Performers include: Furry Lewis, Charlie McCoy, Charley Patton, Robert Johnson, Bukka White, Sleepy John Estes.
Personnel: Robert Lee McCoy (vocals, guitar, harpsichord); Otto Virgial, Frank Stokes, Garfield Akers, Geeshie Wiley, Robert Johnson, Sleepy John Estes, William Harris, Bo Carter, Bukka White, Charley Patton (vocals, guitar); Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup (vocals, electric guitar); Furry Lewis, Hattie Hart, Jimmy DeBerry (vocals); Joe Robinson (spoken vocals, guitar); Landers Waller, Allen Shaw, Roosevelt Graves and Brother, Willie Harris, Big Joe Williams (guitar); Henry "Son" Sims (violin); Jed Davenport (harmonica); James Williams (piano); Washboard Sam (washboard); Uaroy Graves (tambourine).
Recording information: Birmingham, AL (07/22/1927-04/15/1942); Chicago, IL (07/22/1927-04/15/1942); Grafton, WI (07/22/1927-04/15/1942); Hattiesburg, MS (07/22/1927-04/15/1942); Jackson, MS (07/22/1927-04/15/1942); Memphis Audutorim, Memphis, TN (07/22/1927-04/15/1942); Memphis, TN (07/22/1927-04/15/1942); New York, NY (07/22/1927-04/15/1942); Peabody Hotel, Memphis, TN (07/22/1927-04/15/1942); San Antonio, TX (07/22/1927-04/15/1942); Shreveport, LA (07/22/1927-04/15/1942); St. Charles Hotel, New Orleans, LA (07/22/1927-04/15/1942).
The first of a two- volume set from British label Acrobat, Southern Blues, Volume 1 brings together an interesting group of 78s from American blues singers. There are a few well- known names here (Charley Patton, Robert Johnson, Bukka White), but most of the selections are by more obscure artists, which is the real strength of this compilation. Highlights include rare tracks from Geeshie Wiley ("Skinny Leg Blues"), and Garfield Akers ("Dough Roller Blues"). ~ Steve Leggett
