Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order, Vol. 1 (1927-1930) by Allen Brothers (The Chattanooga Boys)
Release Date: September 7, 1998.
Recording Time: 71 minutes.
Release Info: DOCD 8033, Compilation.
Recording Date: April 7, 1927 - November 22, 1930.
Styles: Old-Timey, Acoustic Blues, Country Blues, Traditional Country, Folk-Blues.
The Allen Brothers (singer/banjoist Austin Allen and Lee Allen on kazoo, guitar, and occasional vocals) were one of the most popular and prolific of the early country groups. All of their music has been reissued on three Document CDs. The duo primarily played good-time music, influenced by the blues and to a small extent by hokum. Listening to their performances, one has to occasionally overlook small and unfortunate racist remarks that were part of the Southern white culture of the time. However, the sound of the duo is appealing (even if "Laughin' and Cryin' Blues" is a bit annoying), with the highlights on this first disc including "Salty Dog Blues," "Prisoner's Dream," "Jake Walk Blues," and "Frisco Blues." One session is unusual because it has the duo joined by violin and guitar, but that was the only time in their career that the Allen Brothers used other musicians. Early country collectors will want to hear this music. ~ Scott Yanow
Credits: Allen Brothers - primary artist; Austin Allen - banjo, composer, primary artist, vocals, whistle (human); Lee Allen - composer, primary artist; Lee Allen & His Band - guitar, kazoo, vocals; A.P. Carter - composer; Robert Douglas - flute; Jimmie Medley - guitar; Johnny Parth - producer; Tony Russell - liner notes; Gerhard Wessely - remastering.
Tracklist:
01. Salty Dog Blues - Allen Brothers
02. Bow Wow Blues - Allen Brothers
03. Chattanooga Blues - Austin & Lee Allen
04. Laughin' And Cryin' Blues - Austin & Lee Allen
05. Ain't That Skippin' And Flyin' - Allen Brothers
06. Cheat 'Em - Allen Brothers
07. Frisco Blues - Allen Brothers
08. Tiple Blues - Allen Brothers
09. Free A Little Bird - Allen Brothers
10. Skipping And Flying - Allen Brothers
11. Prisoner's Dream - Allen Brothers
12. I'll Be All Smiles Tonight - Allen Brothers
13. I've Got The Chain Store Blues - Allen Brothers
14. Jake Walk Blues - Allen Brothers
15. The Enforcement Blues - Allen Brothers
16. Reckless Night Blues - Allen Brothers
17. New Chattanooga Blues - Allen Brothers
18. Shanghai Rooster Blues - Allen Brothers
19. Price Of Cotton Blues - Allen Brothers
20. I'm Always Whistling The Blues - Allen Brothers
21. Roll On Down The Line - Allen Brothers
22. Old Black Crow In The Hickory Nut Tree - Allen Brothers
23. No Low Down Hanging Around - Allen Brothers
24. Maybe Next Week Sometime - Allen Brothers
Recording places and dates:
Tracks 1-2: Atlanta, GA, April 7, 1927;
Tracks 3-4: Atlanta, GA, November 4, 1927;
Tracks 5-6: Atlanta, GA, April 20, 1928;
Tracks 7-12: Atlanta, GA, October 15, 1928;
Tracks 13-18: Memphis, TN, May 5, 1930;
Tracks 19-24: Memphis, TN, November 22, 1930.
Notes:
Special thanks to Doug Seroff.
Original recordings from the collections of Joe Bussard, Keith Chandler, Johnny Parth, Karl Weiss.