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
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