Customer Reviews

Gastonia Gallop: Cotton Mill Songs & Hillbilly Blues - Piedmont Textile Workers On Record: Gaston County, North Carolina, 1927-1931

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Various Artists

"Gastonia Gallop: 1927-1931"

(Old Hat Records, 2009)

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Another great release from one of the finest independent reissue labels in the U.S. of A. This disc focusses on the Southern folk and blues traditions of the towns and villages in Gaston County, North Carolina, a center for cotton production and textile mills. Topical songs, fiddle tunes, harmonica blues and vaudeville and minstrel show oldies -- all these traditions were alive and well when these Depression-era recordings were made, and in this diverse, boisterous mix, we hear the roots of modern country and rock'n'roll. Although some of these artists were professional or semi-preofessional performers, most of them were mainly mill workers and villagers, and their authenticity and earnestness shines through these ancient, obscure recordings. Great stuff if you like old-timey country and rural blues rarities! A perfect companion to the book-length ethnomusicalogical study, "Linthead Stomp," by Patrick Huber, who also contributes liner notes to this collection. (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue Guide To Country Music)

I had earlier read (and actually reviewed) Patrick Huber's book "Linthead Stomp" in which we are introduced to the climate and characters in this compliation and so awaited this relase. It is every bit as good as I hoped and meets the same standards previously set by all the other Old Hat CD releases. Pick up another from their catalog when you purchase this, you will be pleased.

Jim Linderman

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Great music, especially some superb harmonica playing, very good liner notes. A terrific collection on it own and an essential accompaniment to Patric Huber's excellent book: LINT HEAD STOMP: The Creation of Country Music in the Piedmont South. Both are essentials for those interested in American roots music.

Linthead Stomp: The Creation of Country Music in the Piedmont South