Artist:Ashley and Foster
Song:Bay Rum Blues
Album:Gob Iron: The Blues Harmonica Anthology
Clarence Ashley was a country blues pioneer who began recording in 1927. Though he usually recorded solo, this 1933 song was recorded with harmonica player Gwen Foster. They only recorded a few records but they are memorable. Ashley was born Clarence McCurry Sept. 29, 1895 in Bristol, TN. He learned to play the banjo as a child. He began performing in medicine shows in 1911. Ashley and Foster were both members of The Carolina Tar Heels. After recording for Columbia, Ashley got together with Foster to record a few songs for Vocalion in 1933. Foster was born Gwin Foster Dec. 25, 1903 in Caldwell, NC. He was a member of The Carolina Tar Heels and Carolina Twins. He recorded a couple of solo songs when he was a member of The Carolina Tar Heels. He seemed to prefer being part of a group. For him to be featured on these Ashley and Foster songs would have been very unusual. Of course Bay Rum Blues is about excessive drinking. You can get it on this 2CD comp from Primo Records. Foster worked in a textile mill during the day. He died in 1954. Ashley went on to tour and record as part of the 60s folk music revival. He died on June 2, 1967 at age 71. Ashley and Foster was a sidebar for Ashley. I may look at his entire career down the road. Here's a video for Bay Rum Blues by Ashley and Foster.
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