"Calling All Cows" by Blues Rockers

In 1950 former real estate salesman Ernest “Ernie” Young created Ernie's Record Mart, and soon after the Nashboro and then Excello Record labels. While Nashboro was known for gospel music, Excello focused on the Blues, and helped propel the careers of Lightnin’ Slim, Slim Harpo, and Lonnie Brooks among many others. Most of the early Excello singles were recorded live after hours at Nashville’s legendary radio station WLAC. 

“Calling all Cows” is just one of many memorable singles released on Excello, and it also happens to be one of my favorites. Written by Earley Dranne it features “Lazy” Bill Lucas on piano and vocals, Dranne on guitar, P.T Hayes on harmonica, and Jo Jo Williams on percussion. It’s a curious, playful song with cheeky lyrics. and like most recordings of the era, was most likely captured live without multitrack overdubbing. This “open mic” style of recording was not only necessary to capture the entire group, but allows the audience to step into the room as if they were also performing with the musicians. 
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I adore this time period in music, not only because of the early analogue distortion and production values, but because the players could actually perform flawlessly live. I hope you all enjoy this track and make sure to check out more of Excello’s legendary 78’ and 45’ singles.