O Sister! The Women's Bluegrass Collection

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

Masters of the Banjo

A National Tour of Traditional Banjo Styles

Arhoolie Records – CD 421

Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1994
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 The Eldest Of All (The Nile): Seleshe Damessae (3:37)
02 A Family Quarrel On Sunday: Seleshe Damessae (3:19)
03 If You Come, Come (If You Go, Go): Seleshe Damessae (2:13)
04 John Brown's Dream: Kirk Sutphin (1:40)
05 Let Me Fall: Kirk Sutphin (2:26)
06 Yellow Rose Of Texas: Kirk Sutphin (1:58)
07 Oh My Little Darling: Kirk Sutphin (2:42)
08 The Wild Fox: Tony Ellis (1:55)
09 Wind Chimes And Nursery Rhymes: Tony Ellis (2:32)
10 Cherry Blossom Waltz: Tony Ellis (2:44)
11 Hand In Hand: Tony Ellis (4:14)
12 Bird In The Tree: Seamus Egan (2:32)
13 Charleston / Mason's Apron: Seamus Egan (6:08)
14 Lark In The Morning Medley: Seamus Egan (5:48)
15 The Lover's Return: Laurie Lewis and Dudley Connell (4:30)
16 The Johnson Boys: Carroll Best (1:59)
17 Mcmitchen's Reel: Carroll Best (2:07)
18 Say Old Man, Can You Play The Fiddle?: Carroll Best (1:35)
19 Mississippi Sawyer: Will Keys (2:22)
20 Sweet Fern: Will Keys (3:30)
21 On My Mind: Will Keys (3:05)
22 Evergreen: Will Keys (2:43)
23 Nobody's Love Is Like Mine: Ralph Stanley (2:11)
24 I Just Think I'll Go Away: Ralph Stanley (2:53)
25 Children, Go Where I Send Thee: Ralph Stanley (2:35)
26 Frailing Medley: Ralph Stanley (4:23)
[Credits]
Producer: Joe Wilson and Andy Wallace, Editor: Dave Glasser, Photographer: Jesse Winch, Recorder: Steve Fisher
[Notes]
Recorded in 1993 during a national tour, this collection features seven masters of the banjo. Although the banjo is thought to have evolved from the African banza, the banjo has developed into a uniquely American musical instrument. On this recording the players range from Ethiopian Seleshe Damessae playing a six-string krar to the legendary Appalachian banjo player and singer Ralph Stanley. Using a variety of traditional playing methods—clawhammer, and the two- and three-finger picking style—each player performs several selections.

They All Played for Us

Arhoolie Records 50th Anniversary Celebration

Arhoolie Records – ARH00540

Format: 4 x CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2012
Genre: Jazz, Funk & Soul, Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun & Zydeco, Country; Jazz & Ragtime, Latin
[Disk One]
01 Introduction, Vol. 1: Nick Spitzer (0:06)
02 Ay Te Dejo En San Antonio: Santiago Jimenez Jr. y la familia Peña-Govea (2:59)
03 Viva Seguín: Santiago Jimenez Jr. y la familia Peña-Govea (3:33)
04 Voy Caminando: Los Cenzontles (2:52)
05 El Chuchumbe: Los Cenzontles (3:39)
06 Vigilante Man: Ry Cooder (6:46)
07 Wooly Bully: Ry Cooder (3:06)
08 Let Me Fall: Any Old Time String Band (2:42)
09 Long Lost Lover Blues: Any Old Time String Band (5:12)
10 C-U-B-A: Any Old Time String Band (4:55)
11 I've Got What It Takes: Any Old Time String Band (4:22)
12 Bee la Manche: David Doucet (3:47)
13 La Valse a Pop: David Doucet (2:49)
14 Boudreaux / J'ai Été Au Zydeco: David Doucet (6:24)
15 The Free Mexican Air Force: Peter Rowan (4:07)
16 Break My Heart Again: Peter Rowan (5:11)
17 O My Malissa: Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands (2:47)
18 Here Today: Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands (5:44)
19 Sally Gooden: Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands (5:06)
[Disk Two]
01 Texas Blue Bonnets: Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands (4:13)
02 I Bid You Goodnight: Ensemble (3:05)
03 Introduction, Vol. 2: Nick Spitzer (0:36)
04 Oh By Jingo: The Goodtime Washboard 3 (3:22)
05 Pasadena: The Goodtime Washboard 3 (3:02)
06 Oakland: The Goodtime Washboard 3 (3:04)
07 Step It Up and Go: The Goodtime Washboard 3 (2:52)
08 Le Fond De Culottes & La Danse De La Misere: Creole Belles (2:11)
09 Separation Waltz: Creole Belles (2:59)
10 Tes Parents Ne Veulent Plus Me Voir: Creole Belles (2:07)
11 Joe Simien Special: Creole Belles (1:45)
12 My Bucket's Got a Hole in It: Barbara Dane and Bob Mielke's Jazz All Stars (5:00)
13 Make Me a Pallet on the Floor: Barbara Dane and Bob Mielke's Jazz All Stars (5:51)
14 Milenburg Joys: Barbara Dane and Bob Mielke's Jazz All Stars (6:58)
15 Trouble in Mind: Barbara Dane and Bob Mielke's Jazz All Stars (5:29)
16 Midnight Blues / Closer to the Ground: Toni Brown and Terry Garthwaite (10:40)
17 Port Arthur Blues: Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band (4:00)
18 Marie: Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band (5:03)
[Disk Three]
01 Midland Two Step: Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band (4:09)
02 I Made a Big Mistake: Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band (5:03)
03 Amede Two Step: Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band (5:16)
04 Parade: The Treme Brass Band (1:13)
05 Jazz Funeral: The Treme Brass Band (6:48)
06 My Bucket's Got a Hole in It: The Treme Brass Band (7:00)
07 Welfare Blues: The Treme Brass Band (4:35)
08 When the Saints Go Marching In: The Treme Brass Band (6:18)
09 I Don't Drink No Whiskey: Suzy and Eric Thompson (3:11)
10 In the Pines: Suzy and Eric Thompson (4:51)
11 In My Girlish Days: Suzy and Eric Thompson (3:22)
12 Lake Arthur Stomp: Suzy and Eric Thompson (2:59)
13 I Feel Like I'm Fixin' to Die Rag: Country Joe McDonald (3:12)
14 Save the Whales: Country Joe McDonald (4:44)
15 Oklahoma Hills: Country Joe McDonald (2:19)
16 End of My Journey: Campbell Brothers (9:42)
[Disk Four]
01 Going Home on the Morning Train: Campbell Brothers (6:26)
02 Jump for Joy: Campbell Brothers (6:15)
03 México Americano: Los Cenzontles (2:59)
04 Prenda del alma: Los Cenzontles (3:57)
05 Arizona, estado de vergüenza: Los Cenzontles (4:00)
06 Puno de tierra: Los Cenzontles (3:38)
07 Lapin Dans Son Nique: The Savoy Family Band (4:10)
08 Little Black Eyes: The Savoy Family Band (4:20)
09 Quo Faire: The Savoy Family Band (5:00)
10 Reno Waltz: The Savoy Family Band (3:47)
11 Eunice Two Step: The Savoy Family Band (6:36)
12 Blues with a Feeling: Taj Mahal (5:33)
13 Roscoe's Mule Down in Roscoe's Barn: Taj Mahal (3:15)
14 Fishing Blues: Taj Mahal (3:09)
15 Corinna: Taj Mahal (4:06)
16 The New Hula Blues: Taj Mahal (4:09)
17 Goodnight, Irene: Ensemble (3:52)
[Credits]
Manager: Bob Whitfield, Liner Notes: Adam Machado and Chris Strachwitz, Designer: Debbie Berne, Photographer: Rufus Diamant and Mike Melnyk, Engineer: Alberto Hernandez and Brian Walker
[Notes]
German-born Chris Strachwitz founded Arhoolie Records in El Cerrito, California in 1960, and over the next 50-plus years, the label released 310 LPs, a half-hundred 45s, and as the digital era dawned, some 375 CDs of blues, folk, Cajun, zydeco, gospel, jazz, country, jazz, and bluegrass that helped define Americana roots music. This handsome box set presents the music of a three-day, 50-year anniversary concert held in February of 2011 to celebrate Arhoolie's legacy, and includes live tracks from some 70 musicians, including Santiago Jimenez, Jr., Ry Cooder, the Creole Belles, the Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band, Country Joe McDonald, the Campbell Brothers, Los Cenzontles, and Taj Mahal.-- AllMusic Review by Steve Leggett

Eric & Suzy Thompson: Adam & Eve Had The Blues

Arhoolie Records – CD 5041

Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Blues, Cajun
[Tracklist]
01 Stop And Listen (3:18)
02 Three-In-One Two-Step (2:53)
03 Basile Waltz (3:33)
04 Blame It On The Blues (3:03)
05 Chaussettes Blues (2:55)
06 In My Girlish Days (2:21)
07 When I Get Home (3:02)
08 Valse de Balfa (3:10)
09 Adam & Eve Had The Blues (3:04)
10 Danse de Poullard (2:00)
11 Corrina, Corrina (3:25)
12 Carroll County Blues (3:16)
13 Mean Old Bedbug Blues (5:48)
[Credits]
Suzy Thompson (fiddle/guitar/vocals) Eric Thompson (guitar) Laurie Lewis (bass) Elizabeth Weil (bass) David Grisman (mandolin) Kevin Wimmer (fiddle) Danny Poullard (accordion/triangle) Will Scarlett (harmonica) Bill Bardin (trombone) George Fleming (trumpet) Earl Scheelar (clarinet) Charlie St. Mary (rubboard)
Producer: John Lumsdaine, Photographer: Anne Nadler, Engineer: Michael Cogan and Bob Shumakerg
[Notes]
Eric & Suzy Thompson have devoted their lives to the pursuit of weird and obscure old-time American music – warped fiddle tunes in odd tunings, cinematic ballads, country blues songs that contain mysterious metaphors, early Cajun music with incomprehensible French lyrics and backwards chords. Using fiddle, mandolin, guitars, Cajun accordion, banjo (and the occasional odd instrument such as the ten-stringed cuatro) they bring these early 20th century sounds right into the present day. "

Laurie Lewis & Her Bluegrass Pals

Rounder Records ROUNDER-11661-0461-2

Format: CD, HDCD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1999
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 Tall Pines (3:17)
02 Stepping Stones (4:16)
03 Blow, Big Wind (2:53)
04 Going To The West (4:20)
05 When I Get Home (2:35)
06 Black Waters (5:04)
07 Big Eddy (3:16)
08 Acony Bell (3:04)
09 Wind At Play (3:32)
10 Weevily Wheat (3:04)
11 Hard Luck And Trouble (3:05)
12 The Wood Thrush's Song (3:09)
13 Beyond The River Bend (4:31)
[Credits]
Laurie Lewis (fiddle/guita/vocals) Tom Rozum (mandolin/vocals) Mary Gibbons (guitar/harmony) Craig Smith (banjo) Todd Phillips (bass) Mary Gibbons(guitar)
Designer: Angelynn Grant, Photographer: Jon Sievert, Liner Notes: Neil Rosenberg and Laurie Lewis, Engineers: Tom Size, Ken Lee, Dave Wellhausen and Matt Campagna
[Notes]
Laurie Lewis comes full circle and brings a batch of her friends together for an inspired session of straight-ahead bluegrass. There's an empathy to the playing of Lewis with mandolinist Tom Rozum, banjoist Craig Smith, bassist Todd Phillips, and rhythm guitarist Mary Gibbons that grows on you as the album unfolds with the strong trio singing of Lewis, Gibbons, and Rozum that's equally as seductive. Highlights include "Tall Pines," Jimmy Martin's "Stepping Stones," Jean Ritchie's "Black Waters," "Acony Bell," and Lewis' own "Wind at Play," "Blow, Big Wind," and "Big Eddy." An inspired session. (AllMusic Review by Cub Koda)

The Old Home Place: Bluegrass And Old-Time Mountain Music

Rounder Records CD 1166105142

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2003
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass, Country
[Tracklist]
01 Home Again: Livewire 2:48
02 Letter To Home: IIIrd Tyme Out (3:08)
03 Old Home Place:J.D. Crowe (2:47)
04 Who Will Watch The Home Place: Laurie Lewis (5:26)
05 To Be Back Home Again: Spectrum (3:52)
06 Leaving This Land: Suzanne Thomas (3:38)
07 My Native Home: Nashville Bluegrass Band (2:50)
08 Little Whitewashed Chimney: The Cox Family (2:47)
09 This Old House: The Rice Brothers (4:54)
10 Home: Jim & Jesse (2:37)
11 Lonesome Old Home: Longview (4:42)
12 Home Is Where The Heart Is: Connie & Babe (2:00)
13 Squad Auction At The Home Place: Dry Branch Fire (3:42)
14 Old Kentucky Home: Vern Williams (2:45)
15 Cheer Of The Home Fires: Bill Grant & Delia Bell (2:50)
16 You Don't Have To Go Home: Alecia Nugent (3:12)
17 Hills Of Home: Hazel Dickens (4:12)
[Credits]
Compile: Ken Irwin, Design: Sarah Lainie Smith, Liner Notes: Bill C. Malone
[Notes]
Few things surpass the importance of home in traditional folk and country music. The Old Home Place gathers 17 songs taken from the past recordings of Rounder Records' illustrious cadre of artists. Songs chosen from the catalogs of Jim & Jesse, J.D. Crowe, and Laurie Lewis run the gauntlet of old-time and bluegrass styles. The Nashville Bluegrass Band's version of A.P. Carter's "My Native Home" captures the lonesome feel of the lyrics, while the Cox Family brings their trademark harmony to bear on "Little Whitewashed Chimney." Ed Hamilton's classic "Lonesome Old Home" gets a fresh makeover from Longview, while "Home Is Where the Heart Is" receives a traditional rendering by Connie & Babe. The cumulative effect of this disc is comparable to listening to an hour of old favorites on the radio with no commercials. The album ends with Hazel Dickens' heartbreaking "Hills of Home," a song that captures the modern changes that overtook and scattered many rural households. There's a similar melancholy to "Auction at the Home Place" by the Dry Branch Fire Squad. Besides good music, The Old Home Place works as a mediation on "home" and what it means in a changing and uncertain world. Bluegrass and old-time fans, along with those who long for the old home place, will enjoy this collection.