Memphis Yo-Yo Blues
The original version was recorded by the Memphis Jug Band on June 5, 1930 in Memphis, with Hattie Hart on vocal, Will Shade on harmonica, Tewee Blackman on lead guitar, Charlie Burse on rhythm guitar and Hambone Lewis on jug.
Will Shade credited Tewee Blackman as one of his guitar teachers before he started the jug band, and this is one of only two songs Blackman recorded with the band (the other is "K.C. Moan"). The combination of Shade's harmonica and Blackman's guitar here is a good example of the band's tendency to play multiple parts that are basically the same but with enough variation in melody and rhythm to provide texture and a relaxed feel.
For the solo section, the chord progression and melody change to something much like "You May Leave But This Will Bring You Back," a song the band would record about six months after this one.
Documents: Harmonica Tab, Lead Guitar Tab
This version is available for purchase on the Golden Harvest album.
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