Pete Seeger: Birds, Beasts, Bugs and Fishes

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings – CD 45039

Format: CD, Album, Reissued
Country: US
Released: 1998
Genre: Children's, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Educational, Nursery Rhymes, Folk
[Tracklist]
01 Fly Through My Window (2:31)
02 I Had a Rooster (3:54)
03 Come All You Bold Sailormen (3:21)
04 Old Gray Mule (2:00)
05 Alligator, Hedgehog (0:44)
06 Frog Went A-Courting (The Frog) (2:07)
07 Raccoon's Got a Bushy Tail (1:21)
08 I Know an Old Lady (Who Swallowed a Fly) (3:00)
09 Ground Hog (2:12)
10 Mister Rabbit (2:06)
11 Grey Goose (The Gray Goose) (2:22)
12 Teency Weency Spider (0:27)
13 The Old Hen (2:30)
14 Skip to My Lou (1:34)
15 My Little Kitty (1:28)
16 The Little Black Bull (2:07)
17 Leatherwing Bat (2:20)
18 The Keeper and the Doe (2:10)
19 The Darby Ram (2:24)
20 Mole in the Ground (1:15)
21 The Fox (1:47)
22 Turtle Dove (1:55)
23 Old Paint (I Ride an Old Paint) (2:12)
24 The Elephant (0:33)
25 The Foolish Frog (7:11)
26 Little Dogies (Whoopie Ti-Yi-Yo, Get Along Little Dogies) (4:19)
27 Bear Hunt (Cumberland Mountain Bear Hunt) (3:37)
28 Old Blue (2:18)
[Credits]
Pete Seeger (banjo/vocals)
Producer: Moses Asch, Engineer: Joe Brescio and Charlie Pilzer
[Notes]
Released 28 songs and stories about animals on two short LP records in 1955 to an enthusiastic audience. Ever since, they have been sung by generations of parents, grandparents, and children. The two original releases have been combined on this single CD creating an irresistible collection of songs to sing along with, to draw pictures about, to play hand games to, and to be enjoyed by the entire family.

Texas Folk Songs with Hermes Nye and Guitar

Folkways Records – FA 2128

Format: Vinyl, 10", Album
Country: US
Released: 1955
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
A1 The Devil Made Texas (2:12)
A2 Bucking Bronco (1:56)
A3 Bonnie And Clyde (2:59)
A4 Bad Brahma Bull (3:01)
A5 Amazing Grace (1:32)
A6 The Buffalo Skinners (2:01)
B1 Shorty George (2:04)
B2 The Boll Wevil (1:45)
B3 Diamond Joe (2:10)
B4 Sam Bass (2:00)
B5 The Toolie's Death (2:06)
B6 Corrido de Kansas (4:51)
B7 Louisiana Gals (1:45)
[Credits]
Hermes Nye (guitar/vocals)
Introduction: Frank Dobie, Designer: Ronald Clyne
[Notes]
The spirit of Hermes Nye's singing emerges in his forthright statement, "Love to sing them, love to hear other people sing them, love to learn new ones. That's about all." These thirteen songs explore the Lone Star State, from a song attributed to desperado Belle Starr to a corrido from south Texas.

Frank Proffitt Sings Folk Songs

Folkways Records – FA 2360

Format: Vinyl, LP, Mono
Country: US
Released: 1962
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Appalachian Music
[Tracklist]
A1 Beaver Dam Road (1:26)
A2 Cindy (2:16)
A3 Bo Lamkin (4:08)
A4 Julie Jenkins (1:46)
A5 George Collins (2:24)
A6 Ninety And Nine (3:23)
A7 Down In The Valley (2:46)
B1 Baby-O (1:37)
B2 Old Abe (3:31)
B3 Poor Ellen Smith (1:50)
B4 Dan Doo (1:55)
B5 John Hardy (2:27)
B6 Groundhog (1:56)
B7 Johnson Boys (1:46)
[Credits]
Frank Proffitt (banjo/dulcimer/vocals)
Producer: Frank Warner, Liner Notes: Anne and Frank Warner, Recorder: Sandy Paton
[Notes]
A native of Beech Mountain in the northwest corner of North Carolina, singer and banjo player Frank Proffitt's tremendous repertoire inspired musicians interested in old time music. This collection features local ballads, and its liner notes contain copious quotations and anecdotes from Proffitt.

The Winding Stream - The Carters, The Cashes And The Course Of Country Music

Omnivore Recordings – OVCD-150

Format: CD, Soundtrack, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2015
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass, Folk, Country
[Tracklist]
01 Bear Creek Blues: John Prine (4:27)
02 Lord, I'm in Your Care: Grey Delisle and Murry Hammond (1:39)
03 Bury Me Under the Weeping Willow Tree: The Original Carter Family (2:56)
04 Single Girl, Married Girl: The Original Carter Family (2:48)
05 Worried Man Blues: George Jones (3:14)
06 Hello Stranger: Carolina Chocolate Drops (2:46)
07 Keep on the Sunny Side: The Original Carter Family (0:29)
08 Cannon Ball Blues: The Original Carter Family (1:49)
09 I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes: The Original Carter Family (3:02)
10 Wildwood Flower: Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters (2:43)
11 Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Johnny Cash and the Carter Sisters (3:20)
12 In the Shadow of Clinch Mountain: Murry Hammond (2:57)
13 Sweet Fern: Maybelle and Sara Carter (2:38)
14 Gold Watch and Chain: The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band With Kris Kristofferson (4:07)
15 Step Light Ladies: Home Folks, Joe Carter and John McCutcheon (2:59)
16 The Winding Stream: Rosanne Cash (4:33)
[Notes]
The Winding Stream is a story about the family at the heart of American roots music, the Carters and the Cashes. Starting with the Original Carter Family–A.P., Sara and Maybelle–the film traces the trio’s early musical success, the transformation of the act into The Carter Sisters, June Carter’s marriage to legend Johnny Cash, and the efforts of the present-day Carter family to keep the music alive. A favorite at SXSW and Lincoln Center’s Sound + Vision Festival, this award-winning documentary features Johnny Cash, Sheryl Crow, Mike Seeger, Rhiannon Giddens, and many more.

The : Cajun and Creole Traditional Music

Arhoolie Records – CD 535

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2008
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Cajun, Cleole
[Tracklist]
01 Bernadette (2:34)
02 Zydeco Tous Pas Tous (2:56)
03 Dimanche Après-Midi (Sunday Afternoon) (3:00)
04 Medley Carrière (2:38)
05 Domino / Will Bolfa Medley (3:13)
06 Wade's Blues (3:17)
07 Adieu, Rosa (2:10)
08 Tés Parents Ne Veulent Plus Me Voir (3:01)
09 Tit Galop Pour La Pointe Aux Pins / You Act Sick When Your Man Is Home (2:59)
10 Valse A Cathleen (2:53)
11 L'Homme Cajun Travaille 'Si Dur (2:11)
12 Rêve de Soûlard (2:59)
13 Johnnie Billy Goat (2:08)
14 Valse à Pop (3:12)
15 La Talle des Ronce (3:15)
16 La Valse Minuit (2:50)
17 Hee Haw / Scott Playboy Special (2:57)
18 Creole Belles (2:20)
[Credits]
Andrew Carrière (accordion/vocals) Maureen Karpan (accordion/vocals) Karen Celia Heil (bass/fiddle/guitar) Delilah Lee Lewis (fiddle/vocals) Myrna Cooper (rubboard/vocals) Karen Leigh (guitar/piano/accoroion) Lee Birch (mandolin/vocals)
Producer: Greg Landau, Photographer: Brian Macdougal and Ray Laskowitz, Graphics: Karen Celia Heil, Engineer: John Greenham and John Greenham
[Notes]
The Creole Belles is a California-based quartet of female musicians who celebrate the music of southwest Louisiana. Their repertoire is composed of traditional Cajun, Creole, and zydeco songs, many of which they learned directly from the Cajun and Creole composers/musicians. On this recording, the Belles add Louisiana native and zydeco accordionist/singer Andrew Carrière to the mix. The end result, according to Michael Doucet, is "…fun, funky and earthy sounding…I dig it!" - Creole Belles website

Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band: Home Music with Spirits

Arhoolie Records – CD 389

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1992
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Cajun, Creole
[Tracklist]
01 Bosco Stomp (4:07)
02 Aux Natchitoches (3:20)
03 Quelle Etoile (Which Star) (3:24)
04 La Valse J'aime (The Waltz I Love) (3:30)
05 One-Step De Chameau (4:02)
06 Baby And The Gambler & The Happy One-Step (4:28)
07 Reno Waltz (4:28)
08 Lacassine Special (3:32)
09 Mon Chere Bebe Creole (Tribute To Dennis McGee) (4:35)
10 Johnny Can't Dance (4:21)
11 Lawtell Waltz (3:41)
12 Evangeline Special (3:15)
13 'Tit Galope Pour La Pointe Aux Pins (Ride To Pine Point) (3:31)
14 'Tits Yeux Noirs (Little Black Eyes) (3:54)
15 Port Arthur Blues (3:24)
16 Une Vieille Valse (Hommage A Will Balfa) (3:03)
17 Chere Bassette (2:58)
18 Melville Two-Step (2:39)
19 Jolie Blonde (3:18)
[Credits]
Marc Savoy (accordion) Ann Savoy (guitar/vocals) Michael Doucet (fiddle/vocals) Marc Savoy (fiddle) Jeanie McLerie (guitar) David Doucet (guitar) Sharon Arms Doucet (washboard) Tina Pilione (bass)
Producer: Chris Strachwitz, Photographer: Rick Olivier, Designer: Wayne Pope
[Notes]
The Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band (Marc Savoy on accordion, Ann Savoy on guitar, and Michael Doucet on fiddle) bear out Marc's belief that folk music isn’t about performing but about its natural place in life. The 19 tracks share the spirit and joy of music as it would be played in an intimate family environment. The liner notes provide background information about the music on this recording.

Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry Sing

Folkways Records – FA 2327

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1958
Genre: Folk, World, Blues, & Country
Style: Blues
[Tracklist]
A1 Better Day (3:04)
A2 Confusion (3:20)
A3 Dark Road (2:45)
A4 John Henry (4:05)
A5 Make A Little Money (3:47)
A6 Old Jabo (2:13)
B1 If You Lose Your Money (2:44)
B2 Guitar Highway (2:37)
B3 Heart In Sorrow (3:00)
B4 Preachin' The Blues (2:33)
B5 Can't Help Myself (3:19)
B6 Best Of Friends (3:13)
B7 Boogie Baby (2:31)
[Credits]
Brownie McGhee (guitar/vocals) Sonny Terry (harmonica/vocals) Gene Moore (drums)
Producer and Recorder: Moses Asch, Liner Notes: Charles Edward Smith, Photographer: David Gahr, Designer: Nancy Jean Anderson, Cover Artwork: Irwin Rosenhouse
[Notes]
The acoustic music duo of guitarist Brownie McGhee and harmonicist Sonny Terry were named National Heritage Fellows in 1982 in recognition of their distinctive musical contributions and accomplishments. Although primarily considered to be blues musicians, McGhee and Terry transcended the genre by including American folk songs and ballads in their repertoire. This 1958 recording, their first for the Folkways label, provides a small but inspiring example of the range of Americana and down-home blues music the duo performed throughout their 40-year partnership. First catalogue number on front sleeve, second on spine and center labels.

The Country Gentlemen Vol 4: Going Back To The Blue Ridge Mountains

Folkways Records – FTS 31031

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
A1 Going Back To The Blue Ridge Mountains (2:03)
A2 Going To The Races (2:07)
A3 Azzuro Campana (2:35)
A4 Dark As A Dungeon (4:39)
A5 Stage Patter: Charlie and John (4:11)
A6 Copper Kettle (3:00)
A7 Billy In The Low Ground (2:18)
A8 I Saw The Light (2:10)
A9 Tom Dooley #2 (3:04)
B1 Brown Mt. Light (2:35)
B2 Stage Patter: Charlie (0:12)
B3 Electricity (2:28)
B4 Daybreak In Dixie (2:19)
B5 Mary Dear (3:56)
B6 Sad And Lonesome Day (2:41)
B7 Cripple Creek (2:48)
B8 Don't The Road Look Rough And Rocky? (3:16)
B9 Muleskinner Blues (4:11)
[Credits]
Charlie Waller (guitar/vocals) John Duffey (mandolin/vocals) Eddie Adcock (banjo/vocals) Eddie Adcock (bass/vocals)
Photographer: Paul Nelson, Designer: Ronald Clyne
[Notes]
Washington DC's The Country Gentleman bring together a collection of classic Bluegrass songs from the Blue Ridge Mountains. The album compiles a mix of both fast energetic songs and slow ballads that reflect the wide repertoire of The Country Gentlemen and the styles of Bluegrass. The Country Gentleman performed in the Georgetown area for over 15 years eventually earning a place in the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor. Liner notes include song information.

The Hodges Brothers: Bogue Chitto Flingding - Old Time Mississippi Country Music

Arhoolie Records – CD 9037

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2003
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass, Country
[Tracklist]
01 Mississippi Baby (2:15)
02 The Leaves Is Falling On The Ground (1:50)
03 Fifty Years Waltz (2:30)
04 It Won't Be Long (2:40)
05 Bile Dem Cabbage Down (1:25)
06 On The Banks Of The Ohio (2:40)
07 Hooknose In Town (1:25)
08 Carroll County Blues (2:35)
09 Watermelon Hangin' On The Vine (2:25)
10 Little Church House On The Hill (2:35)
11 Charmin' Betsy (2:50)
12 Never Alone Waltz (2:55)
13 Bogue Chitto Fling Ding (1:55)
14 Six White Horses (2:55)
15 Ida Red (1:45)
16 Lonesome Valley (3:09)
17 Jack's Back In Town (2:01)
18 Bogue Chitto Waltz (2:21)
19 Everybody's Rockin' (2:29)
20 The Bubble Gum Boogie (1:38)
21 It Won't Be Long (2:44)
[Credits]
Ralph Hodges (guitar/vocals) Felix Hodges (fiddle) James Hodges (rhythm guitar) John White (bass/vocals)
[Notes]
The Hodges brothers (Felix, Ralph, and James) were born and raised in Bogue Chitto, Mississippi (population 887, according to the 2010 Census). Their repertoire of honky-tonk, old-time country, and rockabilly music is a reflection of their small-town roots. Featuring Felix on fiddle and vocals, the brothers played at local dances and appeared on radio station WAPF in McComb, MS, in the 1960s. This 2013 Arhoolie release includes music recorded during several sessions from the 1960s.

Glenn Ohrlin: Cowboy Songs

Philo – 1017

Format: Vinyl, LP, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
A01 The Dying Ranger (2:56)
A02 The Top Hand (1:09)
A03 Zebra Dun (3:56)
A04 The Tender Foot (2:46)
A05 Santa Fe Trail (3:21)
A06 Mexican Tune (1:14)
A07 Wild Horse Charlie (2:00)
A08 The Sporting Cowboy (2:24)
A09 Cole Younger (3:04)
A10 The Burial Of Wild Bill (2:46)
B01 Gol Darn Wheel (2:59)
B02 The Cowboy In Church (2:36)
B03 Short Creek (4:55)
B04 The Cowman's Prayer (1:54)
B05 Billy Venero (4:37)
B06 Varsouviana (2:38)
B07 High Chin Bob (3:03)
B08 The Cowboy (3:38)
[Credits]
Glenn Ohrlin (guitar/vocals) Kay Ohrlin (guitar/backing vocals) J.P. Fraley (fiddle) Gordon McCann (guitar)
[Notes]
Western singer and musicologist Ohrlin works through a collection of 17 songs and two poems, mostly accompanied only by his acoustic guitar, with occasional assistance from fiddler J.P. Fraley and second guitarist Gordon McCann. The solo performances, with their spareness, drive home the bareness of the cowboy life, while the several songs accompanied by Fraley's low-key fiddle work take on a sweeter, lighter tone. Ohrlin is the author of The Hell Bound Train (University of Illinois Press) and has compiled his repertoire via working for decades as a cattleman and rodeo worker. Though worthwhile for the student of western songlore, this is perhaps a little on the dry side for the casual fan.-- AllMusic Review by Steven McDonald

The Mountain Dulcimer - How to Make It and Play It by Howie Mitchell

Folk-Legacy Records CD-29

Format: CD, Album, Reissue
Country: US
Released: 2005
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Education, Folk
[Tracklist]
01 Introduction: Demonstration of the "Dulciless": Finger Exercise (05:30)
02 Tuning the Dulcimer - "Beating" (05:34)
03 Tuning By Harmonics; the "Classical" Style: Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes/Study In Counterpoint (06:15)
04 The "Bagpipe" Tuning; the Quill Technique: Macpherson's Lament/Flop-Eared Mule (07:56)
05 The "Finger Style" of Playing: In the Good Old Colony Days (04:01)
06 Six Modal Tunings For Traditional Dulcimer (06:12)
07 The Double Thumbing Technique: If He's Gone, Let Him Go/Buckdancer's Choice (06:09)
08 The "Three-Pairs-of-Strings" Dulcimer: Frankie and Johnny/Two Sisters (04:05)
09 The Double Dulcimer: the Ash Grove/Lady, Come and See/Babylon is Fallen (07:48)
10 The Double Psaltery: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (02:30)
[Credits]
Howie Mitchell (dulcimer)
[Notes]
An instructional recording for the basic construction and performance of the Appalachian lap dulcimer, strummed and plucked zither common in the mountainous regions of the southeastern United States. Originally released on the Folk-Legacy label in 1966, it is presented by frequent Folk-Legacy contributor Howie Mitchell. Included with this recording is a detailed booklet containing text and diagrams.

Herta Marshall: To You with Love - American Folk Songs for Women

Folkways Records – FA 2333

Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: US
Released: 1957
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
A1 Come All Ye Fair And Tender Ladies (2:31)
A2 Pretty Saro (1:56)
A3 Who's Gonna Shoe Your Pretty Little Feet (2:07)
A4 Shady Grove (1:53)
A5 South Coast (3:44)
A6 When I Lay Down And Die-Do-Die (2:16)
B1 I Never Will Marry (2:37)
B2 Buttermilk Hill (2:48)
B3 Riddle Song (2:42)
B4 Fare Thee Well (3:25)
B5 Turtle Dove (4:10)
B6 Willow Garden (1:50)
[Credits]
Herta Marshall (guitar/vocals)
Designer: Ronald Clyne, Photographer: Bernard Cole
[Notes]
Herta Marshall began singing folk songs while on tour with Burl Ives, and she later sang and acted with Woody Guthrie. Her distinctive soprano soars through these classic ballads, which include "Who's Gonna Shoe Your Pretty Little Foot" and "Shady Grove."

Michael Holmes: Mandolin Instruction

Folkways Records – CRB 16

Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP
Country: USA & Canada
Released: 1977
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass, Country
[Tracklist]
Disk 1
A01 Tune To A "G" (0:13)
A02 Soldier's Joy, Slow (1:25)
A03 Soldier's Joy, Fast (0:43)
A04 Saint Anne's Reel, Slow (1:27)
A05 Saint Anne's Reel, Fast (0:41)
A06 Cripple Creek, Slow (0:44)
A07 Cripple Creek, Fast (0:22)
A08 Old Joe Clark, Slow (1:23)
A09 Old Joe Clark, Fast (0:38)
A10 Turkey In The Straw, Slow (1:16)
A11 Turkey In The Strow, Fast (0:38)
A12 Colored Aristocracy, Slow (1:04)
A13 Colored Aristocracy, Fast (0:44)
A14 East Virginia (0:24)
A15 Will The Circle Be Unbroken (0:48)
B01 Arkansas Traveler, Slow (1:32)
B02 Arkansas Traveler, Fast (0:41)
B03 Girl I Left Behind Me, Slow (1:30)
B04 Girl I Left Behind Me, Fast (0:39)
B05 Devil's Dream, Slow (1:50)
B06 Devil's Dream, Fast (0:46)
B07 Fisher's Hornpipe, Slow (2:04)
B08 Fisher's Hornpipe, Fast (0:39)
B09 Flop Eared Mule, Slow (1:54)
B10 Flop Eared Mule, Fast (0:44)
B11 Lost Indian, Slow (1:23)
B12 Lost Indian, Fast (0:35)
B13 Ragtime Annie, Slow (1:56)
B14 Ragtime Annie, Fast (1:00)
Disk 2
A01 Soldier's Joy (1:37)
A02 Saint Anne's Reel (1:49)
A03 Cripple Creek (0:54)
A04 Old Joe Clark (1:38)
A05 Colored Aristocracy (1:41)
A06 East Virginia (0:43)
A07 Will The Circle Be Unbroken (0:43)
B01 Arkansas Traveler (1:41)
B02 The Girl I Left Behind Me (1:46)
B03 Devil's Dream (1:16)
B04 Fisher's Hornpipe (1:11)
B05 Flop Eared Mule (1:46)
B06 Lost Indian (1:37)
B07 Ragtime Annie (2:21)
B08 Turkey In The Straw (1:46)
[Credits]
Michael Holmes (mandolin) Reed Martin (banjo) Mike Rivers (guitar)
[Notes]
String instrumentalist Michael Holmes provides a recorded tutorial in the playing of the mandolin. The recording is composed of two parts. The first part presents examples of mandolin playing in traditional folk music first slowly and then at performance speed. The second part has Holmes replaying all the songs from the first part and joined by Reed Martin (banjo) and Mike Rivers (guitar). The extensive liner notes provide information of buying and tuning a mandolin and musical notation for the 15 songs presented as part of this tutorial. Holmes dedicated this recording to Pete Seeger, "whose version of "Woody's Rag" was the first tune I ever heard played on the mandolin."

Vivien Richman Sings Folk Songs of West Pennsylvania

Folkways Records – FG 3568

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Mono
Country: US
Released: 1959
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
A01 The Glooms of Ligonier (2:08)
A02 The Forks of the Ohio (3:05)
A03 Sinclaire's Defeat (2:34)
A04 The Mouse's Courting Song (2:47)
A05 James Bird (2:54)
A06 Conestoga Wagoner's Complaint (1:50)
A07 The Hero of Erie (1:53)
A08 The Jolly Lumbermen (2:38)
A09 Hold On (2:03)
B01 A Ja Lejber Man - Aja Lejber Man (2:06)
B02 A Steel Mill Tragedy - Odpocivam v Americkej pode - I Lie in the American Land (2:34)
B03 Pittsburgh Hymn (1:10)
B04 I'm a Beggar (2:27)
B05 Red Iron Ore (2:55)
B06 Handsome Mary, the Lily of the West (2:31)
B07 The Twenty-Inch Mill (1:57)
B08 Soho on Saturday Night (1:50)
B09 Pittsburgh Town (1:47)
B10 Captain Headed Home Again (3:30)
[Credits]
Vivien Richman (guitar/vocals)
Designer: Herbert Weinberg, Engineer: Stephen Tury and Fred McWilliams
[Notes]
Songs originating in the Frontier Era in and around Pittsburgh were rediscovered by Jacob A. Evanson, sung here by Vivien Richman. While there are a few cheerful and amusing ditties ( "Pittsburg Town" "Soho on a Saturday Night" ) most have a tone that reflects the bleak landscape of an emerging industrial town painted through their lyrics. Richman's deep contralto and rhythm guitar add exquisite depth to this album.

Katy Moffatt: Cowboy Girl

Western Jubilee – WJRC118022

Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2001
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country
[Tracklist]
01 Black Diamond (5:01)
02 John Hardy (3:27)
03 Midnight The Unconquered Outlaw (4:25)
04 Ol' Bill Miner (The Gentleman Bandit) (6:29)
05 Indian Cowboy (3:02)
06 Further (4:09)
07 Texas Rangers (5:10)
08 Me And My Uncle (5:16)
09 Magdalena And The Jack Of Spades (4:33)
10 Black-Eyed Caballero (3:16)
11 The Brazos (4:23)
12 Hallie Lonigan (4:31)
13 The Ghost Light Of Marfa (3:03)
14 The Wayward Wind (3:07)
15 When I Was A Cowboy (6:03)
[Credits]
Katy Moffatt (guitar/vocals) David Wilkie (guitar/mandolin/vocals) Rich O'Brien (guitar) Mary Stribling (bass)
Producer: David Wilkie and Scott O'Malley, Photographer: Tonya McCahon, Designer: The Weed Brothers, Engineer: Butch Hause, Robert Vosgien and Pete Papageorges
[Notes]
Drawing stylistic influence from the likes of Phil Ochs, Judy Collins, and Dave Van Ronk, Katy Moffatt began her career situated in the folk-pop boom of the 1970s. A Fort Worth native singing with a distinctive twang, her approach to the genre was always Western inflected. On 2001’s Cowboy Girl, Moffatt embraces her country leanings, performing new and traditional songs that sing of cowboys, Texas Rangers, outlaws, horses, and one gentleman bandit. On the album, originally released by the Western Jubilee Recording Company, she is joined by labelmates David Wilkie (vocals, guitar, and mandolin) and Rich O’Brien (guitars) for this spirited collection of songs.

Old-Time Music from Clay & Calhoun Counties, West Virginia

Field Recorders' Collective – FRC202

Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2004
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Appalachian Music, Field Recording
[Tracklist]
Phoeba Parsons
01 Sourwood Mountain (2:00)
02 Minnow on the Hook (2:04)
03 Devil and the Farmer's Wife (1:48)
04 John Hardy (1:54)
05 Boston Burglar (2:28)
06 Hard Times (2:38)
07 Kitty Kline (2:41)
08 Little Omie (2:25)
09 Silver Dagger (2:32)
10 The West Fork Girls (2:00)
11 Up on Golden Shore (1:05)
Ira Mullins
12 Cluck Old Hen (1:31)
13 Cripple Creek (1:21)
14 Fisher's Hornpipe (2:19)
15 Lost Train (1:11)
16 Shortnin' Bread (1:02)
Jenes Cottrell
17 Arkansas Traveler (2:45)
18 Devil and the Farmer's Wife (4:07)
19 Down in the Willow Garden (3:37)
20 Four Nights Drunk (3:45)
21 Twist About Blues (3:07)
Wilson Douglas
22 Sweet Sixteen (2:29)
23 Elzic's Farewell (2:52)
24 Buffalo Gals (1:42)
25 Boating Up Sandy (1:52)
26 Paddy on the Turnpike (2:25)
27 Rocky Road to Dublin (2:27)
28 West Fork Girl (2:31)
29 Salt River (2:59)
30 Good Byes (0:34)
[Notes]
Four master traditional musicians from central West Virginia performing live at the 1975 Brandywine Mountain Music Convention. Skilled banjoist and singer Phoeba Cottrell Parsons (1908-2001), champion fiddler Ira J. Mullins (1902-1987) and popular mountain artist and banjo player Jenes Cottrell (d. 1980) play alongside Wilson Douglas (1922-1999), an accomplished fiddler who possessed an ancient repertoire. The Morris Brothers accompany these artists and act as MC during the concerts.

Yasmin Williams: Unwind

Not On Label – none

Format: CD, Album, Stereo
Country: US
Released: May 4, 2018
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
01 Restless Heart (3:33)
02 Song For Alex (4:43)
03 High Five (3:45)
04 The Missing Piece (4:14)
05 New Beginnings (3:43)
06 On A Friday Night (4:18)
07 One Last Time (4:54)
08 Skippin' (Song for Bri) (4:02)
09 Swing (5:43)
10 Guitka (3:29)
[Credits]
Yasmin Williams (guitar)
Artwork: MuddaGoose, Engineer: Tom Waltz and Tom Bernath
[Notes]
With a compositional style that's relaxing as well as inventive, acoustic fingerstyle guitarist Yasmin Williams specializes in lap tapping, a technique that involves playing the guitar with both hands over the fretboard as it rests face-up on the player's lap. Incorporating tapped harmonics, bowing, percussive strikes, alternative tunings, and even tap shoes into her sound, she landed on the Billboard Heatseekers chart with her debut album, 2018's Unwind.

The Human Condition with Beverly Grant: Working People Gonna Rise!

Paredon – P1024

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: American Folk, Struggle & Protest
[Tracklist]
A1 Things Ain't What They Used To Be (4:08)
A2 Janie's Janie (3:10)
A3 Charlie's Song (4:05)
A4 Chain Reaction (4:45)
A5 Feel Good (4:04)
B1 Father (5:08)
B2 Mama, I Remember (5:08)
B3 Uncle Sam (5:03)
B4 Clifford Grover (5:11)
B5 Working People Gonna Rise (4:51)
[Credits]
Beverley Grant (guitar/percussion/vocals) Mario Giacalone (guitar/vocals) Laura Lieben (guitar) Alan Freedman (guitar) Bill Horwitz (guitar) Gene Hicks (piano/organ/fiddle)Jerry Mitnick (bass) Peter Farnese (drums)
Producer: Barbara Dane, Artwork: Cathy Blank and Wendy Samberg, Designer: Ronald Clyne, Engineer: Jonathan Thayer, Technician: Gail Mitnick
[Notes]
"Our main interest is in playing to audiences who have not yet been exposed to music that deals with reality as we see it." The folk music quintet Human Condition, featuring Beverly Grant, was not afraid to speak to what's wrong in society, from the generation gap to capitalist exploitation and the struggles of the working class, to anti-black racism and police violence. In ways that still ring true, these songs from the 70s reflect the tradition of protest songs. The liner notes provide artist bios, song lyrics, and commentary.

The Complete Trio Collection

Rhino Records - 081227954086

Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2016
Genre: Rock, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country, Country Rock
[Tracklist]
Trio (1987)
1-01 The Pain Of Loving You (2:32)
1-02 Making Plans (3:36)
1-03 To Know Him Is To Love Him (3:48)
1-04 Hobo's Meditation (3:17)
1-05 Wildflowers (3:33)
1-06 Telling Me Lies (4:26)
1-07 My Dear Companion (2:55)
1-08 Those Memories Of You (3:58)
1-09 I've Had Enough (3:30)
1-10 Rosewood Casket (2:59)
1-11 Farther Along (4:10)
Trio II (1999)
2-01 Lover's Return (4:00)
2-02 High Sierra (4:21)
2-03 Do I Ever Cross Your Mind (3:16)
2-04 After The Gold Rush (3:31)
2-05 The Blue Train (4:57)
2-06 I Feel The Blues Movin' In (4:31)
2-07 You'll Never Be The Sun (4:43)
2-08 He Rode All The Way To Texas (3:07)
2-09 Feels Like Home (4:47)
2-10 When We're Gone, Long Gone (4:00)
Unreleased & Alternate Takes, Etc.
3-01 Wildflowers (3:37)
3-02 Waltz Across Texas Tonight (3:49)
3-03 Lover's Return (4:00)
3-04 Softly And Tenderly (5:29)
3-05 Pleasant As May (2:34)
3-06 My Dear Companion (2:58)
3-07 My Blue Tears (2:41)
3-08 Making Plans (3:40)
3-09 I've Had Enough (3:30)
3-10 Grey Funnel Line (2:11)
3-11 You Don't Knock (3:17)
3-12 Where Will The Words Come From (2:53)
3-13 Do I Ever Cross Your Mind (3:33)
3-14 Are You Tired Of Me (2:36)
3-15 Even Cowgirls Get The Blues (3:56)
3-16 Mr. Sandman (2:20)
3-17 Handful Of Dust (2:20)
3-18 Calling My Children Home (3:13)
3-19 In A Deep Sleep (2:52)
3-20 Farther Along (4:04)
[Credits]
Dolly Parton (vocals) Emmylou Harris (guitar/vocals) Linda Ronstadt (vocals) Albert Lee (guitar) Ry Cooder (guitar) John Starling (guitar) Carl Jackson (guitar) Mark Casstevens (guitar) Dean Parks (electric guitar/mandolin) Steve Fishell (steel guitar) Ben Keith (steel guitar) Herb Pedersen (banjo) Mark O'Connor (fiddle/viola/mandolin/guitar) Alison Krauss (fiddle) David Lindley (mandolin/dobro/autoharp/zither) David Grisman (mandolin) Steve Fishell (dobro) Jodi Burnett (cello) Dennis Karmazyn (cello) Marty Krystall (clarinet) Brice Martin (flute) Bill Payne (piano) Dennis James (harmonica) Robby Buchanan (piano) Kenny Edwards (bass) Leland Sklar (bass) Roy Huskey Jr. (bass) Edgar Meyer (bass) Leland Sklar (bass) Russ Kunkel (drums) Larry Atamanuik (drums) Jim Keltner (percussion)
[Notes]
Talking about the first time she harmonized with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt in 1975, Dolly Parton said, "We all got to singin' and it was absolutely incredible. It gives me chills, even now." Given Parton's remarkable life and career, one would imagine it would take a lot to prompt that reaction, but there's no false modesty in Dolly's words. Parton, Harris, and Ronstadt were all splendid vocalists on their own, but they'd also shown a talent for collaborating with others throughout their careers. And when the like-minded women decided to make an album together, they created something rare, a collaboration between three major stars that never smacks of ego. Parton, Harris, and Ronstadt brought out the best in one another on their brilliant 1987 album, Trio, with the group harmonies sounding even more glorious than their lead vocals. (Trio also found Parton and Ronstadt working with better and more flattering material than they'd had on their solo albums in quite a while.) Trio was enough of a success that the singers carved out time in their busy schedules to make another album together, 1999's Trio II, with similarly impressive results. Ronstadt's health prevents her from making another Trio album in the 21st century, but Rhino Records have given us the next best thing with The Complete Trio Collection. This three-disc set brings together Trio and Trio II in full with a bonus disc of 20 outtakes and alternate versions recorded during the sessions for the original albums. Both Trio and Trio II have aged quite well, especially the first album with its emphasis on acoustic, bluegrass-influenced arrangements that blend well with three-part harmonies. (As Harris quips in the liner notes, they were playing Americana music before it had a name.) And if disc three often covers material that appears elsewhere in the set, Parton, Harris, and Ronstadt tried enough different approaches to these songs that the variants still sound fresh, and the performances are a knockout throughout. At the end of an unreleased take of "You Don't Knock," Harris quietly says, "That one felt real good," and like Dolly, she speaks the truth. For fans of the original Trio albums, buying The Complete Trio Collection to get the disc of unreleased takes might seem a bit excessive, but for anyone with a taste for great country or folk singing who has never heard Parton, Harris, and Ronstadt's work together, this set is nothing less than essential.-- Review by Mark Deming

Cisco Houston: Nursery Rhymes, Games and Folk Songs

Folkways Records – FC 7606

Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: US
Released: 1963
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Children's
[Tracklist]
A1 London Bridge (1:35)
A2 My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean (1:30)
A3 Pumpkin Eater (0:39)
A4 Three Blind Mice (1:12)
A5 Humpty Dumpty (0:41)
A6 Peas Porridge Hot (1:13)
A7 Mulberry Bush (1:54)
A8 What Are Little Boys Made Of? (1:55)
B1 Yonder Tree (1:56)
B2 Frog Went A-Courting (1:31)
B3 My Daddy (2:00)
B4 Clickety Clack (1:11)
B5 Cape Cod (1:07)
[Credits]
Cisco Houston (guitar/vocals)
Cover Artwork: Irwin Rosenhouse
[Notes]
Cisco Houston (1918–1961) was a vital figure in the early years of the Folk Music Revival, despite the reservations of some that he had "too good" a voice to be successful as a folksinger. He frequently traveled with Woody Guthrie, adding mellifluous harmony to Woody's melody line. On this recording, he directs his attention to young children, singing a variety of standard and lesser known songs for children. In some cases, he performs rhymes that are ordinarily recited but for which he has provided some simple tunes. Houston recorded six solo albums for Folkways Records; an anthology, The Folkways Years, 1944-1961, was released in 1994.

Virginia Traditions: Virginia Work Songs

BRI Records – BRI 007

Series: Virginia Traditions
Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country Blues, Field Recording, Gospel, Folk
[Tracklist]
A1 On a Monday (3:39)
A2 Oh Lord, They Don't 'Low Me to Beat 'Em (2:35)
A3 Biting Spider (2:38)
A4 The Man Was Burning (1:20)
A5 Can't You Line 'Em (1:54)
A6 The New Burying Ground (3:21)
A7 Evalina (3:25)
A8 Drinking of the Wine (1:57)
A9 Every Mail Day (2:47)
B1 Lazarus (3:09)
B2 Sleep On (2:33)
B3 Come Along Down (2:02)
B4 I'm Not Paying Them For Singing (1:47)
B5 On My Way to New Orleans (2:36)
B6 Wade in the Water (3:29)
B7 I Don't Want Nobody Stumbling Over (4:03)
B8 Sitdown Servant (3:17)
[Credits]
Editor: Linda Linnartz, Director: Roddy Moore, Liner Notes: Glen Hinson, Recorder: John Lomax, Alan Lomax and Harold Spivacke
[Notes]
Few states in this country can boast of more diverse folkways than Virginia. Many of the material objects—such as barns, tools, and furniture—reflect the traditions that shaped the lives of its earliest settlers and the generations of Virginians who followed. The Commonwealth’s performance traditions of songs, tunes, and tales also tell of a shared heritage involving all classes of people in every facet of life. Because traditions naturally change over time, the documentation of Virginia folk culture is an ongoing process essential to our understanding of the past, present, and future. By recording the folkways of Virginia, the Blue Ridge Institute of Ferrum College and its BRI Record label strive to foster a greater appreciation of our folk roots through an array of interpretive programs.

Lizzie Miles: Moans & Blues

Cook – 1182

Format: Vinyl, LP, Blue Translucent Vinyl
Country: US
Released: 1954
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Louisiana Blues
[Tracklist]
A1 Memphis Blues (3:47)
A2 Can't Help Lovin' That Man (3:56)
A3 I Ain't Gonna Give You Any Of My Jelly Roll (2:48)
A4 There'll Be Some Changes Made (3:17)
A5 Louisiana (3:40)
A6 Sugar Blues (3:12)
A7 Lazy River (3:02)
B1 Goin' Away To Wear You Off My Mind (4:05)
B2 Mama's Lonesome For You (2:26)
B3 I Never Knew What The Blues Were (3:06)
B4 Papa Won't You Tell Me What You Done To Me (2:28)
B5 Basin Street Blues (3:50)
B6 Animal Ball (1:26)
B7 Plain Ol' Blues (3:41)
B8 When You're A Long Long Way From Home (3:01)
[Credits]
Lizzie Miles (vocals) Red Camp (piano) Tony Almerico's All-Stars (band)
[Notes]
Blues doesn't get more New Orleans sweet-an'-sour than when it's done by Creole Songbird Lizzie Miles. Sweet she appreciates: "I ain't gonna give you none of my jelly-roll...not to save your soul." But the sour is always in balance: "Because I've been mistreated, I feel that I could die...I'm goin' away, just to get you off my mind." This legendary herald of the blues is joined by pianist Red Camp and Tony Almerico's All Stars band at the Bourbon Street Mardi Gras Lounge. (See also COOK01183 Hot Songs My Mother Taught Me and COOK01184 Torchy Lullabies My Mother Sang Me.)

Emmylou Harris: Duets

Reprise Records – 7599-25791-2

Format: CD, Compilation, Club Edition
Country: US
Released: 1990
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Country
[Tracklist]
01 The Price I Pay with The Desert Rose Band (2:58)
02 Love Hurts with Gram Parsons (3:40)
03 That Lovin' You Feelin' Again with Roy Orbison (4:00)
04 We Believe in Happy Endings with Earl Thomas Conley (3:34)
05 Thing About You with Southern Pacific (3:51)
06 Star of Bethlehem with Neil Young (2:43)
07 All Fall Down with George Jones (3:19)
08 Wild Montana Skies with John Denver (4:02)
9 Green Pastures with Ricky Skaggs (3:08)
10 Gulf Coast Highway with Willie Nelson (3:09)
11 If I Needed You with Don Williams (3:35)
12 Evangeline with The Band (3:10)
[Credits]
Emmylou Harris (vocals)
Designer: Janet Levinson and Janet Levinson, Assemblage: Bradley Hartman, Photographer: Caroline Greyshock, Engineer: Bradley Hartman and Glenn Meadows
[Notes]
Duets is a compilation of duets by the country music artist Emmylou Harris in partnership with other well-known country and rock artists. Most of the twelve tracks on the album originally appeared as singles or on albums released by her singing partners. Several of the tracks attained positions on the Billboard Hot Country Singles charts: "That Lovin' You Feelin' Again" with Roy Orbison was at #6 in 1980; "If I Needed You" with Don Williams at #3 in 1981; "Wild Montana Skies" with John Denver at #14 in 1983; "Thing About You" with Southern Pacific at #14 in 1985; and "We Believe in Happy Endings" with Earl Thomas Conley at #1 in 1988. Also included is "Love Hurts", an early duet with Gram Parsons from his Grievous Angel album. Duets reached #24 on the country albums chart in 1990.

Songs of the American Negro Slaves - Sung by Michel LaRue

Folkways Records – FD 5252

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1960
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Struggle & Protest
[Tracklist]
A01 Link O'Day (1:16 A02 I Just Came From The Fountain (1:08)
A03 Po' Mourner (1:16)
A04 You Gonna Reap Just What You Sow (1:14)
A05 Ain't That Good News (1:51)
A06 I Stood On The River (1:10)
A07 Certainly, Lawd (0:45)
A08 Railroad Bill (1:12)
A09 Children's Game Songs (0:59)
A10 Git Up, Chilluns (0:55)
A11 Go To Sleep (0:50)
A12 This Little Light Of Mine (1:39)
A13 Easy Rider (3:12)
A14 I Shall Know Him (1:02)
B01 My Lawd's Gitting Us Ready (1:28)
B02 One Morning Soon (0:49)
B03 Get Right (0:38)
B04 Stars Begin To Fall (1:33)
B05 Better Day A-Coming (1:03)
B06 Salagandou (0:59)
B07 Step This Way (0:52)
B08 I'm In Trouble (1:41)
B09 Stand Still, Jordan (1:45)
B10 Do' Lawd, Remember Me (1:02)
B11 Trouble (1:56)
B12 Gwine To Alabamy (1:47)
B13 Come & Go With Me To My Father's House (1:07)
B14 Before The Sun Goes Down (0:57)
B15 How Come Me Here? (0:31)
B16 March On (1:23)
[Credits]
Michel LaRue (vocals)
Presenter: Ralph Knight, Designer: Ronald Clyne, Liner Notes: John Hope Franklin
[Notes]
Michel LaRue's Songs of the American Negro Slaves was released back in 1960, the same year in which four black college students protested racial segregation by waiting for service at a "white-only" lunch counter. Despite its age, this album remains an important and relevant document. As the development of the United States and the history of slavery are inexorably intertwined, and as race continues to be one of the most critical issues facing the nation, this album is for all Americans, whatever their ethnicity. -- AllMusic Review by John Vallier