Hello, folks, howdy, visitors! Below are my favorites of the last 15 days which I’d like you (maybe) discover, both by music and my own words – what I know about these records, sometimes nearly nothing!
We begin in Nashville, early Sixties, with the DIXIELAND DRIFTERS and “HOT TO TROT” cut for the B.B. label. The presence of a dobro, and an unusual infectious rhythm, plus the unisson vocal, make this record very particular. I know the tune had a commercial impact, because, without doubt, its unlikely Bluegrass nature.
Then a decade earlier in Texas. JIMMIE STONE had this solitary “MIDNIGHT BOOGIE” on Imperial (8000 serie) in 1951. Firm vocal, a fine backing, and a completely stunning guitar solo. Surely the man knew the Blues!
On to Memphis and Meteor label. BARNEY BURCHAM is a real unknown, only for his solitary “CAN’T STEAL MY WAY AROUND“. Typical Memphis Hillbilly bop from 1955.
Next two choices are more Rock’n’Roll oriented. First, GRAHAM B. and “ROCK AND ROLL FEVER“. It’s been suggested that the man had connection with Buzz Busby, so a Washington, D.C. location is possible.
Second, for the well-known Bandera label out of Chicago, we find another unknown, certainly a pseudonym: LONESOME LEE and the cool 1958 “CRY OVER ME” – very nice guitar solo.
Finally a R&B classic, “CALDONIA“, sung and played on piano by the 8-years old wonder SUGAR CHILE ROBINSON in 1951. He disappeared afterwards.
Graham B. was actually Buzz Busby. Busby recorded a killer rockabilly version of “Rock’n’Roll Fever” in the Fernwood Studio woth Johnny Bernero on drums, Roland Janes on guitar and Slim Wallace on bass. This version was cut later because the Fernwood result was probably too raw. On the Speak version, you can hear a mandolin playing the solos. I guess Busby himself played the mandolin!
Hey! Is it OK if I go a bit off topic? I am trying to view your domain on my iPhone but it doesn’t display properly, do you have any suggestions? Cheers! Deshawn
I think this might be the Lonesome Lee you’re looking for: http://www.jazzhouse.org/gone/lastpost2.php3?edit=1028800686
Hi Bopping Xavier
Great boppers. Thanks a lot for these wonderful gems and of course of your amazing blog.
I have a request, could you post the Bside of the SPEAKS single of GRAHAM B.
Title song I’ll always wonder why. Big Harlan from VMIMC blog need it to finish a
Buzz Busby issue.
Thanks alot.
Rockin-djames