Another Ebay gem : Robert Johnson 78. $12,500

Here's another Ebay gem:  An original Robert Johnson 78 on Vocalion.  These are the first 2 sides Johnson ever recorded, and it might be "The finest known copy."  Wow.  
Asking Price : $12,500
Check it out HERE.

Rare 20's Blues Gospel : Arizona Dranes

Here are a couple performances by Arizona Dranes (1889-1963).  She was a blind Pianist/Singer, one of the first gospel singers to bring the style of the Holiness Churches to the public.  Her original 78's sometimes pop up, or you can get all her music via Document Records.

Bob Dylan Tour Dates, April 2013

Bob Dylan will be touring with Dawes for some dates starting in April 2013.  April 5, in Buffalo, NY is the first date going through April 21 in Bowling Green, OH.  I'm sure more will be announced soon.  For the full list of dates, go HERE.

An Ebay Gem : Mississippi John Hurt

Here's an Ebay Gem. It's an original Okeh 78 from none other than Mississippi John Hurt.  This is from the 1928 sessions and very rare.

Mississippi John Hurt

Okeh 8560

A-Frankie / B-Nobody's Dirty Business

Current Price : $54 (2-27-13), 5 days left in the auction.

Find it HERE.  UPDATE, Sold for $405.

Last week an original Son House gem went for over $700...we'll see what this goes for.

The American Folk-Blues Festival '62-'66

If you haven't seen this, you should check it out.  This particular clip features T-Bone Walker, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Otis Rush, Lonnie Johnson, Muddy Waters, need I say more?  There are other clips on youtube with Sonny Boy Williamson, Rosetta Tharpe, and many more that shouldn't be missed.

More clips, downloads and rare records coming soon!

Furry Lewis : Kassie Jones

Furry Lewis doing his most famous song, from 1968. 

Lightnin' Hopkins

I've been listening to a lot of Lightnin' Hopkins recently.  That's Sam John Hopkins, the legend.  In the second video, its Joan Baez he's singing to.

Download "Lightnin' Sings the Blues" HERE.

Dock Boggs : "Country Blues"

The first time I saw video of Skip James or Mississippi John Hurt or Son House, it was like seeing video of a ghost.  These were legends of the 20's that made their mark on shellac wax cuttings and went back to their sharecropping shacks; not compatible with Youtube and Google.  But here's another one that surprised me: none other than Dock Boggs.  After listening to him for years, I built an image of what I thought he looked like (even though I've seen pictures)...this wasn't exactly it.  Dock started recording in 1926/27 and did "revival" recordings in the 60's as well.

Download "Country Blues (LP)" HERE.

Sonny Boy Williamson (II) - Bye Bye Bird

Possibly the coolest, most badass man ever to walk the earth, its Sonny Boy Williamson...aka Rice Miller aka Willie Williamson aka the Goat aka Footsie.  It was actually his radio sponsor on the King Biscuit Time show that started billing him as SBW, to capitalize on the fame of another popular blues singer, named Sonny Boy Williamson.  His year of birth is unknown, dates range anywhere from 1899 to 1912.  He died in 1965.   

 Download the "Best of" HERE .

September for lovers: Otis Rush "Violent Love"

A truly entertaining and bizarre love song, "Violent Love" was written by Willie Dixon and first recorded by the Big Three (I believe).  That's also a great version.  Here's Otis Rush doing it in 1956.  Yes, September is for lovers.

American Primitive Vol.1: Raw Pre-war Gospel 1926-1936

Roots enthusiasts may know this amazing compilation called "American Primitive" compiled by John Fahey and others.  There are two volumes out, the second is quite hard to find.  This first one has some cool stuff by Charley Patton, Bukka White, and here, Blind Roosevelt Graves.  This is really raw and unique gospel, check it out.

Download the record here.

 BUY IT if you really dig it.

Lightnin' Hopkins - The Blues According to Lightnin' Hopkins

This film was shot in 1967 and shows some of rural Texas, including some great blues musicians.  This 30 minute documentary is definitely worth checking out.

Frank Stokes

Many roots enthusiasts will know the name, Frank Stokes.  These 1920's recordings of the Memphis blues singer/guitarist are worth checking out.  This Yazoo disc is one of 3-4 compilations available, and may be the best one.

http://www.zshare.net/download/8707768418e5e4e1/