Reviewed by Tony Cummings

If you are a connoisseur of the blues and all the musical elements like work songs, minstrel songs, etc which preceded the blues, you will find this compilation fascinating. The recordings here by the TCI Section Crew, Freeman Stowers, "Big Boy" George Owens, Lonnie Coleman, Pink Anderson and others are fascinating history but this collection's particular interest for Cross Rhythms readers is limited to two acts, the Nugrape Twins (with six sides) and Blind Roger Hays (with two). The Nugrape Twins, otherwise known as Matthew and Mark, took their name from a non-alcoholic drink (presumably made out of grapes) which was popular at the time. Three of their harmonised songs here bridged the old spiritual tradition and the emerging gospel songs of the sanctified Church. It's a shame their piano playing accompanist is so dull. Better listening is Blind Roger Hays from New Orleans who sang his two songs here accompanied by harmonica and a briskly strummed guitar with gutsy passion. Roger may not have been up there with Blind Willie Johnson but he was clearly a compelling street evangelist like one of the hundreds who performed for nickels and dimes on the courthouse squares of country towns. Times past remembered here.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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