Arhoolie

Arhoolie
	Artist: Title: Label: Format: Price:	Blind James Campbell Blind James Campbell and His Nashville Street Band Arhoolie LP $12
Enjoyably rough-hewn music recorded by Chris Strachwitz of Arhoolie Records in 1962-63, who says the band “represented the most fascinating mixture of blues, hillbilly, jazz, and skiffle elements I had ever heard.” The tracks that include Beauford Clay’s fiddle add a real spark as he has an exciting and raw tone, somewhat reminiscent of Eddie Anthony’s work with Peg Leg Howell and Sloppy Henry. His contribution to “Buffalo Gal” is a particular highlight. Check out the group in action and on record.
	Artist Title: Label: Format: Price:	Clifton Chenier Ain't No Need of Cryin' (Every Day is the Same) / Paper in My Shoe Arhoolie 45rpm 7" $5
Two numbers from Clifton Chenier’s Sings the Blues album, with the King of Zydeco offering some sage advice to those down-and-out at the end of the trailride on the A-side and lifting spirits again with a cover of Boozoo Chavis’ classic “Paper in My Shoe” on the flip.
	Artist: Title: Label: Format: Price:	Hackberry Ramblers Turtle Tail / Madame Saustin Arhoolie 45 RPM 7" $5
The Hackberry Ramblers have been dishing out wonderful Cajun music to a grateful public for longer than most of us have been alive. This single has two French Cajun numbers: one uptempo dance tune + one mournful waltz = two more reasons to give thanks for Louisiana. (Note that the label says both of these cuts are from the Hackberry's self-titled Arhoolie LP.)
	Artist: Title: Label: Format: Price:	Luna Space Swell Arhoolie LP $13
Very nice, obscure west coast free jazz session circa 1967. All the pieces were either written by pianist Lee Cronbach or bass clarinetist Pat Wallace, two folks about whom I haven’t been able to find any further information. They cover a fair amount of aesthetic ground, with some almost classical touches at times, but for me they sound best when going full bore, as on Wallace’s “We’ll Think of that, Later”; it goes there. Nice cover art, with a “Folkways style” wraparound sleeve. Never on CD. Sealed copies, going fast... Lee Cronbach – piano Pat Wallace – bass clarinet Gabriel Stern – flute & alto saxophone (one track) Harvey P. Warren – violin, trombone, drums Ed Epstein – tenor saxophone Tom Koosis – alto saxophone Mike Vannice – alto saxophone Bill Hannaford – trombone, slide trumpet, bass, helicon Vince Gomez – bass Ellsworth Johnson – drums (one track) Bill Grauss – drums and trombone
	Artist: Title: Label: Format: Price:	Larry O'Williams That's My Girl / Hear Me Calling Baby Arhoolie 45 RPM 7" $5
I haven't been able to find out much about Mr. Larry O'Williams, but one source suggests that he was a Texan and that this cool two-sider was cut roundabout 1966. The A-side is a hard electric blues slowburner with sharp cuts of electric guitar, while the flip is a feel good soul tune on the surface but with a threatening undercurrent of goin' to get his shotgun if his woman messes around on him. His only record? Tell me more!
	Artist Title: Label: Format: Price:	RC Smith (Robert Curtis Smith) Don't Drive Me Away / I Believe We Love Each Other Arhoolie 45rpm 7" $9
Great acoustic blues from the very underrated Robert Curtis Smith. Smith's take on Jesse Ervin's and Charles Brown's "Don’t Drive Me Away," with its measured, understated drum accompaniment, is a bit reminiscent of Frankie Lee Sims. (You may also recognize this tune from Sam Cooke's "Night Beat".) Smith goes it alone on "I Believe We Love Each Other," a fine original composition. "Don’t Drive Me Away" has turned up on a couple compilations, but as far as I know this is the only place to hear the flip side. I've heard rumor that Mr. Smith still walks among us and I'd welcome any information regarding his current whereabouts.
	Artist Title: Label: Format: Price:	Big Mama Thornton Swing it on Home / My Heavy Load Arhoolie 45 RPM 7" $5
"Swing it on Home" is a great piano blues stomper, while "My Heavy Load" features Big Mama digging deep into a slow number, accompanied only by Mississippi Fred McDowell on acoustic guitar. (Note that the label says both of these cuts are from the Big Mama Thornton in Europe LP on Arhoolie.)
	Artist Title: Label: Format: Price:	Various Artists Kings of Country Blues, Vol. 2 Arhoolie LP $12
An outstanding collection of recordings made by Chris Strachwitz of Arhoolie Records in 1969. This record holds a special place in my heart since it was the first place I heard Mississippi fife-and-drum music. When Napolian Strickland let loose with his holler around a minute into the opening track, it set my course for many unforgettable times down south. Furthermore, this record gives you Mississippi Fred McDowell and Johnny Woods tearing it up, Furry Lewis spinning lovely musical yarns, and three beautiful guitar duos from an incognito John Fahey and Bill Barth (as R.L. Watson and Josiah Jones). Track listing: Napolian Strickland – Back Water Rising Mississippi Fred McDowell & Johnny Woods – Shake ‘em on Down Mississippi Fred McDowell & Johnny Woods – Fred’s Blues Mississippi Fred McDowell & Johnny Woods – Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning Otha Turner – Otha’s Piece Napolian Strickland – Shimmy She Wobble Furry Lewis – Walking Blues Furry Lewis – Judge Bushay Blues R.L. Watson & Josiah Jones (John Fahey and Bill Barth) – Memphis Rag R.L. Watson & Josiah Jones (John Fahey and Bill Barth) – St. Louis Blues R.L. Watson & Josiah Jones (John Fahey and Bill Barth) – Praying on the Old Campgrounds & Lonesome Blues