A regular feature of this blog will be a few words every now and again about a recording that we love, or that has influenced us. So, without further ado we begin at the beginning with the legendary Tiffany Transcriptions of Bob wills and His Texas Playboys.
Recorded in San Francisco in 1947, these recordings were made to be used as radio transcriptions - basically musical segments recorded onto long-playing discs which a DJ could spin over the course of an entire program, interjecting often pre-written comments and asides. Radio stations could purchase these recordings from a number of companies.
What's really great about this particular set is that it captures a crackerjack band at the height of it's powers. They were recorded by the Playboys at the end of a long string of ballroom dates, and the songs are honed sharp by night after night of playing, experimenting with the arrangements and allowing the soloists to stretch out and find their way around the tunes.
Of special note are the combustible, gut bucket guitar solos of Junior Barnard who had played off and on with Bob Wills since the late 30's. His Epiphone archtop guitar, with it's two out-of-phase pickups through two separate overdriven amplifiers, sounds like early rock and roll. I've been trying to nail that sound for years!
The Tiffany Transcriptions have directly influenced some of the greatest musicians on the planet including Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Asleep at the Wheel and the Hot Club of Cowtown. they've recently been re-released so yourself a favor and find a copy!
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