Barrelhouse Buck: 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) | 2:41 | |
102
|
Alton Blues | Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck) | 1:38 | |
103
|
Four O'Clock Blues | Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck) | 1:58 | |
104
|
20th Street Blues (Twentieth Street Blues) | Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck) | 2:17 | |
105
|
Mercy Blues | Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck) | 1:37 | |
106
|
So Long Buck | Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck) | 2:30 | |
107
|
I'm Going to Write You a Letter | Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck) | 3:41 | |
201
|
Mary, Ain't I Been One Good Man to You | Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck) | 2:52 | |
202
|
Reminiscences: Balling the Jack and First Recordings | Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck) | 3:23 | |
203
|
Make Me a Soldier of the Cross | Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck) | 2:59 | |
204
|
Nina Blues | Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck) | 3:53 | |
205
|
Taylor Avenue Blues | Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck) | 2:43 |