Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 2 (1936-1944)

Document's second volume devoted to the "complete" works of Charlie and Joe McCoy covers a span of more than eight years and presents their selected final recordings, all of which were made in Chicago for Decca, Okeh, and Bluebird. What appear to have been Charlie's last sides as a headliner were cut in April and September 1936 and were listed as by Papa Charlie's Boys or the Tampa Kid. The Palooka Washboard Band, an offshoot of the Harlem Hamfats, waxed four sides in October 1937, including the refreshingly direct "You Done Tore Your Pants with Me." Four hokum stomps were recorded in December 1940 by Big Joe & His Washboard Band; these are punctuated by the leader's booming laughter. The home stretch of this entertaining compilation documents the last 12 recordings made by the McCoy brothers. Realized during the years 1941-1944 and released under the heading of Big Joe and His Rhythm, these sides combine rural sensibilities with Bluebird's big city sound; Amanda Sortier sings and plays washboard, Robert Lee McCoy blows harmonica, Washboard Sam shows up on the 1942 sessions, and the last two titles are dominated by pianist Eurreal "Little Brother" Montgomery.