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    • How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)

    How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)

    11/28/2006 | Dust To Digital 

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    All Music Guide Review

    This three-disc, 79-track box set of vintage string bass sides recorded between 1925 and 1941 from Atlanta's marvelous Dust-to-Digital folks can be listened to in a couple of different ways. It works as a survey of 78-rpm era bass players, certainly, including cuts from Bill Johnson, Walter Page, Al Morgan, and many others, but due to its wide-ranging inclusion of jazz, swing, blues, country, jug band, Western swing, and gospel material, it can also work as a wonderfully upbeat set of vintage American roots music, and one doesn't necessarily need to be a string bass player or music historian to get into it. It isn't a collection of bass solos, either, although there are plenty of those scattered through the tunes, but is rather a look at how this instrument was used in a wide variety of settings. Among the high points are "Dinah" by Jean Goldkette & His Orchestra, a funky "Bull Frog Blues" by Charles Pierce & His Orchestra, a blistering "Tex's Dance" from the Prairie Ramblers, a delightfully loose version of "Mama Don't Allow" called "Don't 'Low" from Washboard Sam, and two takes by the Midnight Rounders of "Bull Fiddle Rag." Fun from start to finish, How Low Can You Go? is like a great cross-genre American barn dance in a box. Another great set from Dust-to-Digital. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide

    How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set) Track Listing

  • Track#
  • Title
  • Artist
  • time
  • lyrics
  • 1
  • Milenberg Joys
  • Lewis, Ted & His Band
  • 2:50
  • Sound Clip for Milenberg Joys from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 2
  • Dinah
  • Goldkette, Jean And His Orchestra
  • 3:06
  • Sound Clip for Dinah from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 3
  • Black Bottom Stomp
  • Morton, Jelly-Roll and His Red Hot Peppers
  • 3:13
  • Sound Clip for Black Bottom Stomp from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 4
  • My Pretty Girl
  • Goldkette, Jean and His Orchestra
  • 2:42
  • Sound Clip for My Pretty Girl from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 5
  • Wash-Board Cut Out
  • Leecan Bobbie Need-More Band
  • 2:57
  • Sound Clip for Wash-Board Cut Out from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 6
  • Bogalusa Strut
  • Morgan, Sam Jazz Band
  • 2:59
  • Sound Clip for Bogalusa Strut from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 7
  • Down by the Riverside
  • Morgan, Sam Jazz Band
  • 3:12
  • Sound Clip for Down by the Riverside from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 8
  • Bull Frog Blues
  • Pierce, Charles And His Orchestra
  • 2:53
  • Sound Clip for Bull Frog Blues from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 9
  • China Boy
  • Pierce, Charles And His Orchestra
  • 2:23
  • Sound Clip for China Boy from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 10
  • Voice of the Southland
  • Terry, Thelma And Her Playboys
  • 2:35
  • Sound Clip for Voice of the Southland from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 11
  • Mama's Gone, Goodbye
  • Terry, Thelma And Her Playboys
  • 3:09
  • Sound Clip for Mama's Gone, Goodbye from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 12
  • I'd Like to Go Back to That Old Pal of Mine
  • Halfway House Dance Orchestra
  • 2:59
  • Sound Clip for I'd Like to Go Back to That Old Pal of Mine from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 13
  • Goose Creek-Stomp
  • Britt, Mart And His Orchestra
  • 2:40
  • Sound Clip for Goose Creek-Stomp from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 14
  • Waiting for a Train
  • Rodgers, Jimmie
  • 2:48
  • Sound Clip for Waiting for a Train from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 15
  • Texas and Pacific Blues
  • Frenchy's String Band
  • 3:08
  • Sound Clip for Texas and Pacific Blues from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 16
  • So Tired
  • 3:17
  • Sound Clip for So Tired from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 17
  • Freeze and Melt
  • Turner, Joe And His Memphis Men
  • 2:53
  • Sound Clip for Freeze and Melt from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 18
  • Hot Heels
  • Lang, Ed And His Orchestra
  • 3:02
  • Sound Clip for Hot Heels from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 19
  • Beggar's Blues
  • Greer, Sonny And His Memphis Men
  • 3:20
  • Sound Clip for Beggar's Blues from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 20
  • Where the Sweet Magnolias Bloom
  • Taylor Griggs Louisiana Melody Makers
  • 2:40
  • Sound Clip for Where the Sweet Magnolias Bloom from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 21
  • En Sens Unique S.V.P.
  • L'Orchestre Antillais
  • 2:27
  • Sound Clip for En Sens Unique S.V.P. from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 22
  • Squabblin'
  • Page, Walter And His Original Blue Devils
  • 3:04
  • Sound Clip for Squabblin' from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 23
  • Duet Stomp
  • Jones And Collins Storia Hot Eight
  • 2:54
  • Sound Clip for Duet Stomp from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 24
  • Poor Li'l Me
  • Russell, Luis and His Orchestra
  • 3:23
  • Sound Clip for Poor Li'l Me from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 25
  • Panama
  • Russell, Luis and His Orchestra
  • 3:18
  • Sound Clip for Panama from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 26
  • Chinatown, My Chinatown
  • Henderson, Fletcher And His Orchestra
  • 3:00
  • Sound Clip for Chinatown, My Chinatown from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 27 (2)
  • Chances Are
  • Teagardem, Jack & His Orchestra
  • 3:13
  • Sound Clip for Chances Are from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 28 (2)
  • Tiger Tom Kill Tiger Cat, Damblay, Santapie and Rat
  • Houdini, Wilmoth
  • 2:46
  • Sound Clip for Tiger Tom Kill Tiger Cat, Damblay, Santapie and Rat from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 29 (2)
  • Depression-Paseo
  • Belasco, Lionel And His Orchestra
  • 2:53
  • Sound Clip for Depression-Paseo from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 30 (2)
  • Who's Sorry Now?
  • Harlem Hot Shots
  • 3:02
  • Sound Clip for Who's Sorry Now? from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 31 (2)
  • Shag
  • New Orleans Feetwarmers
  • 3:05
  • Sound Clip for Shag from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 32 (2)
  • My! Oh, My!
  • South, Eddie And His Orchestra
  • 3:06
  • Sound Clip for My! Oh, My! from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 33 (2)
  • Baby, Are You Satidfied
  • Dicky Wells' Shim Shammers
  • 3:29
  • Sound Clip for Baby, Are You Satidfied from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 34 (2)
  • Tex's Dance
  • Prairie Ramblers
  • 2:34
  • Sound Clip for Tex's Dance from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 35 (2)
  • Brownie's Stomp
  • Brown, Milton And His Musical Brownies
  • 2:56
  • Sound Clip for Brownie's Stomp from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 36 (2)
  • Rig Cutter Swing
  • Allen, Henry And His Orchestra
  • 2:41
  • Sound Clip for Rig Cutter Swing from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 37 (2)
  • The Stuff Is Here and It's Mellow
  • Taylor, Eva And Her Boy Friends
  • 2:34
  • Sound Clip for The Stuff Is Here and It's Mellow from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 38 (2)
  • Ta-Hu-Wa-Hu-Wa-I (A Hawaiian War Song)
  • Iona, Andy And His Islanders
  • 2:43
  • Sound Clip for Ta-Hu-Wa-Hu-Wa-I (A Hawaiian War Song) from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 39 (2)
  • Dr. Watson and Mr. Holmes
  • Spirits Of Rhythm
  • 2:32
  • Sound Clip for Dr. Watson and Mr. Holmes from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 40 (2)
  • Bugle Call Rag (Take B)
  • Candy And Coco
  • 2:56
  • Sound Clip for Bugle Call Rag (Take B) from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 41 (2)
  • Good Morning, Judge
  • Martin, Carl
  • 2:51
  • Sound Clip for Good Morning, Judge from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 42 (2)
  • The Dozen
  • State Street Boys
  • 3:03
  • Sound Clip for The Dozen from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 43 (2)
  • Don't 'Low
  • Washboard Sam
  • 3:11
  • Sound Clip for Don't 'Low from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 44 (2)
  • Rug Cutter's Function
  • Johnson, Lil
  • 3:08
  • Sound Clip for Rug Cutter's Function from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 45 (2)
  • Yes Sir, That's My Baby
  • Acuff, Roy And His Crazy Tennesseeans
  • 2:50
  • Sound Clip for Yes Sir, That's My Baby from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 46 (2)
  • Deep Blue Melody
  • Albert, Don And His Orchestra
  • 3:04
  • Sound Clip for Deep Blue Melody from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 47 (2)
  • White Heat
  • Wills, Bob And His Texas Playboys
  • 2:43
  • Sound Clip for White Heat from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 48 (2)
  • Tired of Me
  • Crystal Springs Ramblers
  • 2:30
  • Sound Clip for Tired of Me from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 49 (2)
  • Pagin' the Devil
  • Kansas City Six
  • 2:56
  • Sound Clip for Pagin' the Devil from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 50 (2)
  • Liza, Pull Down the Shades
  • Wills, Bob And His Texas Playboys
  • 2:17
  • Sound Clip for Liza, Pull Down the Shades from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 51 (2)
  • Pluckin' the Bass
  • Calloway, Cab & His Orchestra
  • 2:43
  • Sound Clip for Pluckin' the Bass from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 52 (2)
  • Cliumaz Rag (Take 1)
  • Morton, Jelly-Roll New Orleans Jazzmen
  • 2:28
  • Sound Clip for Cliumaz Rag (Take 1) from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 53 (2)
  • Sepia Panorama (Night House)
  • Ellington, Duke & His Orchestra
  • 2:43
  • Sound Clip for Sepia Panorama (Night House) from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 54 (3)
  • Kentucky Stomp
  • Dixie Four
  • 2:26
  • Sound Clip for Kentucky Stomp from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 55 (3)
  • Saint Louis Man
  • Dixie Four
  • 2:27
  • Sound Clip for Saint Louis Man from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 56 (3)
  • Endurance Stomp
  • State Street Ramblers
  • 2:48
  • Sound Clip for Endurance Stomp from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 57 (3)
  • Tuxedo Stomp
  • State Street Ramblers
  • 3:00
  • Sound Clip for Tuxedo Stomp from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 58 (3)
  • Brown Skin Mama
  • State Street Ramblers
  • 2:41
  • Sound Clip for Brown Skin Mama from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 59 (3)
  • St. Louis Nightmare
  • State Street Ramblers
  • 2:57
  • Sound Clip for St. Louis Nightmare from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 60 (3)
  • Tell Me Cutie
  • State Street Ramblers
  • 2:49
  • Sound Clip for Tell Me Cutie from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 61 (3)
  • Some Day You'll Know
  • State Street Ramblers
  • 2:48
  • Sound Clip for Some Day You'll Know from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 62 (3)
  • Endurance Stomp (Take A)(Take)
  • Cobb, Junie C. And His Grains Of Corn
  • 2:35
  • Sound Clip for Endurance Stomp (Take A)(Take) from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 63 (3)
  • Shake Your Shimmy
  • Midnight Rounders
  • 3:03
  • Sound Clip for Shake Your Shimmy from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 64 (3)
  • Bull Fiddle Rag (Take A)
  • Midnight Rounders
  • 3:26
  • Sound Clip for Bull Fiddle Rag (Take A) from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 65 (3)
  • Shake That Jelly Roll
  • Cobb, Junie C. And His Grains Of Corn
  • 2:59
  • Sound Clip for Shake That Jelly Roll from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 66 (3)
  • Don't Cry, Honey
  • Cobb, Junie C. And His Grains Of Corn
  • 3:17
  • Sound Clip for Don't Cry, Honey from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 67 (3)
  • My Four Reasons
  • Robinson, "Banjo" Ikey And His Bull Fiddle Band
  • 2:53
  • Sound Clip for My Four Reasons from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 68 (3)
  • He's Got His Eyes on You
  • Rice, Rev. D. C. and His Sanctified Congregation
  • 2:55
  • Sound Clip for He's Got His Eyes on You from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 69 (3)
  • I'm in the Battlefield for My Lord
  • Rice, Rev. D. C. and His Sanctified Congregation
  • 3:17
  • Sound Clip for I'm in the Battlefield for My Lord from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 70 (3)
  • She's Coming 'Round the Mountain
  • Cotton Top Mountain Sanctified Singers
  • 2:56
  • Sound Clip for She's Coming 'Round the Mountain from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 71 (3)
  • I'm Pressing On
  • Rice, Rev. D. C. and His Sanctified Congregation
  • 2:49
  • Sound Clip for I'm Pressing On from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 72 (3)
  • No Night There
  • Rice, Rev. D. C. and His Sanctified Congregation
  • 3:03
  • Sound Clip for No Night There from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 73 (3)
  • I Ain't Gonna Do It No More
  • Hill, Chippie
  • 2:49
  • Sound Clip for I Ain't Gonna Do It No More from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 74 (3)
  • Pratt City Blues
  • Hill, Chippie
  • 2:46
  • Sound Clip for Pratt City Blues from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 75 (3)
  • Get the "L" on Down the Road
  • Johnson, Bill Louisiana Jug Band
  • 2:57
  • Sound Clip for Get the "L" on Down the Road from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 76 (3)
  • Don't Drink It in Here
  • Johnson, Bill Louisiana Jug Band
  • 2:53
  • Sound Clip for Don't Drink It in Here from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 77 (3)
  • I Wonder Where My Easy Rider's Gone
  • Hokum, Tampa Red Jug Band
  • 2:49
  • Sound Clip for I Wonder Where My Easy Rider's Gone from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 78 (3)
  • Come on Mama Do That Dance
  • Hokum, Tampa Red Jug Band
  • 2:51
  • Sound Clip for Come on Mama Do That Dance from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


  • 79 (3)
  • Bull Fiddle Rag (Take B)
  • Midnight Rounders
  • 3:07
  • Sound Clip for Bull Fiddle Rag (Take B) from How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)


    • How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set) Notes

    from Dust to Digital: "All over New York it has been noticed that, with most of the prominent bands, the string bass alias "bull fiddle," alias "dog house," is replacing the tuba. Leaders agree that the string bass has a far greater carrying power than the tuba, and that it blends much more effectively." — Billboard Magazine, April 10, 1926

    "The vibrations on that bass violin shattered the wax." — Recording engineer to Ausie B. Grigg, Memphis, 1928

    "The double bass, which stands beside its player at the rear of the band, is larger than the player himself. Like the cello, it has a spike which rests upon the floor. Owing to the thickness of the strings and because of the great size of the instrument, exceptional strength is required to press down the heavy strings. The bow must be very sturdy. Solo playing on the double bass would seem at first sight to have all the delicacy of an elephant dancing, yet there have been many great solo players." — Indiana Weekly Messenger, April 18, 1935

    Credits of How Low Can You Go: Anthology of the String Bass (1925-1941) (Box Set)



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