That Talk To Me (1:56)
23. Nellie Rutherford - Laughing At Me (2:24)
24. Phil Flowers - The Dances (2:29)
25. Frances Faye - St. James Infirmary (3:18)

This series of albums from Jasmine charts the evolution of soul music across America through genres like R&B, blues and proto soul, spanning the fifties and early sixties. The music reflects those sounds that after sixty plus years or more, still burn up the dancefloor at new breed R&B, popcorn, northern soul and mod venues across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.

The Night Train Route 1

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Kenny Wayne Shepherd - 10 Days Out: Blues From The Backroads

Year: 2007
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:50
Size: 181,8 MB
Styles: Blues
Scans: Full

1. Prison Blues (w. Cootie Stark & Neal 'Big Daddy' Pattman) (4:38)
2. Potato Patch (w. Jerry 'Boogie' McCain) (5:46)
3. Honky Tonk (w. Buddy Flett) (3:13)
4. The Thrill Is Gone (w. B.B. King) (8:30)
5. Tina Marie (w. Bryan Lee) (4:22)
6. Born In Louisiana (w. Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown) (6:26)
7. Chapel Hill Boogie (w. John Dee Holeman) (5:49)
8. Tears Came Rollin' Down (w. Henry Townsend) (3:15)
9. Knoxville Rag (w. Etta Baker) (1:48)
10. Big Daddy Boogie (w. Neal 'Big Daddy' Pattman) (5:15)
11. U-Haul (w. Cootie Stark) (5:00)
12. Red Rooster (w. Henry Gray & Howlin' Wolf Band) (6:20)
13. Sittin' On Top Of The World (w. Hubert Sumlin & Howlin' Wolf Band) (3:58)
14. Spoonful (w. George 'Wild Child' Butler & Howlin' Wolf Band) (5:18)
15. Grindin' Man (w. Pinetop Perkins & Muddy Waters Band) (8:05)

10 Days Out may well be Kenny Wayne Shepherd's most important and intriguing album, even though the guitarist is hardly the featured artist on any of these tracks, working instead more as a sideman and facilitator for the impressive cast of venerable blues players who get a chance to shine here. Make no mistake about it, this recording belongs to such senior citizens as Henry Townsend, Etta Baker, Pinetop Perkins, and Henry Gray, and Shepherd's presence (and the presence of Stevie Ray Vaughan's Double Trouble rhythm section of bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton) simply helps to focus the attention on these veteran blues players.

Shepherd embarked on a ten-day journey into the American South in 2004 with a documentary film crew, a portable recording studio, and Double Trouble as a house band in an effort to catch the blues in its natural habitat of living rooms, kitchens, porches, back yards, and local watering holes, and the performances that resulted are priceless.

Here is one-armed harp player Neal Pattman and blind guitarist Cootie Stark turning in a joyous, ramshackle version of "Prison Blues." A little later, Stark delivers further on a delightful song called "U-Haul," complete with a marvelous improvised rap over the tune's run-out coda. Here, too, is the then-96-year-old Henry Townsend turning in a poignant "Tears Came Rollin' Down." Etta Baker, then 93, shows that age hadn't slowed her as a guitarist at all as she delivers an elegant "Knoxville Rag." Shepherd wisely stays in the background on cut after cut, allowing these amazing musical treasures to unfold naturally and without intrusive elements.

There are absolutely no hotshot guitar histrionics anywhere on this disc, which speaks to Shepherd's sincere vision for this project. He's after the preservation of blues history with 10 Days Out, and as if to underscore that aim, five of the album's participants (Neal Pattman, Cootie Stark, Gatemouth Brown, George "Wild Child" Butler, and Etta Baker) passed away before the album and concurrent documentary film were finally completed and released in 2007. Shepherd's name may be above the title, but he knows full well to whom this album belongs, and to his immense credit, those are the voices he lets speak the loudest. /Steve Leggett, AllMusic

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Saturday, October 15, 2016

Kenny Wayne Shepherd - The Legends EP Vols. I, II, III & IV

Kenny Wayne Shepherd and his group exploded on the scene in the mid-'90s and garnered huge amounts of radio airplay on commercial radio, which historically has not been a solid home for blues and blues-rock music, with the exception of Stevie Ray Vaughan in the mid-'80s. Shepherd was born June 12, 1977, in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Shreveport native began playing at age seven, figuring out Muddy Waters licks from his father's record collection (he has never taken a formal lesson). At age 13, he was invited on-stage by New Orleans bluesman Brian Lee and held his own for several hours; thus proving himself, he decided on music as a career. He formed his own band, which featured lead vocalist Corey Sterling, gaining early exposure through club dates and, later, radio conventions. Shepherd's father/manager used his own contacts and pizzazz in the record business to help land his son a major-label record deal with Irving Azoff's Giant Records. Ledbetter Heights, his first album, was released two years later in 1995 and was an immediate hit, selling over 500,000 copies by early 1996. Most blues records never achieve that level of commercial success, much less ones released by artists who are still in their teens. Although Shepherd -- who has been influenced by (and has sometimes played with) guitarists Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Slash, Robert Cray, and Duane Allman -- is definitely a performer who thrives in front of an audience, Ledbetter Heights was impressive for its range of styles: acoustic blues, rockin' blues, Texas blues, Louisiana blues. The only style that he doesn't tackle is Chicago blues, owing to Shepherd's home base being smack dab in the middle of the Texas triangle. Released in 1998, Trouble Is... earned a Grammy nomination and Live On followed a year later. In 2004 The Place You're In was released on Reprise Records, and was the first album to feature Shepherd doing the majority of the lead vocals (singer Noah Hunt handled the lead vocals on the previous two albums). Shepherd's next project saw him traveling in the American South with a documentary film crew and a portable recording studio as he backed up several veteran blues players on their home turf. The resulting album and film, 10 Days Out: Blues from the Backroads, appeared in 2007 before Live! In Chicago followed in 2010. That November, Shepherd joined Jimmy Fallon's house band on TV for an evening, and performed with the same Fender Stratocaster that Jimi Hendrix had played at Woodstock. Although Shepherd had kept busy in the intervening years, 2011's How I Go was his first studio album proper in a seven-year period. In an attempt to revive the success enjoyed with 1998's Trouble Is..., he once again recruited Noah Hunt on vocals, as well as former Talking Heads keyboard player and guitarist Jerry Harrison, who had produced the sessions for that platinum-selling album. Shepherd followed How I Go with 2014's Goin' Home, a tribute to his musical heroes that featured contributions from artists such as Ringo Starr and Keb' Mo'. ~ Steve Huey & Richard Skelly

Album: The Legends EP Vol. I
Size: 142 MB
Time: 20:44
File: FLAC
Released: 2007
Styles: Electric Blues, Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Honky Tonk (Live With Buddy Flett) (3:13)
02. Tina Marie (Live With Bryan Lee) (4:21)
03. Prison Blues (Live With Cootie Stark & Neal 'Big Daddy' Pattman) (4:36)
04. I'm Leavin' You (Live) (8:33)

The Legends EP Vol. I

Album: The Legends EP Vol. II
Size: 146 MB
Time: 22:22
File: FLAC
Released: 2007
Styles: Electric Blues, Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Potato Patch (Live With Jerry 'Boogie' McCain) (5:45)
02. Born In Louisiana (Live With Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown) (6:25)
03. Chapel Hill Boogie (Live With John Dee Holeman) (5:49)
04. Cleveland Mississippi (Live With Buddy Flett) (4:20)

The Legends EP Vol. II

Album: The Legends EP Vol. III
Size: 142 MB
Time: 21:25
File: FLAC
Released: 2008
Styles: Electric Blues, Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Tears Came Rollin' Down (Live With Henry Townsend) (3:14)
02. Knoxville Rag (Live With Etta Baker) (1:47)
03. Big Daddy Boogie (Live With Neal 'Big Daddy' Pattman) (5:15)
04. U-Haul (Live With Cottie Stark) (4:59)
05. Dollar Got The Blues (Live With Bryan Lee) (6:08)

The Legends EP Vol. III

Album: The Legends EP Vol. IV
Size: 184 MB
Time: 28:06
File: FLAC
Released: 2008
Styles: Electric Blues, Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Red Rooster (Live With Howlin' Wolf Band) (6:20)
02. Sittin' On The Top Of The World (Live With Hubert Slim & Howlin' Wolf Band) (3:56)
03. Spoonful (Live With Howlin' Wolf Band) (5:18)
04. Grindin' Man (Live With Muddy Waters Band) (8:02)
05. Shotgun Blues (Live) (4:28)

The Legends EP Vol. IV

Monday, September 5, 2016

Various - We Are The Music Makers! (2-Disc Set)

Founded in 1984, the North Carolina-based Music Maker Relief Foundation – led by Tim and Denise Duffy – is utterly pragmatic in its goals: preserving traditional southern music by presenting it on disc and on stage and also by helping needy players through finding them gigs, providing them with decent instruments and even repairing their homes. Among its 150-plus CDs thus far, the primary focus is on performers age 55 or older with incomes below $18,000 per year.

The 44-track We Are the Music Makers!: Preserving the Soul of America’s Music commemorates the non-profit’s 20th anniversary with acts ranging from the obscure to a few big names like Carolina Chocolate Drops (whose recording career began on the label) and Taj Mahal (who plays backup banjo, guitar and ham bone on a few cuts). Musical styles run the gamut from Etta Baker’s graceful Piedmont blues picking to Pura Fe’s Native American chants from her Tuscarora tribe. Classically trained Leyla McCalla, former cellist in the Chocolate Drops, draws on her Haitian heritage in “Manman Mwen.” Among the religious tracks, country singer Carl Rutherford hauls out “Old Rugged Cross.” As for childhood memories, Big Boy Henry’s “Old Bill” tells of his pet rooster, which his mother killed to feed a lecherous minister his father thoroughly distrusted. Jerry “Boogie” McCain’s “My New Next Door Neighbor” ends with screams and gun shot sounds. On “Peter Rumpkin,” Willa Mae Buckner (a snake charmer, say the notes) falls back on a gimmick many of us can recall from childhood: raising expectations that a verse’s rhyme will end with a dirty word but then closing it with something innocent.

The news is fodder for the blues. (Remember Blind Willie Johnson’s “God Moved on the Water” in the wake of the Titanic’s sinking and, from World War II, the harmonizing Golden Gate Quartet’s “Stalin Wasn’t Stallin’.”) Whooping, Bible-referencing guitarist Drink Small’s “President Clinton’s Blues” points out, “The man did the same thing that Adam did to Eve. … The Bible says, ‘He who has not sinned cast the first stone.’ … She didn’t rape him. And he sure ‘nough didn’t rape her.” Anti-gay sentiment appears in the song. Political correctness is oft an unknown concern in the blues, Ironing Board Sam’s disco-like offering has one basic, repeated line: “I can’t think of nothing but your butt.” High-pitched Algia Mae Hnton advises “Cook Corn Bread for Your Husband, Biscuits for Your Outside Man.” Prison being a well-known topic in the blues, a title such as Adolphus Bell’s “Child Support Blues” speaks for itself. Is Bell ad libbing? And a bluesman’s listening habits aren’t limited to the blues, either. Eddie Tigner, who toured with the Ink Spots for 35 years, scats and improvises his way through “Route 66.”

A genre that traveled from Africa to America, the praise song can have various motives – showing appreciation or currying favor, for example. Just think back to Leadbelly’s “Governor Pat Neff” for the Library of Congress and Folkways not to mention, from Memphis’s Sun Studios, the Prisonaires’ “What about Frank Clement (a Mighty Man)” for governors of Texas and Tennessee, respectively. Side 1 of this Music Maker package ends with a quiet but quite specific praise song, Captain Luke & Cool John Ferguson’s leisurely “Tim Duffy Is a Good Ol’ Guy”: “As good a guy as he could be / He got me a gig across the sea. / When he tell you something, he really mean it. / He got me a gig in Argentina.” In the world of downhome music, the Duffys are bringing home the bacon. ~ Bruce Sylvester

Album: We Are The Music Makers! (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:12
Size: 156.2 MB
Styles: Blues/Soul/R&B/Jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[0:57] 1. Captain Luke - Freight Train Boogie
[1:18] 2. Guitar Gabriel - A Living Past
[2:37] 3. Etta Baker - Railroad Bill
[4:23] 4. John Lee Zeigler - Going Away
[4:08] 5. Cootie Stark - High Yellow
[2:15] 6. John Dee Holeman - Chapel Hill Boogie
[5:28] 7. Neal Pattman - Shortnin' Bread
[2:52] 8. Carl Rutherford - Old Rugged Cross
[3:24] 9. Cool John Ferguson - No Hidin' Place
[3:28] 10. Essie Mae Brooks - Feel Like My Time Ain't Long
[4:06] 11. Elder James Goins - Old Time Religion
[3:09] 12. Elder Anderson Johnson - My Lord And I
[1:55] 13. Mr. Q - Cocktail Boogie
[1:47] 14. Albert Smith - Big Bell Mamma
[2:10] 15. Precious Bryant - If You Don't Love Me, Would You Fool Me Good
[4:35] 16. Big Boy Henry - Old Bill
[4:45] 17. Drink Small - President Clinton Blues
[2:40] 18. J.W. Warren - Looking For My Woman
[5:44] 19. Dr. Burt - What Can An Old Man Do (But Sing The Blues)
[3:02] 20. George Higgs - Greasy Greens
[0:28] 21. Whistlin' Britches - Clickin'
[2:52] 22. Captain Luke - Tim Duffy Is A Good Ol' Guy

We Are The Music Makers! (Disc 1) mc
We Are The Music Makers! (Disc 1) zippy

Album: We Are The Music Makers! (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:36
Size: 163.9 MB
Styles: Blues/Soul/R&B/Jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[2:34] 1. Samuel Turner Stevens - Railroadin' & Gamblin
[1:16] 2. Pura Fe - Pigeon Dance
[2:25] 3. Clyde Langford - High Steppin' Mamma
[3:37] 4. James Davis - Fred, You Ought To Be Dead
[4:47] 5. Beverly Guitar Watkins - Back In Business
[3:22] 6. The Carolina Chocolate Drops - Sourwood Mountain
[2:44] 7. Nyles Jones - Ain't Gonna Let No Women
[3:32] 8. Macavine Hayes - Snatch That Thing
[1:21] 9. Algia Mae Hinton - Cook Cornbread For Your Husband
[1:15] 10. Willa Mae Buckner - Peter Rumpkin
[3:38] 11. Adolphus Bell - Child Support Blues
[3:55] 12. Ironing Board Sam - Nothing But Your Butt
[4:36] 13. Benton Flippen - Benton's Dream
[4:43] 14. Eddie Tigner - Route 66
[3:19] 15. Jerry 'Boogie' McCain - My New Next Door Neighbor
[1:57] 16. Carl Hodges - Flossie
[5:37] 17. Boo Hanks - Home On The Range
[4:05] 18. Boo Hanks - Keep On Truckin'
[3:26] 19. Captain Luke - Old Black Buck
[3:14] 20. Leyla McCalla - Manman Mwen
[3:05] 21. Cora Fluker - Amazing Grace
[2:58] 22. Cary Morin - Sing It Louder

We Are The Music Makers! (Disc 2) mc
We Are The Music Makers! (Disc 2) zippy

Friday, May 6, 2016

Jerry McCain - I've Got The Blues All Over Me

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:44
Size: 139.0 MB
Styles: Harmonica blues
Year: 1993/2011
Art: Front

[5:44] 1. He Don't Need No Money
[6:26] 2. I Ain't Henpecked
[5:26] 3. I Got The Blues All Over Me
[6:36] 4. Tumblin' In The Sea
[5:37] 5. Long Arm Of The Law
[3:45] 6. (She Might Sell My) Teddy Bear
[3:46] 7. Lucy Pearl
[6:37] 8. I Ain't Got Time
[6:15] 9. I'm Gonna Get All The Lovin' I Can Get
[6:22] 10. Just A Little Bit
[4:05] 11. I Want To Be Your Santa Claus

Bass – Lebron Scott; Drums – Bryan Cole; Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Wayne Goins; Lead Vocals, Harmonica – Jerry McCain; Piano [Boogie] – Buzz Amato; Piano, Instruments [B-3] – Steve McRay; Slide Guitar, Lead Guitar – Rick Hinkle. Recorded and Mixed in July of 1993 at Kala Studios, Atlanta, GA.

The actual feeling you are listening to a Bluesman who absorbed nickname "Boogie" comes with an all-acoustic title song although first two swampy cuts deserve an equal attention. Further "Tumblin' In The Sea" is an instrumental with harp and keyboards dominating, "Long Arm Of The Law" is why we love Jerry McCain, then is "(She Might Sell My) Teddy Bear" and it goes like it should go: Blues, only Blues and nothin' but the Blues with Jerry McCain speaking through his harp on acoustic again "Lucy Pearl". "I Ain't Got Time" is a pearl both in terms of music/performance and lyrics. Slow blues "Just A Little Bit" with super class harp solo, precedes closing track "I Want to Be Your Santa Claus" with excellent harp work again. Superb Album!

This is maestro Jerry "Boogie" McCain and his harp. All eleven songs are written by Jerry McCain. ~Dimitri

I've Got The Blues All Over Me mc
I've Got The Blues All Over Me zippy

Saturday, December 12, 2015

VA - Ichiban Blues At Christmas Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3 & Vol. 4

Album: Ichiban Blues At Christmas Vol. 1
Size: 99,4 MB
Time: 36:23
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1991
Styles: Modern Electric Blues, Xmas
Art: Front

01 Chick Willis - All I Want For Christmas Is To Lay Around And Love On You (3:19)
02 Jerry McCain - Absent Minded Santa (3:49)
03 Blues Boy Willie - Lonesome Christmas (3:43)
04 Nappy Brown - Santa Clause Is Back In Town (2:48)
05 Little Johnny Taylor - Christmas Is Here Again (4:31)
06 Trudy Lynn - Christmas Time Comes But Once A Year (3:19)
07 Vernon Garrett - I Didn't Get Nothin' For Christmas (3:39)
08 David Dee - Chrismas Tears (5:39)
09 Drink Small - Christmas, Don't Forget About Me (2:49)
10 Chick Willis - Please Come Home For Christmas (2:44)

Ichiban Blues At Christmas Vol. 1

Album: Ichiban Blues At Christmas Vol. 2
Size: 109,9 MB
Time: 42:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1992
Styles: Modern Electric Blues, Xmas
Art: Front

01 Kip Anderson - Silver Bells (3:16)
02 William Bell - Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday (6:22)
03 Chick Willis - May Christmas Bring You Happiness (3:40)
04 Theodis Ealey - A Christmas Wish (4:10)
05 Drink Small - Christmas Once A Year (3:31)
06 Gary BB Coleman - All I Need For Christmas Is You (2:48)
07 The Ledgendary Blues Band - One Day Before Christmas (4:00)
08 Jerry McCain - Sad, Sad Christmas (6:14)
09 Chick Willis - Santa Claus Got The Blues (4:37)
10 William Bell - Merry Christmas, Baby (4:05)

Ichiban Blues At Christmas Vol. 2

Album: Ichiban Blues At Christmas Vol. 3
Size: 105,7 MB
Time: 41:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1994
Styles: Modern Electric Blues, Xmas
Art: Front

01 Jimmy Dawkins - Christmastime Blues (4:20)
02 Sandra Hall - Christmas Tears (3:41)
03 William Bell - Beautiful Memories Of Christmas (3:37)
04 Jerry McCain - I Want To Be Your Santa Claus (4:01)
05 Travis Haddix - Santa Claus Got The Blues (4:11)
06 Slim Fatz - Southern Christmas (2:37)
07 Francine Reed - Merry Christmas, Baby (3:35)
08 Kip Anderson - Gonna Have A Merry Christmas (3:53)
09 Bob Thompson - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (4:46)
10 Willie Hill - Lonely Lonely Christmas (3:44)
11 Trudy Lynn - Please Come Home For Christmas (3:05)

Ichiban Blues At Christmas Vol. 3

Album: Ichiban Blues At Christmas Vol. 4
Size: 103,2 MB
Time: 43:05
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1997
Styles: Modern Electric Blues, Xmas
Art: Front

01 Francine Reed - Go Tell It On The Mountain (3:34)
02 Theodis Ealey - The Reason For The Season (3:32)
03 The Excellos - Santa, I Want A Stratocaster (2:29)
04 Jerry Butler - Little Red Shoes (3:32)
05 Sandra Hall - Christmas Just For Me (2:22)
06 Bob Thompson - Angels We Have Heard On High (7:16)
07 Willie Hill - Christmas Snow (3:24)
08 The Shadows - Santa Ain't Jivin' (3:10)
09 Jimmy Dawkins - Thank God For Mama (3:43)
10 Blues Boy Willie - Christmas Pretty Baby (3:24)
11 Rick Huff - Red And Green Christmas Blues (3:32)
12 Vernon Garrett - Please Come Home For Christmas (3:01)

Ichiban Blues At Christmas Vol. 4

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Jerry 'Boogie' McCain - Retrospectives

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:04
Size: 135.2 MB
Styles: Louisiana blues, Harmonica blues
Year: 1998/2006
Art: Front

[4:42] 1. Blues Tribute
[4:28] 2. Messin' With Me Baby
[5:43] 3. Sue Somebody
[4:45] 4. Burn The Crackhouse Down
[5:26] 5. I Got The Blues All Over Me
[5:00] 6. Brand New Mojo
[6:36] 7. Tumblin' In The Sea
[5:05] 8. Spoiled Rotten To The Bone
[4:39] 9. Strut Your Stuff
[3:46] 10. Lucy Pearl
[4:41] 11. Love Makin' Showdown
[4:09] 12. The World's On Fire

When Jerry McCain re-emerged on Ichiban in 1989 after many years of not doing nearly enough recording, followers of the Alabama native were delighted to see him back in the studio again. This 1998 CD (which spans 1989-1993) points to the fact that while his Ichiban output may not have been in a class with his great Excello recordings of the 1950s, he could still blow a mean harp and make us laugh with his funny, insightful storytelling. "Brand New Mojo" and "Spoiled Rotten to the Bone" are excellent examples of how witty he can be, and on "Sue Somebody," he takes an amusing jab at Americans who file frivolous lawsuits. Many of the selections have an urban blues outlook, although "Lucy Pearl," "Strut Your Stuff" and "I've Got the Blues All Over Me" are pure Louisiana-style swamp blues. Close your eyes while listening to these tunes, and it's easy to pretend you're in the steamy Louisiana bayous. Although not quite essential, Retrospectives paints an enjoyable picture of McCain as he sounded when he was in his late 50s and early 60s. ~Alex Henderson

Retrospectives mc
Retrospectives zippy