Early Recordings: 1935-1950

by Hackberry Ramblers

Overview

Despite the relatively wide time span indicated by the title, actually all but two of these cuts were recorded in a short period of time, from 1935 to 1937 (the remaining pair were done in 1950). For the mid-'30s sessions, the only constant in the Hackberry Ramblers' lineup was violinist and singer Luderin Darbone (who was still in the group when this CD was issued in 2003). Half a dozen different guys take lead vocals (in both English and French) at various points, and three of the tracks were actually issued under the name the Riverside Ramblers. Original guitarist Edwin Duhon was still in the lineup in 2003 too, but actually he doesn't appear on any of the mid-'30s sides, although he's on the 1950 cuts. Not that it matters that much -- this is important early Cajun music, somewhat modernized by 1930s standards in how it's influenced by then-current American popular music, particularly Bob Wills' Western swing. They play with some real high-stepping jazz ragtime feel on the instrumental "Vinton High Society," while their version of the Cajun standard "Jolie Blonde" was the first time the song (previously recorded by Amede Breaux under the title "Ma Blonde Est Partie") had been issued under that name. The sound quality is uneven, as is unavoidable given the age of the source material and original recording conditions, but is overall quite acceptable. A slightly more conventional country feel comes into play on the 1950 tracks. The package includes good liner notes by Ben Sandmel, who as of its 2003 release was drummer with the still active band. ~ Richie Unterberger

Product Details

Release Date:	02/25/2003
Label:	Arhoolie
UPC:	0096297705025
Rank:	102783

Tracks

1. Jolie Blon
2. Just Once More
3. You've Got to Hi-De-Hi
4. Mermentau Stomp
5. J'Ai Passe Devonde Ta Porte
6. Vinton High Society
7. J'Ai Pas Bien Fey
8. Wondering
9. Rice City Stomp
10. On Top of the World
11. Jolie Fille
12. 'Neath the Weeping Willow Tree
13. J'Ai Pres Parley
14. Dissatisfied
15. Drifting Along
16. One Sweet Letter
17. One Step de l'Amour
18. Fais Pas ¿¿a!
19. Louisiana Breakdown
20. Darbone's Creole Stomp
21. A Little Rendezvous in Honolulu
22. Darbone's Breakdown
23. Mon Cour Me Fais Ci Mal
24. Hackberry Trot
25. Tu Vas Pluerie (You Will Cry)
26. Silver Star Stomp

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Hackberry Ramblers   Primary Artist
Riverside Ramblers   Primary Artist
Lonnie Rainwater   Guitar (Steel)
Johnnie Puderer   Bass
Luderin Darbone   Fiddle,Vocals
Neil Roberts   Trumpet
Joe Werner   Guitar,Vocals,Harmonica
Danny Shreve   Guitar
Floyd Shreve   Guitar,Vocals
Lennis Sonnier   Guitar,Vocals
Pete Duhon   Bass
Edwin Duhon   Bass
Floyd Rainwater   Guitar,Vocals

Technical Credits

Ben Sandmel   Liner Notes
M. Doucet   Composer
George Morrow   Restoration
Chris Strachwitz   Photography,Reissue Editor
Traditional   Composer
Jo-El Sonnier   Composer
Morgan K. Dodge   Graphic Design