After the Oriental exotic instruments in my previous upload, this time we are hearing supposedly African sounds. Very little is known about this band recording for Edison. Rust suggests it might be the equally unknown Meadowbrook Dance Orchestra, appearing later under the latter denomination in the Edison recording lists. Who-ever is playing, this is an excellent performance, recorded in 1924. By lack of detailed information and, hence of material regarding the musicians, I added some sheet music referring to the composer of this tune. This recording is interesting because it features a totally forgotten piece by this songwriter, who is the author of many famous standards. For the information of my listeners, it should be noted that hoodoo, also known as conjure, is a form of predominantly African-American traditional folk magic that developed from the syncretism of a number of separate cultures and magical traditions. It incorporates practices from African and Native American traditions, as well as some European magical practices and grimoires. Historically, most practitioners of hoodoo have been African Americans, but there have been some notable white root doctors. Latinos and Native Americans have also been practitioners. The origins of hoodoo are thought to begin with the African slaves, particularly in the American southeast. Hoodoo and voodoo are often mistaken for one another. Some believe that the terms may have a common etymology. Simply put, voodoo is a religion, whereas hoodoo is a group of magical practices. Unlike formal religions, hoodoo does not have a structured hierarchy. It also does not have an established theology, clergy, laity, or order of liturgical services of its own. Instead, practitioners are often lay people within a Christian community who possess specific knowledge of magic and hoodoo tradition. A traditional hoodoo doctor was often a nomadic sort who traveled from town to town peddling his services, but many also set up shop in their communities. Hoodoo is not reserved solely for the specialist. The traditional manner for passing on this folk knowledge was from person to person. For example, noted African-American anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston worked extensively as an apprentice for various hoodoo doctors and wrote about her experiences. Since many hoodoo practices are passed on as folk remedies that can loosely be described as "common knowledge", hoodoo is also passed on through families and social contacts. With the growth of literacy and technological communication, people can learn the ways of hoodoo through online sources and books that preserve the tradition. Many blues musicians have referred to hoodoo in their songs. Popular examples include "Louisiana Hoodoo Blues" by Ma Rainey, "Hoodoo Lady Blues" by Arthur Crudup, and "Hoodoo Man Blues" by Junior Wells. In addition to the expected terms "hoodoo" and "mojo", other conjure words in blues songs include "jinx", "goofer dust" etc.
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Music