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| CLICK TO ENLARGE COLLECTION JIM LINDERMAN |
My second good blues musician photograph in two years. Period original photographs of African-American musicians are hard to find, and I have been very lucky indeed. See HERE for another find from the same period.
A washtub bass, two guitars (one which appears to be decorated, or possibly having inlaid wood?) and a fiddle. This is a small snapshot taken at what appears to be the train station, although it could be a streetcar, but the Western Union sign leads me to believe it is the railroad, and of course there is a porter who appears as interested as the others. The performers appear successful with sharp shoes and good dress. This would be a darn smart jug band if they had a jug. I am going to guess the nurses were on the way home.
My first guess was that the bass player could be Will Shade, ringleader for a hodge-podge of Memphis musicianers and jug bands. In part because of his nickname "Son Brimmer" which referred to his habit of wearing a hat with a brim to shade his eyes. (and I believe also the title of his first recording, but haven't looked it up) The hat here is unusual and brimmed.
Shade or not, the performer plays a "bullfiddle" which is a garbage can, broomstick and one string. If you have never seen a musician play who COULD play one, you'd be surprised how effective the rudimentary instrument is. I believe what we are seeing here dates to the Frank Stokes, Sleepy John Estes, Gus Cannon era. The snapshot is a mere 2.5" x 3.5" but crisp as can be, enlarge it and see the details.
If any of you out there recognize any participants or the location I would be much obliging. I have one or two experts scratching their heads. More heads is better! How unfortunate that a photo can not sing or play...I would have loved to be met by this splendid looking group on my arrival.
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Original Street Photograph Snapshot circa 1930 African-American Quartet Perform at Train Station. Location Uknown. Collection Jim Linderman
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| COLLECTION JIM LINDERMAN |
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The second paragraph in your text is really nice. I really like the personality and the detail in it. I'll try to practice that stuff when I look at photos.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I guess you *have* to do that stuff when you're trying to get the where/when of a photo.
"My first guess was that the bass player could be Will Shade, ringleader for a hodge-podge of Memphis musicianers and jug bands. In part because of his nickname "Son Brimmer" which referred to his habit of wearing a hat with a brim to shade his eyes. (and I believe also the title of his first recording, but haven't looked it up) The hat here is unusual and brimmed."
ReplyDeleteAs a brim goes all the way round, I think you mean visor. In fact, Sun Visor.
Indeed I did. But there is a photo of Will Shade wearing a cap too, with a visor. I'm not saying it IS Will, only asking for help identifying the musicians. Thanks!
DeleteI really have no idea where this photo was taken, but my best guess (and I'm sure yours, as well) is New Orleans.
ReplyDeleteI thought New Orleans as well, The building looks like the back of the French Market......though the train tracks are a bit further away now days.
ReplyDelete