Nimbus Records, in collaboration with Saydisc Records, brings blues enthusiasts another gem with the release of "Black Diamond Express: Matchbox Bluesmaster Series Set 11." This comprehensive six-CD set, curated by Austrian music collector Johnny Parth and blues researcher Paul Oliver, delves into the roots of blues, spotlighting early piano blues and gospel music from the 1920s and 1930s. As part of a larger collection spanning 72 CDs, this set offers a glimpse into the diverse and often overlooked world of blues piano and sacred music.
The first CD, aptly titled "Piano Blues," showcases 14 tracks from eight artists, challenging the historical emphasis on guitarists in early blues. Opening with Blind Roosevelt Graves featuring Will Ezell's recordings from 1929, the album explores piano blues with contributions from Shorty Bob Parker, Little Brother Montgomery, Mississippi Jook Band, Lee Brown with Sam Price, Pinetop, and Lindberg, and Cripple Clarence Lofton. These recordings, mostly from the mid-1930s, offer a rare insight into the piano's role in shaping early blues.
The second CD turns the spotlight on James "Kokomo" Arnold, a bottleneck guitar maestro born in Lovejoy, Georgia. With 14 songs spanning 1935 to 1938, this selection captures Arnold's unique musical journey, showcasing his distinctive style. Though absent are his well-known hits like "Milk Cow Blues" and "Old Original Kokomo Blues," the album paints a vivid picture of Arnold's contribution to the blues landscape.
CDs 3 and 4 center on Peetie Wheatstraw, one of the top-selling blues artists of his era. Titled "The Devil's Son-in-Law (1930-36)" and "The High Sheriff From Hell (1936-38)," these discs delve into Wheatstraw's extensive catalog of over 170 songs. Wheatstraw's influence on blues icons like Blind Boy Fuller, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Robert Johnson is evident in his explicit songs that touch on sexual prowess, gambling, and other proclivities.
"Little Brother Montgomery (1930–1969)," the fifth CD, pays homage to Eurreal Montgomery, a versatile pianist born in Kentwood, Louisiana. The album, featuring 16 songs, provides a unique mix of tunes from the '30s, '50s, and '60s, showcasing Montgomery's ability to traverse various musical styles, from blues to jazz and even Irish songs.
The final CD in the set, "Black Diamond Express to Hell," bridges pre-war and post-war gospel music with 26 songs. The title, although seemingly incongruous, reflects the authentic expressions of faith and community within African American congregations during the early 20th century. The scratchy recordings, transferred from 78 RPM records and field recordings, offer an intimate glimpse into the spiritual traditions of the time.
While the historical recordings may sound scratchy and challenging due to their age, this Matchbox Bluesmaster Series Set 11 serves as a valuable archive for those passionate about exploring the roots of blues. The meticulous curation and Paul Oliver's insightful notes provide a historical context, enriching the listener's journey into the deep history of the blues. As the series culminates with its twelfth and final release in September 2023, this collection stands as a testament to the Matchbox Bluesmaster Series' crucial role in preserving and celebrating the blues heritage.
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