The Best of Cannon's Jug Stompers

by Cannon's Jug Stompers, Gus Cannon

Overview

When listening to blues singers from another era, many are turned off by the music's rustic simplicity. Just a guy or gal with a guitar, singing in a whiny voice. Compared to your average country-blues singer, a band like Cannon's Jug Stompers is downright accessible. Equipped with a guitar, banjo, harmonica, and, of course, a jug, these folks were bona fide noise makers. If the listener happens to be a Deadhead, he or she will be familiar with songs like "Minglewood Blues," "Viola Lee Blues," and "Big Railroad Blues." As one can also divine from the song titles, banjoist Gus Cannon, harmonica player Noah Lewis, and a number of bandmates stick close to the blues. There's a relaxed laziness to pieces like "Wolf River Blues" and "The Rooster's Crowing Blues" that separate the group from noisier, more boisterous bands like the Skillet Lickers. There's a great version of "Walk Right In," a song that became a big hit for the Rooftop Singers in 1963. A disclaimer on the back of the CD case mentions that it is impossible to completely clean up these old recordings. Nonetheless, considering the 70-75-year-old records Yazoo had to work with, the end product sounds pretty darn good. The liner notes include a nice long essay on the history of the band by Don Kent. The Best of Cannon's Jug Stompers delivers 70 minutes of traditional jug band music, offering a fine introduction to both the band and the musical style. In other words, it's a classic. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.

Product Details

Release Date:	08/14/2001
Label:	YAZOO
UPC:	0016351206022

Tracks

1. Feather Bed
2. Last Chance Blues
3. Big Railroad Blues
4. Going to Germany
5. Minglewood Blues
6. Mule Get up in the Alley
7. Viola Lee Blues
8. Walk Right In
9. Noah's Blues
10. Wolf River Blues
11. Riley's Wagon
12. Madison Street Rag
13. Bring It With You When You Come
14. The Rooster's Crowing Blues
15. Pig Ankle Strut
16. My Money Never Runs Out
17. Heart Breakin' Blues
18. Springdale Blues
19. Jonestown Blues
20. Prison Wall Blues
21. Ripley Blues
22. Tired Chicken Blues
23. Pretty Mama Blues

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Gus Cannon   Primary Artist
Cannon's Jug Stompers   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Richard Nevins   Audio Production,Producer,Remastering
Bill Kreutzmann   Composer
Bob Weir   Composer
Don Kent   Liner Notes
Jerry Garcia   Composer
Noah Lewis   Composer
Ron "Pigpen" McKernan   Composer
Phil Lesh   Composer
Cannon's Jug Stompers   Performer
Gus Cannon   Composer
Gus Cannon & His Jug Stompers   Composer
Hosea Woods   Composer