Washington, DC (Top 40 Charts/ Smithsonian Folkways Recordings) - On June 24, 2008, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings will release 'Classic Piano Blues from Smithsonian Folkways,' the latest volume in the popular 'Classic' series introducing audiences to the label's extensive collection of historic recordings in a variety of vernacular styles. Featuring the best of Folkways founder Moses Asch's stunning blues recordings, 'Classic Piano Blues' provides an enlightening presentation of piano blues music with performances from the genre's most popular artists, such as Lead Belly, Speckled Red and Meade 'Lux' Lewis.
Blues piano thrived in the 'red light districts' of cities such as New Orleans, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Detroit and particularly Chicago, and grew out of the ragtime and barrelhouse styles at the beginning of the twentieth century. Blues pianists were a popular attraction at 'house rent' parties that were common in Chicago's South Side during the Prohibition era and helped tenants raise money to pay their rent. The release of Pinetop Smith's 'Pinetop's Boogie Woogie' in 1928 marked the creation of blues piano's most popular style and also one of its biggest hits. Renowned pianists Speckled Red and Little Brother Montgomery both deliver unique renditions of Pinetop's famous tune on 'Classic Piano Blues,' each demonstrating their incredible talent and the song's significance in the genre. The collection also includes 'Medium Blues' by another boogie woogie-style legend, Meade 'Lux' Lewis, who recorded the song for Moses Asch in the 1940s.
As 'Champion' Jack Dupree's song 'On My Way to See Moe Asch' suggests, Moses Asch enjoyed high respect and influence among musicians, many of whom recorded their best work in his studios. Asch found great success releasing piano blues records, especially during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Memphis Slim's opening track, 'Dedication to Pete Johnson' (who was a member of the Boogie Woogie Trio along with Meade 'Lux' Lewis and Albert Ammons), was originally released by Asch's Disc label in 1964 on the album 'If the Rabbit Had a Gun' but appears for the first time since then on 'Classic Piano Blues.'
The album also includes Memphis Slim's collaboration with bass player Willie Dixon, one of the most important individuals in the history of the blues, on the song 'Wish Me Well.' It was recorded in New York in 1960 at the Village Gate nightclub, where the two also performed with folk singer Pete Seeger.
The best-selling series of 'Classic' albums traces the formative styles and performers of American music. These engaging collections of rare recordings illustrate the key role Moses Asch and his Folkways label played in preserving a vital piece of American history. Other releases from the 'Classic' series include 'Old-Time Fiddle' (2007); 'African American Ballads' (2006); 'Canadian Songs' (2006); 'Labor Songs' (2006); 'Railroad Songs' (2006); 'Bluegrass Vol. 2' (2005); 'Southern Gospel' (2005); 'Folk Music' (2004); and 'Maritime Music' (2004).
