Interesting to learn that Canned Heat‘s big 1968 hit “Goin’ Up the Country” is basically a re-write of 1929’s “Bull Doze Blues” by Henry Thomas, down to the flute part (listen here).
Vocalion
The next year, 1969, saw the single release of a spirited cover version by The Duck (Johnny Sandlin) and The Bear (Eddie Hinton) and Barry Beckett and David Hood of the Muscle Shoals Sound Rhythm Section, with help from Duane Allman and the Memphis Horns. I like how the intro fools you into thinking that the song is heading in one direction before it shift gears and heads somewhere else altogether:
“Goin’ Up the Country“
The Duck & the Bear (1969)
Thanks to Duane Allman: An Anthology Volume II for spelling out the musician credits:
Johnny Sandlin: Drums & percussion
Eddie Hinton: Lead guitar
Duane Allman: Slide guitar
Barry Beckett: Keyboards
David Hood: Bass Guitar
Wayne Jackson: Trumpet
Andrew Love: Tenor Saxophone
Joe Arnold: Tenor Saxophone
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Did Atlantic really intend the title of the track to be “Goin’ Up to Country“?
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LINK to Rock ‘n’ Soul on Zero to 180
