Label: Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
Release Date: 1958
Releases: July 28, 2003 (Vivid Sound); June 19, 2012 (Folkways)
Styles: Folksongs, Traditional Folk, Appalachian, North American Traditions, Blues Revival, Folk Revival
Folksongs & Instrumentals with Guitar. This first LP collection by a widely influential guitarist includes her classic "Freight Train."
by William Ruhlmann
This is the very first album from the late, legendary folk-blues guitarist and singer Elizabeth Cotton. Featuring her oft-covered classic tune, the titular 'Freight Train' and her idiosyncratic, self-taught upside-down left-handed guitar playing style, this is an absolutely essential collection from an American folk legend lovingly reissued here on vinyl in an exact replica of the original paste-on Folkways jacket with booklet.
Notes: Includes insert with lyrics and notes. Sleeves issued in brown and green with slightly different layout on the back. Library of Congress Catalogue Card No. R 59-68. (c)1958 Folkways Records & Service Corporation, 701 Seventh Ave., New York, New York, 10036.
Credits: Elizabeth Cotten - guitar, primary artist, vocals; Ronald Clyne - design (cover design); David Gahr - photography; Mike Seeger - recorded by, liner notes.
Tracks: 1) Wilson Rag; 2) Freight Train; 3) Going Down the Road Feeling Bad; 4) I Don't Love Nobody; 5) Ain't Got No Honey Baby Now; 6) Graduation March; 7) Honey Babe Your Papa Cares For You; 8) Vastopol; 9) Here Old Rattler Here/Sent For My Fiddle Sent For My Bow/George Buck; 10) Run Run/Mama Your Son Done Gone; 11) Sweet Bye and Bye/What A Friend We Have In Jesus; 12) Oh Babe It Ain't No Lie; 13) Spanish Flang Dang; 14) When I Get Home.