Hillbilly Blues: 1928-1946

Performers include: Jimmie Rodgers, Darby & Tarlton, Delmore Brothers, Milton Brown, Adolph Hofner, Les Paul, Ernest Tubb, Spade Cooley.
Country music began life as the white man's version of the blues. Termed "hillbilly music" until the early '50s, country embraced blues' form and themes, a template it continues to follow today, albeit dressed up in slicker clothes. It's still all about the hazards of love and the struggle to survive and find a good time in a world growing increasingly difficult. Hillbilly Blues kicks off with the classic Jimmie Rodgers recording of "Blue Yodel" and continues on through some two-dozen early blues tracks, including the gently swinging "That's All" by Merle Travis, a not-yet-quite-bluegrass "Blue Yodel # 4" by Bill Monroe and the odd-sounding vocal and guitar combination of Darby & Tarlton. An early Chet Atkins instrumental, "Guitar Blues," reveals the accomplished style and skill that defined his whole career as a guitarist. Remastered from old 78s, the sound quality is surprisingly good. This is recommended for those interested in the roots of country. ~ Steve Leggett