In line with our increasingly experimental approach to themed mixtapes, we’ve decided to take a step into the past. Perhaps a step is the wrong word; a leap might be more appropriate. The recordings below are all more than 60 years old. Spanning the years 1927-1947, they encapsulate a world that would be simply unrecognisable to us, and yet gave birth to our own. While the people that produced them are gone, these sounds give us a glimpse into their world.
We’re hoping to make a couple of these Lost and Found mixtapes, but for now, the tracklisting for the first installment is as follows:
1. I’m Drowning in Your Deep Blues Eyes – Count Basie & His Orchestra
2. Palais De Danse – Sidney Phillips & His Orchestra
3. Midnight Special – Leadbelly
4. Sophisticated Lady – Washboard Rhythm Kings
5. Cotton Picker’s Conregation – Ambrose & His Orchestra
6. Horizons Nouveaux – Wal-Berg Et Son Jazz Français
7. Tin Roof Blues – New Orleans Rhythm Kings
8.Gin And Jive – Benny Carter & His Orchestra
9. Prohibition Blues – Missourians
10. Rising Water Blues – Blind Lemon Jefferson
11. Really The Blues – Tommy Ladnier & His Orchestra
12. No More, My Lawd – Alan Lomax Collection
As is to be expected, the sound quality is not exactly perfect, but we don’t think it detracts from the music. If anything, it adds to the experience.
Thanks to the guys at Jazz-On-Line, without which this simply wouldn’ve been feasible. If you liked the mix, and want to hear some more, they have literally thousands of old jazz tracks available for download. You can also donate to help with the costs of keeping the site alive.