Box Sets #14 - Memphis Jug Band with Gus Cannon's Jug Stompers

I first became acquainted with the Memphis Jug Band and Gus Cannon via tracks from both included in the wonderful 'Harry Smith Anthology of American Folk Music'. Then I noticed that the book 'Martin Scorcese Presents The Blues' featured across pages 144 & 145, recollections of Beale Street, Memphis by a certain Will Shade of the Memphis Jug Band. As a backdrop to this short piece is a blurry Robert Crumb illustration of four black guys, two cradling guitars and the others clutching a kazoo and a stoneware jug.

My journey of discovery became complete when I stumbled across a YouTube video of a bunch of singers and musicians calling themselves The Ever-Lovin' Jug Band. The song they played was 'Fourth Street Mess Around' by none other than the Memphis Jug Band.
There's a link to that performance here.







I loved it and after doing some quick research, I ordered myself this 4 CD box set of the very best recordings from these two fine acts. The first three discs feature music by the Memphis Jug Band recorded between 1927 and 1930. During this period the line up changed repeatedly and at various times included the aforementioned Will Shade along with Ben Ramey, Will (Casey Bill) Weldon, Charlie Polk, Vol Stevens, Charlie Burse, Jab Jones, Milton Robie and Memphis Minnie. 



The final disc is probably the finest of the set featuring music from Gus Cannon's Jug Stompers recorded at various sessions during 1928. It didn't take me too long to discover that Gus Cannon had previously recorded as Banjo Joe and half a dozen of his songs appeared on the fantastic box set 'The Rise and Fall of Paramount Records (Vol 1)', On these he was backed by the mysterious blues and ragtime guitarist Blind Blake.

I confess that I have rather snubbed jug band music in the past, being distinctly unimpressed by 'musicians' playing kazoos or puffing into jugs. However I quickly became totally captivated by these recordings and it did not take me too long to realise the influence these early tracks had on certain acts during the 1960's folk/blues revival. Among those who had clearly heard the original recordings were the Grateful Dead who originated as Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions and who performed  Cannon's 'Big Railroad Blues' over 170 times. They also covered 'Cocaine Habit Blues', 'KC Moan', 'Overseas Stomp' and 'On The Road Again' all previously recorded by the Memphis Jug Band whose wonderful song 'Stealin' Stealin'' was also recorded (as 'Stealin') by the Grateful Dead as their first single in 1966. Hear the Memphis Jug Band version via this link.
Stealin' Stealin'

This version was recorded on 15th September 1928. The song was said to have been written by Gus Cannon though there is evidence of some of the lines appearing as early as 1921 (Clarence Williams) and 1922 (Leona Williams). In the early 1960's the song was regularly performed live by Bob Dylan. 

Gus Cannon returned to popularity in this period after the Rooftop Singers scored a mega hit with his song 'Walk Right In'. On the back of that he teamed up with Will Shade and recorded a short but much acclaimed album for Stax Records in 1963.

Will Shade passed away in September 1966 (aged 68) and Gus Cannon died in October 1979 aged either 96 or 105 depending upon which birth date you are inclined to believe.

I have to say that apart from the style of music, there is little evidence of these recordings dating from the 1920's. John R. T. Davies has done a superb remastering job. Besides a great collection of tunes, the box also features some interesting liner notes by writer and producer, Neil Slaven. All in all, a most wonderful set.

Take a listen to Viola Lee Blues by Gus Cannon's Jug Stompers and see if you agree.