Topic: Evening Prayer Blues/DeFord Bailey

[poymando]

Hi gang,
Anyone out there know if this tune ever made it to a recording at all? I recently heard Bill Monroe's recording of it (inspired by DeFord's harmonica tune) on the LP "Master of Bluegrass". I'd love to hear the original. Thanks for any suggestions.

[dj]

Bailey recorded Evening Prayer Blues for Brunswick on April 19, 1927.  It's on Document CD 5164, Harp Blowers (1925 - 1936), which is not currently available but can be downloaded from emusic.

[poymando]

Excellent. Thanks!

[arcane]

A favorite tune of mine.

Mike Compton and David Long do mandolin interpretations of both Bailey's and Monroe's versions on their Stomp cd. www.mikecompton.net.

I think there is also video of them playing this at a house concert at the JohnHartford.org site.

[Johnm]

Welcome to Weenie Campbell, arcane!  Another excellent version of "Evening Prayer Blues" can be found on the CD "Thought I Heard It Blow", by Mark Graham and Tom Sauber, subtitled "Fiddle Tunes, Blues, Rags, Traditional & Original Songs with Banjo & Harmonica".  Some of you may know Mark from years past at Port Townsend; he is a perfectly amazing harmonica player and excellent satiric songwriter, and often performs Orville Johnson as the "Kings of Mongrel Folk".  Tom Sauber is a master Old-Time fiddler, banjo player and guitarist.  Their CD is on Upland Records, Upland 201, and inquiries can be directed to 512 E. Wistaria Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006
All best,
Johnm

[arcane]

Johnm,

Thanks for the welcome and the tip. Actually, I've been around for a while but lost my handle and password somewhere when I got a new computer and changed ISP, and had to spring for a new one to post.

RK