High Betcover!!

Various Artists - Shreveport High Steppers: RAM Rockabilly & Hillbilly (2001) {Ace Records CDCHD818 rec 1957-1974}
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© 1957-74, 2001 Ram Records / Ace Records | CDCHD 818
Rockabilly / Country / Hillbilly

The Shreveport, LA-based Ram label put out a cartload of rock, blues, and country records in the 1950s without ever establishing itself as a major indie. This 26-track compilation of, as the title promises, rockabilly and hillbilly sides from the decade is definitely for the "let's clean out the vault 'cause it's there'" kind of enthusiasts. That's not to say that it's terrible, just that it's a pretty unremarkable collection of minor leaguers, the biggest name – and she's hardly a big one – being Margaret Lewis. A couple of guys not primarily known for work under their own name make early appearances.

Like all the great artists, Ryan Perry isn’t afraid to rip it up and start again. Since 2007, the Mississippi bandleader has blazed a reputation in the award-winning Homemade Jamz Blues Band. But when it came to his solo debut, Perry took a leap of faith and trusted his talent to land him safe on the other side. Now, High Risk, Low Reward announces the touchdown of a solo artist to treasure. “This album,” he says, “was the hardest thing I’ve done to date.”

Webb Pierce - High Geared Daddy (2008) {Bear Family BCD16790AH rec 1950-1959}
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© 1950-59, 2008 Bear Family Records | BCD 16790 AH
Country / Honky Tonk / Traditional Country

Honky tonk represented the first truly modern push in country music, and its poster boy was, of course, the haunted and tragic Hank Williams, but it could easily be argued that Webb Pierce, with his Nudie suits and big cars, his 96 charting singles (13 reached the top spot on the charts), and his love/hate relationship with the Nashville music establishment, did even more to present an identifiable and long-term face for honky tonk and the modernization of country.

Originally released as a four-song bonus EP with the U.K. edition of Armed Forces, then excerpted with an additional six songs on Rhino’s double-disc expansion of said album in 2002, Live at Hollywood High received a full-blown reissue in 2010, almost 32 years after the June 4, 1978 concert from Elvis Costello & the Attractions. As the second installment of the Costello Show archival series, Live at Hollywood High isn’t as legendary as Live at the El Mocambo, which had the benefit of once being one of Elvis Costello’s rarest records, but it’s a better show, or at least a better indication of the Attractions at their absolute peak.

Sassafras were a rock band from South Wales first formed in 1970. They played a mix of rock 'n' roll, progressive rock and country rock with the emphasis on harmony. The use of twin guitar solos was a distinctive feature of their music…

Charlie Parker - Intégrale Charlie Parker, Vol. 1, "Groovin' High", 1940-1945 (2010) {3CD Set Frémeaux & Associés FA1331}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 517 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 405 Mb
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© 1940-45, 2010 Frémeaux & Associés | FA 1331
Jazz / BeBop / Bop / Saxophone

Charlie ‘Yarbird’ Parker should need no introduction; recognised as one of the twentieth century’s true musical greats, he revolutionised saxophone playing in the forties. The recordings on these three CDs capture him in the very act, and additionally present jazz at a crucial time, when swing was shortly to give way to bebop, and when the blues could be played with a big band before r&b took over. Many of the recordings here were not made commercially - some are from radio broadcasts, some were made in concert, and a few, such as the fascinating opener, just Bird and his sax tackling ‘Honeysuckle Rose’ and ‘Body And Soul’, were never intended to be heard outside of the immediate circle.

The one who has a voice that balances between Ray Charles and Van Morrison and who continues to release records at a steady pace (Holly IN 2014, Never Twice in 2016, Nick Waterhouse in 2019 and now Live At Pappy & Harriet's) continues to 'extend his vision beyond his own career by collaborating with friends like Ty Segall or between Leon Bridges. He also produced some albums of his friends. Live at Pappy & Harriet’s arrived immediately after a long and intense European tour but also a moment when Nick Waterhouse questioned everything. This album reflects the work of an artist who has seen certain things. He's studied, he's composed, he's receptive, he's free, and he's got to know his own artistic practice in a way that looks fiery and raw on this live record recorded in his hometown.