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James Yank Rachell Tribute CD

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Track listing, in order, and notes by Mike Butler :
TEXAS TONY : Tim O’Brien-mandolin & vocals (recorded @ House of David Studio, Nashville , TN. Tim appears courtesy of Howdy Skies Records) www.timobrien.net ; David Grier-guitar, www.davidgrier.com ; Jake Hopping - Producer & clawhammer banjo; Richard McLaurin -Recording Engineer.
Grammy winner Tim O’Brien on vocals and mandolin along with award winning guitarist David Grier and 20 something musical phenomenon Jake Hopping on banjo. Some great picking on this fast-paced acoustic number.

SHOTGUN BLUES : Rich DelGrosso-mandolin & vocals, www.mandolinblues.com ; Ernie Scarbrough-bass & keyboards; David Kida-drums.

An electric band production featuring, on vocals and mandolin, Rich DelGrosso, nominated for the Blues Award as an instrumentalist on the mandolin in ’07 and ’06. Well known writer in the blues realm as well as a music teacher and author of several mandolin instruction books. Associate Editor of Blues Revue.

SHE CAUGHT THE KATY : Karen Irwin-vocals, www.karenoke.com ; Craig Peterson-sax; Scott Ballantine-guitar; Craig “Redman” Smith-drums; Jerome Mills-bass; Guy Vreeman-Hammond B3.

Yank’s biggest hit and a part of the Blues Brothers Movie and Soundtrack. A great vocal performance by Karen Irwin.

MOONSHINE WHISKEY : Jerome Mills-vocals & bass; David Clawson-drums; Scott Ballantine-guitar; Wes Beam-harmonica; Mike Butler-Yank’s Harmony mandolin.

A tune about one of Yank’s favorite topics. This tune features Yank’s mandolin.

SEBASTIAN SPEAKS : John Sebastian, www.johnbsebastian.com .

John tells how he met and jammed with Yank, the story is priceless.

TAPPIN’ THAT THING : John Sebastian-vocals & guitar; David Grisman-mandolin; www.dawgnet.com .

John and David Grisman play a tune about another favored Yank topic.

MY BABY’S GONE : Andra Faye-vocals, mandolin & upright bass; www.uppityblueswomen.com , www.andrafaye.com .

Andra Faye, twice nominated for the Blues Awards as a mandolinist. Andra is a member of the internationally acclaimed all acoustic female blues trio, Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women, and is a music teacher. Andra did the vocals and played all the instruments, and the result is as close as I have heard lately to Yank's style.

SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD : (trad.) “ Panama ” (Peter Rowan) -guitar & vocals; www.peterrowan.com ; and “Banana” (Lowell Levinger) - National steelbody mandolin; www. vintageinstruments.com .

Peter Rowan is a singer, songwriter, solo performer, and multi-instrumentalist who played a major role in bluegrass as guitar player and lead singer for the “Father of Bluegrass ”, Bill Monroe. A member of Earth Opera, Seatrain, Jerry Garcia’s bluegrass band Old and In the Way, and many other bands. Peter sings and plays guitar on this number with Gene Lowinger of the folk-rock band, The Youngbloods, on mandolin.

DIVIN’ DUCK : Greg Ashby-vocals; Jason Brolin-guitar; Dan Holmes-piano; Alan Stratyner-harmonica; Tim Messersmith-bass; Tim Duffy-drums; Mike Butler- Schwab electric 5-string mandolin.

One of Yank’s more popular numbers. First recorded in 1929 by Sleepy John Estes, Yank, and Jab Jones as the Three J’s. This version includes a great vocal by Greg Ashby and electric mandolin.

DEEP ELAM BLUES : (trad.) Mike Seeger-played in F on Vega bandurria, a “cylinder-back” mandola-shaped instrument with five pairs of strings; www.mikeseeger.info .

Mike Seeger is an “American Cultural Icon”. It is truly an honor to have a song by this man on the tribute CD. A powerful solo effort by a master musician.

MY MIND GOT BAD : Karen Irwin-vocals; Scott Ballantine-acoustic guitar.

Recorded by Yank Rachell in ’38. Karen and Scott do a wonderful heartfelt version of this tune.

BLUESY LITTLE TUNE : Words & Music by Stanley Smith/Stanley Smith Music ASCAP; Stanley Smith-vocals & guitar; Robbie Gjersoe-mandolin; David Hamburger-slide guitar; Ryan Gould-upright bass; Stephen Doster-guitar & Producer; Recorded by James Stevens @ E.A.R. Studio, Austin , TX .

It is a pleasure to have Stan Smith on this CD. Stan helped define the Indianapolis music scene in the 70’s and 80’s. It hasn’t been the same since Stan moved to Austin . One of Yank’s best friends.

DEPRESSION BLUES : Steve Brown-vocals & guitar; Allen Statyner-harmonica; Tim Duffy-drums; Tim Messersmith-bass; Dan Holmes-piano; Mike Butler-Yank’s Harmony mandolin.

Vocals by Steve Brown on this number. The lyrics sound like they could have been written today. Yank’s mandolin is used on here with a lower “Yank” tuning.

GONNA GET UP IN THE MORNING : Dennis Buckhannon-guitar; Curtis Buckhannon-mandolin; Les Lewis-National guitar; Judy Waters-washboard; Dave Landreth-banjo-uke; Rush McAllister, clogger and producer. Check out www.thebuckhannonbrothers.com for more information on the Buckhannon brothers old time music.

If you like old timey mandolin music then you will like Curtis’s version of this tune. A great job by those folks over in Missouri.

LET ME TANGLE IN YOUR POTATO VINE S: Orville Johnson-vocals & all instruments, www.orvillejohnson.com .

Just wondering what Yank might be singing about on this tune… A strong smooth vocal by multi-instrumentalist Orville Johnson.

BROWNSVILLE BLUES : Written by Sleepy John Estes; Jim Richter-Kimble mandolin; www.jimrichter.com ; Gordon Bonham-Vocals & Martin guitar; www.gordonbonham.com ; Engineered by Gordon Bonham; Mixed and Produced by Jim Richter.

This is a great Sleepy John Estes tune. Yank played mandolin on the original recording and Jim Richter does a great job here as does his partner Gordon Bonham on vocals and guitar.

SEEMS LIKE A DREAM : Bert Deivert-Gibson 1919 A-3 mandolin & vocals, www.deivert.com ; Janne Zander-Amistar Crossroads resonator guitar, backing vocals; Dan Magnusson-drums; Mats Qwarfordt-harmonica; (Recorded & mixed by Bert Deivert & Gunnar Backman- Brakophonic Studio).

Bert Deivert on the mandolin and vocals. A Massachusetts native now living in Sweden . A good fast paced tune on the order of Yank’s version of Tappin’ That Thing. Great acoustic band!

WADIE GREEN : Curtis Tipton-vocals; Daryl Jones-guitar; Dan Holmes-piano; Tim Messersmith-acoustic bass; Tim Duffy-drums; Allen Stratyner-harmonica; Mike Butler-Yank’s Harmony mandolin.

A great tune about one of Yank’s girlfriends. Wadie’s sister, Mary, also gets a mention. Yank’s mandolin at work with “Cactus” on the vocals. One of my favorite Yank lyrics when he refers to Wadie as “a burning hell”.

LAKE MICHIGAN BLUES : Sheena Rachell-vocals; Craig “Redman” Smith-drums; Al Stone-bass; Guy Vreeman-Hammond B3; Jim Lynch-slide guitar; Mike Butler-Schwab electric 5-string slide mandolin.

Due to Sheena’s illness possibly her last vocal… Sheena said “Mike, get ‘em to play as slow as they can.” A slow minor blues with slide electric mandolin and Jimmy’s slide guitar. This woman is a powerful singer!

CIGARETTE BLUES : Jean-Louis Mahjun-vocals & all instruments (includes programmed bass, drums & accordion), http:// Mahjun.free.fr . Mahjun appears courtesy Last Call Records, http://www.lastcallrecords.com

I discovered Jean Louis on YouTube. A Cajun rock version of this tune. Hold on to your hat!

FREEDOM : (trad.) Yank’s favorite gospel song recorded by daughters May Nell & Willia B. and granddaughter, Sheena: May Nell-lead vocal; Willia B.-backing alto vocals; Sheena Rachell-backing soprano vocals.

A public domain gospel tune that was Yank’s favorite. Sung a cappella by Yank’ daughters and granddaughter Sheena.


All songs were written by James “Yank” Rachell except 8,10, 12, 16, & 21. Net proceeds from the sale of this album benefit the Yank Rachell family. For more information on proceed distribution, click here .


Click here to download the Yank Tribute CD cover and track listing


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Member Since: 27/06/2008
Band Website: yankrachell.com
Band Members: This recording is a musical tribute to James “Yank” Rachell the “Father of Blues Mandolin”. Yank was a first generation bluesman and songwriter, born in 1910 to a hard-working farm family from Brownsville, TN. Yank Rachell first recorded in 1929 as a member of the Three J’s Jug Band and at this session recorded one of his best known songs “Divin’ Duck”. Yank recorded and played for eight decades with his last recording taking place in 1996. Yank Rachell played mandolin on many recordings backing up a host of well-known blues players and when it comes to country blues he is often referred to as the “ultimate sideman”. Yank, however, is best known for his musical partnerships with both Sleepy John Estes and John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson and for writing “She Caught the Katy” with Taj Mahal. “She Caught the Katy” is the first song on the Blues Brothers movie and soundtrack. This tribute CD is 21 tracks and over 77 minutes. The CD features tracks from internationally acclaimed and award winning artists David Grisman and John Sebastian as well as Mike Seeger. Grammy winners Peter Rowan and Tim O’Brien (with David Grier) both provide tracks as do Blues Award nominees Andra Faye of Saffire – The Uppity Blues Women and Rich DelGrosso. 50 musicians played or sang on the tribute and 15 of the 21 songs were written by Yank. In 1938 after two very successful recordings made for Victor, Yank had the opportunity to expand his career, but this would have forced him to sacrafice his young family. Yank decided to forego a bigger musical career and remained dedicated to his family in spite of this and several other chances, over the years, to do otherwise. In accordance with that ideal, the profits from the sale of the tribute CD go to benefit Yank’s family, in particular Yank’s granddaughter Sheena. Sheena Rachell was Yank’s bass player, business partner, and is heir to his estate. In December of ’07 Sheena was diagnosed with a very rare and life threatening lung disease known as Wegener’s Granulomatosis. Sheena has 7 children at home and lives in the most modest of circumstances.
Influences: Yank played with and influenced: Sleepy John Estes, Sonny Boy Williamson, Memphis Minnie, Hammie Nixon, Sheena Rachell, Howard Armstrong, Honeyboy Edwards, Henry Townsend, Jab Jones, Elizabeth Cotton, Big Bill Bronzy, Tampa Red, Homesick James Williamson, B. Johnson, Elijah Jones, Peetie Wheatstraw, Jim Jackson, Taj Mahal, Michael Bloomfield, Pinetop Perkins, Charlie Musselwhite, Robert Junior Lockwood, Andra Faye, Ann Rabson, Rich DelGrosso, Maureen DelGrosso, The Nitehawks, John Sebastian and the J-Band, David Grisman, Bob Dylan, John Hammond, Gus Cannon, Ted Bogan, Maria Mauldar, Paul Geremia, Mike Marshall, Frank Wakefield, Banjo Ikey Robinson, Peter Mudcat Ruth, Son Brimmer, Ham Lewis, Pat Webb, Eric Bridey, Pie Gandy, John Henry Barbee, Jim Davis, Pete Crawford, Bob Smith, Jimmy Walker, Sunnyland Slim, St. Louis Jimmy, Shirley Griffith, Sons Bond, Jess Rawls, Becki Brindle, Walter Franklin, Kid Spoon, Dan Smith, Washboard Sam, Ransom Knowling, Johnny Ray, Backwards Sam Firk, Stoke Franklin, The Jackson Sheiks, Floyd Jones, Odie Payne, Pete Franklin, J.T. Adams, Leroy Bates, Stanley Smith, Scott Ballantine, Pete Roller, Alan Stratyner, Stanley Smith, Greg Zeismer, Brent Brower, Vince Mullins, Stormy Johnson, Ron Hacker, Gordon Bonham, Tino Cortes, David Morgan Yuni Percifield, Rob Swaynie, Mike Butler, Tim Duffy, Steve Robbins, Larry DeMeyer, Terry Glass, Dennis Cavanaugh, Tom Beckelheimer, Mark Cutsinger, Brock Longerbone, R.T. Edwards, Mad Jac, Chris Webb, CJ Watson. There are many others Yank played with not listed here and many Yank has influenced worldwide.
Record Label: Yanksville
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Reviews of the Yank Rachell Tribute CD

........................................ .... ..Singout Review  fall 08 issue:....www.singout.org ...... ..   The late Yank Rachell was loved and respected by those fortunate enough to know him and...
Posted by on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 07:15:00 GMT

Quotes, stories, and rememberances about Yank

"Yes I'm very familiar with Yank. He played my mandolin at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965 (or 6), and came down and jammed when my band played some small club in Indy years ago".- David Grisman "Y...
Posted by on Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:36:00 GMT

Quotes from Yank

"I've had the blues so long they done turned into the blacks". "No one teach me.Wasn't no music teacher to teach me anything.I just take it up myself.It just comes to me." "Boom, Boom, Boom - that's a...
Posted by on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:48:00 GMT

The Mandolin and the Pig

THE MANDOLIN AND THE PIG:   I was 'bout eight. I went down a dusty road one day. Man had a house settin' on the side to the road. Well, he sittin' on his porch playin' this mandolin. I went by an...
Posted by on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:44:00 GMT

Yank Rachell Tribute CD

    Track listing, in order, and notes by Mike Butler:..:NAMESPACE PREFIX = ST1 />TEXAS TONY: Tim O'Brien-mandolin & vocals (recorded @ House of..:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /> David St...
Posted by on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:55:00 GMT