EllerSoul Records - New Release: Blues for Big Walter

EllerSoul Records - New Release: Blues for Big Walter This is a record that I’ve wanted to make for some time now. Big Walter Horton has been a major influence on all of the great blues harmonica players of my generation and beyond. We wanted to do our part in spreading the blues genius of Big Walter Horton. This is a non-profit project with proceeds going to the Blues Foundation and HART Fund. We know they will put the money to excellent use. Artists involved donated music for the cause. We’re very excited about the record and are so grateful for the stellar lineup. We'd also like to thank all the musicians, labels, studio's and promoters involved.   - Ronnie Website - Facebook

The Blues Foundation's HART Fund

In support of The Blues Foundation's HART Fund and celebrating the centennial of the first published blues, Brad Vickers & His Vestapolitans bring you Hart Wand's "Dallas Blues".

All proceeds benefit the HART Fund. http://www.blues.org/hart/index.php

"Special thanks to Frank Roszak Promotions for their generous donation of time and services." www.frankroszakpromotions.com

ONE hundred years ago, the first blues was published—though, of course, blues was born long before that. In celebration of the centennial of the first published blues, Brad Vickers & His Vestapolitans are pleased to release a digital single of Hart Wand's “Dallas Blues” to benefit The Blues Foundation’s H.A.R.T. fund. The H.A.R.T. Fund (Handy Artists Relief Trust) provides for blues musicians and their families who are in financial need due to a broad range of health concerns including acute, chronic, and preventive medical and dental care, as well as funeral and burial expenses. All proceeds from downloads of this single will go to the fund.

As we discovered via Samuel Charters’ book, “The Country Blues”, the first published blues was Hart Wand’s “Dallas Blues,” published (as sheet music) in March, 1912. Lyrics were added in 1918 by Lloyd Garrett. This was not only the first published blues, with “Blues” in its title, but it was actually written in the blues form. It was a big hit (and we think it’s a great song, too!) Later that year two other “Blues” were published. The second was Arthur Seals’ “Baby Seals’ Blues” in August, and finally, W.C. Handy’s “Memphis Blues” in September. Neither of these others was written in the blues form. They followed the popular cake-walk form of the era. You can learn more about Hart Wand and “Dallas Blues” in Charters’ book, and in Hart Wand's entry on Wikipedia. We love the “Hart” “H.A.R.T.” coincidence!

Download “Dallas Blues” to hear the first published blues, and to make a difference by contributing to The Blues Foundation's HART Fund!

Click HERE to Download "Dallas Blues" on iTunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dallas-blues-feat.-charles/id507508078

Click HERE to Download "Dallas Blues" on CDbaby:

http://www.cdbaby.com/bradvickersdallasblues