Source Req: I've Got the Big River Blues (Delmore)

Subject: Deep River Blues - original Delmore Bros
From: Will Fly
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 08:10 AM

I've been searching in vain on Amazon for a Delmore Brothers collection that contains their original version of "Deep River Blues". I just thought, after playing (like everyone else) the Doc Watson version for who knows how many years, that I'd like a taste of the original.

Anyone know of any recording, by them, of it?

Subject: RE: Deep River Blues - original Delmore Bros
From: GLoux
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 09:05 AM

Try looking for Big River Blues.

Subject: RE: Deep River Blues - original Delmore Bros
From: Will Fly
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 09:18 AM

Thanks GLoux. Problem solved.

Subject: RE: Deep River Blues - original Delmore Bros
From: Will Fly
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 09:28 AM

Damn. Problem not solved. "I've Got The Big River Blues" is certainly a Delmore Bros song - but no sign of it on any recording available in the UK Amazon listings, unless I've missed it.

The quest continues.

Subject: RE: Deep River Blues - original Delmore Bros
From: GLoux
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 03:03 PM

Disc 1 Track 7:

The Delmore Brothers - Classic Cuts: 1933 - 41

This is one of three wonderful box sets of the Delmore Brothers.

-Greg

Subject: RE: Deep River Blues - original Delmore Bros
From: Will Fly
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 03:22 PM

Thanks again Greg. D'ye know, I must be failing in the eye department - I scoured these lists this morning and consistently missed it. Just age, I suppose...

Subject: RE: Deep River Blues - original Delmore Bros
From: Peter T.
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 03:29 PM

If you don't want to buy a whole box set, there is a Delmore Bros. compilation CD called "Brown's Ferry Blues" from County Records - CCS-CD-116 that has it on it.

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Deep River Blues - original Delmore Bros
From: Peter T.
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 03:31 PM

And it is available at Amazon.

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Deep River Blues - original Delmore Bros
From: GLoux
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 03:32 PM

I'm not sure it is you. I did one pass through all four discs and didn't find it until the 2nd pass. With such a long list of tracks with the graphic treatment Amazon employs, there's a bit of optical trickery going on.

Subject: RE: Deep River Blues - original Delmore Bros
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 06:42 PM

Here it is. It's track 8.
Ray

Subject: RE: Deep River Blues - original Delmore Bros
From: GUEST,BanjoRay
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 06:43 PM

Sorry - that was me.
Ray

Subject: RE: Deep River Blues - original Delmore Bros
From: Peter T.
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 10:29 PM

Well, one problem is that some people are checking Amazon. com and others are checking amazon in the Uk. "Brown's Ferry Blues" is available at Amazon in the uk, but it costs 23 quid!

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Deep River Blues - original Delmore Bros
From: GUEST,BanjoRay
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 05:23 AM

That's not a problem - get it from Amazon.com. It's a lot cheaper and dosn't take much longer.
Ray

Subject: ADD: I've Got the Big River Blues (Delmore)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Jun 16 - 04:35 AM

Here's a 1933 Delmore Brothers recording of "I've Got the Big River Blues"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a03NI7QFME0

The lyrics are almost the same as Doc Watson's DEEP RIVER BLUES:

I'VE GOT THE BIG RIVER BLUES (1933)
(Alton & Rabon Delmore)

Let it rain, let it pour
Let it rain a whole lot more, cause
   I've got the big river blues.

Let it drive, let it fall
Let the waves make a wall, cause
   I've got the big river blues.

Give me back my old boat
I'm gonna sail if it will float, cause
   I've got the big river blues.

I'm goin' back to Mussel Shoals,
Times are better there I'm told, and
   I've got the big river blues.

My old gal's a good old pal,
But she looks like a water fowl, and
   I've got the big river blues.

There's no one to cry for me,
And the fishes have a grand old spree when
   I get the big river blues.

If my boat sinks with me,
I'll go down, don't you see, cause
   I've got the big river blues.

Now I'm going to say goodbye,
And if I sink, let me die, cause
   I've got the big river blues.