Classic Old-Time Music from Smithsonian Folkways

Smithsonian Folkways Classic Series

Smithsonian Folkways – SFW CD 40093

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2003
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Fol, Old Timek
[Tracklist]
01 Sugar Hill: The Iron Mountain String Band (03:35)
02 Bill Morgan and His Gal: The New Lost City Ramblers (02:57)
03 Country Blues: Dock Boggs (03:52)
04 Little Sadie: Clarence Ashley (02:20)
05 Susannah Gal: Frank Bode and Tommy Jarrell (02:59)
06 Wednesday Night Waltz: Clark Kessinger (03:07)
07 Cyclone of Rye Cove: The New Lost City Ramblers (03:05)
08 I'm Leaving You This Lonesome Song: Maybelle Carter and Sara Carter Bayes (02:37)
09 Carroll County Blues: Doc Watson and Fred Price (01:42)
10 Don't Let Your Deal Go Down: Sam and Kirk McGee (03:03)
11 Trouble in Mind: Roscoe Holcomb (02:18)
12 Chilly Winds: Wade Ward (01:08)
13 Going Down the Road Feeling Bad: David, Bill and Billie Ray Johnson (02:25)
14 Pretty Polly: Lee Sexton (02:13)
15 Bonaparte's Retreat: Mike Seeger (01:29)
16 Concord Rag: J.E. Mainer's Mountaineers (02:15)
17 John Henry: George Pegram (02:18)
18 Bowling Green: Cousin Emmy with The New Lost City Ramblers (01:49)
19 Fine Times in Our House: John W. Summers (03:12)
20 Streets of Glory: Old Reliable String Band (02:10)
21 Policeman: The Spare Change Boys (02:53)
22 Soldier's Joy: Joe and Tommy Thompson (02:15)
23 House of David Blues: Red Clay Ramblers with Al McCanless (01:27)
24 Ship in the Clouds: Andy Cahan, Lisa Ornstein and Laura Fishleder (01:46)
25 Late Last Night: Sam and Kirk McGee (02:26)
26 Look Down That Lonesome Road: Gaither Carlton (02:07)
27 Down Yonder: Gordon Tanner, Joe Miller, and John Patterson (02:38)
28 Jaybird March: Etta Baker and Cora Phillips (01:51)
29 John Brown's Dream: The New Lost City Ramblers (01:35)
[Credits]
Compiler and Liner Notes: Jeff Place
[Notes]
This collection of old-time social and instrumental string-band music spotlights instrumental prowess. Old-time music features playing styles that pre-date bluegrass, emerging from the string band tradition stretching back to the early years of United States history. Both African-American and Anglo-American ingredients are at its core, the banjo having African origins, the fiddle European. Some of the most revered sources of old-time roots music—Dock Boggs, Roscoe Holcomb, Wade Ward, Tommy Jarrell, and more—are heard playing in their original styles. The Grateful Dead's cover of "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down" and Bob Dylan's rendition of Clarence Ashley's "Little Sadie" clearly attest to the continuing influence of these songs. Compiled and annotated by Jeff Place.

J.E. Mainer's Mountaineers: Run Mountain

Arhoolie Records – CD 456

Format: CD, Album, Compilation
Country: United States
Released: 1997
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Early Bluegrass, & Country
[Tracklist]
01 Mississippi Sawyer (2:58)
02 Ramshackle Shack (3:06)
03 Run Mountain (2:54)
04 Short Life Of Trouble (3:47)
05 If I Lose Let Me Lose (4:14)
06 Greenback Dollar (3:20)
07 Seven And A Half (2:54)
08 Don't Go Out Little Darling (2:51)
09 Over In The Gloryland (4:12)
10 The Country Blues (3:04)
11 Hop Along Peter (2:36)
12 He's Coming To Us Dead (3:15)
13 Crying Holy (2:34)
14 Oh Those Tombs (3:39)
15 Rhythm Blues (2:37)
16 Two Little Rosebuds (3:20)
17 Sally Goodin (3:27)
18 Maple On The Hill (4:01)
19 My Home's In Louisiana (2:33)
20 Wild Bill Jones (3:04)
21 Shake My Mother's Hand For Me (2:46)
22 I'm Just Here To Get My Baby Out Of Jail (3:12)
23 Mama Don't Allow (3:20)
[Credits]
J.E. Mainer (fiddle/banjo/vocals) J.E. Mainer Jr. (guitar/vocals) Carolyn Mainer (guitar/vocals) Glenn Mainer (banjo) Otis Overcash (mandolin) Earl Cheeks (bass/vocals)
Producer and Recorder: Chris Strachwitz, Cove: Beth Weil
[Notes]
Somewhere near the crossroads of traditional string band music and early bluegrass, you'll find J.E. Mainer's Mountaineers. Though this recording was made in Concord, N.C. on April 7, 1963, with Mainer having replaced all his former band members with his own children and a few friends, the collection is still nothing short of superb, with over 70 minutes of high spirited and rambunctious old timey music. Drawing on lively fiddle tunes, classic spirituals, ballads, and standard string band fare, a very loose and impromptu feeling runs through the 23 cuts, as the band seems to be having more than a little fun on tracks like "If I Lose Let Me Lose" and "Crying Holy." Good harmonies, excellent musicianship and an authentic and sincere presentation make Run Mountain a nearly flawless document of traditional string band music. - AllMusic Review by Matt Fink

16 Down Home Country Classics

Arhoolie Records - CD 110

Format: CD, Album
Country: United States
Released: 1997
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass, & Country
[Tracklist]
01 Single Girl: Rose Maddox (2:09)
02 No Never No: Strange Creek Singers (4:09)
03 Run Mountain: J.E. Mainer (2:52)
04 Spanish Fandango: Snuffy Jenkins (1:23)
05 Eight Thirty Blues: The Armstrong Twins (2:09)
06 Hey, Hey Bartender: Del McCoury (2:38)
07 Sam McGee Stomp: Sam McGee (2:04)
08 Old Dan Tucker: Louisiana Honey Drippers (2:20)
09 You Turned Your Back: Toni Brown (2:17)
10 Carroll County Blues: Suzy and Eric Thompson (3:18)
11 George's Playhouse Boogie: Maddox Brothers & Rose (2:44)
12 John Barleycorn: Kenny Baker (2:11)
13 Black Land Farmer: Bill Neely (3:48)
14 Turkey Buzzard / Chinquapin Hunting: Any Old Time String Band (2:46)
15 Hello Stranger: The Carter Family (2:09)
16 Bogue Chito Fling Ding: Hodges Brothers (1:56)
[Credits]
Producer and Editor: Chris Strachwitz and Tom Diamant, Photographer: Barry Oliver, Designer: Wayne Pope and Craig Millman
[Notes]
"Down home" country music originated in the Appalachian region of Virginia, North and South Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee in the early part of the 20th century. Played using acoustical stringed instruments, traditional country music is derived from English folk songs along with elements of gospel and blues. This collection presents 16 examples of traditional country music and includes tracks from the Carter Family, the Strange Creek Singers with Hazel Dickens, Rose Maddox, and NEA National Heritage Fellow Del McCoury. Liner notes include each track's original Arhoolie album for further listening.

In The Pines: Tar Heel Folk Songs & Fiddle Tunes

Old-Time Music of North Carolina 1926-1936

Old Hat Records – CD1006

Format: CD, Album, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2008
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Old Time
[Tracklist]
01 In The Pines: Dock Walsh (3:08)
02 Mountain Sweetheart: The Red Fox Chasers (2:56)
03 Mistreated Blues: Carolina Buddies (3:10)
04 Johnson City Hop: Carolina Ramblers String Band (2:46)
05 DAre You Sure?: Dixon Brothers & Mutt Evans (3:14)
06 The Rose With A Broken Ste: North Carolina Cooper Boys (3:02)
07 Jack Of Diamonds: Ben Jarrell (2:43)
08 Otto Wood: Thompson & Cranford (2:36)
09 Richmond Square: The Highlanders (2:58)
10 Will, The Weaver: Charlie Parker & Mack Woolbright (2:52)
11 Lindy: Proximity String Quartet (2:56)
12 Working On The Railroad: Blankenship Family (2:41)
13 Carolina's Best: The Grady Family (3:12)
14 Banjo Sam: Wilmer Watts & The Lonely Eagles (3:05)
15 New River Train: Cauley Family (2:39)
16 Little Bunch Of Roses: Clarence Greene (2:42)
17 That Lonesome Valley: Carolina Ramblers String Band (2:52)
18 Honeysuckle Rag: Blue Ridge Mountain Entertainers (2:57)
19 A Pretty Gal's Love: Whitter - Hendley - Small (2:42)
20 Tom Dooley: Grayson & Whitter (3:08)
21 The Longest Train: J.E. Mainer's Mountaineers (3:10)
22 Sweet Freedom: E.R. Nance Family with Clarence Dooley (2:27)
23 Sunny Home In Dixie: Frank Jenkins' Pilot Mountaineers (3:10)
24 My Home's Across The Blue Ridge Mountains: Carolina Tar Heels (3:20)
[Credits]
Producer: Marshall Wyatt, Liner Notes: Wayne Martin, Photographers: Tony Russell & Kip Lornell, Engineers: Christopher C. King & Jeff Carroll
[Notes]
In the early days of the recording industry, North Carolina was a hotbed of string bands playing traditional Appalachian folk-rooted music. This compilation collects 24 such recordings from the era immediately preceding and following the onset of the Depression, many of them quite obscure. Listeners with a general knowledge and appreciation of early American folk recordings might have heard of the Dixon Brothers and Mainer's Mountaineers, but for the most part, these performers will probably be unfamiliar to everybody except scholars and aficionados in the field. While they might have originated in the same region, this music shares many of the characteristics of early American recordings of what was then marketed as hillbilly music: plaintive heartfelt singing (and sometimes harmonizing); lively ensemble playing by varying combinations of guitar, fiddle, and banjo; and a repertoire growing out of traditional folk songs, even if the songs were sometimes written by the musicians (such as the one penned by Cranford & Thompson in honor of outlaw Otto Wood). The most renowned of these specific tracks by far is the first recorded version of "Tom Dooley" (by Grayson & Whitter in 1929), about 30 years before the Kingston Trio took it to the top of the charts, though both the tune and arrangement are much different in this early guise. Some other songs continue to echo as standards in the American popular music consciousness, such as "That Lonesome Valley" (here done by Carolina Ramblers String Band), "In the Pines" (here performed by "Dock" Walsh), and a variation of "In the Pines," "The Longest Train" (here presented by Mainer's Mountaineers). The 24-page booklet is of exceptional quality, with historical liner notes that comment upon each track and even offer a history of outlaw Otto Wood, as well as superb vintage photos of North Carolina folk musicians.-- AllMusic Review by Richie Unterberger

Appalachian Mountain Bluegrass

Rural Rhythm Records RHY-317

Format: CD, Album, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2007
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 Foggy Mountain Top: Earl Taylor & The Stoney Mountain Boys (2:14)
02 Girl I Left in Sunny Tennessee: Jim Greer & The Mac-O-Chee Valley Folks (2:41)
03 Froggie Went a Courtin': Hylo Brown & The Timberliners (1:38)
04 Cumberland Gap: The Cumberlands (2:35)
05 Black Mountain Blues: Mac Martin & His Dixie Travelers (3:07)
06 Home Across the Blue Ridge Mountains: Earl Taylor & The Stoney Mountain Boys (2:02)
07 Poor Ellen Smith: Reno & Harrell with The Tennessee Cut-Ups (2:01)
08 Where the Soul of Man Never Dies: Hylo Brown & The Timberliners (2:01)
09 Grandfather's Clock: Mac Wiseman (2:08)
10 Big Sandy: Red Smiley & the Bluegrass Cut-Ups (1:02)
11 Worried Man Blues: Earl Taylor & The Stoney Mountain Boys (1:57)
12 Deep Elm Blues: Jim Greer & The Mac-O-Chee Valley Folks (2:08)
13 Wild Bill Jones: Hylo Brown & The Timberliners (1:43)
14 Rovin' Gambler: Mac Wiseman (1:49)
15 Soldier's Joy: The Cumberlands with Michael Cleveland (2:36)
16 Darling Corey: Earl Taylor & The Stoney Mountain Boys (1:49)
17 Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss: Red White & the Dixie Blue Grass Band (1:36)
18 When the Bees Are in the Hive: Jim Greer & The Mac-O-Chee Valley Folks (2:24)
19 Bread and Gravy: J.E. Mainer & The Mountaineers with Morris Herbert (2:55)
20 Run Boy Run: Michael Cleveland / The Cumberlands (2:20)
21 Gathering Flowers from the Hillside: Earl Taylor & The Stoney Mountain Boys (2:17)
22 Mole in the Ground: Hylo Brown & The Timberliners (2:23)
23 Long Journey Home: Reno & Harrell with The Tennessee Cut-Ups (2:01)
24 Rebel Soldier: The Cumberlands (3:40)
25 Fire on the Mountain: Fiddlin' DeWayne Wear & the Wear Family (1:10)
26 The Tie That Binds Jim Greer & The Mac-O-Chee Valley Folks (1:27)
27 Rabbit in the Log: Frosty Mountain Boyswith Raymond Fairchild (1:31)
28 All the Good Times Are Past and Gone: Hylo Brown & The Timberliners (2:41)
29 Just Over in Glory Land: Mac Wiseman (1:53)
30 Amazing Grace: Raymond Fairchild & The Maggie Valley Boys (2:02)
[Credits]
Compilation Producer: Sam Passamano, Jr., Designner and Photographer: Marty Rosamond, Engineer: Steve Hoffman
[Notes]
Continuing with our successful Sound Traditions series, Rural Rhythm is proud to release this special new 30 Song Heritage Collection title, Appalachian Mountain Bluegrass 30 Vintage Classics which contains over 60 minutes of Historic Bluegrass Music and debuts many classic recorded songs Never-Before-Available on CD. Each song was remastered from the original master tapes by Steve Hoffman, (a leading mastering engineer in the High End Audio market). The end results are some of the best sounding authentic Traditional Bluegrass music available today.

Bluegrass Early Cuts 1931-1953: Classic Recordings Remastered

JSP Records 7731A-7731D

Format: Boxed Sets 4CDs, Various Artists, Remastered
Country: United Kingdom
Released: June 21, 2004
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass, Early Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
Disc: A (1947-1953)
01 Orange Blossom Special: Jerry & Sky
02 The Old Grey Goose: Red Belcher & The Kentucky Ridgerunners
03 Kentucky Is Only A Dream: Red Belcher & The Kentucky Ridgerunners
04 Holston Valley Breakdown: Red Belcher & The Kentucky Ridgerunners
05 Somebody Touched Me: John Reedy & His Stone Mountain Boys
06 Jesse James: Toby Stroud & The Blue Mountain Boys
07 Tragic Romance: Toby Stroud & The Blue Mountain Boys
08 Lint Head Stomp: Phebel Wright
09 Jesse James: Whitey & Hogan
10 Radio Boogie: L.C Smith
11 Bluebonnet Lane: Colwell Brothers
12 Mother, Sweet Mother: Rebe & Rabe
13 Helen: Rebe & Rabe
14 Home Sweet Home: Hack Johnson & His Tennesseans
15 Let Me Rest (At The End Of My Journey): Shenandoah Valley Trio
16 This World Can't Stand Long: Stoney Cooper & Wilma Lee
17 Wicked Path Of Sin: Stoney Cooper & Wilma Lee
18 Hallelujah, We Shall Rise: Sauceman Brothers
19 They Sleep Together Now At Rest: Lilly Brothers
20 What Are They Doing In Heaven Today: Lilly Brothers
21 Pain In My Heart: Lonesome Pine Fiddlers
22 Lonesome, Sad And Blue: Lonesome Pine Fiddlers
23 Don't Forget Me: Lonesome Pine Fiddlers
24 Will I Meet Mother In Heaven?: Lonesome Pine Fiddlers
Disc: B (1945-1953)
01 You Broke Your Promise: Lonesome Pine Fiddlers
02 I'm Left Alone: Lonesome Pine Fiddlers
03 Nobody Cares (Not Even You): Lonesome Pine Fiddlers
04 Twenty One Years: Lonesome Pine Fiddlers
05 Lonesome Pine Breakdown: Lonesome Pine Fiddlers
06 New Campdown Races: Marvin Cobb
07 You're The One (I See In My Dreams): Frank Wakefield & Buster Turner
08 Leave Well Enough Alone: Frank Wakefield & Buster Turner
09 Long Time, No See: Frank Hunter & His Black Mountain Boys
10 Weary Hobo: Pee Wee Lambert & Curley Parker
11 Just A Memory: Pee Wee Lambert & Curley Parker
12 Going Back To Old Kentucky: Hobo Jack Adkins
13 Rattlesnake Daddy: Bailey Brothers & The Happy Valley Boys
14 I'm On My Way To The Old Home: Sonny Osborne
15 I've Never Been So Lonesome: Ted Lundy
16 Roll On Blues: Connie & Babe
17 How Will The Flowers Bloom: Connie & Babe
18 The Last Love Letter: Connie & Babe
19 The Lonely Waltz: Connie & Babe
20 Better Late Than Never: Buster Pack & His Lonesome Pine Boys
21 The Bright Crystal Sea: Cecil Surratt & His West Virginia Ramblers
22 Where Will You Spend Eternity: Cecil Surratt & His West Virginia Ramblers
23 He Saved My Soul: Hamm Brothers
24 You Have Left Me Memories: Hobo Jack Adkins
Disc: C (1938-1951)
01 Florida Blues: Jim Eanes & His Shenandoah Valley Boys
02 Blue Yodel #1: Jim Eanes & His Shenandoah Valley Boys
03 Missing In Action: Jim Eanes & His Shenandoah Valley Boys
04 Curtains Of Sorrow: Jim Eanes & His Shenandoah Valley Boys
05 Little Brown Hand: Jim Eanes & His Shenandoah Valley Boys
06 Down Among The Budded Roses: Jim Eanes & His Shenandoah Valley Boys
07 Tomorrow May Be Different: Jim Eanes & His Shenandoah Valley Boys
08 Come Back My Little Pal: Roy Hall & His Blue Ridge Entertainers
09 Wabash Cannon Ball: Roy Hall & His Blue Ridge Entertainers
10 Lonesome Dove: Roy Hall & His Blue Ridge Entertainers
11 Where The Roses Never Fade: Roy Hall & His Blue Ridge Entertainers
12 Natural Bridge Blues: Roy Hall & His Blue Ridge Entertainers
13 The Best Of Friends Must Part Sometime: Roy Hall & His Blue Ridge Entertainers
14 Polecat Blues: Roy Hall & His Blue Ridge Entertainers
15 I Wonder Where You Are Tonight: Roy Hall & His Blue Ridge Entertainers
16 Don't Let Your Sweet Love Die: Roy Hall & His Blue Ridge Entertainers
17 Can You Forgive: Roy Hall & His Blue Ridge Entertainers
18 Loving You Too Well: Roy Hall & His Blue Ridge Entertainers
19 'Neath The Bridge At The Foot Of The Hill: Roy Hall & His Blue Ridge Entertainers
20 Little Sweetheart Come And Kiss Me: Roy Hall & His Blue Ridge Entertainers
21 Little Mohee: The Hall Brothers
22 The Wrong Road: The Hall Brothers
23 Orange Blossom Special: The Rouse Brothers
24 Let Me Be Your Salty Dog: The Morris Brothers
Disc: D (1931-1946)
01 Married Life Blues: Byron Parker & His Mountaineers
02 Up Jumped The Devil: Byron Parker & His Mountaineers
03 We Shall Rise: Byron Parker & His Mountaineers
04 C & N W Railroad: Byron Parker & His Mountaineers
05 Carroll County Blues: Byron Parker & His Mountaineers
06 Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar: Byron Parker & His Mountaineers
07 Concord Rag: J.E Mainer's Mountaineers
08 Don't Get Trouble In Your Mind: J.E Mainer's Mountaineers
09 Drunkard's Hiccoughs: J.E Mainer's Mountaineers
10 Blue Ridge Mountain Blue: J.E Mainer's Mountaineers
11 Johnson's Old Grey Mule: J.E Mainer's Mountaineers
12 Maple On The Hill: J.E Mainer's Mountaineers
13 Seven And A Half: J.E Mainer's Mountaineers
14 Short Life & It's Trouble: Wade Mainer & The Sons Of The Mountaineers
15 Wild Bill Jones: Wade Mainer & The Sons Of The Mountaineers
16 Lonely Tombs: Wade Mainer & The Sons Of The Mountaineers
17 Poor Drunkard's Dreams: Wade Mainer & The Sons Of The Mountaineers
18 I Won't Be Worried: Wade Mainer & The Sons Of The Mountaineers
19 Ramshackle Shack: Wade Mainer & The Sons Of The Mountaineers
20 Old Reuben: Wade Mainer & The Sons Of The Mountaineers
21 Don't Leave Me Alone: Wade Mainer & The Sons Of The Mountaineers
22 You May Forsake Me: Wade Mainer & The Sons Of The Mountaineers
23 Rambling Boy: Wade Mainer & The Sons Of The Mountaineers
24 I'll Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms: Buster Carter & Preston Young
[Credits]
Liner Notes: Pat Harrison
[Notes]
This four-disc box set from JSP Records collects tracks from the earliest years of bluegrass music, and in a rather curious sequencing decision, runs them backwards from the first disc, which includes the latest selections from the 1950s, to the fourth, which is made up of what are essentially high-octane string band tracks from the early '30s. Arranged this way, it neither functions effectively as a history or as an overview of early bluegrass, but that may well be secondary, since it does put about 90 hard to find 78s in one place, which no doubt will be its main attraction to bluegrass scholars and collectors. It is particularly interesting to hear the selections from Byron Parker & His Mountaineers, which all feature DeWitt "Snuffy" Jenkins on five-string banjo. Jenkins' three-finger picking style clearly prefigures the later work of banjo great Earl Scruggs, whose lightning three-finger runs have become the standard -- if not the very backbone -- of modern bluegrass. Also of interest here is the first version of "Orange Blossom Special," recorded by the Rouse Brothers in New York City in 1939. The song was actually written by the fiddler Ervin Rouse, and this simple early rendition is quite striking, particularly when you stop and ponder how many thousands of times the song has been recorded and performed since. Serious fans of bluegrass will find this box set useful and instructive, but casual listeners will no doubt find it to be about three discs too long. -- Review by Steve Leggett

J.E. Mainer's Mountaineers Vol.2

Old Timey Records OT-107

Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country
[Tracklist]
A1 Concord Rag
A2 In A Little Village Churchyard
A3 Country Blues
A4 Drunkard's Hiccoughs
A5 New Lost Train Blues
A6 Fatal Wreck Of The Bus
A7 Don't Go Out
B1 Going Back West In The Fall
B2 I Once Loved A Young Man
B3 Train No. 11
B4 Broken Hearted Blues
B5 Blue Ridge Mountain Blues
B6 Back To Johnson City
B7 When I Reach My Home Eternal
[Credits]
Daddy John Love (guitar/vocals) J.E. Mainer (fiddle) Wade Mainer (banjo/vocals) Zeke Morris (guitar/vocals)
Artwork: Wayne Pope, iner Notes & Photography: J.E. Mainer, Photography: Edited by Chris Strachwitz
[Notes]
Recorded 1930's, USA.

J.E. Mainer's Crazy Mountaineers

Old Timey Records LP-106

Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country
[Tracklist]
A1 Don't Get Trouble In Your Mind
A2 Answer To Greenback Dollar
A3 Sparkling Blue Eyes
A4 Kiss Me Cindy
A5 Why Do You Bob Your Hair, Girls
A6 We Will Miss Him
A7 Just Over In The Gloryland
B1 Seven And A Half
B2 Searching For A Pair Of Blue Eyes
B3 Write A Letter To Mother
B4 Sparkling Blue Eyes #2
B5 A Change All Around
B6 Maple On The Hill #2
B7 Let Her Go, God Bless Her
[Credits]
Daddy John Love (guitar/vocals) J.E. Mainer (fiddle/vocals) Wade Mainer (banjo/vocals) Zeke Morris (guitar/vocals) George Morris (guitar/vocals) Leonald Stokes (mandolin/vocals)
Liner Notes & Photography: J.E. Mainer, Edited by Chris Strachwitz
[Notes]
Recorded: 1930's, USA.

J.E. Mainer's Crazy Mountaineers Vol. 1

J.E. Mainer Productions ALP-201

Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country
[Tracklist]
A1 Old Number 9
A2 Train 45
A3 The Longest Train
A4 All Aboard
A5 Kiss Me Goodbye If You Love Me
A6 Please Don't Leave Me This Way
A7 Free Again
B1 The Lord Promised Me A Place In The Sky
B2 Railroad Blues
B3 Shang High Rooser
B4 Take Me In The Life Boat
B5 Maple On The Hill
B6 Lights In The Valley
B7 City On The Hill
[Credits]
Daddy John Love (guitar/vocals) J.E. Mainer (fiddle) Wade Mainer (banjo) Zeke Morris (guitar)
[Notes]
Sourced from original 78 rpm discs, recorded in the 1930s & 1940s.

Galax Va. Old Fiddlers' Convention

Folkways Records FA-2435

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: United States
Released: 1964
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Old Time, & Country
[Tracklist]
A01 Turkey in the Straw: Larry Richardson, Sonny Miller, Johnny Jackson (1:24)
A02 Whoa Mule: Tom Ashley (1:57)
A03 Bill Cheatham: The Southern Mountain Boys (1:38)
A04 The Sweetest Gift A Mother's Smile: Udel McPeak And Billy Edwards (2:35)
A05 Cumberland Gap: Lost John Ray (1:18)
A06 Walking In The Parlor: The Old Timers (1:55)
A07 John Henry: George Pegram (2:19)
A08 Cricket On The Earth: Sunny Mountain Boys (2:27)
A09 Columbus Stockade Blues: Dot Edwards And Katie Golden (2:29)
A10 Concord Rag: J. E. Mainer's Mountaineers (2:25)
A11 Blackberry Blossom: Wade Ward, Dale Poe And Charlie Higgins (1:55)
B01 Patty On The Turnpike: Unknown Artist (0:51)
B02 Wandering Boy: Ivor Melton (2:52)
B03 Stony Creek: The Southern Mountain Boys(1:24)
B04 Cackling Hen: Uncle Rufus Blackburn (1:55)
B05 Bill Cheatham: Buddy Pendleton (2:10)
B06 Seeing Nellie Home: Billy Edwards (1:07)
B07 Leather Britches: Brushy River Boys (1:59)
B08 Sally Ann: George Stoneman (1:57)
B09 Honeysuckle Rag: The Mountain Ramblers (1:41)
B10 Old Man At The Mill: Clint Howard (1:50)
B11 Walking In My Sleep: The Virginia Play Boys (1:32)
B12 Kingdom's Come: Norman Edmonds (2:08)
[Credits]
Producer and Recorder: Lisa Chiera, Photographer and Designer: John Cohen
[Notes]
Held since 1935, the Old Fiddlers' Convention is a southwestern Virginia tradition and a prime destination for old time and bluegrass musicians and fans. This recording was made at the festival from 1960 through 1963, and the tracks included are representative of the skill and spontaneity heard on the Galax stage.

30 APPALACHIAN BLUEGRASS CLASSICS: Rural Rhythm Records

Rural Rhythm Records on SoundCloud

POWER PICKS is a BEST OF series and contains Rural Rhythm's most powerful classic song performances by many Bluegrass legends and pioneers from the heyday of Bluegrass music! This Heritage Collection title contains classic original master performances culled from Rural Rhythm’s treasure trove of over 4,000 original masters dating back to 1955. If you like traditional Bluegrass music and want a collection of classic songs performed by the Legends & Pioneers of Bluegrass, then the Rural Rhythm Heritage Collection series is right for you. The songs were very familiar to our ancestors, and thanks to these traditional Bluegrass musicians, they’re with us still.

1. Little Maggie - Frosty Mountain Boys
2. Deep Elm Blues - Jim Greer & The Mac-O-Chee Valley Folks
3. Uncle Pen - Ernie & Mack With The Bluegrass Cut-Ups
4. Martin & The Coys - Hylo Brown & The Blue Ridge Mountain Boys
5. Rabbit In The Log - Log Cabin Boys
6. Yonder Comes The Sheriff - Bob Ensign & The Stump Jumpers
7. When It's Time For The Whippoorwill To Sing - Jim Greer & The Mac-O-Chee Valley Folks
8. Cripple Creek - Frosty Mountain Boys
9. Whoa, Mule Whoa - J. E. Mainer & The Mountaineers ( Featuring Morris Herbert)
10. If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again - Hylo Brown & The Timberliners
11. Gathering Flowers From The Hillside - James Wall
12. Foggy Mountain Top - Raymond Fairchld
13. Tupelo County Jail - Red Smiley & The Bluegrass Cut-Ups
14. Rolling In My Sweet Baby’s Arms - Frosty Mountain Boys
15. Shady Grove - J.E. Mainer & Red Smiley With The Bluegrass Cut-Ups
16. Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down - Jim Greer & The Mac-O-Chee Valley Folks
17. Bring A Little Water Sylvie - Hylo Brown & The Timberliners
18. Black Eyed Susan - Tater Tate
19. My Clinch Mountain Home - James Wall
20. Why Do You Wonder - Ernie & Mack With The Bluegrass Cut-Ups
21. John Hardy - Jim Greer & The Mac-O-Chee Valley Folks
22. Down In The Willow Garden - Earl Taylor & Jim Mccall With The Stoney Mountain Boys
23. Sweet Fern - Hylo Brown & The Timberliners
24. John Henry - Red White & His Dixie Blue Grass Band
25. I Wonder How The Old Folks Are At Hom - Ernie & Mack With The Stoney Mountain Boys
26. Pallet On The Floor - J.E. Mainer & The Mountaineers ( Featuring Morris Herbert)
27. Plant Some Flowers By My Grave - Red Smiley & The Bluegrass Cut-Ups
28. I'll Be All Smiles Tonight - Hylo Brown
29. Chruch In The Wildwoods - Jim Greer & The Mac-O-Chee Valley Folks
30. Old Mountain Dew - Raymond Fairchild

The Railroad in Folk Song

RCA Victor LPV-532

Series: RCA Victor Vintage Series
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: United States
Released: 1966
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Old-time
[Tracklist]
A1 J.E. Mainer's Mountaineers (6/16/39) Orange Blossom Special (2:56)
A2 Carolina Tar Heels (4/3/29) The Train's Done Left Me (3:09)
A3 Carter Family (2/25/29) The Engine One-Forty-Three (3:18)
A4 Harry "Mac" McClintock (3/16/28) Jerry, Go Ile That Car (2:38)
A5 Tenneva Ramblers (2/18/28) If I Die A Railroad Man (2:56)
A6 Blind Alfred Reed (7/28/27) The Wreck Of The Virginian (2:56)
A7 Monroe Brothers (2/17/36) Nine Pound Hammer Is Too Heavy (2:12)
A8 Jimmie Davis (5/26/31) The Davis Limited (3:09)
B1 Delmore Brothers (9/29/38) The Cannon Ball (2:12)
B2 J.E. Mainer's Mountaineers (8/6/35) The Longest Train (3:11)
B3 Vernon Dalhart (3/18/26) Wreck Of The Old 97 (3:17)
B4 Grayson & Whitter (7/31/28) The Red And Green Signal Lights
B5 Byron Parker And His Mountaineers (10/10/40) Peanut Special (2:44)
B6 Johnson Brothers (5/24/28) Crime Of The D'Autremont Brothers (3:02)
B7 Palmer McAbee (2/21/28) McAbee's Railroad Piece
B8 Paul Warmack And His Gully Jumpers (10/1/28) The Little Red Caboose Behind The Train (2:58)
[Credits]
Liner Notes: Archie Green, Reissue Producer: Mike Lipskin, Remastering: Don Miller
[Notes]
Reissue of railroad music from the 20's and 30's.

Smoky Mountain Ballads

RCA Victor – LPV 507

Series: RCA Victor Vintage Series
Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation, Mono
Country: United States
Released: 1964
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass, & Country
[Tracklist]
A1 Cumberland Mountain Deer Race: Uncle Dave Macon (2:48)
A2 Riding On That Train Forty-Five: Wade Mainer, Zeke Morris, Steve Ledford (2:33)
A3 Down With The Old Canoe: Dixon Brothers (2:49)
A4 Chittlin' Cookin' Time In Cheatham County: Arthur Smith Trio (2:32)
A5 Where Is My Sailor Boy?: Monroe Brothers (2:45)
A6 Worried Man Blues: Carter Family (2:33)
A7 On A Cold Winter's Night: J.E. Mainer's Mountaineers (2:58)
A8 On Tanner's Farm: Gid Tanner And Riley Puckett (2:51)
B1 Darling Corey: Monroe Brothers (2:06)
B2 I'm Bound To Ride: Arthur Smith Trio (2:17)
B3 Intoxicated Rat: Dixon Brothers (2:35)
B4 Railroadin' And Gamblin': Uncle Dave Macon (2:38)
B5 The East Virginia Blues: Carter Family (2:44)
B6 Ida Red: Gid Tanner And His Skillet Lickers (2:49)
B7 Down In The Willow: Wade Mainer And Zeke Morris (2:28)
B8 There's More Pretty Girls Than One: Arthur Smith Trio (3:03)
[Notes]
The RCA Victor Vintage Series has been created to bring you selected reissued performances, unavailable for some years, by great personalities of the popular, jazz and folk music worlds. All recordings in the Vintage Series have been remastered with the latest recording techniques, but the artistic values of the performances are the only consideration for inclusion. Here are truly great recordings of the past for your present and future enjoyment.