Mississippi Records
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Contents |
[edit] History
Mississippi Records was founded by Warren Hill and Eric Isaacson in 2003. Hill runs a shop by the name of Backroom Records & Pastries from a shed attached to the back-end of his apartment building in Montreal. Isaacson runs a shop in Portland sharing its title with that of the label: Mississippi Records.
"The label started, as far as me and Eric go, I think in 2003 or 2004... We put in $3,000 each and put out our first two vinyl releases, which was the Washington Phillips [a wickedly unheard-of and talented blues dude] and Last Kind Words [compiling ultra-rare country blues gems], and then things have just been going without really needing any more money put in." - Warren Hill [1]
The label has begun to catch the attention of collectors worldwide by bringing to light obscurities from lands stretching from Thailand to North America to Africa with releases limited to only 1000 copies. Another factor adding to the demand for these records is their affordability with all releases sold at under ten dollars abiding by their "Always - Love Over Gold" motto.
[edit] Namesake Shop
Mississippi Records is located at 4007 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, Oregon known for holding true the same philosophy as the label providing hard to find music cheaply. They carry only vinyl and cassette with a total absence of CDs.
[edit] Releases
There are currently ten releases out.
"Last Kind Words (1926-1953)" by Various Artists
"Incredibly well compiled '20s-'30s era blues comp. High quality of sound for the time period of its recordings. This compilation is filled with the most accessible blues songs made to be appreciated by enthusiasts and those new to the genre. Features Blind Willie McTell, Memphis Minnie, Geechie Wiley, etc." [2]
"What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?" by Washington Phillips
"Original recordings from 1927-1929, with Phillips perhaps accompanied on the Dolceola (miniature piano-like instrument). Beautifully haunting music from Phillips. His sweetly-sung Christian blues, bathed in a celestial haze of notes from an instrument that sounds like a child's music box, stand out amongst the work of guitar evangelists and street corner Scripture-ites of the era. Phillips' sacred porch songs provide evidence of a higher power, for how could man alone create music for the angels? These recordings sound remarkable from being from the 1920s." [3]
"I Don't Feel at Home in this World Anymore 1927-1948" by Various Artists
"This compilation is our tribute to the music made in the U.S. between 1927 and 1948. We decided not only to focus on traditional genres (blues, old-time, Cajun), but to also show the music that was brought by the boatloads of immigrants coming to these shores. Their music influenced and still affects our culture today. The album starts off with a heavenly example of Greek rebetica from Marika Papagika. Also featured is early Tex-Mex pioneer Lydia Mendoza and gospel duo Two Gospel Keys. The latter gives us our title track. Louisiana Cajun music is beautifully executed by artists Cleoma Falcon and Blind Uncle Gaspard with Dela Lachney. The Blue Sky Boys may be considered old-time, but their haunting, melancholic harmonies belong in their own genre. The Caresser and Wilmouth Houdini bring on the Calypso with that New York jazz flavor. Hawaiian slack key guitar is demonstrated by Mike Hanapi's Ilima Islanders and Mme. Riviere's Hawaiians. Aside from Calypso, NY was also a big hub for Jewish klezmer, as shown by Jacob Hoffman playing with Henry Kandel's Orchestra. Sexteto Bolona is a great example of the roots of salsa and there's even a mystery track by an unknown Indonesian folk singer of the time. The comp ends with blues performer Big Boy Cleveland with his oddly original 'Quill Blues.' A beautiful record from beginning to end." [4]
"Malcolm X Memorial" by Phillip Cohran and the Artistic Heritage Ensemble
"An early member of the Sun Ra Arkestra, Philip Cohran went on to record & self-release this LP in 1968, originally in an edition of 1,000. Cohran was a personal friend of Malcolm X, & this is a concept album musically telling the story of Malcolm's political & spiritual journey. It features a tight groove-oriented band (which later evolved into the Pharoahs, & then Earth, Wind, & Fire!) who explore soul, jazz, & Middle Eastern rhythms. A politically radical & intense recording not to be missed. Philip Cohran is a much under-appreciated musical genius, & we are proud to reissue this album for the first time on vinyl. Gatefold LP with archival photos & liner notes." [5]
"Life is a Problem" by Various Artists
"Compilation of raw electric guitar-based gospel recorded between 1949 & 1976. Hard to find & unreleased gospel that makes most rock & roll sound weak & contained. Features Utah Smith, Rev. Lonnie Farris, Sister O.M Terrill & many lesser known artists. Fourteen tracks in all." [6] The first edition of this release had a 7" of George "Bongo Joe" Coleman performing "This Old World is in a Terrible Condition" but the second edition does not.
[edit] References
[edit] Citations
[edit] External Links
[1] - Interview with Warren Hill at Hour.ca
[2] - Discography at Forcedexposure.com
