Back in 1925 one Dorothy Scarborough published On the Trail of Negro Folk Songs Two years later a poet, Carl Sandburg, compiled The American Songbag the title of which inspired this CD/LP. These two books - and others - provided a fertile seam of info on early American folk music or, to be more precise, country blues eleven of which are performed here by the augmented Blues Professors**.
After three albums of originals, leader Bowling decided it was time to record some covers of songs deeply embedded in America's musical past. Traditional songs that began in bars, cotton fields, medicine shows, vaudeville and music halls. In many cases preceding the jazz and blues they eventually morphed into.
If you've heard the band live at their many gigs in and around the home counties you'll know where they're at and if you want a reminder of those steamy southern nights look no further.
On the other hand, if y'all up here in the Yukon (Newcastle) have yet to hear Doc and his Blues Professors (they are all alumni of Old Joe's Bar Room) then grab a copy. If you're still hesitant about putting your hard earned nickels and dimes on the barrel head then listen to the best ever version of St James Infirmary Blues. Johannes' alto sax sets the studio on fire, it's something else! Just remember, it ain't over 'til it's over! LISTEN. Lance
*A.K.A. Sophie Loyer
**Eleven more tracks will be on Volume 2
Me and the Devil Blues; Irene, Goodnight; Going Down the Road (feeling bad); Cotton-Eyed Joe; Keep on the Sunny Side; I'll Fly Away; St James Infirmary Blues; Midnight Special; I Wish I Was a Mole in the Ground; My Creole Belle; Trouble in Mind
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