Fascinating Works by Dave Bartholomew
Dave Bartholomew was a pivotal figure in American music, particularly known for shaping the sound of New Orleans rhythm and blues (R&B) and playing a crucial role in the development of rock and roll. His career, which began around 1936 and continued into the 21st century, left an indelible mark on popular music through his roles as a musician, bandleader, composer, arranger, and record producer.
Key Contributions and Collaborations
Bartholomew was celebrated for his long and influential partnership with Fats Domino. Together, they produced hit songs such as "Goin' Home" and "Ain't That a Shame," which helped define the New Orleans R&B sound. He was instrumental in the success of many artists, notably producing and arranging Lloyd Price’s chart-topping “Lawdy Miss Clawdy.” Bartholomew's compositions became standards, with hit songs like "I Hear You Knocking," "Blue Monday," and "I'm Walkin'" being recorded by a wide range of artists over the years. In addition to Fats Domino, Bartholomew recorded and worked with Jewell King, helping produce Imperial Records’ early national hits.
Influence and Legacy
Dave Bartholomew is credited as an architect of the “Big Beat,” an early form of the backbeat-driven rhythm that would become the foundation of rock and roll music. His work as a producer, songwriter, and arranger bridged the gap between jump blues, R&B, and early rock and roll, shaping the musical transition that defined mid-20th-century American popular music. Bartholomew's disciplined studio approach and innovative arrangements helped launch countless careers, influence generations of musicians, and define the music of New Orleans.
Small Town: A Musical Collaboration
The musical collaboration of Bill Frisell and Thomas Morgan led to the birth of 'Small Town,' an album that reverberates the silent echo of a quaint, serene backdrop. Spawned from a live session at the Village Vanguard, 'Small Town' exemplifies the duo's impressive capability to harmonize their musical wavelengths. The title track, an original by Frisell, is an atmospheric instrumental number that transports listeners to the tranquility of a rural landscape. Bill Frisell, an acclaimed guitarist, dishes out brushstrokes of soft, looping melodies that meet Thomas Morgan's soulful contours of double bass, creating an auditory masterpiece.
Celebrating Dave Bartholomew
'Small Town' also features a poignant tribute to Dave Bartholomew with a rendition of his classic number 'That's How You Got Killed Before'. The track is imbued with the nostalgia of Bartholomew's distinct rhythm and blues genre and is recreated with the artistic integrity STAGE+ is known for.
Explore more of Dave Bartholomew's music, his legacy, and how it continues to shape the sounds of today on STAGE+. Experience the depth of his work through the beautiful tributes and enduring influence he has left behind in the world of music.