I did see a fair number of those mentioned play in the 1960's. But I think the thrust of the original question was the dream of seeing performers in situ in the the 1920's or 1930's, in essence something that could only be a dream and never fulfilled. (I've felt that way around a lot of women.) Something desired from a few recordings or from biography.
Nobody mentioned Robert Petway. I want to see and hear him play 'Catfish.' 'I didn't have no words to say.' The I want to see and hear Roosevelt Graves and his brother playing those two very fine religious songs, 'I'll be Rested When the Roll is Called,' and 'I Woke up this Morning with My Mind on Jesus.'
Ditto on Patton, Lemon, Harney, Geechie, etc., even RJ. Barbecue Bob anywhere. Old Mose Mason singing Molly Man. Funny Papa Smith and Kokomo Arnold. So many favorites.
Hi all, I'm wishing that I could have seen a few of the players who were alive in my lifetime and whom I missed: Frank Hovington, who lived just across the state line from me in Delaware, when I was in my teens and twenties, Henry Johnson, whom some of my friends were fortunate enough to see and hear many times down in the Carolinas, and particular favorites of mine from the George Mitchell Recordings: Jimmy Lee Williams, Lonzie Thomas (!), John Lee Ziegler and Rosa Lee Hill. In recent years I've been drawn more and more to music recorded and played in the Post-War period. All best, Johnm
« Last Edit: July 07, 2011, 09:17:08 PM by Johnm »
In recent years I've been drawn more and more to music recorded and played in the Post-War period./quote]
i know that isn't the subject of this thread, but i find that interesting. & i was wondering if you are finding yourself drawn to that more now, because you are hearing things in those performances that are unique to the recordings made in those years? (i've read o'muck's thoughts on the urgency, among other things, he hears in those post-war recordings. forgive me, if i got the word wrong.) i've spent more time in the past listening to pre-war recordings, & have found myself over the last year or so, listening to more post-war CB because it's stuff i haven't lived with the past 15 years. or simply, it's new to me. chris
I would love to have seen Scrapper Blackwell...I just want to see his right hand in action! Also, a Tommy McClennan show would be exciting to say the least! That man could sing!
I see Willie Walker's been mentioned a couple of times. I'd love to have seen the string band that Willie Walker and Rev Gary Davis are said to have played in.
Oh, I though of another one (I apologize if someone already mentioned it): I'd like to go back in time to watch Robert Petway record "Catfish Blues". Now wouldn't THAT would be cool to see/hear in person?!
Blind Lemon Jefferson Son House Charley Patton Blind Willie Johnson Big Joe Williams Blind Willie McTell Sonny Boy Williamson I Sleepy John Estes Yank Rachell Hammie Nixon Barbecue Bob Cannon's Jug Stompers Memphis Jug Band Robert Johnson Memphis Minnie Papa Charlie Jackson Blind Blake both Willie Browns (yes, including "Kid Bailey") Henry Thomas Willie Walker Reverend Gary Davis Tampa Red Big Bill Broonzy Lonnie Johnson (in his prime) Jaybird Coleman Buddy Boy Hawkins Blind Boy Fuller William Moore Mississippi Sheiks Tommy Johnson Furry Lewis Mississippi John Hurt Lightnin' Hopkins Howling Wolf (when he was playing in Dockery) Muddy Waters (at Stovall's) Bo Carter Skip James
and, needless to say, so many others... including the ones who never got the chance to record!
Charlie Patton and Blind Lemon Jefferson are my main 2 pre-war guys. Post-war gotta be Mance Lipscomb.
I'd also add Junior Kimbrough to my list. When he died, I had been listening to him for just a year or two. A friend of mine brought him to my attention, mentioning that people from all over travel to his juke joint to see him. I wish we had made that trip!
Also: Papa Harvey Hull and Long Cleve Reed. I don't even know how those vocal harmonies on "Two Little Tommies" were captured on record, absolutely chilling. Those guys were gifted.
Jed Davenport. I bet the spit was flying in the studio that day.
I also for some reason has a very clear visual of Lane Hardin playing when I listen to him. I see a movie of him in my head.
And of course Geeshie and L.V. Just wow.
Logged
Charlie is the Father, Son is the Son, Willie is the Holy Ghost