VIOLIN, SING THE BLUES FOR ME
African-American Fiddlers, 1926-1949
OLD HAT CD 1002

The violin played a significant role in the early history of recorded blues, with its crying vibratos and sliding notes creating a dramatic and soulful sound. Violin, Sing The Blues For Me offers 24 tracks of this rare music, played by many of the greatest black fiddlers who recorded before mid-20th century. From the sophisticated style of Lonnie Johnson to the raw Delta blues of Henry Sims to the rollicking tunes of the Memphis Jug Band, these musicians demonstrate the depth and diversity of African-American fiddle music. Included are two early instrumentals by the multi-talented Howard Armstrong, also known as “Louie Bluie,” whose career in music spanned seven decades. This unique collection presents 73 minutes of vintage fiddle music, carefully remastered from the original 78 rpm records. In addition to blues, the album contains country dances, rags, stomps, and folk songs. The CD comes with a 32-page, full-color booklet with detailed history, complete discography, and a host of rare photographs and illustrations.

Living Blues Critics’ Award: Best Historical Blues Album, 2000

“A top-notch compilation of classic performances with superb booklet and photos as well. This is an essential album for anyone interested in blues or string band music.”   
 —Terry Zwigoff, director: Crumb, Ghost World, Bad Santa

LISTEN TO REVIEW FROM ALL THINGS CONSIDERED (NPR)

SONG LIST AND SOUND SAMPLES
1. VIOLIN BLUES  Johnson Boys	LISTEN	LISTEN
2. K.C. RAILROAD BLUES Andrew & Jim Baxter	LISTEN	LISTEN
3. BEAVER SLIDE RAG “Peg Leg” Howell & His Gang	LISTEN	LISTEN
4. ALMA WALTZ Mississippi Mud Steppers	LISTEN	LISTEN
5. WINDOW PANE BLUES Tommie Bradley	LISTEN	LISTEN
6. TRAVELIN’ RAILROAD MAN Alabama Sheiks	LISTEN	LISTEN
7. PIG MEAT BLUES Whistler & His Jug Band	LISTEN	LISTEN
8. RIGHT NOW BLUES Frank Stokes	LISTEN	LISTEN
9. EAST JACKSON BLUES Bo Chatman	LISTEN	LISTEN
10. MEMPHIS BLUES Mobile Strugglers	LISTEN	LISTEN
11. VINE STREET DRAG Tennessee Chocolate Drops	LISTEN	LISTEN
12. BROKEN BED BLUES Kansas City Blues Strummers	LISTEN	LISTEN
13. LONESOME BLUES Henry Williams & Eddie Anthony	LISTEN	LISTEN
14. MEMPHIS SHAKEDOWN Memphis Jug Band	LISTEN	LISTEN
15. ADAM AND EVE Tommie Bradley	LISTEN	LISTEN
16. TELL ME MAN BLUES Henry Sims	LISTEN	LISTEN
17. BLUE COAT BLUES “Blue Coat” Tom Nelson	LISTEN	LISTEN
18. SALTY DOG  Booker Orchestra	LISTEN	LISTEN
19. BABY, PLEASE DON'T GO Joe Williams’ Washboard Blues Singers	LISTEN	LISTEN
20. STOP & LISTEN BLUES NO. 2 Mississippi Sheiks	LISTEN	LISTEN
21. STEALIN’ BLUES Cow Cow Davenport	LISTEN	LISTEN
22. THE MOORE GIRL  Andrew & Jim Baxter	LISTEN	LISTEN
23. HIGHWAY NO. 61 BLUES  Jack Kelly & His South Memphis Jug Band	LISTEN	LISTEN
24. TED’S STOMP Louie Bluie & Ted Bogan	LISTEN	LISTEN