Lazy Lester Patrol Blues EXCELLO

About This Footage

The 1976 footage of Lazy Lester performing "Patrol Blues" on EXCELLO is a rare gem that offers a unique glimpse into the life and music of this American blues legend. As one of the pioneers of swamp blues, Lazy Lester's contributions to the genre are immeasurable, and this clip serves as a testament to his enduring influence.

The fact that this footage was recorded in 1976 makes it all the more significant, as it captures Lazy Lester during a pivotal moment in his career. By this point, he had already been active in the music industry for over four decades, having begun performing in the 1950s. His experience and mastery of various styles – including harmonica blues, rhythm and blues, and Louisiana blues – are evident in his performance.

The clip's duration of 2:38 may seem brief, but it is a concentrated dose of Lazy Lester's unique sound and style. The song "Patrol Blues" itself is likely an original composition or a traditional blues standard that he has put his own spin on. The EXCELLO label was a prominent force in the music industry during the 1950s and 1960s, releasing recordings by numerous notable artists. Lazy Lester's association with this label further underscores his importance within the blues genre.

The inclusion of "Lesson" as a tag for this clip suggests that it may be part of a larger educational project or initiative to preserve and promote rare blues music. This is consistent with the mission of Paul Royle, the individual who uploaded this footage to YouTube. As an archivist and collector of rare soul and R&B recordings, Royle's efforts have helped make these valuable artifacts more accessible to a wider audience.

The copyright disclaimer provided in the clip's description highlights the complexities surrounding the ownership and distribution of musical content. The "fair use" clause mentioned is a crucial aspect of copyright law, allowing for limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the original creator or owner. In this case, Royle's upload of Lazy Lester's performance falls under fair use, as it serves an educational purpose.

The involvement of John Manship Records and Paul Royle in promoting and preserving rare blues music is a welcome development. As collectors and archivists, they play a vital role in ensuring that these valuable recordings are not lost to time. The fact that this footage has been made available on YouTube, albeit with certain conditions, demonstrates the power of digital platforms in disseminating cultural heritage.

Lazy Lester's passing in 2018 marked the end of an era for blues music. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike. This clip serves as a poignant reminder of his contributions to the genre and the enduring impact of his music.

Curated from public records and music databases.