Howdy, folks. This is the late May 2018 bopping and rockabilly fortnight’s favorites. A fair percentage of selections will come from the State of Tennessee, with the odd number from Ohio or NYC.
On the Nashville Excello label, more familiar to Blues/R&B buffs, let’s begin with both sides of # 2071 by the LINDSEY BROTHERS. They offer 2 uptempos from 1955, both based on solid rhythm guitar, aided by fiddle and steel. « Big Hearted Joe » is the best side of both, for its great duet harmony, and the record is valued $ 50-60. The flipside « Let’s Get Down To Business » has more of the same, although less interesting. A pleasant Hillbilly bop record.
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“Let’s Get Down To Business“
We keep with the LINDSEY BROTHERS 5 years later in 1960, on the Excello sublabel Nasco # 6032, and the change is not in the right direction : the label says « Popular ». Fddle and steel are out, only remains the rhythm guitar for « Mr. Blues » (penned by Jack Toombs : he had cut the Rockabilly « Kiss-a me quick » (Excello 2083), or « Little Andy » as Jackie Trent on Nasco 6012 – see his full story elsewhere in this site) and « Hello Heartaches », very Everly-ish. Value $ 10-15.
“Mr. Blues”
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We remain in Tennessee, exactly in Madison (home of Starday Records after relocation from Houston, TX) : VAUGHN SIMMONS on the Logan label # 3112 provides us with a good Southern bopper, « What Am I Gonna Do » – rhythm guitar, fiddle and an interesting vocal.
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From Ohio comes MATTIE ALLEN and the Lonesome Drifters on the Dayton label, # 301 seemingly a sublabel to Jalyn, from as late as 1970. « Ride Around » is half spoken, over rhythm guitar and discreet drums. A good guitar solo.
“Ride Around”
From NYC on the Marlee label # 105, DICK ELY has « Keep a’ rollin’ », a trucker song. It’s a strong uptempo with great bass and a pretty strident guitar solo.
Back to Tennessee on the Rythm label [sic] # 303. REX HALE & his Rythm Masters [re-sic]. Two great Rockabilly sides. Steel is omnipresent on « stop-and-go » couplets. Energetic drums, and fine, fine guitar. « Darn Dem Bones » and « Down At Big Mama’s House » would cost you $ 2000-2500, only if you can locate a copy!
“Darn Dem Bones“
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“Down At Big Mama’s House“
Sources : all sides were taken from YouTube or the Net.
arkansas 45s