Henry "Rag Time Texas" Thomas - Bull Doze Blues [CD]

Cat. no: JASMCD3302
Format: CD
Barcode: 604988330229
Release Date: 31 Jan 2025
Genre: Blues

Precious little is known of Henry "Rag Time Texas" Thomas, yet his recorded legacy, between 1927-29, remains a wholly unique body of work

He operated as a one- man band, accompanying himself on guitar and reeds/ pan pipes - known as quills - which he played from a rack strapped around his neck. The quills, combined with his strummed guitar, played in the style of a banjo, created one of the most memorable sounds in American Roots music.

One of the oldest Bluesmen captured on record - certainly, one of the very few who'd been playing in the 19th Century - Thomas was in his ffties when he cut these sides.

His quills intro on 'Bull Doze Blues' was instantly identifable when Canned Heat recycled it forty years later (albeit on an oboe)in 'Going Up Country'.

Tracks: John Henry / Cottonfeld Blues / Arkansas / The Fox And The Hounds / The Little Red Caboose / Bob Mckinney / Red River Blues / Honey, Won't You Allow Me One More Chance? / Run, Mollie, Run / Shanty Blues / Woodhouse Blues / Jonah And The Wilderness / When The Rain Comes Along / Bull Doze Blues / Don't Ease Me In / Texas Easy Street / Texas Worried Blues / Fishing Blues / Old Country Stomp / Charmin' Betsy / Lovin' Babe / Railroadin' Some / Don't Leave Me Here