Barrelhouse Buck McFarland – Alton Blues – Delmark Records DE 788

Thomas McFarland aka Barrelhouse Buck McFarland was a product of Alton, Illinois, and recorded his first sides for Paramount Records in 1929, and then also recording tracks for Decca in the mid-1930s, and finally an album for Folkways in 1961.

Given Alton’s short 23-mile proximity to the great blues city of St. Louis, McFarland’s singing early-on was akin to his big city’s contemporaries’ inclinations that were rather contemplative in nature. 

In contrast, his piano style always seemed to approximate his background of also being a drummer, as it bounced and danced with a noticeable percussive punch. 

As McFarland progressed into the 1930s, his vocal approach changed, as he adopted a more snarling style that better suited his rhythmic piano flourishes.  Oftentimes being backed by a woodwind instrument, usually a clarinet, many times a performer on the violin, and also by the superb guitar of “The Devil’s Son-In-Law” Peetie Wheatstraw, McFarland’s vision seemed to be on rousing, danceable music.

Delmark Records graced all blues fans when it included this appealing litany of St. Louis recordings from many years ago into its catalogue.  If you are a fan of the piano offerings of Chicago great Jimmy Yancey, then you will most certainly find much here to relish within.

McFarland shouldn’t be relegated to the sidelines of blues fans’ consciousness, as this assembly of his early sides greatly demonstrates that his enthralling musical constructs are of the highest order.

Especially recommended!