Atomic Theory Records Is...
Minneapolis-based Atomic Theory Records was founded in 1985 by artist-composer-producer,
Willie Murphy. Willie is probably best known as the producer of Bonnie Raitt's
first album and for his string of collaborations with folk-blues legend
"Spider" John Koerner, whose group, Koerner, Ray and Glover, were
widely considered the preeminent purveyors of white folk-blues throughout
the 60's when they released numerous albums on Elektra Records. Willie's
1969 collaboration with Koerner for Elektra, Running, Jumping, Standing
Still, is widely considered an all-time folk-blues classic. On the strength
of that release, Bonnie Raitt enlisted Willie to produce, and his band Willie
and the Bees, to accompany her Warner Brothers debut in 1971. Since that
time, Willie has continued his occasional collaborations with Koerner and,
prior to founding Atomic Theory Records, has also released numerous recordings
of his band, Willie and the Bees.
Atomic Theory Records was first manufactured and distributed by Minneapolis-based
TwinTone Records, an indie lnadmark best known for developing alternative
bands like The Replacements and Soul Asylum. A couple of years later, Atomic
Theory cast its lot with another indie landmark, Chicago-based Flying Fish
Records, whose catalogue and operations were better suited to the variety
of music being pursued by the label. Atomic Theory is probably best known
for its trio of Boiled In Lead releases (Hotheads, From The Ladel To The
Grave, and Orb), which combine Celtic, Eastern European and other world
music styles; and for Willie Murphy s solo releases, Mr. Mature and Piano
Hits/Hits Piano. The rest of the catalogue includes an eclectic mix of roots
music from around the world - from country (Becky Thompson), folk (Larry
Long, Phil Heywood), and blues (Rogers/hickey/Sumlin) to reggae (Ipso Facto),
African (The Four Brothers), Cambodian (The New International Trio) and
more.
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