Showing posts with label Bill Monroe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bill Monroe. Show all posts

December 3, 2023

Friends of Old Time Music: The Folk Arrival 1961-1965

Smithsonian Folkways – SFW CD 40160

Format: 3 x CD, Compilation
Country: United States
Released: 2006
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Bluegrass, Blues, Gospel, & Old Time
[Tracklist]
1-01 I'm Troubled: Doc and Arnold Watson (03:10)
1-02 The Country Blues: Dock Boggs (04:24)
1-03 Going Down to the River: Fred McDowell (03:09)
1-04 East Virginia Blues: Roscoe Holcomb (04:51)
1-05 The Storms Are on the Ocean: Maybelle Carter (03:03)
1-06 The Dream of the Miner's Child: The Stanley Brothers (04:03)
1-07 Soldier's Joy: Hobart Smith (01:45)
1-08 Coffee Blues: Mississippi John Hurt (04:47)
1-09 Live and Let Live: Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys (02:46)
1-10 Lonely Tombs: The Watson Family (02:25)
1-11 Rockin' Boogie: Jesse Fuller (03:46)
1-12 Brown's Dream: Gaither Carlton and Doc Watson (01:43)
1-13 Down South Blues: Dock Boggs (03:17)
1-14 Knoxville Blues: Sam McGee (02:30)
1-15 Have a Feast Here Tonight: The Stanley Brothers (03:12)
1-16 Riley: John Davis and the Georgia Sea Island Singers (02:09)
1-17 Buck and Wing: Jesse Fuller (01:22)
2-01 Hell Among the Yearlings: Arthur Smith (01:47)
2-02 Amelia Earhart's Last Flight: The Greenbriar Boys (03:47)
2-03 The Brakeman's Blues: Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys (02:32)
2-04 Foggy Mountain Top: Maybelle Carter (02:07)
2-05 Hicks' Farewell: Doc Watson (05:00)
2-06 Jordan is a Hard Road to Travel: The New Lost City Ramblers (02:42)
2-07 Write Me a Few of Your Lines: Fred McDowell (02:54)
2-08 Bimini Gal: Joseph Spence (02:44)
2-09 Shady Grove: Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys (01:37)
2-10 Grey Eagle: Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys (01:36)
2-11 Walkin' the Dog: Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys (02:03)
2-12 San Francisco Bay Blues: Jesse Fuller (03:24)
2-13 Short Life of Trouble: Doc and Arnold Watson (03:41)
2-14 John Henry: Roscoe Holcomb (01:59)
2-15 Kneelin' Down Inside the Gate: Stanley Thompson (03:45)
2-16 Tell Me Why You Like Roosevelt: McKinley Peebles (04:29)
2-17 Bury Me Under the Weeping Willow: Maybelle Carter (02:34)
2-18 Mansions for Me: The Stanley Brothers (02:27)
2-19 Before This Time Another Year: Bessie Jones and the Georgia Sea Island Singers (05:02)
3-01 My Creole Belle: Mississippi John Hurt (02:54)
3-02 Guitar Lesson: Jesse Fuller (01:26)
3-03 Cincinnati Blues: Jesse Fuller (02:27)
3-04 Poor Boy in Jail: Dock Boggs (02:41)
3-05 He's Solid Gone: Maybelle Carter (02:44)
3-06 Maggie Walker Blues: The Clarence Ashley Group (03:43)
3-07 Chevrolet: Ed Young and Emma Ramsay (03:14)
3-08 Rising Sun Blues: Roscoe Holcomb (03:03)
3-09 Lord, Build Me a Cabin in Glory: Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys (01:37)
3-10 Frankie and Albert: Mississippi John Hurt (05:20)
3-11 Hard Times: The Stanley Brothers (02:23)
3-12 The Miller's Will: Horton Barker (03:17)
3-13 The Coo Coo Bird: Clarence Ashley (04:04)
3-14 Double File: Gaither Carlton and Doc Watson (01:30)
3-15 The Wandering Boy: Annie Bird (03:22)
3-16 Stranger Blues: Jesse Fuller (03:29)
3-17 I Saw the Light: Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys (02:24)
3-18 Sugar Hill: Maybelle Carter (01:06)
3-19 Amazing Grace: The Clarence Ashley Group (04:29)
[Credits]
Producer, Recorder, Mastering Engineer and Liner Notes: Peter K Siegel, Photographer: David Gahr, John Cohen, Alan Lomax, Mike Seeger, Guy Droussart, and Anton Mikofsky
[Notes]
From 1961 to 1965, New York City's trailblazing Friends of Old Time Music presented 14 concerts that brought dozens of legendary traditional musicians before city audiences for the first time. This "folk arrival" changed the course of American folk music, expanding the vision of the Folk Song Revival and leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape. For Friends of Old Time Music, Peter K. Siegel, who personally recorded most of the concerts, handpicked 55 tracks from the original master tapes. They include the first concert appearances by Doc Watson, Roscoe Holcomb, Clarence Ashley, and Joseph Spence, and the triumphant return visits to New York by Dock Boggs and Mississippi John Hurt, who had made classic recordings in the city during the 1920s. Three CDs of live concert recordings. 55 tracks, including 53 never before released tracks. Accompanied by a richly illustrated 60-page book. Recorded, produced, and annotated by Peter K. Siegel A Henry Street Folklore production Produced in association with City Lore, Inc.

November 9, 2022

Crossroads: Southern Routes

Smithsonian Folkways – SF CD 40080
Smithsonian Folkways – SF CD 40080

Format: CD, Compilation, Enhanced
Country: US
Released: 1996
Genre: Jazz, Rock, Latin, Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country, Bluegrass, Gospel, Folk, Rockabilly
[Tracklist]
01 Rising Sun: Brownie McGhee, Sonny Terry, and Coyal McMahan (02:40)
02 Statesboro Blues: The Allman Brothers Band (04:15)
03 Blue Monk: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band (03:34)
04 Les Quatre Vieux Garcons: Dewey Balfa, Peter Schwarz, and Tony Balfa (02:05)
05 Travelin' Shoes: Vera Hall (01:36)
06 Woke Up This Mornin' With My Mind on Freedom: The Freedom Singers (02:29)
07 Mice and the Bad Angel/Turtle's Song to the Wolf: Betty Mae Jumper (01:22)
08 Brother John/Iko Iko: The Neville Brothers (05:33)
09 White House Blues: Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys (02:03)
10 Blue Suede Shoes: Carl Perkins (02:14)
11 Anque Me Odies: Lydia Mendoza (02:43)
12 Apartment #9: Tammy Wynette (02:58)
13 Too Many Hungry Mouths Around the Table: Denise La Salle (03:50)
14 Southbound: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (02:41)
15 I'd Rather Be an Old Time Christian: The Kingsmen (02:01)
16 There is None Like Him: The Mississippi Mass Choir (04:47)
[Credits]
Producer and Liner Notes: Kip Lornell, Producer: Jon Kertzer and Steve Moreland, Liner Notes: Anthony Seeger, Designer: Scott Stowell
[Notes]
Blues, bluegrass, rockabilly, soul/blues, freedom songs, and other genres on this recording all have deep roots in southern culture and have influenced music worldwide. In a CD player, the 16 songs and liner notes introduce regional southern traditions. In a compatible CD-ROM drive, the music is complemented by hundreds of photos, texts, maps, audio and video clips and artist interviews. Hear the American South and discover the roots of American musical traditions. Artists include Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry, The Allman Brothers, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Les Quatre Vieux Garcons (Dewey Balfa), Vera Hall, The SNCC Freedom Singers, Betty Mae Jumper, Neville Brothers, Bill Monroe, Carl Perkins, Lydia Mendoza, Tammy Wynette, Denise LaSalle, Doc and Merle Watson, The Kingsmen, and Mississippi Mass Choir. "The best enhanced CD yet." — U.S. News and World Report

July 1, 2022

O Sister! The Women's Bluegrass Collection

Rounder Records – RCD 0499
Rounder Records – RCD 0499

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2002
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 If Wishes Were Horses Gretchen: Peters Claire Lynch (02:35)
02 Silver Tongue and Gold Plated Lies: Suzanne Thomas (03:26)
03 Sad Situation Clyde: PittsDelia Bell (02:27)
04 True Life Blues: Bill Monroe / Hazel Dickens / Alice Gerrard (02:36)
05 Lonesome Wind Blues: Wayne Raney Rhonda Vincent (03:01)
06 Pardon Me: Jesse McReynolds The Cox Family (02:44)
07 Old River: Hazel Dickens / Ginny Hawker (02:59)
08 You Tried to Ruin My Name: Pee Wee King / Wilma Lee Cooper (02:27)
09 I Can't Find Your Love Any More: Hazel Dickens (02:35)
10 Just Like Rain: Kathy Kallick / John ReischmanKathy Kallick / Laurie Lewis (02:15)
11 Mama's Hand: Hazel Dickens / Lynn Morris (04:13)
12 Every Time You Say Goodbye: John Pennell / Alison Krauss (03:17)
13 BlueStevens Sisters (02:39)
14 Time Is Winding Up: Ginny Hawker / Carol Elizabeth Jones (04:17)
15 Blow, Big Wind: Laurie Lewi (02:52)
16 Will There Be Any Stars?: The Cox Family / Alison Krauss (03:12)
17 The Last Old Shovel: Phyllis Boyens (02:21)
18 Comin' Down from God Carol: Elizabeth Jones (02:42)
19 Eight More Miles: Laurie Lewis / Claire Lynch / Lynn Morris / Rhonda Vincent (02:42)
[Credits]
Compiler: Ken Irwin, Liner Notes: Marty Godbey, Designer: Visual Dialogue, Photographer: Rick Olivier, Engineer: Toby Mountain
{Notes}
The latest in a lengthening string of releases designed to benefit from association with the Coen brothers film O Brother, Where Art Thou? is this all-girl bluegrass compilation, which features on its cover the requisite stubbly cornfield and archaic font style. Opportunistic as the packaging may be, there's no arguing with the quality of the content. Generously packed with outstanding performances by women as stylistically disparate as Hazel Dickens, Claire Lynch, and Kathy Kallick, O Sister is a delightful celebration of several generations of criminally unheralded female bluegrass artists. The highlights are many, but particular standout tracks include Rhonda Vincent's rocking "Lonesome Wind Blues," the hard-edged mountain sound of Phyllis Boyens (backed up by Hazel Dickens and the Johnson Mountain Boys), and the clawhammer banjo-powered "Comin' Down From God" by the relatively unknown Carol Elizabeth Jones. The usual suspects are here too, of course, including Alison Krauss (on the exquisitely gentle and sweet "Every Time You Say Goodbye") and the Cox Family (twice). You might buy this one because you feel guilty about the way women have been neglected in the bluegrass world, but you'll keep coming back to it because the songs are just so dang good. --Allmusic Review by Rick Anderson

May 19, 2022

Bill Monroe: Bluegrass Breakdown & Other Favorites

Essential Media Mod
Essential Media Mod

Format: CD, Album, Compilation, Remastered Country: United States
Released: January 19, 2010
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 Orange Blossom Special (2:55)
02 Uncle Penn (2:20)
03 Footprints In The Snow (1:47)
04 Bluegrass Breakdown (2:35)
05 I Saw The Light (2:10)
06 Shady Grove (2:09)
07 Shenandoah Breakdown (2:17)
08 Muleskinner Blues (Blues Yodel No. 8) (2:30)
09 The Prisoner's Song (2:05)
10 Blue Moon Of Kentucky (2:14)
11 Can't You Hear Me Callin' (2:43)
12 Nine Pound Hammer Is Too Heavy (2:40)
[Credits]
Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys (Primary Artist)
[Notes]
A rare live set from the father of Bluegrass music, Bill Monroe, featuring his Bluegrass Boys. All selections newly remastered. This is a great, reasonably priced cross section of some of Monroe's finest recordings spanning his storied career. If you're looking for a great smaller compilation or an album to introduce someone to Monroe, this is the perfect jumping off point.

December 28, 2021

Smithsonian Folkways American Roots Collection

Smithsonian Folkways – SFW40062
Smithsonian Folkways – SFW40062

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1996
Genre: Jazz, Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Gospel, Bluegrass, Cajun, Folk, Country
[Tracklist]
01 Penitentary Blues: Lightnin' Hopkins (2:56)
02 Sweet Old Chicago: Roosevelt Sykes (2:58)
03 Blue Moon of Kentucky: Bill Monroe (2:02)
04 If I Had a Hammer (Hammer Song): Pete Seeger (2:13)
05 Lafayette: Lucinda Williams (3:45)
06 Bosco Stomp: Nonc Allie Young, Bessyl Duhon, and Rodney Balfa (3:04)
07 Better Day: Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee (3:04)
08 Long Road to Travel: Lonnie Johnson (2:22)
09 The Cuckoo Bird (The Coo-Coo Bird): Doc Watson and Clarence Ashley (2:35)
10 Pretty Saro: Doug and Jack Wallin (2:32)
11 Freight Train: Elizabeth Cotten (2:46)
12 Old Joe Bone: The New Lost City Ramblers (2:00)
13 Have a Feast Here Tonight: Bill Monroe and Doc Watson (2:24)
14 Freedom Road: Josh White (2:21)
15 This Land is Your Land: Woody Guthrie (2:19)
16 Two Good Men (Sacco and Vanzetti): Woody Guthrie (3:49)
17 Black Girl (In the Pines): Lead Belly (2:10)
18 Irene (Goodnight Irene): Lead Belly (2:18)
19 Somebody's Been Fooling #1: Big Joe Williams (2:52)
20 Hesitation Blues: Dave Van Ronk (2:34)
21 I'm Gonna Be an Engineer: Peggy Seeger (4:31)
22 Delgadina: Mercedez López (2:16)
23 I Was Standing by the Bedside of a Neighbor: Michele Lanchester and Sweet Honey (3:22)
24 Virgo: Mary Lou Williams (2:29)
25 Syl-O-Gism: Mary Lou Williams (3:31)
26 We Shall Overcome: The Freedom Singers, Dorothy Cotton, and Pete Seeger (2:42)
[Credits]
Compiler & Producer: Anthony Seeger & Amy Horowitz, Designer: Visual Dialogue, Engineer: David Glasser & Lea Anne Sonenstein
[Notes]
Twenty-six tracks from outstanding Smithsonian Folkways recordings present a panorama of American Roots music. Blues, Bluegrass, ballads, topical songs, and jazz are performed by master musicians. If you have never heard of Smithsonian Folkways or Folkways before, this collection will take you on a trip through American Music; if you have heard some already, you will still be delighted by the breadth and variety of this collection.

November 26, 2021

Doc Watson - Life's Work: A Retrospective

Craft Recordings
Craft Recordings

Format: 4 x CD, Compilation, Remastered
Country: US
Released: 2021
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Country, Bluegrass
[Disk One]
01 The Precious Jewel: Doc Watson (01:50)
02 Pharaoh: The Jack Williams Band, Doc Watson (02:56)
03 I Saw A Man At The Close Of The Day: Doc Watson (02:40)
04 Rambling Hobo: Doc Watson (01:38)
05 Darling Corey: Doc Watson (02:37)
06 Your Long Journey: Doc Watson (02:36)
07 The Cuckoo Bird: Doc Watson (03:04)
08 Everyday Dirt: Doc Watson (02:05)
09 Tickling The Strings / Black Mountain Rag: Doc Watson (03:30)
10 Storms Are On The Ocean: Doc Watson, Jean Ritchie (03:26)
11 What Would You Give In Exchange For Your Soul: Doc Watson, Bill Monroe (04:27)
12 And Am I Born To Die?: The Doc Watson Family (03:32)
13 My Little Woman, You're So Sweet: Doc Watson (02:19)
14 Little Orphan Girl: Doc Watson, Fred Price, Clint Howard (03:16)
15 Wanted Man: Doc Watson, Fred Price, Clint Howard (02:14)
16 Sittin On Top Of The World: Doc Watson (02:37)
17 Intoxicated Rat: Doc Watson (02:30)
18 Country Blues: Doc Watson (03:31)
19 Talk About Suffering: Doc Watson (02:48)
20 Little Omie Wise: Doc Watson (04:25)
21 St. James Hospital: Doc Watson (03:28)
22 Tom Dooley: Doc Watson (03:15)
23 Beaumont Rag: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (01:39)
24 Muskrat: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (02:52)
25 Weary Blues: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (02:41)
26 We Shall All Be Reunited: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (02:11)
[Disk Two]
01 Southbound: Doc Watson (02:49)
02 Blue Railroad Train: Doc Watson (02:44)
03 Walk On Boy: Doc Watson (03:23)
04 Sweet Georgia Brown: Doc Watson (01:54)
05 Alberta: Doc Watson (02:43)
06 That Was The Last Thing On My Mind: Doc Watson (02:46)
07 Windy And Warm: Doc Watson (02:14)
08 Riddle Song: Doc Watson (02:42)
09 Georgie: Doc Watson (02:46)
10 Rain Crow Bill: Doc Watson (01:46)
11 Winter's Night: Doc Watson (03:24)
12 Matty Groves: Doc Watson (06:06)
13 Dill Pickle Rag: Doc Watson (01:24)
14 Willie Moore: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (04:02)
15 Peach Picking Time In Georgia: Doc Watson (02:57)
16 Memphis Blues: Doc Watson (02:43)
17 The Train That Carried My Girl From Town: Doc Watson (03:47)
18 Lost John: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (03:28)
19 Brown's Ferry Blues: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (02:42)
20 The Clouds Are Gwine To Roll Away: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (02:50)
21 Life Gits Teejus Don't It: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (04:36)
22 Banks Of The Ohio : Doc Watson, Merle Watson (03:45)
23 Spikedriver Blues: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (03:00)
24 Deep River Blues: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (03:36)
[Disk Three]
01 Nothing To It: Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson (02:48)
02 Streamlined Cannonball: Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson (02:26)
03 Tennessee Stud: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Doc Watson (04:51)
04 Way Downtown: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (03:36)
05 Freight Train Boogie: Doc Watson (03:03)
06 Summertime: Doc Watson (03:27)
07 Peace In The Valley: Doc Watson (03:00)
08 That's All: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (02:57)
09 Matchbox Blues: Doc Watdon, Merle Watson (03:32)
20 Bottle Of Wine: Doc Watdon, Merle Watson (02:06)
21 Corina, Corina: Doc Watdon, Merle Watson (02:48)
22 Doc's Rag: Doc Watdon, Merle Watson (01:45)
23 Poor Boy Blues: Doc Watdon, Merle Watson (02:21)
24 Wake Up, Little Maggie: Doc Watson (02:53)
25 Peartree: Doc Watson (02:19)
26 Shady Grove: Doc Watson (02:40)
27 Miss The Mississippi And You: Doc Watson (03:40)
28 Steel Guitar Rag: Doc Watson (01:57)
29 Cypress Grove Blues: Doc Watson (03:58)
30 Wayfaring Stranger: Doc Watdon, Merle Watson (03:33)
31 Look Up Look Down That Lonesome Road: Doc Watdon, Merle Watson (04:01)
32 Minglewood Blues: Doc Watdon, Merle Watson (03:00)
33 Don't Think Twice, It's All Right: Doc Watdon, Merle Watson (02:45)
34 Let The Cocaine Be: Doc Watdon, Merle Watson (02:29)
35 Don't Monkey Round My Ridder: Chet Atkins, Doc Watson (03:30)
[Disk Four]
01 Red Rocking Chair: T. Michael Coleman, Doc Watdon, Merle Watson (02:05)
02 John Hurt: Doc Watdon, Merle Watson (02:29)
03 Below Freezing: Doc Watdon, Merle Watson (02:18)
04 Along The Road: T. Michael Coleman, Doc Watdon, Merle Watson (02:51)
05 Liza / Lady Be Good: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (02:55)
06 Going To Chicago Blues: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (04:05)
07 Guitar Polka: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (02:20)
08 Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (02:31)
09 Bright Sunny South: Doc Watdon, Merle Watson (02:35)
10 Twin Sisters: Doc Watdon, Merle Watson (01:38)
11 How Long Blues: James Cotton, Doc Watson (02:49)
12 Freight Train Blues: Doc Watdon, Merle Watson (02:44)
13 Riding That Midnight Train: Doc Watson (02:04)
14 What Does The Deep Sea Say: Doc Watson, Fred Price, Clint Howard (03:31)
15 Tough Luck Man: Doc Watson (02:31)
16 George Gudger's Overalls: Doc Watson (03:24)
17 Risin' Sun Blues: Doc Watson (04:17)
18 Salt Creek: Norman Blake, Tony Rice, Doc Watson (03:10)
19 You Must Come In At The Door: Doc Watson (02:15)
20 Your Lone Journey: Doc Watson (02:46)
21 Grandfather's Clock: Doc Watson (03:51)
22 Bird Dog: Doc Watson (03:57)
23 Turn The Lamps Down Low: Doc Watson, Richard Watson (02:48)
24 Nights In White Satin: Frosty Morn, Doc Watson (03:16)
25 Down In The River To Pray: Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Doc Watson (02:51)
26 Amazing Grace: Doc Watson (03:54)
[Creduts]
Producer: Ted Olson
[Notes]
Life's Work: A Retrospective is the brand-new career-spanning compilation album from Grammy Award winning American songwriter Doc Watson. Album includes multiple recordings with his son Merle Watson, as well as features from Allison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs and more. Includes Watson's collaborations with Bill Monroe, Chet Atkins, and others. Includes 101 songs, all new extensive liner notes by author and producer Ted Olson, and a nearly 100-page book insert featuring never before seen photos.

November 19, 2021

Classic American Ballads from Smithsonian Folkways

Smithsonian Folkways – SFW40215
Smithsonian Folkways – SFW40215

Series: Smithsonian Folkways Classic Series
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2015
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country Style: Folk, Country [Tracklist}
01 Banks of the Ohio: Doc Watson and Bill Monroe (3:32)
02 Blue Mountain Lake: Pete Seeger (2:47)
03 Claude Allen: Hobart Smith (3:50)
04 Cole Younger: Dock Boggs (1:50)
05 Cowboy’s Lament (Streets of Laredo): Buck Ramsey (3:21)
06 Boll Weevil: Sam Hinton (2:12)
07 Duncan and Brady: Lead Belly (1:08)
08 Floyd Collins: Paul Clayton (3:27)
09 Frankie and Johnny: Rolf Cahn and Eric Von Schmidt (6:39)
10 John Henry: John Jackson (3:22)
11 Jesse James: Sis Cunningham, Mike Millius, and Wes Houston (3:51)
12 Billy the Kid: Woody Guthrie (2:04)
13 The Death of the Lawson Family: Glen Neaves (1:54)
14 Naomi Wise: Doug Wallin (3:06)
15 Pearl Bryan: Bruce Buckley (2:54)
16 Sam Bass: Hermes Nye (1:59)
17 Springfield Mountain: Bascom Lamar Lunsford (2:31)
18 Tom Dooley: Glen Neaves, Roscoe Russell, Ivor Melton, Warren Brown, Ted Lundy (2:11)
19 Tying a Knot in the Devil's Tail: Cisco Houston (2:14)
20 Young Charlotte: Pete Seeger (4:05)
21 Wasn't That a Mighty Storm?: The Tex-i-an Boys (2:41)
22 Zebra Dun: Joan O'Bryant (2:32)
23 The Titanic: Pink Anderson (2:52)
24 The Louisville Burglar: The Iron Mountain String Band (3:09)
25 The F.F.V. (Engine 143): Annie Watson (3:56)
[Credits]
Compilers: Jeff Place, Katie Ortiz and Max Smith, Editor: Carla Borden, Designer: Joe Parisi
[Notes]
Born of the British ballad, its American offspring was the blank canvas for all type of tale, the more calami­tous or scandalous, the better. Jesse James and Billy the Kid, train wrecks and hurricanes, the Titanic and Tom Dooley, fatal lovers' quarrels and foiling the devil, all and more were normal fare, served up in a song. Classic American Balla

November 13, 2021

Bill Monroe with Del McCoury and Bill Keith

And More Bears – ACD 25001 AA
July 1963 · Two Days At Newport
And More Bears – ACD 25001 AA

Format: CD, Album
Country: Germany
Released: 2003
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 July 26, 1963 - Intro (1:18)
02 Mule Skinner Blues (2:27)
03 Uncle Pen (3:07)
04 Devil's Dream (2:39)
05 Molly And Tenbrooks (2:26)
06 I Am A Pilgrim (3:03)
07 Rawhide (Instrumental) (2:19)
08 July 27, 1963 - Intro (0:53)
09 Paddy On The Turnpike (Instrumental) (2:12)
10 Pike Country Breakdown (3:02)
11 Rawhide (Instrumental) (3:07)
12 Get Up John (Instrumental) (2:28)
13 Will You Be Loving Another Man (2:26)
14 Conversation With Ralph Rinzler (4:51)
15 Pretty Fair Maiden In The Garden (3:29)
16 Salt Creek (Instrumental) (2:27)
17 Lonesome Road Blues (1:59)
[Credits]
Bill Monroe (mandolin/vocals) Del McCoury (guitar/vocals) Bill Keith (banjo) Billy Baker (fiddle) Bessie Lee Mauldin (bass)
Producers: Ralph Rinzler and Richard Weize, Liner Notes: Charles K. Wolfe, Artwork: Ina Taubenauer, Photographers: David Gahr and John Byrne Cooke, Engineer: Jürgen Crasser
[Notes]
This amazing disc records the Father of Bluegrass's first appearance at the Newport Folk Festival. Adding to the historical significance of the performance is the fact that this particular configuration of the Bluegrass Boys never recorded together in the studio. There are fine versions of several Monroe standards here, and great vocals with the always wonderful Del McCoury. The sound quality is excellent and there are good notes by Charles Wolfe discussing the recording's importance. Essential for bluegrass lovers. Recorded live July 26 - 27, 1963 at the Newport folk festival.

September 26, 2021

Western Express: 36 Exciting And Rare Country & Western Songs

MCA Coral 0082.036-2
MCA Coral 0082.036-2

Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: Germany
Released: 1994
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Country, & Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
A1 San Antonio Rose: Bob Wills And His Texas Playboys
A2 Alla En El Rancho Grande: Rex Allen
A3 Nine Pound Hammer: Tex Williams
A4 Red River Valley: Jimmy Wakely
A5 Why Baby, Why: Red Sovine, Webb Pierce
A6 Louisiana Moonlight: Jimmy C. Newman
A7 Six Days On The Road: The Texas Troubadors
A8 Hey, Mr. Bluebird: Ernest Tubb & The Wilburn Brothers
A9 Roses Are Red: Webb Pierce
B1 Tennessee Saturday Night: Red Foley
B2 Tupelo County Jail: Webb Pierce
B3 This Land Is Your Land: Tompall Glaser & The Glaser Brothers
B4 River Of No Return: Tex Williams
B5 The Huntin's Over For Tonight: Grandpa Jones
B6 Knoxville Girl: The Wilburn Brothers
B7 Fiddler's Dream: Tommy Jackson
B8 Will The Circle Be Unbroken: Red Foley
B9 Detroit City: Billy Grammer
C1 Blue Moon Of Kentucky: Bill Monroe & His Blue Grass Boys
C2 I Like Mountain Music: Roy Acuff
C3 500 Miles: The Greenwoods
C4 Bye Bye Love: Johnnie And Jack
C5 Cheyenne: Bill Monroe & His Blue Grass Boys
C6 Cool Water: The Sons Of The Pioneers
C7 I Bought A Rock For A Rocky Mountain Girl: Wilf Carter
C8 Cowboy's Lament (The Streets Of Laredo): Burl Ives
C9 In The Jailhouse Now: Webb Pierce
D1 My Dixie Darling: The Carter Family
D2 Cripple Creek: Jimmy Martin
D3 Sparkling Brown Eyes: Webb Pierce
D4 My Home's Across The Blue Ridge Mountain: The Carter Family
D5 My Hillbilly Baby: Ernest Tubb
D6 She'll Be Coming 'round The Mountain: Al Mcleod's Country Music Dance Band
D7 The WeaversAcross The Wide Missouri (Shenandoah)
D8 Cotton Fields: The Osborne Brothers
D9 The Last Round Up: The Ranch Boys
[Notes]
Manufactured in Western Germany by TELDEC "Telefunken-Decca" Schallplatten-Ges.mbH., Heussweg 25, 2 Hamburg 19. Licensed by MCA Records, Inc. Universal City, California, U.S.A.

July 20, 2021

Songs of Love, Courtship, & Marriage

The Library Of Congress – LBC 2
The Library Of Congress – LBC 2

Series: Folk Music In America – Volume 2
Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Country
[Tracklist]
A1 Love is a song: Lonnie Johnson
A2 That's all right, baby: Mose "Clear Rock" Platt
A3 Two Menominee flute songs: John Okimase
A4 Little Sarah: James Rachel, John Estes
A5 Going to Richmond: Jimmie Strothers
A6 Come back to me in my dreams: Bill Monroe
A7 María, María: Lydia Mendoza y Cuarteto Mendoza
A8 If one won't, another one will: Carter Family
A9 Joe Bowers: J.C. White
B1 Renewed love blues: Little Buddy Doyle
B2 Your small and sweet: Segura and Herbert
B3 You are a little too small: Carolina Tar Heels
B4 Lily Monroe: Uncle Alex Dunford
B5 Midnight on the stormy deep: Blue Sky Boys
B6 The married man: Emry Arthur
B7 Emily: Sam Manning
B8 Three nights in a bar room: Wade Mainer
[Credits]
Producer: Richard Keith Spottswood
[Notes]
"A bicentennial project: Library of Congress, Archive of Folk Song"; includes recordings from field and commercial sources. Program notes, including words of the songs, and bibliographical and discographical references (10 p. ill.) inserted in container.

June 25, 2021

Classic Bluegrass Vol. 2 from Smithsonian Folkways

Smithsonian Folkways – SFW CD 40163
Smithsonian Folkways – SFW CD 40163

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2005
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 Blue Grass Breakdown: David Johnson (3:12)
02 Roving Gambler: The Country Gentlemen (3:06)
03 Daniel Prayed: Doc Watson, Fred Price, and Clint Howard (2:53)
04 Fourteen-Carat Mind: Half & Half (2:28)
05 Won't You Come and Sing for Me?: Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard (2:45)
06 Rocky Run: Jerry Stuart, Pete Kuykendall, Smiley Hobbs, and Tom Gray (2:47)
07 The Girl Behind the Bar: Red Clay Ramblers (2:06)
08 Ain't Nobody Gonna Miss Me: B. Lilly, Chubby Anthony, Don Stover (2:16)
09 Are You Afraid to Die: Red Allen and Frank Wakefield (2:38)
10 Walls of Time: Bill Monroe and Peter Rowan (4:05)
11 Back Up and Push: The Friendly City Playboys (1:50)
12 I've Endured: Ola Belle Reed (2:48)
13 Carolina in the Pines: Harley Allen (2:42)
14 Jesse James: Eric Weissberg (2:30)
15 Two Orphans: The Georgia Pals (3:19)
16 China Grove, My Home Town: The Nashville Grass (2:31)
17 Bluegrass Spectacular: Bill Price (2:38)
18 Stoney Creek: Sonny Miller (1:22)
19 Little Maggie: Larry Richardson (1:13)
20 Miss Ferris: John Hartford (3:51)
21 Foggy Mountain Top: Earl Taylor and the Stoney Mountain Boys (2:00)
22 Sinner, You Better Get Ready: The Lilly Brothers and Don Stover (2:58)
23 Sitting on Top of the World: Doc Watson (3:05)
24 Renegade: Bob Everhart (1:59)
25 Possum Holler: Bill Price (2:58)
26 Red Wing: Tom Morgan (2:33)
27 I'll Take the Blame: Red Allen (2:21)
28 Watson's Blues: Bill Monroe and Doc Watson (2:26)
[Credits]
Producer: Lee Michael Demsey, Liner Notes: Jacob Love & Jeff Place, Designer: Sonya Cohen Cramer, Photographer: Stephanie P. Ledgin, Mastering Engineer: Pete Reiniger
[Notes]
Compiled from over 40 years of classic bluegrass recordings on the Folkways and Smithsonian Folkways labels, Classic Bluegrass, vol. 2 showcases many of the key artists who shaped the sound of this internationally-acclaimed, all-American music. "Father of Bluegrass" Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Hazel Dickens, The Country Gentlemen, Red Allen, Frank Wakefield, John Hartford, and many others bring us the best of this diverse music tradition. 32-page booklet. 28 classic tracks. 73 minutes.

June 24, 2021

Bill Monroe: Anthology

MCA Nashville / Decca AA881132072
MCA Nashville / Decca 088 113 207-2

Format: 2 x CD, Compilation
Country: United States
Released: 2003
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
1-01 New Mule Skinner Blues (02:30)
1-02 My Little Georgia Rose (03:06)
1-03 Uncle Pen (02:45)
1-04 Raw Hide (02:36)
1-05 Kentucky Waltz (03:16)
1-06 When The Cactus Is In Bloom (02:04)
1-07 Get Down On Your Knees And Pray (03:01)
1-08 In The Pines (03:11)
1-09 Footprints In The Snow (02:40)
1-10 Walking In Jerusalem (02:00)
1-11 Get Up John (02:11)
1-12 On And On (02:47)
1-13 I'm Working On A Building (2:43)
1-14 Blue Moon Of Kentucky (02:08)
1-15 Roanoke (02:39)
1-16 Goodbye Old Pal (02:04)
1-17 Molly & Tenbrooks (02:22)
1-18 I'm Sitting On Top Of The World (02:18)
1-19 I Saw The Light (02:30)
1-20 Scotland (01:55)
1-21 Panhandle Country (02:05)
1-22 Gotta Travel On (02:34)
1-23 Big Mon (02:17)
1-24 Linda Lou (02:10)
1-25 Lonesome Road Blues (02:28)
2-01 Time Changes Everything (02:15)
2-02 I'm Going Back To Old Kentucky (02:23)
2-03 Toy Heart (02:15)
2-04 Live And Let Live (02:40)
2-05 Old Joe Clark (02:24)
2-06 Columbus Stockade Blues (03:05)
2-07 Drifting Too Far From The Shore (02:29)
2-08 Somebody Touched Me (02:32)
2-09 Jimmy Brown The Newsboy (02:26)
2-10 I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry (02:13)
2-11 Devil's Dream (02:24)
2-12 Highway Of Sorrow (02:22)
2-13 Roll On Buddy, Roll On (02:11)
2-14 (We're Going) Just Over In The Glory Land (02:23)
2-15 Fire On The Mountain (02:05)
2-16 The Long Black Veil (02:40)
2-17 I Wonder Where You Are Tonight (02:34)
2-18 Dusty Miller (02:19)
2-19 Midnight On The Stormy Deep (03:42)
2-20 Sally Goodin (03:15)
2-21 Walls Of Time (03:19)
2-22 I Haven't Seen Mary In Years (03:04)
2-23 With Body And Soul (03:06)
2-24 Walk Softly On This Heart Of Mine (02:35)
2-25 My Last Days On Earth (04:42)
[Credits]
Bill Monroe (mandolin/vocals) James Monroe (bass/guitar/vocals) Jimmy Martin (guitar/vocals) Carter Stanley (guitar/vocals) Edd Mayfield (guitar/vocals) Del McCoury (guitar/vocals) Jimmy Maynard (guitar/vocals) Franklin G. Buchanan (guitar/vocals) Roland White (guitar/vocals) Peter Rowan (guitar/vocals) Rudy Lyle (banjo/vocals) Charlie Cline (fiddle/ocals) Kenny Baker (vocals) Boudleaux Bryant (vocals) Milton Estes (vocals) Culley Holt (vocals) Arlene Hardin (vocals) Bobby Hardin (vocals) Cindy Nelson (vocals) Curtis Young (vocals) Carl Butler (guitar) Jack Cooke (guitar) Jimmy Elrod (guitar) Grady Martin (guitar) Norman Blake (guitar) Jackie Phelps (guitar) Jimmy Selph (guitar) Joe Stuart (banjo/fiddle/guitar) Hubert Davis (banjo) Joe Drumright (banjo) Tony Ellis (banjo) Lamar Grier (banjo) Lonnie Hoppers (banjo) Vic Jordan (banjo) Bill Keith (banjo) Don Lineberger (banjo) Curtis McPeake (banjo) Robert Lee Pennington (banjo) Don Stover (banjo) Rual Yarbrough (banjo) Sonny Osborne (banjo) Gordon Terry (fiddle/vocals) Vassar Clements (fiddle) Red Hayes (fiddle) Tommy Jackson (fiddle) Connie Ellisor (fiddle) Carl Gorodetzky (fiddle) Bobby Hicks (fiddle) Byron Berline (fiddle) George Binkley III (fiddle) Richard Greene & Beryl Marriott (fiddle) Dennis Molchan (fiddle) Hal Smith (fiddle) Dale Potter (fiddle) Red Stanley (fiddle) Merle "Red" Taylor (fiddle) Horace "Benny" Williams (fiddle) Tommy Williams Jr. (fiddle) Roy Christensen (cello) Joel Price (bass/vocals) Ernie Newton (bass/vocals) Mark Hembree (bass) Howard Watts (bass) Farris Coursey (drums) Joe Zinkan (bass)
Producer: Owen Bradley, Paul Cohen, Harry Silverstein and Walter Haynes, Photographer: Les Leverett, Designer: Mike Fink, Liner Notes: Mary Katherine Aldin, Engineer: Gavin Lurssen
[Notes]
So much has been said about the founding father of bluegrass music that it would be nice if there was an all-encompassing collection of Bill Monroe's music to accompany the legend. Although the almost-correctly titled Anthology comes close, there is still a wealth of Columbia and RCA-Victor recordings missing from this Decca-centric collection, which runs chronologically from 1950 to 1969 (with one final track from 1981). Unfortunately, this means that the classic lineup of Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, with fiddler Chubby Wise and bassist Howard Watts, is not represented. Still, bluegrass luminaries Vassar Clements, Jimmy Martin, Kenny Baker, Del McCoury, Peter Rowan, and many others, all drifted in and out of the Blue Grass Boys during their twenty-some years, and make appearances on classic tracks like "Sally Goodin," "Uncle Pen," "Blue Moon of Kentucky," and "New Mule Skinner Blues." All told, this may be the perfect collection of Monroe's work for Decca, but it falls only slightly short of being the Bill Monroe Anthology.-- AllMusic Review by Zac Johnson

March 9, 2020

Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys: Live Recordings 1956-1969

Smithsonian Folkways SF CD 40063

Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1993
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 Watermelon Hanging On The Vine (0:37)
02 Roanoke (1:19)
03 Brakeman's Blues (2:40)
04 Close By (2:26)
05 Kentucky Waltz (2:26)
06 Blue Grass Stomp (2:10)
07 Blue Moon Of Kentucky (2:00)
08 I'm Working On A Building (1:59)
09 Angels Rock Me To Sleep (1:53)
10 Wheel Hoss (2:08)
11 Watermelon Hanging On The Vine (0:31)
12 Katy Hill (3:06)
13 True Life Blues (2:40)
14 I Live In The Past (2:41)
15 Wayfaring Stranger (4:27)
16 Fire On The Mountain (3:37)
17 Blue Grass Breakdown (3:22)
18 Raw Hide (2:52)
19 Y'All Come (0:49)
20 Cotton-Eyed Joe (2:49)
21 Get Up John (3:14)
22 White House Blues (2:01)
23 Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms (2:27)
24 Kansas City Railroad Blues (2:51)
25 The Walls Of Time (4:30)
26 When He Reached Down His Hand For Me (2:44)
27 Monroe Family Segment (9:45)
[Credits]
Bill Monroe (mandolin/vocals)
Producer & Liner Notes: Ralph Rinzler, Photographer: David Gahr & Phil Zimmerman, Mastering Engineer: Alan Yoshida
[Notes]
"Howdy, howdy folks. We're glad to be back for another show here. As we do the numbers now, we're gonna call each fellow's name out so we can get right along with the show." And what a show. Bluegrass has always been a live-performance genre, on stage or in the studio, and Bill Monroe never sounded better on stage than during these heady years of the folk revival. He had something to share and to prove to his new audience, and he wouldn't meet them halfway, choosing instead his grittiest traditional material and singing, especially in the late '50s, with full, high yodel and wail. His voice mellowed into the '60s, but his band, including many of the best bluegrass pickers ever (Bill Keith, Peter Rowan, Richard Greene, and Bobby Hicks for starters), never gave quarter. To understand Bill Monroe and his various ensembles, one needs to hear his stage brilliance, and there's no better place to start than with these warm, clear live recordings. --Roy Kasten

November 1, 2019

Protobilly: The Minstrel & Tin Pan Alley DNA of Country Music 1892-2017

JSP Records JSP5202

Format: 3xCD, Compilation, Limited Edition, Stereo, Mono
Country: UK
Released: October 25, 2019
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Old Time, Country, Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
Disc One
101 Casey Jones: Billy Murray
102 Casey Jones: Fiddlin' John Carson
103 Southern Casey Jones: Jesse James
104 Steamboat Bill: Arthur Collins
105 Casey and Bill: Earl McDonald's Original Louisville Jug Band
106 Steamboat Bill Boogie: Delmore Bros.
107 Red Wing: Frank C Stanley & Henry Burr
108 Red Wing: Doc Williams & the Border Riders
109 Just Break the News to Mother: George J Gaskin
110 Take the News to Mother: Louvin Bros.
111 In the Shadow of the Pines: Royal Fish & Vernon Archibald
112 In the Shadow of the Pine: Kelly Harrell
113 Are You From Dixie?: Billy Murray & Irving Kaufman
114 Are You From Dixie: Grandpa Jones
115 Home, Sweet Home: Eleanora de Cisneros
116 Home, Sweet Home: Don Reno
117 The Party That Wrote Home Sweet Home, Never Was a Married Man: Ed Morton
118 The Man Who Wrote Home Sweet Home, Never Was a Married Man: Mack Woolbridge & Charlie Parker
119 I'm Alabama Bound: Prince's Orchestra
120 Alabama Bound: Papa Charlie Jackson
121 Unter dem Doppleadler: Olbrig's Zither Trio
122 Under the Double Eagle: Bill Boyd's Cowboy Ramblers
123 Blue Bell: Harry Macdonough
124 Blue Bell: Merle Travis
125 Virginia Bluebell: Eddie Adcock
126 The Foolish Frog: May Irwin
127 The Foolish Frog: Frank Corso
Disc Two
201 Haul The Woodpile Down: Charles A Asbury
202 Hold That Wood-Pile Down: Uncle Dave Macon
203 Darling Nellie Gray: The American Quartet
204 Darling Nellie Gray: Roland Cauly & Lake Howard
205 Darling Nellie Gray: Louis Armstrong & the Mills Brothers
206 I Got Mine: Arthur Collins & Joseph Natus
207 I Got Mine: Frank Stokes
208 Go Easy Mabel: Edward Meeker
209 Go Easy Mabel: Delmore Bros
210 Smoke Goes Up the Chimney: Dan W Quinn
211 Smoke Goes Up the Chimney: Fiddlin' John Carson
212 When the Bees Are In the Hive: Peerless Quartet
213 When the Bees Are In the Hive: Bill Monroe
214 Don't You Leave Me Here: Charles Johnson's Original Paradise Ten
215 I'm Alabamy Bound: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five
216 Don't Go Down In the Mine, Dad: Stanley Kirkby
217 Dream Of a Miner's Child: Keith Whitley
218 I Loved You Better Than You: Byron G Harlan & Frank C Stanley
219 I Loved You Better Than You: The Carter Family
220 I Loved You Better Than You: Johnnie and Jack
221 By The Watermelon Vine: Edison Male Quartet
222 Lindy: Proximity String Quartet
223 Who Broke The Lock: Cousins and DeMoss
224 Who Stole De Lock: The Georgia Browns
225 Who Stole The Lock: Jack Bland & his Rhythmmakers
226 Lovesick Blues: Emmett Miller
227 Lovesick Blues: Hank Williams
228 I'm the Father of a Little Black Coon: Charles A Asbury
Disc Three
301 May Irwin's Bully Song: May Irwin
302 Bully Of the Town: Gid Tanner & the Skillet Lickers
303 Fille de la Fille: Vin Bruce
304 Turkey in the Straw: Billy Golden
305 Turkey Buzzard Blues: Peg Leg Howell & Eddie Anthony
306 Old Dan Tucker: Harry C Browne
307 Old Dan Tucker: Gid Tanner & the Skillet Lickers
308 The Arkansas Traveler: Len Spencer
309 The Arkansaw Traveler: Jilson Setters (J.W Day)
310 Arkansas Traveler: Clayton McMichen & his Georgia Wildcats
311 The Girl I Loved in Sunny Tennessee: S.H Dudley & Harry Macdonough
312 Sunny Tennessee: Floyd County Ramblers
313 Nigger Blues: George O'Connor
314 The Blues Ain't Nothing But: Georgia White
315 I'se Gwine Back to Dixie: Brilliant Quartet
316 I'se Gwine Back to Dixie: Uncle Dave Macon
317 Baby Mine: Elizabeth Spencer
318 Going Around This World: Leslie Keith
319 All Night Long: Anna Chandler
320 All Night Long: Roy Acuff & his Crazy Tennesseeans
321 Laughing Rag: Sam Moore & Horace Davis
322 Mexican Rag: Darby & Tarlton
323 I Don't Care If I Never Wake Up: Silas Leachman
324 My Money Never Gives Out: Arthur Collins
325 My Money Never Runs Out: Banjo Joe (Gus Cannon)
326 My Money Never Gives Out: Dom Flemons & Guy Davis
[Notes]
This 3 CD reissue anthology is the first to track 20th century American vernacular music of old time country, bluegrass, jazz and blues by tracing their beginnings in 19th century blackface minstrelsy and Tin Pan Alley. The set includes a 76 page booklet with song annotations, sheet music covers, photographs and period graphics, biographies and discographies Driven by songwriting and publishing songs are refashioned again and again showcasing stylistic as well as lyrical changes over the past 100 years The foundation of the American popular songbook traces its beginnings to the Vaudeville, Circus, Minstrel, Music Hall and Theatre stages of the mid-late 1800s The songs spread throughout the country and world creating a new musical tapestry that included both black and white performers of all backgrounds By aligning performances from the earliest cylinder recordings with later 78 rpm, LP and CD versions, PROTOBILLY brings to life 81 historic recordings more than half never before reissued all brilliantly remastered to vividly demonstrate the checkered and enormously powerful elasticity of American music.

September 22, 2019

Country Music: A Film by Ken Burns The Soundtrack

Public Broadcasting Service

Format: 5xCD, Compilation, Limited Edition, Stereo, Mono
Country: US
Released: 2019
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass, Country, Honky Tonk, Western Swing
[Tracklist]
Disc One
101 Can the Circle Be Unbroken: The Carter Family
102 Blue Yodel No. 8 (Mule Skinner Blues): Jimmie Rodgers
103 Barbara Allen: Bradley Kincaid
104 I'll Fly Away: James and Martha Carson
105 If the River Was Whiskey: Charlie Poole with The North Carolina Ramblers
106 Fox Chase: DeFord Bailey
107 Blue Yodel No. 9 (Standin' on the Corner): Jimmie Rodgers
108 Wildwood Flower: The Carter Family
109 In the Jailhouse Now: Jimmie Rodgers
110 Comin' Round the Mountain: Uncle Dave Macon and Sam McGee
111 Pretty Polly: Coon Creek Girls
112 T.B. Blues: Jimmie Rodgers
113 Mountain Dew: Grandpa Jones and his Grandchildren
114 Home On the Range: Gene Autry
115 I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart: Patsy Montana & The Prairie Ramblers
116 Tumbling Tumbleweeds: The Sons Of The Pioneers
117 Medley: Keep on the Sunny Side / I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes: The Carter Family
118 The Great Speckled Bird: Roy Acuff
119 Whoa Babe: Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys
120 New San Antonio Rose: Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys
121 Wabash Cannonball: Roy Acuff
122 Mule Skinner Blues (Blue Yodel #8): Bill Monroe & his Blue Grass Boys
Disc Two
201 Honky Tonkin': Hank Williams with His Drifting Cowboys
202 It's Mighty Dark to Travel: Bill Monroe & his Blue Grass Boys
203 New Mule Skinner Blues: Maddox Brothers and Rose
204 I'll Hold You In My Heart (Till I Can Hold You In My Arms): Eddy Arnold
205 Foggy Mountain Breakdown: Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs with The Foggy Mountain Boys
206 Molly and Tenbrook: The Stanley Brothers
207 Lovesick Blues: Hank Williams
208 I Saw the Light: Hank Williams
209 Hey, Good Lookin': Hank Williams
210 It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels: Kitty Wells
211 I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry: Hank Williams with His Drifting Cowboys
212 Jambalaya: Little Brenda Lee
213 New Step It Up and Go: Maddox Brothers and Rose
214 I Walk the Line: Johnny Cash & The Tennessee Two
215 Crazy Arms: Ray Price
216 Bye, Bye Love: The Everly Brothers
217 The Long Black Veil: Lefty Frizzell
218 El Paso: Marty Robbins
219 Night Life: Ray Price
220 Hello Walls: Faron Young
221 I Fall to Pieces: Patsy Cline
222 Ring of Fire: Johnny Cash
223 Crazy: Patsy Cline
224 I Can't Stop Loving You: Ray Charles
Disc Three
301 Dang Me: Roger Miller
302 I've Got a Tiger by the Tail: Buck Owens
303 Don't Come Home a Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind): Loretta Lynn
304 Coal Miner's Daughter: Loretta Lynn
305 Kiss an Angel Good Mornin': Charley Pride
306 Hungry Eyes: Merle Haggard & The Strangers
307 Mama Tried: Merle Haggard & The Strangers
308 Harper Valley P.T.A.: Jeannie C. Riley
309 Don't Touch Me: Jeannie Seely
310 Folsom Prison Blues: Johnny Cash
311 Stand by Your Man: Tammy Wynette
312 She Thinks I Still Care: George Jones
313 You Ain't Goin' Nowhere: The Byrds
314 Me and Bobby McGee: Kris Kristofferson
315 Help Me Make It Through the Night: Sammi Smith
316 Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down: Kris Kristofferson
317 Okie from Muskogee: Merle Haggard
318 Man in Black: Johnny Cash
319 Girl from the North Country: Bob Dylan with Johnny Cash
320 Grand Ole Opry Song: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
321 Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Disc Four
401 Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way: Waylon Jennings
402 Mule Skinner Blues (Blue Yodel No. 8): Dolly Parton
403 Jolene: Dolly Parton
404 I Will Always Love You: Dolly Parton
405 We're Gonna Hold On: George Jones & Tammy Wynette
406 Texas Cookin': Guy Clark
407 If I Needed You: Townes Van Zandt
408 I Can't Stop Loving You: Johnny Rodríguez
409 I've Been a Long Time Leaving (But I'll Be a Long Time Gone): Waylon Jennings
410 Love Hurts: Gram Parsons and the Fallen Angels
411 Boulder to Birmingham: Emmylou Harris
412 Bluebird Wine: Emmylou Harris
413 Whiskey River: Willie Nelson
414 Miles and Miles of Texas: Asleep At The Wheel
415 Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain: Willie Nelson
416 A Good Hearted Woman: Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson
417 Family Tradition: Hank Williams Jr.
418 Seven Year Ache: Rosanne Cash
419 Pancho and Lefty: Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson
420 He Stopped Loving Her Today: George Jones
Disc Five
501 Don't Get Above Your Raisin': Ricky Skaggs
502 On the Road Again: Willie Nelson
503 Amarillo by Morning: George Strait
504 Somebody Should Leave: Reba McEntire
505 Diggin' Up Bones: Randy Travis
506 Why Not Me: The Judds
507 Honky Tonk Man: Dwight Yoakam
508 Streets of Bakersfield: Dwight Yoakam with Buck Owens
509 Where've You Been: Kathy Mattea
510 I'm No Stranger to the Rain: Keith Whitley
511 Go Rest High on That Mountain: Vince Gill
512 Guitar Town: Steve Earle
513 She's In Love with the Boy: Trisha Yearwood
514 Tennessee Flat Top Box: Rosanne Cash
515 Get Up John: Emmylou Harris & The Nash Ramblers
516 Uncle Pen: Ricky Skaggs
517 I Still Miss Someone: Rosanne Cash
518 Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
[Notes]
"If you write the truth and you're writing about your life, it's going to be country. It'll be country 'cause you're writing what's happening. And that's all a good song is." Loretta Lynn COUNTRY MUSIC, the eight-part, 16-hour film by Ken Burns, chronicles the creation of a truly American genre of music through the songs and stories of its greatest trailblazers. Country Music A Film By Ken Burns (The Soundtrack) includes more than 100 timeless classics as heard in the film, including songs by The Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Bill Monroe, Bob Wills, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and many more. This deluxe 5CD set includes 68 pages of liner notes and rarely seen archival photos, documents and memorabilia.

March 6, 2019

Bill Monroe & Doc Watson: Live Duet Recordings 1963-1980

Smithsonian Folkways SF CD 40064

Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 21 Aug 2012
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass, Country Blues
[Tracklist]
01 Foggy Mountain Top (2:46)
02 What Would You Give In Exchange For Your Soul (4:31)
03 Watson's Blues (2:28)
04 Soldier's Joy (2:47
05 Where Is My Sailor Boy? (What Does The Depp Sea Say?) (3:31)
06 You Won't Be Satisfied That Way (2:02)
07 Kentucky Mandolin (2:00)
08 East Tennessee Blues (2:12)
09 Midnight On The Stormy Deep (4:34)
10 Lonesome Moonlight Waltz (1:35)
11 Banks Of The Ohio (3:33)
12 Fire On The Mountain (1:49)
13 Chicken Reel (1:50)
14 Turkey In The Straw (1:10)
15 Memories Of You (3:11)
16 Have A Feast Here Tonight (Rabbit In A Log) (2:31)
17 Paddy On The Turnpike (2:35)
[Credits]
Bill Monroe (mandolin/vocals) Doc Watson (guotar/vocals)
Recorder and Liner Notes: Ralph Rinzler, Photographers: Peter Feldmann and Robert Yellin
[Notes]
The essential genius of Bill Monroe and Doc Watson resides in their ability to infuse traditional American music with their distinctive musical personalities. Their unparalleled vocal and instrumental skills complement one another on these rare, previously unreleased duets." chronicles the early meetings of two instrumental geniuses." — Billboard

February 25, 2018

Classic Banjo from Smithsonian Folkways

Smithsonian Folkways SFW CD 40209

Series: Smithsonian Folkways Classic Series
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2013
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Bluegrass, Old Time
[Tracklist]
01 Fly Around My Blue-Eyed Girl / Cripple Creek / Ida Red / Old Joe Clark: Pete Seeger (2:38)
02 Banging Breakdown: Hobart Smith (1:21)
03 Johnson Boys: Frank Proffitt (1:44)
04 Peachbottom Creek: Wade Ward (1:27)
05 Coo Coo: Dink Roberts (2:14)
06 Josh Thomas’s Roustabout: Mike Seeger (2:40)
07 Jaw Bone: Willie Chapman (0:55)
08 Bright Sunny South: Dock Boggs (3:40)
09 Coal Creek March: Pete Steele (1:55)
10 Mississippi Heavy Water Blues: Josh Thomas (3:40)
11 Walk Light Ladies: Rufus Crisp (1:32)
12 Buck Creek Girls: Bill Cornett (1:03)
13 Gut Bucket Blues: Don Vappie and the Creole Jazz Serenaders (4:18)
14 Skylark / Roaring Mary: Mick Moloney (3:27)
15 St. Anne's Reel / La Renfleuse Gorbeil: Ken Perlman (2:52)
16 Smokey Mokes: Roger Sprung (2:23)
17 Golden Bell Polka: A.L. Camp (2:29)
18 Banjoland: Tony Trischka with Bill Evans (3:03)
19 Sally Ann: Snuffy Jenkins (1:13)
20 Lonesome Road Blues: Roni Stoneman (1:15)
21 Fox Chase: Lee Sexton (0:59)
22 Hop Along Lou: John Tyree (1:12)
23 Cotton Eyed Joe: "Big Sweet" Lewis Hairston (1:27)
24 Foggy Mountain Top: Ola Belle Reed (2:32)
25 Rambling Hobo: Doc Watson (1:39)
26 Old Rattler: John Snipes (2:50)
27 Georgia Buck: Elizabeth Cotten (1:45)
28 I Wish to the Lord I’d Never Been Born: Irvin Cook (3:07)
29 Black Eye Susie: Roscoe Holcomb (1:28)
30 Bluegrass Breakdown: Bill Keith with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys (3:09)
[Credits]
Compiler & Liner Notes: G reg C. Adams and Jeff Place, Editor: Carla Borden, Designer: Joe Parisi, Mastering Engineer: Pete Reiniger
[Notes]
The banjo is a "bigger than life" instrument, a symbol of deep southern American heritage. At the same time, beneath its veneer of old-time icon, the story of the banjo is one of enormous creativity and adaptation to many musical traditions around the world - from Africa, to the Caribbean, to North America, to Europe, and beyond. In Classic Banjo from Smithsonian Folkways, banjo connoisseurs Greg Adams and Jeff Place cull 30 gems of banjo artistry from more than 300 albums in the Folkways collections, offering a gateway into the deep and varied veins of banjo history. 64 minutes, 44-page booklet with extensive notes and photos.

February 3, 2018

Classic Southern Gospel from Smithsonian Folkways

Smithsonian Folkways SFW CD 40137

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2005
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Stle: Folk, Country, Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 I'm Working on a Building: Bill Monroe and His Bluegrass Boys (1:51)
02 No Disappointment in Heaven: Dock Boggs (2:29)
03 Wondrous Love: Old Harp Singers of Eastern Tennessee (2:06)
04 Are You Washed in the Blood?: Red Allen (2:43)
05 What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?: Harry and Jeanie West (2:16)
06 The Lost Soul: The Watson Family (2:57)
07 Hallelujah Side: Ernest V. Stoneman (2:20)
08 Walking in Jerusalem (Just Like John): The Country Gentlemen (2:15)
09 Sinner, You'd Better Get Ready: The Lilly Brothers (2:57)
10 When He Reached Down His Hand For Me: Bill Monroe and His Bluegrass Boys (2:45)
11 Away Over in the Promised Land: The Phipps Family (2:15)
12 No Tears in Heaven: Kilby Snow (2:29)
13 Old Country Church: Tom Morgan (2:49)
14 Glory to the Lamb: The DeBusk-Weaver Family (2:43)
15 Amazing Grace: Clarence Ashley, Clint Howard, Fed Price, Jean Ritchie and Doc Watson (3:54)
16 River of Jordan: The Poplin Family (2:08)
17 Shake Hands with Mother Again: The Allen Brothers (2:54)
18 Gabriel's Call: Hazel and Alice (2:13)
19 What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul?: Bill Monroe and Doc Watson (4:26)
20 He Said, If You Love Me, Feed My Sheep): The Stancer Quartet (2:54)
21 I Am a Pilgrim: The Country Gentlemen (2:55)
22 I'm Going to a City: Indian Bottom Association of Old Regular Baptists (3:18)
[Credits]
Compiler & Liner Notes: Kip Lornell
[Notes]
Showcasing some of the best in bluegrass gospel and country gospel from the Smithsonian Folkways archives in a single, special priced album. The music's plain-spoken, direct, and earnest style stokes it with power and appeal, whether performed by widely known marquee-name artists Bill Monroe and the Watson family or by local churchgoers such as the Old Regular Baptists. The spirit of time-worn Southern Gospel music remains as rock-solid as the people who perform it on this moving collection of inspired songs. 28-page booklet with extensive notes. 59 minutes.

February 5, 2017

Classic Bluegrass From Smithsonian Folkways

Smithsonian Folkways SFW CD 40092

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2002
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 Whitehouse Blues: Earl Taylor And The Stoney Mountain Boys (1:58)
02 Our Last Goodbye: The Johnson Mountain Boys (2:32)
03 When He Reached Down His Hand For Me: Bill Monroe And His Bluegrass Boys (2:44)
04 Tiny Broken Heart: Hazel Dickens And Alice Gerrard (3:01)
05 New Camptown Races: Red Allen, Frank Wakefield , And The Kentuckians (2:31)
06 Suzanne: Harley Allen-Mike Lilly Band (2:37)
07 I Heard My Mother Call My Name In Prayer: The Nashville Grass (3:07)
08 Teardrops In My Eyes: The Friendly City Playboys (2:26)
09 Cumberland Gap: Snuffy Jenkins (1:31)
10 Live And Let Live: Red Allen And The Kentuckians (2:44)
11 The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise: Roger Sprung And Doc Watson (2:37)
12 Hello City Limits: Hugh Moore (2:19)
13 (Legend Of The) Brown Mountain Light: The Country Gentlemen (2:32)
14 Lonesome Road Blues: Roni Stoneman (1:10)
15 The Train That Carried My Girl From Town: Doc Watson (2:16)
16 The Little Girl And The Dreadful Snake: The New Lost City Ramblers (3:29)
17 Little Birdie: The Stanley Brothers (2:37)
18 Rabbit In A Log: The Stanley Brothers (2:20)
19 Grey Eagle: David And Billie Ray Johnson (2:47)
20 Wayfaring Stranger: Cullen Gaylean And The Virginia Mountain Boys (5:07)
21 Billy In The Lowground: The Lonesome Strangers (1:00)
22 The Rebel Girl: Hazel Dickens (2:57)
23 Train 45: Smiley Hobbs (2:19)
24 'Neath That Cold Gray Tomb Of Stone: The Lilly Brothers And Don Stover (3:03)
25 Get Up John: Bill Monroe And His Bluegrass Boys (2:36)
[Credits]
Coordinator: Mary Monseur, Liner Notes: Carla Borden, Frank Proschan, Jeff Place & Lee Michael Demsey, Mastering: Pete Reiniger, Photography: John Cohen & Phil Zimmerman
[Notes]
It all began in 1956 with the release of the historic Folkways album American Banjo: Three-Finger and Scruggs Style (SFW 40037), the first-ever full-length bluegrass LP. From that point on, Folkways Records was synonymous with great bluegrass music. Folkways founder Moses Asch released scores of bluegrass albums, and this collection comprises the cream of the crop from these recordings, including works from giants of the genre such as Red Allen & Frank Wakefield, Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, the Stanley Brothers, and The Country Gentlemen. It serves as an outstanding introduction to the wealth of great bluegrass Smithsonian Folkways has to offer. Extensive notes, photos, 62 minutes. Compiled and annotated by Lee Michael Demsey and Jeff Place.

February 6, 2016

Bean Blossom: Bill Monroe's 7th Annual Bluegrass Festival 1973

MCA Records MCA2-8002

Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: United States
Released: 1973
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
A1 Mule Skinner Blues (Blue Yodel No. 8) (2:48)
A2 You Won't Be Satisfied That Way (1:58)
A3 Uncle Pen (2:19)
A4 Blue Moon Of Kentucky (3:22)
A5 Ole Slew-Foot (2:27)
A6 Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes (2:17)
B1 Please Be My Love (2:13)
B2 I Wish You Knew (2:26)
B3 Love, Please Come Home (2:14)
B4 Train 45 (2:37)
B5 Bonny (2:05)
B6 When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again (2:15)
C1 Hit Parade Of Love (2:41)
C2 Mary Ann (3:00)
C3 Sunny Side Of The Mountain (2:55)
C4 Free Born Man (3:19)
C5 Tennessee (2:46)
C6 Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms (2:19)
C7 Feudin' Banjos (2:10)
C8 Ballad Of Jed Clampett (2:14)
D1 Roll On Buddy (2:11)
D2 I Wonder Where You Are Tonight (2:59)
D3 Orange Blossom Special (2:28)
D4 Down Yonder (3:43)
D5 Soldier's Joy (2:34)
D6 Grey Eagle (2:38)
D7 Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (4:02)
[Credits]
(A1-A4) Bill Monroe & The Bluegrass Boys (A5-A6, B1-B2) Jim & Jesse and The Virginia Boys (B3-B6) James Monroe (C1-C5) Jimmy Martin & The Sunny Mountain Boys (C6-C8) Lester Flatt & The Nashville Grass (D1) Bill Monroe & James Monroe (D2) Bill Monroe and Jim & Jesse (D3) Carl Jackson (D4-D7) Bill Monroe & The Bluegrass Boys
Mastered By: Darrell Johnson, Mixed By: Joe Mills, Producer: Snuffy Miller, Walter Haynes
[Notes]
There is very little in the world quite like a good, live bluegrass album, and this is as good as it gets. The album was recorded in 1973 at the seventh annual Bill Monroe Bluegrass Festival in Bean Blossom, IN, and features, alongside Monroe, most of the greats of early bluegrass, still kicking in the 1970s-Jim and Jesse, Jimmy Martin, James Monroe, Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass, and 12 of the period's greatest fiddlers. The only notably absent figures of the classic bluegrass canon are the Stanley Brothers and Earl Scruggs; Carter Stanley died in 1966, and Scruggs, who had recently broken from Flatt to pursue more "modern" sounds in bluegrass music, was still getting the silent treatment from Monroe for leaving his Bluegrass Boys in the first place. Curly Ray Cline, Clarence "Tater" Tate, Tex Logan, Kenny Baker, and the other eight fiddlers play simultaneously on three instrumental standards, "Soldier's Joy," "Grey Eagle," and "Down Yonder," backing Monroe on the album's final track, a lively and unforgettable "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." The music is played, for the most part, at a tightly reined turbo speed and, along with the steady claps and yells and sure-enough screams of an enormously rowdy audience, makes for about the most exciting 75 minutes of music imaginable. Bean Blossom captures the true, original spirit of the music created by Monroe as much or more than any other album, and provides a sturdy backbone to any bluegrass collection. --AllMusic Review by Burgin Mathews