African-American Fiddlers, 1926-1949. The violin played a significant role in the early history of recorded blues, with its crying vibratos and sliding notes creating a dramatic and soulful sound. This album offers 24 tracks of this rare music, played by many of the greatest black fiddlers who recorded before the mid-20th century. From the sophisticated style of Lonnie Johnson to the raw Delta blues of Henry Sims to the rollicking tunes of the Memphis Jug Band, these musicians demonstrate the diversity of African-American fiddle music. The music is carefully remastered from the original 78 rpm records, and the CD comes with a 32-page, full-color booklet with detailed history, discography, and many rare photographs and illustrations.