Red River Blues

Red River Blues

Henry Thomas ( Ragtime Texas )

Recordingdate : Wed 5 Oct 1927, Vo1137, Vocalion Label

Note :
Not much is known of Thomas life, and , as is often true with Songsters, nothing can be learned from his songs.

The Bluessinger has to expose himself as a person in his blues, but Songsters is more a reflection of an area's musical interest, than he is of his own concerns.

However, Thomas, is a true Texas Songster, using his git., as well as a reed-pipe to acc. himself !

Enjoy !
Peace !
Urban

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Red
• River
• Blues
• Henry
• Thomas
• Ragtime
• Texas
• Good
• Music
• Never
• Die

[gitfiddlejim1]

By the way Henry plays the Pan pipes or quills, its not a whistle or a flute, a number of pipes of different lengths, probably 4 or 5. nProbably self made, held toghether with string, remeber this guy is a real hobo, no money.

[kickingmule]

@gitfiddlejim1 Thanks I like the name Hobo, to describe Henry !

I also like no money, I just play !

I do, but Henry is the best !!!

Peace Bro !

Urban

[gitfiddlejim1]

Well Urban I only know what I have read from other researchers investigations.Henry seems to have spent his life ridin the blinds on the Sunshine, he was wearin 3 dirty overcoats, havin a real hard life accordin to this LP notes by Mack, written in 1949, he by chance this big black man, with guitar, at a railroad station, feels it was Henry. I guess I could scan it into my PC & would email it to you if you would like to read it all

[kickingmule]

@gitfiddlejim1 Well, a lot of good news, ( though old ), I appreciate it very much.

Thanks brother !

Peace !

Urban

[gitfiddlejim1]

I dont know how much info on H Tnomas, but I have Herwin LP all tracks 1927-29It hasa 10 LP size pages of info, all tracks wording+ lengthy piece by Mack Mccormick on Henry, a real hobo, mostly on Texas Pacific railroad Shreveport to Dallas + 1930 timetable for the Sunshine Special. Probably born 1874, quite old when recorded. Its Herwin double LP 209, so if you find one its a treasure of info. Railroadin Some is my fave

[kickingmule]

@gitfiddlejim1 You know more about Henry Thomas than anyone else, I think.

I only know he was a blues-songster and travelled from town to town or where they had a party or dancing night.

Thanks for a very good comment and thanks for listening !

Peace Brother !

Urban

[kickingmule]

@MyMoppet52 Henry Thomas ( Ragtime Texas ), is/was a Blues-Songster playing in the streets as well to Saturday Night Dances ! Its a Happy Blues and as you know the Blues is al about feelings, so I think he had the right style for a good Saturday Evening, with Joy and Communion among people.

Nice comment !

Peace Sister !

Urban

[MyMoppet52]

Wonderful song! I am not familiar with this gentleman but like his singing & style. You have some treasures I think! :) The reed pipe is very unusual in the music I listen to. (I am NOT an expert). I like it & wonder if he was using it like the string bands did in the mountains & the south. They would use anything and everything if it was there or easy to make. This reed pipe sounds so lovely, lilting, and a bit "happy" for the blues. The blues makes me smile so it is perfect for me! Thank you!

[kickingmule]

@geratonia Well, I think this kind of music is perfect for a so called "instant moment" wherever you are ! Often it was played at carnevals or some "great" event, like dancing places or bars saturday evenings etc.

Thanks for the good comment and listening.

We let the old Blues Live !

Peace Brother !'

[kickingmule]

@geratonia You are so right ! This kind of music have influenced a lot of contemporary performers, but never with this kind of originality and feeling !

Very good comment and I thank You very much fotr that and listening.

Peace Brother !