BASCOM LAMAR LUNSFORD - DRY BONES
If you caught me playing recently on tour, i would've probably sang this old American traditional hymn. I first heard this tune on Harry's Smith epochal compilation of Prewar 78s, "The Anthology Of American Folk Music". This 78 was recorded in 1928 by Bascom Lamar Lunsford, a folk song collector from North Carolina. Bascom is more famous for his incredible rendition of "I Wish I Was A Mole In The Ground", which is also featured on the Anthology (i've also played this once or twice in the past). I've posted it below too because it is essential and damn rightly deserves a place on this blog.
BASCOM LAMAR LUNSFORD - I WISH I WAS A MOLE IN THE GROUND
How highly can i recommend this? It's a total work of art. A six-disc compilation of 78s recorded between 1927 and 1932. It's variety is astonishing as it's execution - blues, gospel, old-time dance music, traditional English ballads, cajun music and more. The effect this compilation has had on roots music thereafter, and the art of the compilation itself is immeasurable. I could talk about it for days(Greil Marcus already has), but i'm going to resist the temptation to waffle and tell you to find out for yourself.
The thing is pretty expensive to buy, best to look out for secondhand copies on Ebay or Amazon.
The sleeve notes are amazing - check them out here!
FOR MORE ON BASCOM:
see here for an essay & links
there is not much Bascom on CD - this compilation contains some of his twenties recordings and his later recordings for the Library Of Congress. It is fantastic, and contains the amazing "in the shadows of the pines", one of my favourite songs ever. There is a rumour that Locust Music are bring out a box set of further unreleased Library Of Congress recordings at some point.
No comments:
Post a Comment