Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
HILARY BLUNT
V/g. Scotlandville, La, 21 Feb 1960
A 1000 miles from nowhere Sv(Dk) LP 129
JESSE BUTCHER
V/hca with Robert “Guitar” Welch, g. Angola, La, 1959
They’ll miss me when I’m gone Sv(Dk) LP 125, Tradition LP 2066 Mournin’ at midnight unissued
BUTTERBEANS
Fem v. Angola, La,
Hello, Sue Arh CD 419
BUTCH CAGE (James Cage)
V/vl with Willie B. Thomas, v/g; Martha Thomas, d -1. Zachary, La, 1960
Ship that never returned -1 unissued Corine Corina unissued Me and my chauffeur Arh CD 372 Baby please don’t go Arh CD 372 Whoa mule Arh CD 372 When my dreamboat comes home unissued Old rugged Cross unissued Dead and gone unissued untitled instrumental unissued Where the Sun never goes down unissued Called for you yesterday Arh CD 372 Dead and gone Arh CD 372 Bully of the town unissued Hesitation blues unissued Prison song unissued Hillbilly song unissued
V -1 with Willie B. Thomas, v -2 /g; Martha Thomas or Roselle Wilkerson, v -3. Zachary, La, 4 Oct 1960
Bugle call blues -1, 2 Sv(Dk) LP 129
Zachary, La, 10 Oct 1960
You can’t get drunk no mo’ unissued 44 blues -1, 2 FL LP 111, Arh LP 2018, CD 372
Zachary, La, 19 Oct 1960
My wife done joined the club unissued
Zachary, La, 21 Oct 1960
Jelly roll -1 FL LP 111, Arh LP 2018, CD 372
Zachary, La, 23 Nov 1960
If I had my way -2, 3 Flyr(E) LP 545
1 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
Zachary, La, 27 Nov 1960
Hesitation blues unissued
Add unk wb. Zachary, La, 5 Dec 1960
Tomorrow gonna be my tryin’ day -1, 2 Flyr(E) LP 545
Zachary, La, 11 Dec 1960
I take the blues when it rains -1, 2 Flyr(E) LP 545
V/vl with Willie B. Thomas, v/g.
I want two wings [inc] unissued Piano blues Arh CD 372 What’s the matter with church today unissued Good Lord, there’s trouble in the land unissued Jesus gettin’ us ready for that great day unissued Rock me mama unissued
V/vl with Willie B. Thomas, v -1/g; Robert Pete Williams, g; clapping.
Don’t get around much anymore unissued Jesse James unissued Night train, hallelujah unissued Someday baby -1 unissued Mean old Frisco -1 unissued
Zachary, La, 10 Feb 1961
Heart-achin’ blues unissued
V -1 with Willie B. Thomas, v -2 /g; Martha Thomas & Roselle Wilkerson, v -3; add Charles Henderson, Martha Thomas & others, vs -4. Zachary, La, 19 Feb 1961
Raise a ruckus tonight -2 Flyr(E) LP 545 Let your light shine on me -2, 3 Flyr(E) LP 545 I shall not be moved -2, 4 Flyr(E) LP 545
Zachary, La, 20 Jun 1961
Mean old Frisco - 1, 2 Flyr(E) LP 545
Zachary, La, 15 May 1962
Dirty dozens unissued Who broke the lock -1, 2 FL LP 111, Arh LP 2018 It’s the sign of the judgement -1, 2 FL LP 111, Arh LP 2018 If I could hear my mother pray again -2 Sv(Dk) LP 135 When I see the blood -1, 2 Sv(Dk) LP 135 Jesus on the mainline - 4 Sv(Dk) LP 135 Gamblin’ man -5 Metronome LP 1000
JIMMY CAGE
V/g or V -1 with Butch Cage v -2/vl; Willie B. Thomas, g -3. Zachary, La, 18 Mar 1960
Forty four blues unissued Rock me mama unissued My baby’s gone -1,2 unissued Hesitating blues -1,3 unissued
2 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
Crucifixion -1,3 unissued
V/g with Butch Cage, vl. Zachary, La, 4 Oct 1960
Some got six months unissued
Zachary, La, 15 Jan 1961
Heart beatin’ like a hammer unissued
CLYDE CAUSEY
V/hca. Add v by his sister -1 or Mrs. Causey -2. Clinton, La, c. 1960/1
Shine my shoe man unissued Black mink unissued Dark woods unissued She’ll be coming round the mountain unissued Wild hog unissued My baby’s gone -1 unissued
Things you do baby -2 unissued I went down in the valley and unissued go toll the bell -2 That woman won’t cook my breakfast unissued Deer chase unissued Baby, oh hush unissued Hambone unissued Cotton pickin’ all day long unissued Mary had a little lamb unissued School days unissued
V/hca. Scotlandville, La, 15 Mar 1961
Sweet home Chicago unissued
Baton Rouge, La, 10 Jun 1961
When I was a little ole boy unissued Lord, you is so good to me children unissued
ROOSEVELT CHARLES
V with Otis Webster, v -1/g. Angola, La, Apr 1959
AFS 12,577 Uncle Bud Vng LP 9136 Meeting at the old camp ground -1 Vng LP 9136 The boll weevil and the bale weevil unissued Pick ‘em up higher unissued I’m a gamblin’ man unissued Jonah and the whale -1 Vng LP 9136 Greenback dollar blues unissued Wasn’t I lucky unissued Cane chopping unissued That old ship of Zion -1 Vng LP 9136 Jesus is a-listenin’ -1 Vng LP 9136
V with Matthew “Hogman” Maxey, g. Angola, La, May 1959
AFS 12,578 Bye bye baby unissued Government Street blues unissued Talkin’ cultivator blues unissued
3 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
Take this hammer unissued Cane chopping song unissued
Otis Webster, g, replaces Maxey.
Mean trouble blues unissued Mule blues unissued
V. Angola, La, 10 May 1959
Where were you when the unissued Archeta River went down
V. Baton Rouge, La, 12 May 1959
Hard time lovin’ blues unissued Government Street blues unissued
V with Hogman Maxey, g. Angola, La, 10 Oct 1959
My baby blues unissued Love trouble blues unissued Cultivator blues unissued
Angola, La, 20 Oct 1959
No letter blues unissued
V with Otis Webster, g. Angola, La, 5 Nov 1960
Government Street blues unissued Cane chopping song Vng LP 9136 I’m a prowling ground hog unissued King bee without a queen unissued Moon is risin’ unissued The ole mule breakin’ blues unissued
Same. Angola, La, 15 Nov 1960
Wasn’t I lucky when I got my time Vng LP 9136
Same. Angola, La, 19 Nov 1960
Trouble followin’ me unissued Walkin’ with the blues unissued Bossin’ blues unissued Hurricane Audrey blues unissued Long about midnight unissued Greenback dollar blues Vng LP 9136 I don’t want no black woman unissued Mean trouble blues Vng LP 9136 I’m a gamblin’ man Vng LP 9136 Georgia skin unissued Freight train blues Vng LP 9136 I wish I was an ant unissued Trouble in mind unissued Mule blues Vng LP 9136 The boll weevil and the bale weevil Vng LP 9136 Pick ‘em up higher Vng LP 9136
4 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
V/g. Angola, La, 19 Nov 1960
A thousand miles from nowhere unissued Bye bye baby blues Sv(Dk) LP 180, 4035 You ain’t got no black child unissued
From previous sessions.
V with Otis Webster, v -1/g.
It’s gettin’ late Vng LP 9136 Keep yo’ lamp trimmed and burnin’ -1 Vng LP 9136
Let my people go FL LP 6
Have you ever heard the church bells tone Arh CD 419 Strike at Camp 1 [speech] Arh CD 419
COOL CATS
Robert Young, v -1; Cyprien Houston, v -2; Arthur Williams, ts; Edward Davenport, as; Robert Milton, p; Philip Armour, Fred Hollingsworth, gs; Junior Jones, d. Angola, La, 10 May 1959
Goin’ back to my old time used to be -1 Tradition LP 2066 Those prison blues -2 unissued
EMANUEL DUNN
V. Baton Rouge, La, 21 Apr 1963
AFS 12,582 Death Valley unissued
V/hca. Baton Rouge, La, 25 Apr 1963
AFS 12,579 I got the blues all around my bed unissued Smoky black unissued Baby, when I walk alone unissued When Emanuel plowed unissued Me and my buddy unissued
V/g -1. Baton Rouge, La, 28 Apr 1963
Levee blues -1 unissued Lumber was flyin’ unissued
From above?
Working on the levee Pt. 1 Arh CD 448 Working on the levee Pt. 2 Arh CD 448 My mule “Grey” Arh CD 448
V/g. Baton Rouge, La, 7 Jul 1963
AFS 12,580 Junior cotton unissued Tumble Inn unissued Yes I love that woman unissued
V/g. Iowa City, 7 Nov 1963
John and the owl Flyr(E) EP 01 John and the stones Flyr(E) EP 01
5 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
SNOOKS EAGLIN or BLIND SNOOKS EAGLIN
V/g. New Orleans, 21 Jan 1958
Six thousand miles from nowhere Fkws LP 4530
V/g. New Orleans, 1/2 Feb or Mar 1958
Mean old Frisco Fkws LP 2461 Careless love Fkws LP 2476 Come back baby Fkws LP 2476, Sv(Dk) CD 8023 Trouble in mind Fkws LP 2476, Sv(Dk) CD 8023 Driftin’ blues (The drifter blues) Fkws LP 2476, Sv(Dk) CD 8023 Everyday I have the blues Fkws LP 2476, Sv(Dk) CD 8023 One scotch, one bourbon (one beer) Fkws LP 2476, Sv(Dk) CD 8023 A thousand miles from home Fkws LP 2476, Sv(Dk) CD 8023 High society [inst] Fkws LP 2476 Let me go home whiskey Fkws LP 2476, 2691 St. James infirmary Fkws LP 2476 Rock Island line Fkws LP 2476 Sophisticated blues [inst] Fkws LP 2476 See see rider Fkws LP 2476 I’m lookin’ for a woman Fkws LP 2476 Look down that lonesome road Fkws LP 2476
V/g. New Orleans, 10 Nov ?1958
I got my questionnaire Fkws LP 2476, Sv(Dk) CD 8023
V -1/g or -7 tom-tom; Lucius Bridges, v -2/ g -4/ wb -5; Percy Randolph, hca/ wbd -3. New Orleans, 1958
Possum up a simmon tree -2,3 FL LP 107, Arh CD 348 Bottle up and go [alt tk] Arh CD 348 Bottle up and go -2 FL LP 107 John Henry -2,5 FL LP 107, Arh CD 348 Don’t leave me mama -2,3,4 FL LP 107, Arh CD 348 (Rock me mama) Mardi gras mambo -1,2 FL LP 107 Mardi gras mambo -1,2 [alt tk] Arh CD 348 That’s all right -1,5 FL LP 107, Arh CD 348 Death Valley blues -1,5 FL LP 107, Arh CD 348 Rock me mama -1,5 FL LP 107, Arh CD 348 Give me the good old boxcar -1,5,7 Heritage(E) LP 1002, Sv(Dk) LP 140, Arh CD 348 Mama talk to your daughter -2,5 Sv(Dk) LP 140 When they ring them golden bells -1,3,4 Sv(Dk) LP 146, CD 8023
Add Fird Eaglin Sr., hca -6.
Model T and the train -5,6 FL LP 107 This train -1,5 FL LP 107 This train [alt tk] -1,5 Arh CD 348 Locomotive train -5 Arh CD 348
Percy Randolph, v/hca with unk tom toms; slapping shoe-shine rag only -1.
Jack o’ Diamonds FL LP 107, Arh CD 348 Veal chop and pork chop -1 FL LP 107, Arh CD 348
6 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
(NOTE: Folk Lyric LP 107 reissued as Arhoolie LP 2014.)
V/g. New Orleans, 1 Jun 1959
Fly right (back) baby Heritage(E) LP 1002, Sv(Dk) LP 146, CD 8023 Fly right baby (alt tk) Bv LP 1046 That’s all right (baby) Heritage(E) EP 301, LP 1002, Bv LP 1046 That’s all right (alt tk) Sv(Dk) LP 146, CD 8023 Irene unissued I have (or I’ve) had my fun Bv LP 1046, Arh CD 348 (Well I had my fun) Bottle (it) up and go Heritage(E) EP 301, LP 1002, Sv(Dk) LP 146 Bottle up and go (tk 4) Bv LP 1046, Arh CD 348 I had a little woman FL LP 107, Arh CD 348 Georgia on my mind unissued The end of my journey unissued Listening for my name unissued Down by the riverside (I ain’t gonna FL LP 107, Arh CD 348 study war no more) I must see Jesus Heritage(E) LP 1002, Sv(Dk) LP 140, CD 8023 V/g New Orleans, 1959
Mama don’t you tear my clothes Heritage(E) EP 301, LP 1002, Sv(Dk) LP 146 Walkin’ blues (Went out walkin’) Heritage(E) EP 301, LP 1002 The walking blues (alt tk) Bv LP 1046, Arh CD 348 Mean old world Heritage(E) LP 1002, Sv(Dk) LP 146, CD 8023 Every day blues Heritage(E) LP 1002 (Well) I had my fun Heritage (E) LP 1002, Sv(Dk) LP 140, CD 8023 Blue shadows blues Heritage(E) LP 1002 She’s a (or one) black rat Heritage(E) LP 1002, Sv(Dk) LP 140, CD 8023 Who’s been fooling you ? Heritage(E) LP 1002, Sv(Dk) LP 140, CD 8023 Malaguena (Malaguena) [inst] Heritage(E) LP 1002, Sv(Dk) LP 146, CD 8023 I got a woman Bv LP 1046, Sv(Dk) CD 8023 One more drink Bv LP 1046, Arh CD 348, Sv(Dk) CD 8023 When shadows fall [inst] Sv(Dk) LP 140, CD 8023 I don’t know Sv(Dk) LP 146, CD 8023 Remember me Sv(Dk) LP 146, CD 8023 Going back to New Orleans Arh CD 348
V/g.
Who can your good man be ? Heritage(E) EP 301, LP 1002, (Brown skinned woman) Bv LP 1046, Sv(Dk) CD 8023 Don’t you lie to me Bv LP 1046, Sv(Dk) CD 8023 Mama don’t you tear my clothes Bv LP 1046, Arh CD 348, Sv(Dk) CD 8023 Mailman passed (and didn’t leave Bv LP 1046, Arh CD 348 no news) (I’m a) Country boy (down in Bv LP 1046, Arh CD 348 New Orleans) Alberta Bv LP 1046, Sv(Dk) CD 8023
7 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
(NOTE: Bluesville LP 1046 also issued as Original Blues Classics CD 568.)
CLARENCE EDWARDS
V/g with Butch Cage, vl; Cornelius Edwards, g. Omit vl -1. Zachary, La, 27 Oct 1959
You don’t love me (baby) FL LP 111, Arh LP 2018, CD 372 Smokes like lightnin’ (Smokestack lightning) FL LP 111, Arh LP 2018, CD 372 Stack o’ dollars FL LP 111, Arh LP 2018, CD 372 Mean old Frisco Sv(Dk) LP 129 Miss Sadie May Sv(Dk) LP 129 Stagalee Sv(Dk) LP 129 I can’t quit you baby Sv(Dk) LP 129 This is my life Sv(Dk) LP 129 Goin’ back to New Orleans -1 Sv(Dk) LP 129 Thousand miles from nowhere Arh CD 372 Please throw this dog a bone unissued
Same. Zachary, La, 1960
Goodbye -1 unissued Gone away unissued Long about midnight -1 unissued Want him to be my chauffeur -1 unissued Rocky mountains unissued Black widow spider unissued Two trains running [inst] -1 unissued
V/g with Butch Cage, vl. Zachary, La, 30 Jun 1961
Awful blue Flyr(E) LP 545 Come on, baby don’t you want to go Flyr(E) LP 545 I got a coal black mare Flyr(E) LP 545 Can’t stand to be your dog Flyr(E) LP 545
CHARLES HENDERSON
V/g with Butch Cage, vl. Zachary, La, 16 Feb 1960
She was a woman, didn’t mean no Flyr(E) LP 545 one man no good
Zachary, La, 15 Apr 1960
Baby please don’t go unissued
Zachary, La, 10 Oct 1960
Corinna Flyr(E) LP 545
Zachary, La, 27 Nov 1960
Shake, shake mama unissued
Zachary, La, 1960
She got childish ways unissued
Zachary, La, 11 Dec 1960
Wants you to be my chauffeur unissued
8 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
Zachary, La, 5 Feb 1961
Rock Island blues Flyr(E) LP 545 Cold-hearted mama unissued
Add Willie B. Thomas, g -1. Zachary, La, 15 Mar 1961
61 Highway unissued Louise -1 unissued
SON HOUSE
Speech. Iowa City, Ia, 24 Apr 1965
AFS 12,585 John and ole master tales unissued AFS 12,586 Lookin’ up ole mis’ dress unissued Dividing up souls unissued Jim steals ole master’s pig unissued John and the game warden unissued Tom and the undertaker unissued Gamblers pretending to be preachers unissued Young preacher tries to follow unissued great preacher God just don’t give a damn unissued The cold boy and the preacher unissued Two at the gate Flyr(E) EP 01
JOHN HENRY JACKSON
V/g with A.C. Craig, g. Angola, La, 1959
My baby got to go Sv(Dk) LP 125, Tradition LP 2 0 66 Tell me pretty baby Sv(Dk) LP 125, Tradition LP 2066
THELMA MAE JOSEPH
V [at laundry machine]. Angola State Penitentiary, La.,
I’m still in love with you Arh CD 419
ODEA MATTHEWS
V (at sewing machine). Angola, La, 1959
The moon is rising Arh CD 419
MATTHEW “HOGMAN” MAXEY
V/g. Angola, La, 2 Feb 1959
Drinkin’ blues unissued
V/g. Angola, La, 27 Feb 1959
My baby used to come to the hospital unissued Steppin’ in the valley unissued Great Northern blues unissued Rock me mama Tradition LP 2066
V/g. Angola, La, 21 Mar 1959
9 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
Gonna move my baby unissued Black night fallin’ FL LP 3, Arh LP 2011, CD 419 Oh Lord, the Sun is shinin’ unissued Black cat blues unissued My baby sure gonna jump an’ shout unissued Careless love unissued
V/g. Angola, La, 27 Mar 1959
Worried blues Arh CD 419 Fast life woman Arh CD 419 Sundown blues unissued
V/vl. Angola, La, 14 Apr 1959
Fiddle blues unissued
V/g. Angola, La, 10 Oct 1959
Lightnin’ blues unissued
From above sessions.
Stagolee FL LP 3, Arh LP 2011, CD 419 Duckin’ and dodgin’ Tradition LP 2066 Hard headed woman Tradition LP 2066 Someday baby unissued
LEMON NASH (LEMOINE NASH)
V/uke. New Orleans, 15 Jan 1959
Please give me black an’ brown unissued
Add Lazy Lester (as “Henry Thomas”), g -1. New Orleans, 15 Oct 1959
Early in the mornin’ unissued Nobody knows you unissued New Orleans blues -1 Sv(Dk) LP 129
V/uke. New Orleans, 21 Oct 1959
A to Z unissued
“PRISON WORKSONGS”
Big Lousiana (Rodney Mason), Rev. Rogers, Jose Smith, vs. Angola, La, 1959
Stewball LFS LP 5
Roosevelt Charles, v, replaces Smith.
Berta LFS LP 5
Big Lousiana, Roosevelt Charles, Arthur Davis, vs.
All teamed up in Angola’s mule lot LFS LP 5
Willie Rafus, v, replaces Charles.
Let your hammer ring LFS LP 5
10 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
Willie Rafus and gang, vs.
I got a hurtin’ in my right side LFS LP 5
Andy Mosely, Johnny Butler, Willie Rafus, vs.
Cleanin’ this highway LFS LP 5
Johnny Butler and gang, vs.
Early in the morning LFS LP 5
Guitar Welch, Hogman Maxey, Andy Mosely, vs.
Take this hammer LFS LP 5 Alberta let your bangs hang low LFS LP 5
Robert Pete Williams, v, replaces Mosely.
John Henry LFS LP 5
James Russell and gang, vs.
I had five long years LFS LP 5
Odea Matthews, v.
Five long years for one man LFS LP 5 Somethin’ within me LFS LP 5
Big Louisiana, v.
Take this hammer Arh CD 448
PERCY RANDOLPH
V/shoe shine cloth -1; hca solo. New Orleans, Jan/Feb 1958
Blowing the train Fkws LP 4530 Shine -1 Fkws LP 2461
CREOLA SCOTT
V. Baton Rouge, La, 28 Apr 1963
AFS 12583 Field moan LoC unissued
From above? Add Ceola Scott, v.
Pickin’ cotton all day long Arh CD 448
SMOKY BABE (ROBERT BROWN)
V/g. Scotlandville, La, 6 Feb 1960
Shake, shake Mattie unissued Biscuit bakin’ mama unissued
V/g. Scotlandville, La, 10 Feb 1960
Long way from home Bv LP 1063
11 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
I’m goin’ back to Mississippi Bv LP 1063 Baby don’t you want to go? unissued
V/g with Sally Dotson, v. Scotlandville, La, 25 Feb 1960
Dell on the mountain unissued
V/g. Scotlandville, La, 27 Feb 1960
Bad luck and trouble unissued Now your man done gone Bv LP 1063
From above sessions: V/g with Sally Dotson, v -1; Henry Thomas (Lazy Lester), hca -2; William Dotson, v -3; Clyde Causey, hca -4.
I’m broke and I’m hungry FL LP 108, Arh LP 2019,CD 440 Bad whiskey FL LP 108, Arh LP 2019,CD 440 Going back home FL LP 108, Arh LP 2019,CD 440 Melvanie blues Bv LP 1063 Ocean blues Bv LP 1063 Boogy woogy rag Bv LP 1063 Low down woman unissued Rabbit blues -1 FL LP 108, Arh LP 2019/CD 440 Black ghost -1 FL LP 108, Arh LP 2019,CD 440 Mississippi river (so deep and wide) -2 FL LP 108, Arh LP 2019,CD 440 Too many women -2 FL LP 108, Arh LP 2019,CD 440 My baby put me down -2 FL LP 108, Arh LP 2019,CD 440 My baby she told me -2 FL LP 108, Arh LP 2019,CD 440 Two wings -3 FL LP 108, Arh LP 2019,CD 440 Ain’t got no rabbit dog -4 FL LP 108, Arh LP 2019,CD 440 Black gal -4 Bv LP 1063, Arh CD 440 Locomotive blues -4 Bv LP 1063 Coon hunt -4 Bv LP 1063
G only. Scotlandville, La, 6 Mar 1960
Boogie Sv(Dk) LP 129
V/g with Sally Dotson, v; Hilary Blunt, g. Scotlandville, La, 14 Apr 1960
Your dice won’t pass FL LP 111, Arh LP 2018, CD 372 poss above date.
Black ghost Sv(Dk) LP 129
V/g. Scotlandville, La, 3 Nov 1960
Goin’ downtown boogie FL LP 111, Arh LP 2018, CD 372 (Talkin’ blues or baby) Leavin’ blues unissued
V/g. Scotlandville, La, 6 Jan 1961
No special rider unissued Mean mistreatin’ woman unissued
V/g with Sally Dotson, v -1; Henry Thomas (Lazy Lester), hca -2. Scotlandville, La, 10 Feb 1961
Chicago bound unissued
12 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
Somethin’ wrong with my machine -2 Bv LP 1063 Down by the waterfall -1 unissued
V/g. Scotlandville, La, 10 Mar 1961
Hard times blues unissued
V/g. Scotlandville, La, 27 Mar 1961
Insect blues Bv LP 1063
V/g. Scotlandville, La, 1 Apr 1961
Workin’ blues unissued I went down 61 Highway Sv(Dk) LP 129 Hottest brand goin’ Bv LP 1063 poss above date.
Regular blues Sv(Dk) LP 129, Arh CD 440
V/g. Scotlandville, La, 14 Jun 1961
Cold, cold snow Bv LP 1063
V/g. Vance, Ms, 10 Aug 1961
Cotton field blues Arh CD 372
V/g. Vance, Ms, 11 Aug 1961
Friends, goodbye unissued Terraplane blues unissued Car trouble blues unissued Back home again unissued
V/g with Annie Brown, v -1; Clyde Causey, hca -3; prob Hilary Blunt, g -2.
Won’t be back til Fall -2 unissued Bad bad whiskey unissued Shoot him along unissued Ain’t it hard to be a nigger -1 unissued Ship-y-show unissued Segregation blues -3 unisseud Mr. Bug & Mr. Bug No. 2 -3 (inc) unissued
LEON STRICKLAND
V/g with Lucius Bridges, wb -1. Killona, La, 27 Nov 1959
AFS 12592 2 Pine Top unissued AFS 12592 D One nickel won’t buy no wine unissued AFS 12592 G Smokestack lightnin’ unissued AFS 12592 B Key to the highway (Poor Red) unissued AFS 12592 5 Fast jazz (Boogy woogy) unissued AFS 12593 A How long blues unissued AFS 12593 6 Shake, shake Mattie blues unissued AFS 12593 1 Ordinary blues unissued AFS 12593 3 Come back baby unissued AFS 12593 4 Ordinary blues -1 unissued
13 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
AFS 12593 C Boogy -1 unissued AFS 12593 F When I lost my baby -1 unissued AFS 12593 E Train blues -1 unissued
Add Leslie Anders, tapping on guitar -2. Killona, La, 1961
I won’t be your lowdown dog no FL LP 111, Arh LP 2018, CD 372 more -1, 2
WILLIE THOMAS
V with James “Butch” Cage, v -1; Jimmy Cage, v -1/g; Robert Jenkins, g -2. Zachary, La, 18 Mar 1960
Old original blues -2 unissued Trouble in mind -1 unissued Alberta, Alberta unissued
V/g with Butch Cage, vl. Scotlandville, La, 4 Oct 1960
Joe Turner blues unissued Shake ‘em on down unissued
V/g. Scotlandville, La, 5 Oct 1960
Brownskin woman unissued
V/g with Butch Cage, vl. Zachary, La, 10 Feb 1961
Easy rider unissued
V/bj. Baton Rouge, La, 15 Jul 1961
S.P. train unissued
UNKNOWN
Convict vs. Angola, La, 1959
Angola bound Arh CD 419 I miss you so Arh CD 419
OTIS WEBSTER
V/g. Angola, La, 20 Oct 1959
Been out West, headed East unissued
V/g. Angola, La, 5 Nov 1960
Bottle up an’ go unissued Gotta shake ‘em up and go unissued She drunk unissued Whiskey drinkin’ blues unissued Matchbox blues unissued Penitentiary blues Tradition LP 2066 Mean ole Frisco unissued Goin’ back to New Orleans unissued Woman done me in unissued
V/g. Angola, La, 12 Nov 1960
14 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
Whiskey headed woman unissued Boll weevil blues Arh CD 372 Meet me in the bottom unissued
V/g. Angola, La, 19 Nov 1960
Night time is the right time unissued 44 blues unissued Come back baby unissued Standin’ at the Greyhound bus station Tradition LP 2066 When I began to farm unissued You oughta heard my grandma unissued Fruits on your tree unissued
V/g. Angola, La, 21 Nov 1960
I know how to do time unissued
V/g. Angola, La, 26 Nov 1960
Gettin’ late in the evening unissued The boss man blues Arh CD 372 The farm blues Arh CD 372
From above sessions.
Ball and chain for me Tradition LP 2066 This little light of mine Sv(Dk) LP 135 In my Saviour’s care Sv(Dk) LP 135 Lowdown bossman unissued Hootchie coochie man unissued The blues unissued Workin’ is doin’ time unissued Achin’ all over this mornin’ unissued Bluebird blues unissued AFS 12,589 Boll weevil blues unissued When I begin to farm unissued I used to farm unissued I know how to farm unissued Careless love Arh CD 419
(NOTE: “Careless love” mistitled for “See that my grave is kept clean”.)
ROBERT “GUITAR” WELCH
V/g. Angola, La, 27 Jan 1959
Electric chair blues LFS LP 3, Arh LP 2011, CD 419
V/g. Angola, La, 14 Feb 1959
When the Sun goes down unissued Shake ‘em on down unissued Careless love unissued
V/g. Angola, La, 27 Feb 1959 T.B. blues unissued
V/g. Angola, La, 21 Mar 1959
Midnight blues unissued Baby please don’t go unissued
15 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
Sundown blues unissued Don’t the Moon look pretty unissued Boll weevil blues Tradition LP 2066 Starvation unissued Boogie unissued Dark alley blues unissued Levee camp song unissued Backwater blues (I’m gonna leave LFS LP 3, Arh LP 2011, CD 419 you mama)
V/g. Angola, La, 27 Mar 1959
Hobo blues unissued Worried blues unissued Out in West Texas unissued Moanin’ blues unissued
From above sessions.
Lonesome blues Tradition LP 2066 Bad luck blues Tradition LP 2066 What shall I do FL LP 6, Arh CD 419 Josephine 61 highway Arh CD 419
ROBERT PETE WILLIAMS
V/g. Angola, La, 26 Jan 1959
Levee camp blues LFS LP 3, Arh LP 2011, CD 394
V/g. Angola, La, 27 Jan 1959
I’m blue as a man can be FL LP 109, Arh LP 2015, CD 394 (I’ll be glad when I’m from behind iron walls)
Add Matthew “Hogman” Maxey, g. Angola, La, 28 Jan 1959
Army blues FL LP 109 Boogy woman FL LP 109
V/g. Angola, La, 10 Feb 1959
Bulldog blues unissued
V/g. Angola, La, 12 Feb 1959
Some got six months LFS LP 3, Arh LP 2011, CD 419
V/g. Angola, La, 22 Feb 1959
I’m lonesome blues LFS LP 3, Arh LP 2011, CD 419
Add Robert “Guitar” Welch, g -1. Angola, La, 21 Mar 1959
Up and down blues Arh LP 2015, CD 394 5003A Letter from the penitentiary Pt. 1 Ama 503 5003B Letter from the penitentiary Pt. 2 Ama 503 Prisoner’s talking blues LFS LP 3, Arh LP 2011, CD 419 Motherless children have a hard time LFS LP 3,Arh LP 2011, CD 394 Don’t you see what a shape I’m in unissued Mississippi heavy water blues -1 FL LP 111, Arh LP 2018, CD 372
16 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
V/g. Angola, La, 22 Sep 1959
Louise FL LP 109, Arh LP 2015, CD 394
V/g. Angola, La, 21 Oct 1959
Make me a pallet on the floor FL LP 109
V/g. Denham Springs, La, 10 Feb 1960
Almost dead blues Bv LP 1026
V/g. Angola or Baton Rouge?, La, 1 Jun 1960
Broke my mother’s rule unissued
V/g. Angola, La, 10 Jun 1960
Pardon denied again FL LP 109, Arh LP 2015, CD 394
From above sessions.
Church on fire with the word of God 77(E) LP 12/13 Dyin’ soul 77(E) LP 12/13, Arh CD 395 So much is happenin’ in the news 77(E) LP 12/13,Arh CD 394 (or in this wicked world) I’m goin’ back with Him when he comes 77(E) LP 12/13
V/g. Denham Springs, La, 25 Sep 1960
Thousand miles from nowhere BV LP 1026
V/g. Baton Rouge, La, 30 Sep 1960
Hobo worried blues BV LP 1026
V/g. Denham Springs, La, 5 Oct 1960
Matchbox blues unissued Highway blues unissued
V/g. Baton Rouge, La, 10 Oct 1960
Hay cutting song BV LP 1026
V/g. Baton Rouge, La, 16 Oct 1960
Thumbin’ a ride BV LP 1026
V/g. Baton Rouge, La, 18 Oct 1960
Death blues BV LP 1026
V/g. Baton Rouge, La, 20 Oct 1960
I’ve grown so ugly (Ugly face blues) BV LP 1026
V/g. Baton Rouge, La, 10 Nov 1960
Free again BV LP 1026
17 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
V/g. Baton Rouge, La, 11 Nov 1960
Rollin’ stone BV LP 1026
From above sessions.
Blue in me FL LP 109, Arh LP 2015, CD 395 Come here baby tell me what is FL LP 109, Arh LP 2015, CD 394 wrong with you I got the blues so bad FL LP 109, Arh LP 2015, CD 395 Blues in the dark FL LP 109 Angola special FL LP 109, Arh CD 394 Two wings BV LP 1026 Texas blues Arh LP 2015, CD 394 This wild old fire Arh LP 2015, CD 394 I’m so glad my mother teached Sv(Dk) LP 135 me how to pray (NOTE: Bluesville LP 1026 reissued as part of Fantasy 2-LP 24716 and as OBC CD 553.)
V/g with g -1; Sally Dotson, v -2; wbd -3.
Just tippin’ in Arh CD 394 Church on fire #2 Arh CD 394 Please Lord, help me on my way Arh CD 394 All night long Arh CD 395 Sinner don’t you know Arh CD 395 Hot Springs blues -1 Arh CD 395 This train is Heaven bound Arh CD 395 Santa Fe blues Arh CD 395 Death comes creepin’ in your room Arh CD 395 tk 2 Wife and farm blues -2 Arh CD 395 I want to die easy -3 Arh CD 395
V/g. Denham Springs, La, 12 Nov 1960
Yessuh an’ nosuh blues unissued
V/g. Scotlandville, La, 10 Feb 1961
The midnight rambler unissued
V/g. Scotlandville, La, 21 Feb 1961
Freeman blues unissued Alberta unissued
Add Butch Cage, vl -1. Denham Springs or Zachary, La?, 8 Mar 1961
Boll weevil blues unissued Black snake blues -1 unissued
V/g. Baton Rouge, La, 12 Mar 1961
Worried life blues unissued
V/g. Baton Rouge, La, 31 Mar 1961
Bobbie’s blues unissued
V/g. Baton Rouge, La, 15 Apr 1961
18 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour
Farm blues unissued
V/g. Zachary, La, 12 Jun 1961
Black cat bone -1 Flyr(E) LP 545 Hoodoo blues -1 Flyr(E) LP 545
V/g. Baton Rouge, La, 22 Jun 1961
Lay by the corn unissued
V/g. Baton Rouge, La, 28 Jun 1961
Bottle up an’ go unissued
V/g. Baton Rouge, La, 21 Jul 1961
Mule blues unissued
V/g. Baton Rouge, La, 30 Jul 1961
Goodtime lonesome blues unissued
V/g. Baton Rouge, La, 31 Jul 1961
Lonesome blues unissued
From above June/July sessions.
Rockwell blues unissued Black snake bues unissued Tough livin’ blues unissued Walk up blues unissued Teasin’ blues unissued
V/g. Baton Rouge, La, 30 Jun 1962
California blues unissued
V/g with C.J. Jones, v. Baton Rouge, La, 23 Apr 1963
AFS 12,582 House burned down blues unissued Levee camp blues unissued
V. Baton Rouge, La, 28 Apr 1963
AFS 12,583 Lord, what’s gonna become o’ me unissued Let’s cut this cane unissued AFS 12,589 Tom and old master unissued
CLARA YOUNG
V. Angola, La,
Soldier’s plea Arh CD 419
19 Harry Oster Recordings 1958-1963 extracted from Blues Records 1943-70 updated/amended accordingly 23/01/2001 by Alan Balfour BIBLIOGRAPHY (very selected)
Groom, Bob. "Smoky Babe: Hottest Brand Going", Blues & Rhythm #96 (1995) Oster, Harry. "The Afro-American Folktale In Memphis : Theme And Function", Negro American Literature Forum 3 (1969):83-87 Oster, Harry. "Background Of The Blues", In: "Black America", edited by John F. Szwed (1970) :143-157 Oster, Harry. Folk Voices In Iowa (Univ. of Iowa Press, 1965) Oster, Harry. "Klezmer Music : Its Sources And Spirit", Hancher Presents, Iowa Center for the Arts (1988) Oster, Harry. "La Tradition Musicale Folklorique Francaise Chez les Noirs de la Louisiane : Continuitie & Innovation", Identitie Culturelle et Francophone Dans Lea Ameriquea, Centre International De Recherche sur le Bilinguisme, Quebec, Canada (1980) Oster, Harry. "Negro French Spirituals of Louisiana", Journal Of The International Folk Music Council (1962) Oster, Harry. "Negro Work Songs Recently Recorded at Angola", The McNeese Review (1960) Oster, Harry. "Prisoner's Talking Blues", The Blues, The Hague (1961) Oster, Harry. "The Blues As A Genre", Genre 2, #3 (l969):259-274 Oster, Harry. "The Evolution Of Folk-Lyric Records", Blues & Rhythm #95 (1995) Oster, Harry. "The Evolution Of Folk-Lyric Records", JEMF Quarterly (1978) Oster, Harry. "The Rabbit And The Tar Baby", In: "Thrice Told Tales", edited by K. S. Goldstein & D. B. Amos (1970) Oster, Harry. Living Country Blues (Folklore Associates, 1969) Oster, Harry. "Negro Humor : John and Old Marster", Journal Of The Folklore Institute 5, #1 (1966):42-57 Smith, Chris. "Oster's Blues" (BBC Thee series), Blues & Rhythm #99 (1995)
20