Sunset Waltz (Mississippi Mud Steppers)

Sunset Waltz is one of a handful of tunes recorded by members of the seminal African-American string band the Mississippi Sheiks under the name the Mississippi Mud Steppers. There are six known sides attributed to the group, and, curiously in an era of strict racial segregation, they were released in OKeh’s 45000 ‘Hillbilly’ series. Whether…

Lazy Kate

The Leake County Revelers recorded Lazy Kate at their final session, December 18, 1930, in Jackson Mississippi. It was paired with a side recorded two years earlier, Memories, and released as Columbia # 15767. Theirs is the only recording of this tune under this title. The tune is comprised of two eight-bar strains played in the standard…

Avalon Quickstep

Narmour and Smith recorded Avalon Quickstep at a June 7, 1930, session in San Antonio. It was released on OKeh’s country 45000 series as OKeh #45469. It was also released on OKeh’s Mexican 16000 series as #16732. The Mexican series issue was titled Tiempo Alegre, and, per Tony Russell’s discography, may have been credited to ‘Duo Instrumental.’ Avalon…

Bill Cheatham

The Red Headed Fiddlers recorded Bill Cheatham as Cheat `Em at an October 27, 1929, session in Dallas. Bill Cheatham remains a standard in old-time and bluegrass repertoires. There are several recordings under various spellings listed in Tony Russell’s comprehensive discography: Bill Cheatam: Blind Joe Mangum/ Fred Shriber Bill Cheatham: Arthur Smith Bill Cheatum: The Light…