Document Records - Vintage Blues and Jazz

"Search Document Records - Arthur McKay Results "

Viewing 1 to 2 of 2

Roosevelt Sykes Vol 4 1934 - 1936

Roosevelt Sykes, vocal, piano.

With contributions by;
Johnnie Strauss, vocal.
Arthur McKay, vocal.
Dorothy Baker, vocal.
Kokomo Arnold, slide guitar.

Genres: Blues Piano, Pre-war Blues, Country Blues Bottleneck-slide Guitar.

From this CD’s booklet notes.
The fourth volume in Document's Complete Recorded Works covers Roosevelt Sykes' career from late 1934 to mid-1936, a period during which he introduced his signature tune "Honeydripper," along with Soft and Mellow (Stella Blues),  the bawdy gem Dirty Mother for You, and a few songs with vocalists Johnnie Strauss and Arthur McKay.

In August 1934, the 28 year old Roosevelt Sykes assembled a roster that seems like most of the available blues talent in St. Louis, and took them to Chicago to record for Decca. Including himself, there were no fewer than five piano players in the bunch - Lee Green, Barrelhouse Buck McFarland, Peetie Wheatstraw and Henry Brown. It seems certain that the first two titles cut by the ripsaw voiced female singer Johnnie Strauss were accompanied by Brown, but the complex right hand and unexpected endings identify Sykes on Radio Broadcasting Blues and Old Market Street Blues. After the success of this venture, it's odd that Sykes didn't record for Decca again for 18 months; when he did, however, it was the start of an association that lasted for five years, and marked the end of his label hopping ways. Decca billed him by the nickname Edith Johnson had bestowed seven years earlier - The Honey Dripper. Continued...




More Info on our New Store >>
   

Roosevelt Sykes Vol 5 1937 - 1939
Not long turned 30 in 1937, Roosevelt Sykes was by now well established with Decca, recording regularly and composing a string of popular and influential songs: “Night Time Is The Right Time”, for instance, was recorded by numerous artists over the years, from Big Bill Broonzy to Creedence Clearwater Revival!



More Info on our New Store >>
   

 

Home Search Affiliates Services