Frank "Springback" James
Frank "Springback" James was an American blues and boogie-woogie pianist, singer, and songwriter. He recorded eighteen tracks released by four record labels between 1934 and 1938, as well as possibly providing accompaniment to several other blues musicians. Details of his life are sketchy, and some of his recording activity has been subject to historical guesswork, rather than hard evidence.
Frank "Springback" James | |
|---|---|
| Genres | Blues, boogie-woogie |
| Occupation(s) | Pianist, singer, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Piano, vocals |
| Years active | 1932–1938 |
| Labels | Champion, Decca, Victor, Vocalion |
His playing style showed measures of both St. Louis and Chicago blues, and the influence of others, particularly Leroy Carr. His recordings gave him a musical connection with blues musicians including Jimmie Gordon, Walter Davis, Curtis Jones, Walter Roland, Jean Shepard, Little Brother Montgomery, and Bumble Bee Slim. James wrote strong, emotional lyrics, but in his earlier recordings seemed monotonous. His best efforts were reserved for the erotic, "Snake Hip Blues", and the perhaps autobiographically inspired twosome of " Poor Coal Loader" and "Will my Bad Luck Ever Change?"