Blues, Stomps, & Rags #32

[Ranald]

Richard Mitchell (1907 -- circa 1985) played banjo-mandolin with the Roanoke Jug Band, formed in the 1920's by six railway workers who played at dances and other events on weekends. According to Wikipedia: "Despite their name, the Roanoke Jug Band did not use jug as an instrument, although they always had such an instrument on stage during their performances." In 1929, Okeh Records invited them to record in Richmond, Virginia, fifty miles away, farther than any of them had travelled. They recorded four songs which sold well, but never recorded again. The band also played on radio station WDBJ in Roanoke. The group continued to perform in the thirties, then disbanded. (The above information is from "Roanoke Jug Band," Wikipedia [in German]. Otherwise, I have come across little information about Mitchell or the band.)

Here are a couple of pieces from that 1929 session, featuring Mitchell on banjo-mandolin. If the links don't work, search YouTube for "Roanoke Jug Band Triangle Blues".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o1l6f7m5X0




And here's a lively rag. If the links don't work, search You Tube for "Roanoke Jug Band Stone Mountain Rag".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRs0...4Olu-3j2XXvvud