We are now releasing set 5 of the iconic Matchbox Bluesmaster Series. Containing six CDs of six artists, alongside extensive notes from world authority on the blues Paul Oliver, this unique series documents the very early days of blues, ragtime, hokum, and gospel music from 1926 to 1934 and gives an insight into the way that black music was first released on record. From a commercial standpoint, record companies such as OKEH sent out talent scouts to find black singers, mang of them singing for nickels on street corners. These early blues performances feature some outstanding playing and singing and a new generation is now discovering the musical wealth to be found in these early recordings.

Artists

Blind Lemon Jefferson, Frank Stokes, Dan Sane, Will Batts, Blind Blake, Jimmy Bertrand, Johnny Dodds (saxophone & clarinet), Bertha Henderson, Big Bill Broonzy, John Thomas, Georgia Tom Dorsey, Frank Brasswell, Bill Williams, Jane Lucas, Big Bill & His Jug Busters, Lonnie Chatman, Walter Vinson, Bo Carter, Sam Carter, Lonnie Johnson (guitar), James P. Johnson, Deloise Searcy, Joe Brown, Raymond Boyd, John Erby, The Beale Street Sheiks, Big Bill & His Jug Busters, Mississippi Sheiks