It’s always a good day when a blues record from the Vocalion 1000 series comes into your collection. Though this copy has been well-loved and the levels are quite low on this recording, I think I was able to get a decent transfer.
There is much mystery about Luella Miller – she first recorded for Vocalion in St. Louis in 1926, then did six sessions in 1927-28 resulting in the release of 24 songs over 12 records – and 11 unissued matrices. After August of 1928 it is not clear what happened to Miss Miller as no further recordings were made.
On “Rattle Snake Groan”, her rustic performance, replete with moans and groans, is convincing. We also get the bonus of having Lonnie Johnson as an accompanist – on the violin! He plays guitar on the other side.
Recorded in New York City on January 28, 1927.
Released as Vocalion 1081.
Credits:
Luella Miller – vocals
James Johnson – piano
Lonnie Jonson – violin
There’s a nice writeup on Luella Miller and this song at:
https://www.goldminemag.com/articles/ponder-mysterious-disappearance-blues-singer-luella-miller
Side B of this record, “Dreaming of You Blues”, can be heard at:
https://youtu.be/oc6hg6g-hQ4
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