Memphis Jug Band, Vol. 4 CD

The prototype jug band, Will Shade's Memphis Jug Band mapped out a street-corner litany of blues, rags, and pop standards from the late 1920s through the mid-'30s, most of them for Victor Records. This fourth volume in David French's Frog Records' survey of the MJB's output collects sides they recorded for Vocalion and OKeh in 1934 as well as presenting alternate takes and test pressings done for Victor between 1927 and 1930. What's important here is that the remastering for the series was done by John R.T. Davies, which means these cuts sound as good as you're ever going to hear them. ~ Steve Leggett

25 tracks including "Peaches In The Springtime," "Stealin' Stealin'," "Jazzbo Stomp," "Gator Wobble," and many more from the complete Vocalion & OKeh recordings plus unissued Victor tests. Artists include Will Shade, Vol Stevens, Jennie Clayton, Ben Rame

Liner Note Author: Neil Slaven.

Recording information: Atlanta, GA (10/19/1927-11/08/1934); Chicago, IL (10/19/1927-11/08/1934); Memphis, TN (10/19/1927-11/08/1934).

Personnel: Vol Stevens (vocals, guitar, banjo, mandolin); Charlie Burse (vocals, guitar, mandolin); Will Weldon (vocals, guitar); Ben Ramey (vocals, kazoo); Jab Jones (vocals, piano); Jennie Mae Clayton (vocals); Little Laura Dukes (mandolin); Robert Burse (drums, washboard, percussion).

Audio Remasterer: Ted Kendall.