This is such a wonderful tribute to the late founder of Arhoolie Records. I used to drive past Down Home Music back in the day and at the time, I had no idea the incredible background of Chris's work. Only discovered the story about Arhoolie Records properly a few years ago. I feel lucky to have a copy of this book and it's absolutely brilliant.
Had a good time today at Down Home Records where Joel Selvin was doing a book signing. His stories about Chris and Arhoolie were great. Happy to get the book signed where it all happened!
I wish all book reviews were as insightful! This is a valuable musical record and I hope Arhoolie fans pick it up and celebrate Chris' work and dedication to music.
Mazzy I live in El Cerrito and go into Down Home Music frequently. Such great music and staff! Thanks for highlighting this great foundation and store!
Back when I was a home care provider and needed to travel to ease the stress, my best friend at the time and I used to drive down to San Francisco from Portland several times a year, stay at a fairly nice motel at Broadway and Van Ness and cruise around the city for a week or so, order some really good pizza, buy the best beer we could get our hands on and hit the record stores. Our two favorites were Down Home, where we both grabbed everything from Western Swing and classic soul to old Blues -on vinyl of course, and Tower Records on Columbus and Bay, where I shopped next to Robin Williams once. Before I needed to clean house and unfortunately sold a bunch of vinyl, I owned a ton of Arhoolie records. I miss those days
Thanks for highlighting a fabulous looking book, Mazzy. I spotted a nice photo of the marvellous Balfa Brothers. People like Chris Strachwitz, the Lomaxes and Bruce Kaplan the founder of Flying Fish Records were vitally important figures in American music history. One shudders to think how much of America's musical heritage might've gone unrecorded and ultimately lost without them. I'm not much of a Blues fan, but I got to know Arhoolie through artists like Clifton Chenier, Michael Doucet and Flaco Jimenez. You know you're getting great music when you pick up an Arhoolie release. Cheers - Hedley
Never visited Down Home Music without leaving with several (or more) albums and 45s. I don't have a lot of Arhoolie records but probably 20 or so. Great label!
great review, i love these sort of books and will be adding it to my music book collection of which i have a lot especially blues, i have a few on john lomax so know ill love this, i have 30th anniversary arhoolie cd collection some cool stuff on there and a big down home blues cd collection, well presented and informative video, cheers
I will have to get that book. My company distributed Arhoolie, Folkways , Shanachie and other roots labels from 1988 - 1995 what a catalogue . Great vid Mazzy
Now this is something to really get excited about. When you're not talking political propaganda, you put out video gems like this one. 😻 This book is now at the top of my Christmas gift wish list. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about a place where music truly lives. 👍👍👍
even though I'm a Brit I love the early 20th century American music and some of it's modern exponents thanks to youtube. Carolina Chocolate Drops (love Rhiannon Giddens voice) & Tuba Skinny playing the New Orleans Jazz
Hi Mazzy - I was in my mid teens in the UK, listening to all the great English rock and prog bands (mid 60's onwards) when I heard the music of John Fahey - through Stefan Grossman, and it was through Stefan that I got to know all these amazing blues / folk blues guitarists and Arhoolie Records. I have a number of albums and CD's by Mississippi John Hurt, Lightning Hopkins, Mance Lipscomb and the like. But it was John Fahey who really fascinated me with his amazing guitar playing and that made me pick up the guitar. Did I see a picture of John Fahey on the back of a cart in that book?? I should replay it - but am sure it was John. Sadly he passed away destitute - after releasing over 30 ground-breaking albums in his lifetime. Such a shame. Thanks Mazzy
This video speaks to me probably better than any I've seen. I feel it deeply. Always better to go to the source. The book Talkin' To Myself got me into the poetry of the blues lyrics from 1921 to 1942. Thanks.
I've a number of blues Arhoolie albums from the early 60s... An interesting review Massy. You should have mentioned the genesis of the name Arhoolie. A "Hoolie" was an American slave term for calling out at work. Either work orders or work songs.... It started that call and answer lyrics thingy that became so much a part of Black music.... Cheers.
This is such a wonderful tribute to the late founder of Arhoolie Records. I used to drive past Down Home Music back in the day and at the time, I had no idea the incredible background of Chris's work. Only discovered the story about Arhoolie Records properly a few years ago. I feel lucky to have a copy of this book and it's absolutely brilliant.
Had a good time today at Down Home Records where Joel Selvin was doing a book signing. His stories about Chris and Arhoolie were great. Happy to get the book signed where it all happened!
Will get this ASAP.Arhoolie label was wonderful.Only met Chris once in London.Great man.
Enjoyed the review.
Glad to hear it!✌🏼
WONDERFUL…THANK YOU…! ! !
Good information 😊
Thanks 😊
I wish all book reviews were as insightful! This is a valuable musical record and I hope Arhoolie fans pick it up and celebrate Chris' work and dedication to music.
Thank you April. I gotta share these in this way. Love the book. ✌🏼
Mazzy I live in El Cerrito and go into Down Home Music frequently. Such great music and staff! Thanks for highlighting this great foundation and store!
Nice video Mazzy - fascinating stuff - thank you. D
Back when I was a home care provider and needed to travel to ease the stress, my best friend at the time and I used to drive down to San Francisco from Portland several times a year, stay at a fairly nice motel at Broadway and Van Ness and cruise around the city for a week or so, order some really good pizza, buy the best beer we could get our hands on and hit the record stores. Our two favorites were Down Home, where we both grabbed everything from Western Swing and classic soul to old Blues -on vinyl of course, and Tower Records on Columbus and Bay, where I shopped next to Robin Williams once. Before I needed to clean house and unfortunately sold a bunch of vinyl, I owned a ton of Arhoolie records. I miss those days
Thanks for highlighting a fabulous looking book, Mazzy. I spotted a nice photo of the marvellous Balfa Brothers.
People like Chris Strachwitz, the Lomaxes and Bruce Kaplan the founder of Flying Fish Records were vitally important figures in American music history. One shudders to think how much of America's musical heritage might've gone unrecorded and ultimately lost without them.
I'm not much of a Blues fan, but I got to know Arhoolie through artists like Clifton Chenier, Michael Doucet and Flaco Jimenez. You know you're getting great music when you pick up an Arhoolie release.
Cheers - Hedley
We are absolutely grateful to have this music preserved for us all ✌🏼
Never visited Down Home Music without leaving with several (or more) albums and 45s. I don't have a lot of Arhoolie records but probably 20 or so. Great label!
Great store. Great label.
Love the book review videos. Keep them coming.
Now I know what to ask for for Christmas.
great review, i love these sort of books and will be adding it to my music book collection of which i have a lot especially blues, i have a few on john lomax so know ill love this, i have 30th anniversary arhoolie cd collection some cool stuff on there and a big down home blues cd collection, well presented and informative video, cheers
I will have to get that book. My company distributed Arhoolie, Folkways , Shanachie and other roots labels from 1988 - 1995 what a catalogue . Great vid Mazzy
Thanks for this.
Mr. Pete-------->
aging hippie
Now this is something to really get excited about. When you're not talking political propaganda, you put out video gems like this one. 😻 This book is now at the top of my Christmas gift wish list. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about a place where music truly lives. 👍👍👍
You are welcome. Politics are actually a very small part of my videos. But appreciate your comments. ✌🏼
Politics rob your mojo. If I made videos, it would rob mine too. 😜 @@mazzysmusic
even though I'm a Brit I love the early 20th century American music and some of it's modern exponents thanks to youtube. Carolina Chocolate Drops (love Rhiannon Giddens voice) & Tuba Skinny playing the New Orleans Jazz
Hi Mazzy - I was in my mid teens in the UK, listening to all the great English rock and prog bands (mid 60's onwards) when I heard the music of John Fahey - through Stefan Grossman, and it was through Stefan that I got to know all these amazing blues / folk blues guitarists and Arhoolie Records. I have a number of albums and CD's by Mississippi John Hurt, Lightning Hopkins, Mance Lipscomb and the like. But it was John Fahey who really fascinated me with his amazing guitar playing and that made me pick up the guitar. Did I see a picture of John Fahey on the back of a cart in that book?? I should replay it - but am sure it was John. Sadly he passed away destitute - after releasing over 30 ground-breaking albums in his lifetime. Such a shame. Thanks Mazzy
This video speaks to me probably better than any I've seen. I feel it deeply. Always better to go to the source. The book Talkin' To Myself got me into the poetry of the blues lyrics from 1921 to 1942. Thanks.
Thank you !!! ✌🏼
I've a number of blues Arhoolie albums from the early 60s... An interesting review Massy. You should have mentioned the genesis of the name Arhoolie. A "Hoolie" was an American slave term for calling out at work. Either work orders or work songs.... It started that call and answer lyrics thingy that became so much a part of Black music.... Cheers.
Saturday November 11 @ 2 PM book signing at the store!
Yes. Wish I was there this weekend
Thank goodness these people are getting their dues. Although a LITTLE late>