While I finally got around to reading Bruce Bastins' Red River Blues, I did a google search to find recordings / information of bluesmen Richard Williams (b. 1887), Robert Dennis (b.~1914) and Emmet Murray (b.1911) mentioned in the book. I ended up on the State Library and Archives of Florida, who have the original recordings mentioned by Bastin (on p. 45, in my edition). Copies of the recordings could be bought from them, if I understand correctly. These recordings were originally published as a two LPs called "Drop On Down In Florida: Recent Field Recordings Of Afro-American Traditional Music", Florida Folklife LPs 102 & 103, 1981. http://www.floridamemory.com/Collections/folklife/search_simple.cfm
Moreover, they have a very nice Podcast featuring both artists mentioned. Williams is performing with his daughter, Ella Mae Wilson singing, among other things. I don't think this has been mentioned here? Anyway here's the link, and what they have to say about the podcast:
" This podcast expands on some of the exhibit?s lesser known Florida blues musicians by presenting recordings captured live from the Florida Folk Festival stage alongside more intimate performances documented by Florida folklorists working in the field. Everything from ?Diamond Teeth? Mary and Willie Green?s bawdy blues, to Roy Bookbinder?s finger-style rags, Johnny Brown?s slide, Emmett Murray?s electric guitar, and Moses Williams? diddley bow. Performers Ida Goodson, Ella Mae Wilson and Richard Williams, Charles Atkins, and Robert Dennis?it is all here."
Scroll down to Podcast #8:
http://www.floridamemory.com/collections/folklife/sound_pod.cfm
Cheers
Pan
Edited for additional information
Moreover, they have a very nice Podcast featuring both artists mentioned. Williams is performing with his daughter, Ella Mae Wilson singing, among other things. I don't think this has been mentioned here? Anyway here's the link, and what they have to say about the podcast:
" This podcast expands on some of the exhibit?s lesser known Florida blues musicians by presenting recordings captured live from the Florida Folk Festival stage alongside more intimate performances documented by Florida folklorists working in the field. Everything from ?Diamond Teeth? Mary and Willie Green?s bawdy blues, to Roy Bookbinder?s finger-style rags, Johnny Brown?s slide, Emmett Murray?s electric guitar, and Moses Williams? diddley bow. Performers Ida Goodson, Ella Mae Wilson and Richard Williams, Charles Atkins, and Robert Dennis?it is all here."
Scroll down to Podcast #8:
http://www.floridamemory.com/collections/folklife/sound_pod.cfm
Cheers
Pan
Edited for additional information