Cleveland Fats: The Way Things Go (2006)
Liner notes written by Jeff Harris. The fourth outing by Cleveland Fats backed by an all-star cast including Robert Lockwood Jr. and Billy Branch. Fats mentored under Robert Lockwood Jr., spending nearly twenty years backing Lockwood. Cleveland Fats’ blues are built on tradition. From the invaluable lessons he learned from Lockwood, the years he spent absorbing the styles of the blues legends, Fats has crafted his own style, making a name for himself as a torchbearer of the real deal blues.
Liner Notes (word doc)
Coupe de Villes: Burnin’ Live At WITR (2006)
Recorded live on the Bad Dog Blues show on WITR Radio. Blurb written by Jeff Harris and Gary Reinhard. The Coupe de Villes are one of Rochester’s finest blues and R&B outfits and have been tearing up the clubs for the past twenty years. The Coupes (as they are commonly called by their fans) have molded their own unique sound, blending the pure emotion of Chicago blues with the driving power of rock. The result is a hot mix of passionate vocals, rock solid rhythm, and scorching, yet tasteful solos. “Burnin’ Live At WITR” is the band’s third release and first live recording. More details at the Coupe de Villes website.
Encyclopedia Of The Blues (2005)
The Encyclopedia of the Blues is the first comprehensive two-volume set devoted to the blues from its antecedents in African and American traditional music to the contemporary styles performed today for audiences of all races and classes. In over 2,100 entries all aspects of the blues are explored from performers and musical styles to record labels and cultural issues, including regional evolution and history. Entries range from brief, fact-based summaries to comprehensive, analytical articles. 15 artists biographies written by Jeff Harris including entries on Bumble Bee Slim, Doctor Clayton, Lafayette Thomas, Earl Hooker, Pee Wee Crayton and Jimmy “T-99″ Nelson.
Earl Hooker * Bumble Bee Slim * Doctor Clayton (word docs)
Blues, Blues Christmas (2005)
11 page booklet written by Jeff Harris who also compiled all the tracks for the Document label. A comprehensive collection of jazz, blues, boogie-woogie and gospel recordings dedicated to the season. With lively Boogie-woogie and R & B, reflective blues and the odd cautionary sermon thrown in for good moral measure, this double CD covers all the bases. Collects 52 numbers spanning from 1925 to 1955, many of which have not been anthologized before. Artists include Bessie Smith, Leroy Carr, Rev. J.M. Gates, Butterbeans & Susie, Lonnie Johnson, Roy Milton, Larry Darnell, Cecil Gant, Lightnin’ Hopkins and many, many others.
Liner Notes Pt. 1 * Liner Notes Pt. 2 (word doc)
Prowling With The Nighthawk (2005)
10 page booklet written by Jeff Harris including previously unpublished research for the Document label. Robert Nighthawk was one of the blues premier slide guitarists playing with a subtle elegance and a fluid, crystal clear style that was instantly recognizable. Nighthawk influenced a generation of artists including Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Earl Hooker and Elmore James. This CD collects 26 sides spanning from 1937 to 1952 cut for Bluebird, Decca, United/States and Aristocrat.
Liner Notes Pt. 1 * Liner Notes Pt. 2 (word doc)
