If you were to look at the promotional materials for High Water Records, you would regularly see the headline “BLUES – GOSPEL – JAZZ,” and in checking High Water’s discography you would find that most of the records fit fairly well into the former two categories. There are only three recordings that have any bearing outside of this field: the two world music albums, and the one jazz fusion album. Thus, we will take a quick look into both of these topics:

World Music

While High Water Records’ original intent was to build upon the Memphis ideal of studio musicianship, Dr. David Evans’ history had actually been primarily in field recordings. Much of his career before coming to Memphis had been spent recording traditional styles of music throughout the greater Mid-South region. Thus, after a long slew of studio recorded albums, Dr. Evans decided to go back to his roots. 

It is important to note, however, that upon returning to field recordings, Dr. Evans decided not to continue with traditional music in and around the Mid-South. Instead, he would look outside of the United States. First, to Venezuela in 1989 and 1990, and then to Ethiopia in 2012-2015 and Malawi in 2015. 

Jazz

The only jazz album to fit into the main High Water catalogue was a fusion album recorded by the band Forth. You can see their biography below for more details. However, the actual inclusion of this album is by and large a mystery! Neither Dr. Evans, nor Bob Salley (the lead guitarist/composer for the band) particularly recall how the album came to be recorded and included in the lineup.

Select the pictures below to find more detailed biographical information on each artist.