Topic: Mississippi Sheiks et al

[uncle bud]

You're welcome, Bert. PT is great, no doubt about it. And it's not unheard of for folks to travel from Europe for it. I travel from Quebec myself.

[Johnm]

Hi all,
I was wondering if Dixon & Godrich differentiate in their Mississippi Sheiks session notes between tunes on which Lonnie Chatmon played fiddle versus those on which Bo Carter played fiddle, and also if any of you out there can distinguish Bo's fiddling from Lonnie's by ear.  And . . . if you can differentiate between Lonnie's and Bo's fiddling by ear, what are the distinguishing characteristics of their fiddling styles or sounds?  I haven't listened to the Sheiks nearly as much as some of you have, but I know I couldn't say with certainty, just by the sound, whether Lonnie or Bo was fiddling on a given cut.  Thanks for any insights.
All best,
Johnm
 

[uncle bud]

Hi John - B&GR only have Bo listed as possible 2nd violin on Lonely One In This Town, although most of the other tunes are listed as "prob. Lonnie Chatman".

Bo is listed as probably playing violin for his own 1928 session on Good Old Turnip Greens, Corrine Corrina, and East Jackson Blues. Fiddle seems more tentative on these first two tracks to me. East Jackson is flashier.

That said, B&GR has other discographical details about the Sheiks incorrect in places, IMHO. As discussed in this thread.

[wreid75]

Can anyone recommend a good book that covers the careers of the members of the mississippi sheiks or a biography?  I can't imagine that with 100000000000 books on Robert Johnson there isn't any on this fantastic group!  With Walter Vinson living until 1975, Sam Chatmon until 1983, and Bo Carter living until 1964 there has to be enough material available to piece a good bio together.

[frankie]

I can't imagine that with 100000000000 books on Robert Johnson there isn't any on this fantastic group!

Imagine it?

<disclosure=full>
I am serious fool for them - love their music beyond all reason and can explain how to play ANY of the parts in just about ANY of their songs - I need HELP.
</disclosure>

It seems to me that the MS Sheiks fall into a weird no-man's land in vernacular music - not quite rough enough for the CB convert coming from blues rock or chicago blues, not old-time enough for converts from bluegrass, and not 'folky' enough for converts from singer-songwriter land.

To me, they were the most interesting and exciting string and imaginable - crossed stylistic lines with almost complete impunity, could sing their asses off and were immediately identifiable from the first notes. What's not to like?
 
Which is all why I love them, but I admit that I have peculiar tastes.

I like the Peg Leg Howell rediscovery record, too. Mea culpa.

I don't want to deny RJ his adulation, or Patton his box set...  but the level of apathy that the Sheiks get is downright unconscionable.

Don't even get me started on Lemon or Rev. Davis.

[Prof Scratchy]

Everything about the Mississippi Sheiks is ace. And the same goes for the constituent musicians, playing together or on their own. Nothing not to like.

[wreid75]

Since there are not any books on the Sheiks or the Chatmons what are the best sources for info on this family and band?  Are there any primary researchers who compiled a lot on them?  I know Sam did several interviews but what about the others that were alive past rediscovery?  Reason I ask is I will finish up two writing projects next year and would be willing to take on compiling all of it and writing a book, even if it was just web publishing or pdf to people here.  I know that their story has to be fascinating.  Any info or being pointed in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.