Joe Bryant and The Mississippi Woodchoppers. Mississippi Records # 512 - Starday Custom Side A - Pulpwood Blues - (Bryant) Side B - A Man Ain't Nothin' But A Woman's Slave - (Bryant)
My copy above is pretty rare as we now know only two copies exist (according to Malcolm Chapman in his blog and Starday Custom CD Box set review he only knows of one copy) below. So mine must be number two ......wow what a killer rare record.
Joe Bryant and the boys lay down some pretty hot country blues and it's pretty evident that Joe wrote these tunes after repeated plays of ol' Hank Williams and is pretty clear what sound he's after. You get all the usual elements, fiddle, rhythm guitar and steel guitar which does go a little off piste a few times on both side but as MC says above it just adds to the charm of the whole thing.
Jimmie Dawson - Rustic Record # 1926 - 1957 Side A - It Took An Older Woman. Side B - Money Talks. Another superb 78 record by Jimmie and this time on the fantastic looking label 'Rustic' out of Rockford, Illinois. Here you'll find two red hot slices of Country bop with some mighty tip top geet pickin' and of course the superb voice of Mr Dawson.
Bill Carter - Republic Record # 7126 - 1956 Side A - By The Sweat Of My Brow. Side B - You Ain't Got My Address. Bill had many releases through the 50's & 60's on many labels ( MGM, D, Honey B and Tally) but this was his only release on Republic. Two really decent tunes but the 'Address' side is the cream of the crop and really hops along at a snazy pace. Bill had the help of some top Nashville musicians on this cut (see below) and it shows from the first to last note . February 1956 Nashville, TN – Bill Carter - Bill Carter [vcl/gt], Hank Garland [lead gt], Don Helms [steel], Bob Moore [bass], Buddy Harman [drums], Tommy Jackson [fiddle], Marvin Hughes [piano] RCA Custom pressing.
Henry & Homer and the Southernaires Humming Bird Records # 1010 - 1951. Side A - Cripple Heart. Side B - Eternal Love.
Early 50's splendid country by Henry & Homer . The very un PC sounding 'Cripple Heart' is actually a terrific little song with lovely harmonies and bops along with pure delight. The B side finds the vocals with just Henry (Bennetsen) telling us about his 'Eternal Love' .
Charlie Brown and his Lazy V Hands. Rose Records # 101 - 1955 Side A - Mean Mean Mama. Side B - My Hungry Heart.
Recorded in Cisco, Texas. Label owned by Charlie Brown.
Here you have Charlie with his Lazy V Hands on Rose # 101 with some perfect country bop, it's simple quality played with perfection. Strong shout backs from the band as Charlie sings about his Mean Mean Mama . Superb punchy guitar, Steel and nice piano makes this 78 a must have for your shellac collection.
Curt and Faye Bartmess . State Records (Faith Series) # 4001 - 1951 Side A - Walking The Sea. Side B - The Downward Road. Pure and rural hick gospel country from married couple with Curt & Faye. This is sacred gospel in its purest form, you get guitar, Mandolin and two heart felt vocals that makes this a masterpiece in early 50's country evangelistic music. Curt and Faye later saw a release on the Starday Custom series on their own 'Evangelistic' label 'Country Music In A Sacred Way'/ 'The Narrow Way'.
Dudley Bernard Smoky Records - Golden Meadows, Louisiana - 1949. Side A - Alone Without You Darling. Side B - That Loneliness Behind Your Smile.
Lead guitar by Luke Charpentier Jr.
Recorded at the first studio owned by Cosimo Matassa . Located at the rear of a record store on Rampart Street.
This hick little record was recorded with just Dudley and his Rhythm Guitar and vocal and some really basic but kinda cool lead guitar by Luke Charpentier Jr. Two very simple tunes played with just enough talent to make it a thing of beauty.
