Charlie Poole and the Roots of Country Music: You Ain't Talkin' to Me:

Legacy – C3K 92780

Format: 3 x CD, Compilation, Box Set
Country: United States
Released: 2005
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Old Time, & Country
[Disc One}
01 Shootin' Creek (03:26)
02 Baltimore Fire (03:13)
03 Leaving Home (03:11)
04 There'll Come a Time (03:31)
05 White House Blues (03:31)
06 The Highwayman (03:20)
07 Hungry Hash House (03:25)
08 The Letter That Never Came (02:51)
09 Take a Drink on Me (03:17)
10 Husband and Wife Were Angry One Night (02:52)
11 Ramblin' Blues (03:07)
12 Took My Gal A-Walkin' (02:48)
13 Old and Only in the Way (03:29)
14 Don't Let Your Deal Go Down Blues (02:53)
15 Bill Mason (03:01)
16 A Kiss Waltz (03:10)
17 Flop Eared Mule (03:00)
18 A Trip to New York, Pt. 1 (03:06)
19 Sweet Sixteen (02:54)
20 Write a Letter to My Mother (03:03)
21 If the River Was Whiskey (03:10)
22 Mother's Last Farewell Kiss (03:05)
23 Milwaukee Blues (03:18)
24 Where the Whippoorwill Is Whispering Good-Night (03:09)
[Disc Two]
01 The Girl I Left in Sunny Tennessee (03:21)
02 Sunny Tennessee (03:18)
03 Bulldog Down in Sunny Tennessee (02:40)
04 Moving Day (03:14)
05 It's Movin' DayHarry Von Tilzer (03:28)
06 Home Sweet, Home (02:34)
07 I'm the Man That Rode the Mule 'Round the World (03:04)
08 Man That Rode the Mule Around the World (02:56)
09 Lynchburg Town (03:02)
10 Going Down to Lynchburg Town/Don't Let Your Deal Go Down (03:10)
11 Some One (03:05)
12 Monkey on a String (02:33)
13 Monkey on a String (03:09)
14 Can I Sleep in Your Barn Tonight Mister (03:13)
15 May I Sleep in Your Barn Tonight, Mister (02:54)
16 Married Life Blues (02:41)
17 The Infanta March (04:22)
18 Sunset March (02:41)
19 I'll Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms (02:59)
20 Goodbye Eliza Jane (01:39)
21 Good-Bye Sweet Liza Jane (03:06)
22 Good-Bye Booze (03:17)
23 Goodbye Booze (02:51)
24 You Ain't Talking to Me (02:56)
25 You Ain't Talkin' to Me (02:57)
[Disc Three]
01 If I Lose, I Don't Care (03:09)
02 The Battleship of Maine (03:18)
03 Budded Rose (03:04)
04 Standing by a Window (03:17)
05 Uncle Dave's Beloved Solo (03:06)
06 Come Take a Trip in My Airship (02:11)
07 I Once Loved a Sailor (03:08)
08 Dixie Medley (02:43)
09 My Wife, She Has Gone and Left Me (03:18)
10 My Wife Went Away and Left Me (02:56)
11 Baby Rose (04:14)
12 Just Keep Waiting Till the Good Time Comes (03:27)
13 Shuffle Feet, Shuffle (02:40)
14 Coon From Tennessee (03:13)
15 Coon From Tennessee (03:06)
16 On the Banks of the Kaney (03:08)
17 Dixie Medley (04:10)
18 Southern Medley (03:06)
19 The Man That Wrote Home Sweet Home Never Was a Married Man (03:14)
20 Sweet Sunny South (02:55)
21 Take Me Back to the Sweet Sunny South (02:46)
22 Oh! Didn't He Ramble (02:11)
23 He Rambled (03:00)
[Credits]
Charlie Poole (banjo/ocals) Posey Rorer (fiddle) Odell Smith (fiddle) Roy Harvey (guitar) Henry Whitter (guitar) Uncle Dave Macon (banjo/vocals) Gid Tanner (fiddle/vocals) Doc Walsh (banjo/vocals) Charlie Parker (banjo/vocals) Snuffy Jenkins (banjo) Francis Jenkins (banjo)
Producer: Henry Sapoznik, Liner Notes: Kinney Rorrer, Cover Art: Robert Crumb Designer: Michelle Holme
[Notes]
First, a word about what You Ain't Talkin' to Me is not: it is not a box set of Charlie Poole's complete recorded work. He recorded some 110 songs for the Columbia, Paramount, and Brunswick labels between 1925 and 1931, and 43 of those tracks are collected here, with the balance of this three-disc set given over to sides by Poole's stylistic predecessors and contemporaries. Creating a feel for Poole's life and milieu is the goal here, and presenting musical evidence to place him as the clear grandfather of both bluegrass and modern country is the not-so-hidden agenda. Poole was never an overwhelming banjo player, but his three-finger picking style certainly carries trace elements of what would become bluegrass some 20 years later (when a banjo whiz named Earl Scruggs joined Bill Monroe's band in 1946). Poole wasn't a particularly strong singer, either, but his rambling, gambling persona and flamboyant stage antics (and frequent multi-week alcoholic benders) provide convincing evidence that Poole was outlaw country five decades before the term was even born. Poole's real genius -- since he didn't write songs -- was his ability to take folk tunes, pop songs, fiddle reels, blues fragments, and church hymns and reconfigure them into autobiographical statements by dropping or importing a verse, adding a stray line here and there, changing the title, and eventually delivering fresh, stripped-down versions of familiar songs that now seemed entirely Poole's. What You Ain't Talkin' to Me does best is document how this process worked, and after a first disc of acknowledged Poole classics ("Don't Let Your Deal Go Down Blues," "White House Blues," "If the River Was Whiskey," "Ramblin' Blues"), the second and third discs present Poole songs alongside their antecedents in what is essentially a workshop in how pop folk is created in a mechanized age. On disc three, for example, you hear Arthur Collins' 1902 version of "Oh! Didn't He Ramble" as a heavily stylized and orchestrated bit of vaudeville. In Poole's hands, stripped down and shaped into a sinewy, sexy, and bluesy ensemble piece for banjo, guitar, and fiddle, it became the self-referential "He Rambled" in 1929. Similarly, Eddie Morton's civil and orchestrated "You Ain't Talking to Me" from 1909 becomes an ominous barroom boast in Poole's version, released as "You Ain't Talkin' to Me" in 1927. This ability to create new possibilities from old choices is what has driven American music from the very beginning, and Poole's talent for making it all seem like personal autobiography makes him very much a modernist, only a short leap away from an artist like Hank Williams. Doubters need only listen to Poole's "If I Lose, I Don't Care," which leads off the third disc, to clearly see the kind of DNA that went into modern country. As a glimpse of Poole's life and times, and a look behind the curtains at the adaptive nature of his creative process, this attractive set (it comes in a small cigar box with a R. Crumb illustration of Poole on the lid and includes a 60-page book insert) does a super job, but listeners should be aware that it is hardly comprehensive. Those interested in a more extensive sampling of Poole's work should check out JSP's four-disc box, Charlie Poole With the North Carolina Ramblers and the Highlanders, which features 96 of his 110 known recordings.-- AllMusic Review by Steve Leggett

Virginia Traditions: Native Virginia Ballads and Songs

BRI Records – BRI 004

Series: Virginia Traditions
Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1981
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Country, & Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
A1 Claude Allen: Hobart Smith (3:33)
A2 Sidney Allen: Spence Moore (1:59)
A3 Poor Goins: James Taylor Adams and Finley Adams (3:59)
A4 The Vance Song: Branch W. Higgins (2:16)
A5 The Fate of Dewey Lee: Spence Moore (2:59)
A6 The Fate of Talmadge Osborne: Ernest V. Stoneman (3:06)
A7 The Wreck of the 1256: Vernon Dalhart (4:16)
A8 The Wreck of the Old 97: Kelly Harrell and Henry Whitter (3:49)
B1 The Life and Death of Charlie Poole: Ted Prillaman (2:25)
B2 The Story of Freeda Bolt: Floyd County Ramblers (3:41)
B3 The Ballad of Caty Sage: J.C. Pierce (3:43)
B4 The Cyclone of Rye Cove: The Carter Family (2:04)
B5 The Story of the Flood: The Stanley Brothers (3:12)
B6 The Pinnacle Mountain Silver Mine: Helen Cockram (2:08)
B7 New River Song: Jim and Artie Marshall (2:59)
B8 Highway 52: Little "Doc" Raymond and The Coleman Pardners (2:54)
B9 The Ballad of Fancy Gap: Jim and Artie Marshall (4:51)
[Credits]
Liner Notes: Doug DeNatale, Editor: Linda Linnartz, Recorders: Alan Lomax, Herbert Halpert, Elizabeth Lomax and Bobby Patterson, Engineers: Doug DeNatale and Glen Hinson
[Notes]
Few states in this country can boast of more diverse folkways than Virginia. Many of the material objects—such as barns, tools, and furniture—reflect the traditions that shaped the lives of its earliest settlers and the generations of Virginians who followed. The Commonwealth’s performance traditions of songs, tunes, and tales also tell of a shared heritage involving all classes of people in every facet of life. Because traditions naturally change over time, the documentation of Virginia folk culture is an ongoing process essential to our understanding of the past, present, and future. By recording the folkways of Virginia, the Blue Ridge Institute of Ferrum College and its BRI Record label strive to foster a greater appreciation of our folk roots through an array of interpretive programs. From murders to train wrecks to natural disasters, the ballads on this recording concern events and people of Appalachian Virginia. Performance styles range from traditional unaccompanied singing to sophisticated modern bluegrass.

Old-Time Mountain Ballads 1926-29

County Records CD-3504

Format: CD, Compilation, Remastered
Country: US
Released: 1995
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Old-time
[Tracklist]
01 Dark Holler Blues: Clarence Ashley (2:56) 10/23/29
02 Pearl Bryan: Burnett & Rutherford (3:02) 11/6/26
03 Darling Cora: B. F. Shelton (3:47) 7/29/27
04 Charles Giteaux: Kelly Harrell (3:03) 3/22/27
05 Rose Conley: G. B. Grayson & Henry Whitter (3:24) 10/18/27
06 Wreck on the Mountain Road: Red Fox Chasers (2:35) 4/4/28
07 The Wagoner's Lad: Buell Kazee (3:02) 1/18/28
08 The Fate of Chris Lively and Wife: Blind Alfred Reed (3:20) 12/19/27
09 Six Months Ain't Long: Rutherford & Foster (2:59) 1/14/29
10 Louisville Burglar: The Hickory Nuts (2:47) 9/24/27
11 The Fate of Ellen Smith: Green Bailey (2:38) 11/30/28
12 Dixie Cowboy: Aulton Ray (2:46) 4/26/27
13 Willie Moore: Burnett & Rutherford (3:13) ca.11/3/27
14 I'll Never Be Yours: G. B. Grayson & Henry Whitter (3:01) early 10/27
15 My Mama Always Talked to Me: John Hammond, Jr. (2:28) ca. 9/17/27
16 Frankie Silvers: Byrd Moore (3:15) 10/23/29
17 The Burial of Wild Bill: Frank Jenkins' Pilot Mountaineers (2:50) ca. 9/12/29
18 Death of John Henry: Uncle Dave Macon (3:00) 4/14/26
[Credits]
Liner Notes: Charles Wolfe, Art Direction & Design: Fred Carlson, Coordination: Gary B. Reid, Produce: Rich Nevins
[Notes]Transfer of music from 78 rpm source material by Rich Nevins. Restoration of music and preparation of digital master by CMS Digital.

Times Ain't Like They Used To Be: Early American Rural Music

Yazoo 2028

Series: Classic Recordings Of The 1920s and 30s. Vol. 1
Format: CD, Compilation, Remastered
Country: US
Released: 1997
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Old-time
[Tracklist]
01 Blues In The Bottle: Prince Albert Hunt
02 Dollar Bill Blues: Charlie Jordon
03 Lost John Dean: Bascom Lamar Lundsford
04 Streak Of Lean, Streak Of Fat: A.A. Gray & Seven Foot Dilly
05 Sinking Of The Titanic: Richard "Rabbit" Brown
06 Tennessee Girls: Dykes Magic City Trio
07 Shotgun Blues: Bob Campbell
08 Train On The Island: J.P. Nestor & Norman Edmonds
09 The Fault's In Me: The Four Wanderers
10 The Tail Of Haley's Comet: Happy Hayseeds
11 Wake Up You Drowsy Sleeper: The Oaks Family
12 How You Want Your Rollin' Done: Louie Lasky
13 Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss: Frank Blevins & His Tar Heel Rattlers
14 On The Road Again: Memphis Jug Band
15 The Dying Soldier: Buell Kazee
16 Voice Throwin' Blues: Buddy Boy Hawkins
17 Been On The Job Too Long: Wilmer Watts & The Lonely Eagles
18 Fannie Moore: Ken Maynard
19 I Got Your Ice Cold Nugrape: Nugrape Twins
20 The Old Miller's Will: Carson Brothers & Sprinkle
21 Skinner: Winston Holmes & Charlie Turner
22 How To Make Love: Southern Moonlight Entertainers
23 Old Jimmie Sutton: Grayson & Whitter
[Credits]
Art Direction: Joan Pelosi, Cover Photo: Jim Bolman, Producer and Remaster: Richard Nevins, Sleeve Notes: Charles Wolfe and Don Kent

The Recordings Of Grayson & Whitter

County Records CD-3517

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1998
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Old-time
[Tracklist]
01 I've Always Been A Rambler (3:27)
02 Handsome Molly (2:44)
03 I Saw A Man At The Close Of Day (2:58)
04 Going Down The Lee Highway (2:49)
05 Never Be As Fast As I Have Been (2:54)
06 Ommie Wise (3:11)
07 On The Banks Of The Old Tennessee (3:02)
08 Rose Conley (3:27)
09 Train Forty-Five (3:08)
10 I'll Never Be Yours (3:05)
11 Short Life Of Trouble (2:47)
12 Old Jimmie Sutton (3:08)
13 Tom Dooley (3:12)
14 A Dark Road Is A Hard Road To Travel (3:14)
15 He Is Coming To Us Dead (2:58)
[Credits]
G. B. Grayson (fiddle/vocals) Henry Whitter (guitar/vocals)
Coordinator: Christopher C. King, Design: David Lynch Graphic, Liner Notes: Joe Wilson
[Notes]
This duo recorded the original versions of quite a few songs that went on to become folk chestnuts. Tracing the source of a folk song might seem a confusing task, but it is simple compared to sorting out the various recordings, re-recordings, reissues, and repackagings of reissues that have come out on Grayson and Whitter. Old-time music experts can argue over which is the better recording of "Handsome Molly," but no one will argue that this particular County product is handsomely packaged. The front cover is a ghastly green sketch of a mill. reference? More than half the back cover is a list of other records on the label, but with the quality of music County has released this actually might be more valuable than more informative liner notes might have been. G.B. Grayson was mostly known as a singer, although he accompanies himself simply and effectively on fiddle. His partner accompanies him on guitar, sticking mostly to rhythm chording pattern. Sound quality obviously varies, with some of the source 78s' sound rather clean and rich while others provide a fair impression of what a stereo might sound like if it was able to play from inside a washing machine on the rinse cycle. It is lovely country-flavored folk music, always more about the songs than any flashy picking. (AllMusic Review by Eugene Chadbourne)

Old Time Southern Dance Music: String Bands Vol. 1

Old Timey Records LP-100

Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1965
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country, Zydeco, Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
A1 Chinese Rag: The Spooney Five
A2 Moatsville Blues: Moatsville String Ticklers
A3 If The River Was Whiskey: Charlie Poole & The North Carolina Ramblers
A4 Japanese Breakdown: Scottdale String Band
A5 Crowley Waltz: Hackberry Ramblers
A6 Allen Brothers Rag: Allen Brothers
A7 Tickle Her: Hackberry Ramblers
A8 Jackson Stomp: Mississippi Mud Steppers
B1 Hawkins' Rag: Gid Tanner & His Skillet Lickers
B2 Hungry Hash House: Charlie Poole & The North Carolina Ramblers
B3 Train 45: Grayson & Whitter
B4 Down Yonder: Hershel Brown & His Washboard Band
B5 Dickson County Blues: Arthur Smith Trio
B6 Osson: Joseph Falcon with Clemo & Ophy Breaux
B7 Home Town Blues: Roane County Ramblers
B8 Nobody Loves Me: Hershel Brown & His Washboard Band
[Credits]
Liner Notes: Chris Strachwitz