Local Gentry

dejaboy · Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 23

I posted a couple of these vids in the youtube thread, but will post them here in hopes of starting a Carter's discussion. I recently have been digging deep into the Carter lode, and am about as amazed at 18 year old Maybelle's genius turn at American guitar in that watershed year of 1927 (talkies, The Show Boat and the Carter's discovery) as I am with Curt Boettcher's studio leaps.

Anyone who loves this music, I hope will tell some stories and insights. Ala Boettcher and young BW, it seems impossible that this young girl somehow grasped the essence of a native style and also was placed by Providence in the right place/right time with the 1927 Bristol sessions. Anyone who has not heard "Weeping Willow" and who loves early BB's is sure not to miss the connections. This track, their first, was their audition...first moment in front of a recording device!! I would love to start telling the stories here, the ones that I know at least!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_llfW_7VCI&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_COOasBBDA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq3AiyahYk4&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENS4nD0vRKI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWnx-X3mREI&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqF7_IZyor8

Enjoy!

Jeff Mason · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Posts: 361 Location: Ohio

I need more Carter family in my life. I love the June Carter anthology.

dejaboy · Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 23

What a true sentiment Jeff, because I really believe we all need a little more Carter Family in our life...the world at war, I mean. This stuff seems to pierce through the earth whenever we need a musical salve...I mean the BW's of the world.

Thank you for that remark, I am feeling right at home about now!!

Very Happy

Becky · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Posts: 155

dejaboy · Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 23

Becky,
Just prepare a soft landing spot for your head when you inevitably fall out of your chair. There's gold in them thar hills...these vids are priceless revelations. Enjoy, enjoy!

Primey Prime · Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 59

Excellent videos. I know nothing about this stuff, except what's on the Harry Smith anthology (upon first hearing, I thought 'Single Girl' was just incredibly pure in some way I could not define). I'll look forward to reading this thread.

dejaboy · Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 23

Wow yes...Single Girl Married Girl, perhaps the first feminist anthem and from a backwoods (supposedly) unsophisticated woman living in pre-Depression era Virginia. This was a huge hit as far as I know and spoke to a whole Nation through radio and records. The stories I have read are of poor working Americans spending a day or two's wages to purchase the latest Carter or Jimmy Rogers 78. Food, shelter and music.

Sara's voice on this cut, like John Lennon's on Help, just cuts through language and tells.

Primey, this is perhaps my favorite early Carter cut, along with Lulu Wall and the Beach Boys precursor Keep On The Sunny Side. We are on the same page with hearing something without definition here.