Blues, Stomps, & Rags #16

[Ranald]

I'm not able to find much about early blues players The Pruitt Twins, Miles and Milas Pruitt. One site says they played "those guitars that made Kansas City famous." Both played guitar, but one or the other played banjo or mandolin-banjo, perhaps both. People disagree as to which brother played which instrument. As well, sometimes one is credited as playing banjo, when, to my ear, it sounds like he is playing a banjolin or mandolin-banjo, if you prefer, as in the following recordings. (Banjo payers can correct me if I'm wrong.)

Here they are accompanying Ida Cox in 1924. If the connections don't work, on YouTube, search "Mean Lovin' Man Blues, Ida Cox".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BspEfuy43pk



And here they accompany Ma Rainey, also in 1924. If the connections don't work, on YouTube, search, "Dream Blues, Ma Rainey".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6qk9Xa2eak




(On a personal note, I have pneumonia, and am back home in Ottawa, functioning minimally, able to do some computer work, but no singing and little playing. Who gets pneumonia in July? And after a shot to prevent pneumonia?)

[Jess L.]

Thanks for the continuing videos. Hope you are better soon. (I sent you a PM)