Broadcasting The Blues – Black Blues In The Segregated Era – Various Artists – Compiled and Edited by Paul Oliver

Paul Oliver has been one of, if not the most prolific writers and commentators on the subject of blues music in our time. With his first articles on the subject being published in 1952, Paul had embarked upon a remarkable journey of discovery and as one of the first blues historians produced many ground breaking books including; ‘Blues Fell This Morning, ‘Screening The Blues’, ‘Conversation With The Blues’ and ‘The Story Of The Blues’. At the same time he began to broadcast on the BBC home and world services and over the next 45 years became a familiar and welcome voice for blues and jazz enthusiasts around the world. During that time he has won several awards including the first Sony Radio Award for “The Best Specialist Music Programme” with his series entitled Before The Blues made for BBC Radio 3 in 1988.

Broadcasting The Blues compliments the book of the same name published by Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, (isbn 0415971764). Using studio and field recordings made during the era, including some rare and wonderful interviews made in the field of the artists by Paul, this three CD compilation entwines references to many of Paul’s broadcasts whilst at the same time commenting on the history of recorded blues during the era of racial segregation in America. The result is a fascinating documentation on a pioneer of blues writing and broadcasting which inspired countless writers, musicians and music fans.