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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.
CHECK OUT WILL BELOW IN A RARE FILM PERFORMANCE
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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