Nick Lucas is known in jazz-guitarist circles as: “The Grandfather of jazz guitar.” In 1922 he cut 2 sides, “Teasin’ the Frets” and “Pickin’ The Guitar.” These are the first solo jazz guitar instrumentals ever recorded. You can hear Nick’s inventiveness as he teases the frets of his guitar, telling a story through song that will light up your imagination with child-like glee.
“Teasin’ the Frets“ (play/download mp3)
“I Ain’t Got Nobody” is an American perennial standard. Covered by many jazz giants over the years, the most famous rendition was recorded in 1956 by Louis Prima who paired it with another standard “Just a Gigolo.” This original version has all the authenticity of listening to the original 78. Enjoy this classic piece of American culture.
“I Ain’t Got Nobody“ (play/download mp3)
Noble Sissle & Eubie Blake were both born in the North. However like other black musicians in the 1920s, they faced obstacles while trying to perform in white-owned theaters. “Waitin’ For The Evening Mail,” recorded in 1923, is a catchy, ragtime-y song written from the perspective of a jailbird. Of course the inmate is howling innocence, and the piece of mail he is waiting for is notice of bail. Spoiler: He never makes bail.
“Watin For The Evening Mail“ (play/download mp3)
It’s not often you hear falsetto in a blues recording. This was one of the many standout traits that made Skip James a glowingly original artist of the Delta region. More importantly, his odd style of guitar tuning influenced some of rock’s legends, including Eric Clapton. “Cherry Ball Blues” is a lamentation about losing love, a theme repeated over and over in rock n’ roll and any genre of popular music.
“Cherry Ball Blues“ (play/download mp3)
Blind Lemon Jefferson had a natural gift of crafting catchy-chord progressions and an accessible vocal range that complements every recording he ever made. “Rabbit Foot Blues” is one of his most popular titles, even earning a commissioned album cover. This mp3 was ripped from the original 78, and the crackle and hiss of this recording makes you feel like you’re listening to an original pressing of “Rabbit Foot Blues.” Enjoy!
“Rabbit Foot Blues“ (play/download mp3)
Finding these musical gems and sharing them with the world is my calling. A lot of my posts are significant songs from our past. Thanks to the most modern technology you can listen to this wonderful music using our player or download them.
Here's a cherry-picked set of classics to get your toes wet.
I hope by posting these music treasures, their magic will be kept alive. Individualism and creativity will be recognized forever, and should be heard.
MP3 Downloading Instructions
All free and perfectly legal. Sucks, doesn’t it?
