Before making a few comments on this new 4-CD set from England, we need to point out that the Dixons and the Callahan Brothers did not record together --on this set 3 CDs are devoted to the Dixon Brothers and disc 4 is essentially made up of songs by the Callahans (1934-1939 recordings for A.R.C.). Those who are intrigued by the Dixon Brothers unique down home style of singing and playing will be glad to see this re-issue of the duo's complete recorded works. The brothers were mill workers in the Piedmont region of the country, who gained a following through their records and radio broadcasts over station WBT in Charlotte, N.C. Influenced by Darby & Tarlton's earlier recordings, the Dixons made a total of 81 recordings for the Bluebird label between 1936 and 1938. It is interesting that at least 20 of the cuts appeared only on the Montgomery Ward label, which would tell us that a very significant part of their audience was deeply rural --many of the Ward 78s are so rare that only one or two copies are known to exist today. Apart from a handful of cuts that are pretty noisy, most everything here has a good quality sound. Though a good part of their repertoire is not particularly distinguished, there are more than enough interesting songs, such as SALES TAX ON THE WOMEN, DOWN WITH THE OLD CANOE (an interesting take on the sinking of the Titanic), TWO LITTLE BOYS, I DIDN'T HEAR ANYONE PRAY, INTOXICATED RAT, WEAVE ROOM BLUES, SPINNING ROOM BLUES, WEAVER'S LIFE, TWO LITTLE ROSEBUDS and THE GIRL I LEFT IN DANVILLE. The 20 Callahan Brothers songs are typical of the brother duet style of the 30s, with songs like KATIE DEAR, MAPLE ON THE HILL, ROUNDER'S LUCK, SHE'S MY CURLY HEADED BABY and I'VE RODE THE SOUTHEREN & THE L & N. Another bargain collection from the British JSP label.
