Hello folks, welcome to new listerners, howdy to returners !
This is the late March 2018 fortnight’s favorites selection, and it will include only 3 artists.
First is TAYLOR PORTER for 4 sides. First two were issued February 1958 (60 years ago..) on Starday # 694. « No more lovin’ you » is a fluid uptempo bopper ; the steel solo is common. The overall impression however is great. The flipside « It’s over now » is more of an uptempo shuffler. Fiddle and steel solos. It bears something lazy. Now it’s not that sure this Taylor Porter was the same as in the following tunes.
“No more lovin’ you“
The old Hank Snow (as « Hank, the Singing Ranger » who cut this song in 1944) song « Sunny side of the mountain » by (another?) TAYLOR PORTER on the Salem, IN Radio Ridge label # 85. It’s a fast bluegrass (banjo) bopper ; fiddle solo dueling with banjo, from 1956. He had another issue on the same label, « Sweetheart, you were wrong », and on Excellent 225.
“Sunny side of the mountain”
Then in 1961 on the Manchester, KY Janet (which was Zeke Clements’ – the latter’s story is on the line) label (# 25-60), he has « Away out there », a fast unclassable country tune. We finally find him for a sacred 6 songs EP on Ark 312 in 1964.
Next track is an instrumental, rare in bopping (I prefer voices!). DINK EMBRY [And – strangely – The Kentucky Lads] is probably a Memphian. Is he who pounds the ivories on this « Mason Dixon boogie », issued on Dot 1039 (early 1951) ? In any case, the tune is medium lowdown danceable one with guitar, piano and steel (plus bass of course).
“Mason-Dixon Boogie”
The next four tracks are all done by JAKE THOMAS and all issued between September 1962 and March 1965 on the Dixie label. Wonder if this is really the Starday custom famous label. All tracks were apparently recorded in Arkansas.
Both first tracks, as Jake Thomas and Bluegrass Band, issued on Dixie 987, are medium paced, and have a fine dobro backing over a great vocal, plus bass and rhythm : « What’ll I do » and « If you keep doing what you do to me » are very good examples of 60’s Hillbilly bop.
“What’ll I do“
“Poor Boy Blues”
“Meanest Blues”
Sources : 45-cat, YouTube. Starday custom serie, Dixie CD 3333. If you like the contents, please leave a comment!
arkansas 45s
Hello! Another great post as usual. I listened intently and multiple times to the Taylor Porter tracks. I am no expert at all, but it seems to me they are all indeed the same person. It wouldn’t be a stretch to appear on an Indiana label and a Kentucky label since the geography is very close. I also think the Starday sides may be purchased masters from a small local or regional label. Just my thoughts. Thank you so much for doing what you do.