Before The Blues, Vol. 1 - Early American Black Music

Before The Blues, Vol. 1
The Early American Black Music Scene
Classic Recordings from the 1920s and 30s
Yazoo 2015; Ordering Information; Volume 2

"This set is a treasure, a wonder, and a shining joy."
- True Blues
"Our rich and varied musical heritage is preserved on
this set of discs loaded with fascinating and
enjoyable performances." - Boston Herald
"Miraculous is almost too weak an adjective."
- Playboy

A fascinating and highly entertaining exploration f the early roots of black music in America. This pioneering project depicts the rich American musical scene that existed throughout the 1800s with classic performances of ragtime, old modal songs, breakdowns, ballads, religious music and more. Featured here are great performances by many of the most legendary names in American music history, and this project follows the evolution of blues from its early modal precursors and early fundamentalist religious music. Extensive notes and photos communicate and exciting sense of discover, and outstanding remastered sound quality brings these rare old recordings to life.


Rev. Gates		Sylvester Weaver


1. ANDREW AND JIM BAXTER, Bamalong Blues 2. HENRY THOMAS, Run Mollie Run 3. SAM COLLINS, Lonesome Road Blues 4. MISSISSIPPI MUD STEPPERS, Jackson Stomp 5. SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHOIR, On Jordan's Stormy Banks We Stand 6. RUBE LACY, Mississippi Jail House Groan 7. TAYLOR'S KENTUCKY BOYS, Forked Deer 8. LITTLE HAT JONES, Bye Bye Baby Blues 9. B.F. SHELTON, Pretty Polly 10. WEAVER & BEASLEY, Soft Steel Piston 11. EVANS & MCCLAIN, Two White Horses In A Line 12. BAYLESS ROSE, Jamestown Exhibition	13. WILLIE WALKER, Dupree Blues 14. PAPA HARVEY HULL, France Blues 15. REV. GATES & CONGREGATION, Dying Mother and Her Child 16. BUELL KAZEE, John Hardy 17. LOTTIE KIMBROUGH, Wayward Girl Blues 18. CINCINNATI JUG BAND, Newport Blues 19. DICK DEVALL, Tom Sherman's Blues 20. MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT, Stack O'Lee Blues 21. TEDDY DARBY, Lawdy Lawdy Worried Blues 22. ROBERT WILKINS, I'll Go With Her Blues 23. DENSON QUARTET, Christian Soldier