001.1994.007

Sat Apr 23 1994

41:21 - DAT Master, CD Preservation Copies, Access Mp3 on Hard Drive

00:01 Ellis and Burnside introduced by Allison Minor 01:10 He talks about where he grew up and starting to play music at 19 years. 01:50 He describes what inspired him musically. He mentions Fred McDowell, Muddy Waters and Lightening Hopkins and their influence. 02:54 They discuss his the musical influences in his family and early childhood. 03:26 Ellis asks him where he heard blues growing up. He mentions old juke joints and house parties as places he went to to hear the blues played. He describes hearing fiddle and guitar played at his wedding and the‘two-step’ dances of the time. 04:40 He mentions his two new albums to be released on Fat Possum. The first being ‘Too Bad Jim’, a tribute to Mississippi Fred McDowell. He also refers to the other two albums coming out on Swing Master in Holland. 06:30 Ellis mentions his involvement in the 1992 ‘Deep Blues’ documentary. 06:50 He talks about playing solo as well as with his family’s band. He describes family gatherings at his house. 07:36 He mentions his first recording in 1967 with George Mitchell after being suggested by Otha Turner. He describes the interview as the starting point to his career. He talks about where touring. 09:06 He briefly mentions writing songs and playing other peoples. 10:20 Demonstration – ‘See My Jumper Hanging On the Line’. Vocals and guitar. 13:50 - ‘Poor Boy Long Way From Home’. Vocals and guitar. 16:59 Burnside introduces a song he wrote himself about a girl who decides to leave him. Demonstration – (‘I’m Going with you Baby’?). 20:54 - (‘Hard Luck’/Born For Hard Luck’?). 25:00 - (‘Say You Love me Darling’?). 29:01 - ‘I Believe I’ll Dust my Room’. 34:06 He plugs his record, ‘Too Bad Jim’ that is on sale. 34:30 - ‘So Different Blues’ version. 38:28 - (‘Please Give me my walking shoes’?) 41:24 End.

R.L. Burnside interviewed by Eleanor Ellis, Introduction by Allison Miner

sound recording

Copyrights are retained by the participants.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Archive