Backcountry Barrelhouse

Thomas “Barrelhouse Buck” McFarland (1903–1962) was raised in St. Louis, where many of his contemporaries played a gutsy style of boogie-woogie piano known as “barrelhouse.” McFarland’s playing had a rougher and more insistent rhythm, perhaps inspired by his early days as a drummer. Producer Sam Charters described Buck’s playing as having a rural quality to it, giving it the “backcountry” name. Although this session was recorded only eight months prior to his death in 1962, it is clear that McFarland remained faithful to the classic barrelhouse style he had developed in the 1920s and 1930s. As in other Charters productions, the artist also entertains the listener with reminiscences of his early recording career.

The liner notes describe McFarland’s musical influences and the evolution of his “backcountry” style.

Track Listing

101	Lieutenant Blues	Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck)	02:41
102	Alton Blues	Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck)	01:38
103	Four O'Clock Blues	Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck)	01:58
104	20th Street Blues	Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck)	02:17
105	Mercy Blues	Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck)	01:37
106	So Long Buck	Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck)	02:30
107	I'm Going to Write You a Letter	Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck)	03:41
201	Mary, Ain't I Been One Good Man to You	Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck)	02:52
202	Reminiscences: Balling the Jack and First Recordings	Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck)	03:23
203	Make Me a Soldier of the Cross	Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck)	02:59
204	Nina Blues	Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck)	03:53
205	Taylor Avenue Blues	Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck)	02:43