By Bruce Sylvester OK, it s once time to survey a few recent releases – mostly rootsy, all worthy. With Surrounded by Time (S-Curve), Tom Jones – AKA Sir Tom
Top 5 Jimmie Rodgers Songs
Few things are certain in the history of country music, unless you’re talking about the early influence of Jimmie Rodgers. The Meridian, Miss., native’s sound, look and business plan undoubtedly set the map for solo country stardom long before its roads led to Nashville.
Rodgers was born on Sept. 8, 1897, and worked on the railroad before a positive tuberculosis test in 1924 shifted his attention to music. Radio experience and a partnership with the Jimmie Rodgers Entertainers a string band from the twin cities of Bristol, Tenn. and Bristol, Va. prepared Rodgers for an historic recording session.
It was a couple of years ago when Maria Muldaur was shopping for clothes at a favorite store when she heard “the most beautiful vintage jazz” of the ‘20s and ‘30s playing over the speakers. And though she couldn’t peg the artist, the interest of the woman who’s been called “The First Lady of Roots Music” was piqued immediately.
Imagine her surprise when the shop owner told her that the band was Tuba Skinny, an act made up of young players from New Orleans who had put out a few CDs, but mostly performed on the streets of the Big Easy. Still not convinced about their age, Muldaur insisted the shop owner show her pictures of the group. And so the woman with a 55+ year career singing blues, jazz, and folk (along with the occasional pop hit) was even more intrigued.
Maria Muldaur and Tuba Skinny ‘Get Happy Together’
This is the kind of New Orleans music that makes a person smile and tap one’s feet when a song is happy and moan with a knowing smile when it’s sad.
Let s Get Happy Together
Maria Muldaur and Tuba Skinny
Stony Plain
7 May 2021
Maria Muldaur has done more than any other contemporary artist to keep the music of early 20th century jazz and blues women alive. She has recorded full-length albums dedicated to individual performers such as Blue Lu Barker and Memphis Minnie, as well as thematic ones including the critically acclaimed