Angels on the Backroads Vol. 1 -- Memphis to Clack's Store

Angels on the Backroads Vol. 1 -- Memphis to Clack’s Store

Inspired by the magnitude of original blues and jazz that sprang from the small strip of fertile land between Memphis and New Orleans, two Mississippi brothers, Eddie and Frank Thomas produced the 4 CD collection, Angels on the Backroads, 61 songs recorded almost entirely on location.

In Volume 1—Memphis to Clack’s Store, Eddie performs a mix of urban and country blues. In fact, all instruments and vocals on the entire album are performed by Eddie while Frank does all recording both on location and in the studio. Frank also did layout, design, photography and liner notes.

Their simple, hands on approach made it possible to ease along the backroads and visit with the angels.

Our guide on this journey is the music, always the music....

1. Mississippi Bottom Blues (3:13)

Cockrell Room of the Peabody Hotel, 149 Union Ave., Memphis, TN -- Kid Bailey <LISTEN>

2. Downhearted Blues (3:29)

Orpheum Theater, 203 South Main St. -- Alberta Hunter

3. Memphis Jug Blues (3:13)

Guitar and lead vocal—Robert Church Park on Beale St. -- Will Shade

4. Boogie Woogie on St. Louis Blues (3:33)

Trumpet introduction on top of the Falls Building, 23 Front St. -- W. C. Handy

5. Downtown Blues (3:15)

Onboard the Main St. Trolley -- Frank Stokes