Sonny Terry's New Sound: Jawharp in Blues and Folk Music: With Brownie McGhee and J. C. Burris

Folkways Records FS-3821

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1968
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Blues
[Tracklist]
A1 Shortnin' Bread (2:00)
A2 Oh, What a Beautiful City (2:45)
A3 Whoop And Holler (2:23)
A4 My Baby's Gone (5:14)
A5 Dirty Mistreater (3:03)
A6 Pick A Bale Of Cotton (2:52)
A7 I've Been Your Doggie Since I've Been Your Man (3:57)
B1 Skip To My Lou (3:41)
B2 Crow Jane (3:24)
B3 Blues From Everywhere (5:32)
B4 Fox Chase (1:42)
B5 Harmonica Blues (4:42)
B6 Bottle Up And Go (3:15)
[Credits]
Sonny Terry (jawharp/harmonica/vocals) Brownie McGhee (guitar) J.C. Burris (bones/harmonica)
Recorder: Moses Asch, Producer: Charles Edward Smith, Designer: Bob McCarron, Photographer: Bob Smith

[Notes]
Best known for his blues harmonica recordings, Sonny Terry joins friends Brownie McGhee and J.C. Burris to explore the range of the jawharp (also known as Jew's harp or mouth harp) in blues and American folk music. According to producer Charles Edward Smith, Terry's vocal responses to the sounds of the jawharp, one of the world’s oldest musical instruments, recall traditional African and African-American call-and-response patterns, which influenced the blues music of Terry's generation. 13 tracks, 45 minutes, with liner notes which include the history of the jawharp, Sonny Terry's musical background, and song descriptions.

The Greenbriar Boys: Best of the Vanguard Years

Vanguard 206/07-2

Format: 2xCD, Album, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2002
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
From New Folks (1961)
1-01 Katy Clyne (2:22)
1-02 I'm Coming Back But I Don't Know When (2:19)
1-03 Stewball (2:31)
1-04 Rawhide (2:01)
From Joan Baez Vol. 2 (1961)
1-05 Banks Of The Ohio (3:06)
1-06 Pal Of Mine (2:47)
From The Greenbriar Boys (1962)
1-07 We Shall Not Be Moved (1:45)
1-08 We Need A Lot More Of Jesus (2:00)
1-09 Girl On The Greenbriar Shore (2:20)
1-10 Life Is Like A Mountain Railway (3:37)
1-11 Down The Road (1:58)
1-12 Rosie's Gone Again (2:18)
1-13 Amelia Earhart's Last Flight (3:41)
1-14 Other Side Of Jordan (1:31)
From Ragged But Right! (1964)
2-01 Sleepy-Eyed John (2:37)
2-02 Ragged But Right (2:57)
2-03 McKinley (2:53)
2-04 Leevee Breaking Blues (3:07)
2-05 A Minor Breakdown (2:19)
2-06 Let Me Fall (1:57)
2-07 The Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me (2:20)
2-08 At The End Of A Long, Lonely Day (3:41)
2-09 Yellin Holler (2:06)
2-10 I Cried Again (2:56)
From Better Late Than Never (1966)
2-11 The Train That I Ride (2:19)
2-12 I Heard The Bluebirds Sing (2:23)
2-13 Morning Train (2:31)
2-14 Shackles And Chains (2:53)
2-15 Chicken (2:24)
2-16 Alligator Man (2:38)
2-17 Russian Around (2:26)
2-18 Up To My Neck In High Muddy Waters (2:50)
2-19 Little Birdie (2:53)
2-20 Prisoner's Song (2:16)
2-21 Different Drum (3:02)
[Credits]
John Herald (guitar/vocals) Bob Yellin (banjo/harmonica/mandolin/vocals) Ralph Rinzler (guitar/mandolin/vocals) Frank Wakefield (guitar/mandolin/vocals) Joan Baez (vocals) Buddy Pendleton (fiddle) Jackie Cook (bass/vocals) Eric Weissberg (bass) Sandy Block (bass) Russ Savakus (bass) Richard Romoff (bass) Jim Buchanan (fiddle)
Producer: Fred Jasper, Liner Notes: Ed Ward, Designer: Jules Halfant & Amy L. VonHolzhausen, Photographer: Joe Alper & David Gahr, Engineer: David Glasser
[Notes]
This two-CD, 35-song compilation could probably hardly be bettered as a summation of this band's best-recorded work. Disc one focuses on tracks from 1961-1962, including four songs from the 1961 New Folks various-artists compilation, two songs from Joan Baez, Vol. 2 on which they played backup, and eight songs from their proper full-length debut, 1962's The Greenbriar Boys. Though their accent at this time was on traditional songs and covers of bluegrass tunes by the likes of Bill Monroe, this does include "Stewball" (here crediting the band as authors, though different writing credits were used when Peter, Paul & Mary covered it slightly later) and Wayne Raney's sly "We Need a Lot More of Jesus" ("and a lot less rock & roll," goes the end of the couplet when the title is sung on the refrain). Disc two contains 21 songs from their mid-'60s albums Ragged but Right! (1964) and Better Late Than Never! (1966). The first of these was the last to feature the trio lineup of John Herald, Bob Yellin, and Ralph Rinzler. Frank Wakefield replaced Rinzler for Better Late Than Never!, the record that was by far their most contemporary Vanguard effort, with more original material and some very interesting covers, like Floyd Chance's Cajun-flavored "Alligator Man." Far more familiar to rock and pop fans, though, is the original version of Mike Nesmith's "Different Drum," a slower and more whimsical arrangement than that used by the Stone Poneys on their 1967 hit cover of the tune. Linda Ronstadt also covered the Greenbriar Boys' best original song, "Up to My Neck in High Muddy Waters," also originally on Better Late Than Never! (and included on this compilation). As a whole, this is a good survey of a band who did a lot to popularize and preserve traditional bluegrass with skill, as well as take some occasional ventures into progressive directions, not only on the above-mentioned songs, but also on unusual (for bluegrass) Bob Yellin-penned instrumentals like "A Minor Breakdown" and "Russian Around." (AllMusic Review by Richie Unterberger)

The Jerry Douglas Band: What If

Rounder Records 1166100233

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: September 22, 2017
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
A1 Cavebop (4:51)
A2 What If (6:46)
A3 2:19 (4:09)
A4 Freemantle (4:28)
A5 The Last Wild Moor (4:39)
B1 Battle Stick (4:49)
B2 Hey Joe (4:19)
B3 Unfolding (7:14)
B4 Butcher Boy (4:34)
B5 Go Ahead And Leave (3:11)
[Credits]
Jerry Douglas (dobro/steel guitar/vocals) Christian Sedelmyer (fiddle) Mike Seal (guitar) Jamel Mitchell (saxophone) Vance Thompson (trumpet) Doug Belote (drums) Daniel Kimbro (bass)
Producer: Jerry Douglas, Booking: Brian Jonas, Frank Riley & High Road Touring, Designer: Jimmy Hole, Photographer: Patrick Sheehan, Engineer: Paul Blakemore, William Sean Sullivan, Chris Taylor & Daniel Davis
[Notes]
Throughout the album's 10-tracks, What If decisively merges jazz inclinations with the bluegrass, country, blues, swing, rock, and soul that Douglas spent his life absorbing and performing, forging a sound that flies beyond the boundaries of anything he–or anyone else–has done before. Assisted by Chris Taylor and Daniel Davis at Southern Ground Studios.

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.

Livin' Lovin' Losin': Songs of the Louvin Brothers

Universal South UNSF-02460-2

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2003
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country, Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 Intro to Charlie and Ira (0:26)
02 Cash on the Barrelhead: Joe Nichols and Rhonda Vincent (3:17)
03 My Baby's Gone: Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell (3:31)
04 How's the World Treating You: James Taylor and Alison Krauss (3:18)
05 I Can't Keep You in Love With Me: Vince Gill and Terri Clark (2:58)
06 Must You Throw Dirt in My Face: Merle Haggard and Carl Jackson (2:51)
07 If I Could Only Win Your Love: Ronnie Dunn and Rebecca Lynn Howard (2:34)
08 When I Stop Dreaming: Glen Campbell and Leslie Satcher (4:00)
09 I Wish You Knew: Kathy Louvin and Pamela Brown Hayes (2:27)
10 The New Partner Waltz: Linda Ronstadt and Carl Jackson (2:50)
11 Are You Teasing Me: Patty Loveless and Jon Randall (3:02)
12 I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby: Dierks Bentley and Harley Allen (2:40)
13 You're Running Wild: Carl Jackson, Larry Cordle and Jerry Salley (2:40)
14 The Angels Rejoiced: Dolly Parton and Sonya Isaacs (2:38)
15 Let Us Travel, Travel On: Marty Stuart and Del McCoury (2:39)
16 Keep Your Eyes on Jesus: Johnny Cash, Pam Tillis and The Jordanaires (3:24)
[Creduts]
Harley Allen (vocals) Dierks Bentley (vocals) Bruce Bouton (pedal steel guitar) Glen Campbell (vocals) Johnny Cash (vocals) Terri Clark (vocals) Larry Cordle (vocals) J. T. Corenflos (guitar) Tony Creasman (drums) Rodney Crowell (vocals) Glen Duncan (fiddle) Ronnie Dunn (vocals) Vince Gill (vocals) Emory Gordy (bass) Kevin Grantt (bass) Mike Bub (bass) Merle Haggard (vocals) Emmylou Harris (vocals) David Harvey (mandolin) Pamela Brown Hayes (vocals) Rebecca Lynn Howard (vocals) Roy Huskey Jr. (bass) Sonya Isaacs (vocals) Carl Jackson (vocals/guitar/banjo/mandolin/percussion) Mike Johnson (pedal steel guitar) The Jordanaires (vocals) Randy Kohrs (dobro) Alison Krauss (vocals) Kathy Louvin (vocals) Patty Loveless (vocals) Catherine Marx (piano) Del McCoury (vocals) Joe Nichols (vocals) Martin Parker (drums) Dolly Parton (vocals) Jon Randall (vocals) Matt Rollings (piano) Linda Ronstadt (vocals) Jerry Salley (vocals) Leslie Satcher (vocals) Adam Steffey (mandolin) Marty Stuart (vocals/mandolin/electronic drums) James Taylor (vocals) Pam Tillis (vocals) Steve Turner (drums) Jim Van Cleve (fiddle) Rhonda Vincent (vocals)
Producer: Carl Jackson & Kathy Louvin, Liner Notes: Tom Wilmeth, Designer: Beth Middleworth & Susan Levy, Engineer: John "Babbacombe" Lee, Luke Wooten, Jim Brady, John Carter Cash & Hank Williams
[Notes]
The Louvin Brothers were an American country music duo composed of brothers Ira Louvin and Charlie Louvin. They helped popularize close harmony, a genre of country music. Their partnership ended in 1963 with Charlie continuing a long and successful career as a solo artist. Ira died in an automobile accident in 1965 and Charlie died in 2011 from pancreatic cancer. Ira Louvin's daughter, Kathy Louvin, approached producer Carl Jackson with the idea of a Louvin Brothers tribute album. Jackson then enlisted the various artists who performed on the tracks. The project was kept a secret from Charlie, the surviving Louvin Brother, until he accidentally heard about it and later became involved in the sessions. Guest vocalists include Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, James Taylor, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, and many others. The recitation on "Keep Your Eyes on Jesus" was one of the last sessions Cash did before his death.

Hot Jazz, Cool Blues & Hard-Hitting Songs: Barbara Dane

Smithsonian Folkways SFW CD 40227

Format: 2xCD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2018
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Blues, Jazz, Ragtime, Protest
[Tracklist]
Disk One
1-01 I Am a Weary and Lonesome Traveler (4:19)
1-02 Way Behind the Sun (3:51)
1-03 Victim to the Blues (2:10)
1-04 Working People's Blues (2:47)
1-05 Come by Here (5:33)
1-06 It Isn't Nice (4:08)
1-07 Deportees (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos) (5:48)
1-08 I Don't Want Your Millions, Mister (3:35)
1-09 Ballad of Richard Campos (4:09)
1-10 Join the GI Movement (2:22)
1-11 Song of the Coat Makers (2:53)
1-12 Mill Worker (3:25)
1-13 Working-Class Woman (6:24)
1-14 Truck-Driving Woman (5:05)
1-15 Sometimes I Believe She Loves Me (4:53)
1-16 Let Me Be Your Rag Doll (Southern Blues) (3:17)
1-17 Mother Earth (5:37)
1-18 The Ones Who've Gone Before Us (When We Make It Through) (5:26)
Disk Two
2-01 Trouble in Mind (3:02)
2-02 Basin Street Blues (3:25)
2-03 Why Don't You Do Right? (2:41)
2-04 My Melancholy Baby (3:52)
2-05 Mama Yancey's Advice (4:33)
2-06 Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jellyroll (2:22)
2-07 Please Don't Lose Your Mind (If You Lose Your Money) (2:45)
2-08 Walking Blues (6:19)
2-09 King Salmon Blues (Abridged) (4:50)
2-10 Good Morning Blues (5:11)
2-11 Gipper Gate Blues (3:28)
2-12 Boulevard of Broken Dreams (3:51)
2-13 Study War No More (1:28)
2-14 This Little Light of Mine (2:56)
2-15 You Don't Know Me/You Don't Know My Mind (5:21)
2-16 Salty Dog Blues (4:24)
2-17 Only a Pawn in Their Game (3:36)
2-18 Solidarity Forever (4:41)
2-19 We Shall Not Be Moved (5:45)
2-20 Oh, Had I a Golden Thread (4:32)
[Credits]
Barbara Dane (guitar/vocals)
Producer & Compiler: Nina Menéndez & Jeff Place, Liner Notes Editor: Jacob Love, Designer: Krystyn MacGregor, Mastering Engineer: Pete Reiniger & Jessica Thompson
[Notes]
This 2 CD retrospective reflects over 60 years of Barbara Dane’s eclectic musical history in folk, blues and jazz. The 38 tracks include 14 never-before-released recordings, featuring collaborations with Lightin’ Hopkins, the Chambers Brothers, Doc Watson, Pete Seeger, Memphis Slim and Willie Dixon, Art Hodes, and more. The extensive liner notes give insight into Dane’s singular trajectory as an outspoken and indomitable artist who, unwilling to make the compromises demanded by the music business, struck out on her own path, singing for peace and social justice. 2 discs—150 minutes, extensive notes and photos in a 40-page booklet.

The Three Pickers: Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson and Ricky Skaggs

Rounder Records 116 610 526-2

Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2003
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 Feast Here Tonight (3:02
02 What Would You Give In Exchange For Your Soul? (2:36)
03 Spoken Introduction (0:55)
04 Who Will Sing For Me? (3:35)
05 Spoken Introduction (1:48)
06 Soldier's Joy (1:40)
07 Walk On Boy (3:30)
08 Daybreak Blues (3:21)
09 Don't Let Your Deal Go Down (2:30
10 Pick Along (2:39)
11 Spoken Introduction (0:30)
12 What Is A Home Without Love? (3:07)
13 Doin' My Time (4:29)
14 Earl's Breakdown (3:43)
15 The Storms Are On The Ocean (3:58)
16 Down In The Valley To Pray (2:48)
17 The Banks Of The Ohio (4:20)
18 Ridin' That Midnight Train (2:45)
19 Spoken Introduction (0:51)
20 Road To Spencer (3:36)
21 Katy Hill (2:44)
22 Foggy Mountain Top (3:10)
23 Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms (3:21)
[Credits]
Earl Scruggs (guitar/banjo/vocals) Ricky Skaggs (guitar/banjo/mandolin/vocals) Doc Watson (guitar/vocals) Alison Krauss (fiddle/vocals) John Jorgenson (mandolin/guitar/vocal) Glen Duncan (fiddle/vocal) Rob Ickes (dobro) Jim Mills (banjo) Martin Parker (drums) Gary Scruggs (bass/vocals) Darrin Vincent (guitar/vocals) Richard Watson (guitar) Cody Kilby (guitar) Mark Fain (bass) Paul Brewster (guitar/vocals) Andy Leftwich (fiddle) Brad Davis (guitar/vocals)
Director, Producer & Liner Notes: Jim Ed Brown, Producer: Sarah Cullen, Art Director: Jim Ed Brown & Steven Jurgensmeyer, Photographer: Les Leverett, Engineer: Luke Wooten
[Notes]
For one historic evening in 2002, American music legends Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson and Ricky Skaggs joined forces as The Three Pickers, filming a concert for public television. The music they made onstage before a North Carolina audience is as relaxed as a front porch picking session, drawing on the experience of three careers that contributed mightily to the creation and evolution of the music we know as bluegrass. With special guest Alison Krauss. DVD contains the bonus track "John Hardy," plus an exclusive 30-minute documentary featuring interviews with and songs by The Three Pickers. Audio CD contains three bonus tracks: "Daybreak Blues" by Doc and Richard Watson, "Doin’My Time" by Earl Scruggs with Family and Friends, and "Ridin’ That Midnight Train" by Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunderverview.

Classic Delta and Deep South Blues from Smithsonian Folkways

Smithsonian Folkways SFW CD 40222

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2018
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Delta Blues
[Tracklist]
01 C.C. Rider: Big Bill Broonzy (2:34)
02 Woman in Elaine, Arkansas: Roosevelt Sykes (2:23)
03 Death Letter Blues: Son House (2:58)
04 Your Crying Won’t Make Me Stay: K.C. Douglas and Richard Riggins (2:43)
05 Columbus, Mississippi Blues: Bukka White (3:30)
06 I'm Goin' to Walk Your Log: Cat-Iron (1:53)
07 Why Did You Go Last Night: Clifton Chenier (3:17)
08 I Stand and Wonder: Sam Chatmon (3:51)
09 Sleeping with the Devil: Johnny Young and Walter Horton (3:56)
10 Short Stuff’s Corinna: Short Stuff Macon (2:43)
11 Married Woman Blues: Big Joe Williams (1:57)
12 Up the Country Blues: Little Brother Montgomery (2:57)
13 Dream: John Littlejohn (4:44)
14 Good Morning Little Schoolgirl: Doctor Ross (3:36)
15 Catfish Blues: Honeyboy Edwards (3:27)
16 M & O Blues: Memphis Slim (3:37)
17 Forty-Four: Scott Dunbar (4:14)
18 Sun Goin' Down: Son House (4:59)
19 Frisco Line: Fred McDowell (3:58)
20 Diggin' My Potatoes: Big Bill Broonzy (2:58)
[Credits]
Compiler & Liner Notes: Barry Lee Pearson, Designer: Cooley Design Lab, Photographer: Bill Steber, Mastering Engineer: Pete Reiniger
[Notes]
Mississippi, particularly the Delta, lays claim to being the land where the blues began. Forged in the crucible of poverty and racial oppression, blues flourished there as nowhere else, evolving into what most critics consider the deepest or most intense strain of the blues tradition. During the Great Migration, music changed consistently, adapting to its new surroundings like St. Louis and Chicago, while retaining its connection to its down home Delta roots. This collection celebrates the diversity and dissemination of the blues’ most powerful and influential voices. 67 minutes, 40-page booklet with extensive notes and photos.

Paper Airplane: Alison Krauss & Union Station

Rounder Records 11661-0665-1

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 2011
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
A1 Paper Airplane (3:36)
A2 Dust Bowl Children (3:06)
A3 Lie Awake (3:55)
A4 Lay My Burden Down (3:52)
A5 My Love Follows You Where You Go (4:03)
A6 Dimming Of The Day (5:20)
B1 On The Outside Looking In (3:35)
B2 Miles To Go (2:54)
B3 Sinking Stone (4:42)
B4 Bonita And Bill Butler (4:03)
B5 My Opening Farewell (4:09)
[Credits]
Alison Krauss (fiddle/vocals) Dan Tyminski (guitar/mandolin/vocals) Jerry Douglas (dobro/vocals) Ron Block (banjo/guitar) Barry Bales (bass/vocals)
Producer: Alison Krauss & Union Station, Photographer: Randee St. Nicholas, Designer: Meat And Potatoes, Inc., Engineers: Neal Cappellino, Kyle Ford, Ted Wheeler, Tom Freitag, Mike Shipley & Brian Wohlgemuth
[Notes]
Paper Airplane is an album by Alison Krauss and Union Station. It was released on April 12, 2011 and marks Krauss's 14th album and her first release with Union Station since Lonely Runs Both Ways in 2004. It includes cover versions of "My Opening Farewell" and "Dimming of the Day", which were originally recorded by Jackson Browne and Richard Thompson, respectively.

The Earl Scruggs Revue

Columbia KC-32426

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: Rock, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk Rock, Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
A1 If I'd Only Come And Gone (2:55)
A2 Tears (2:12)
A3 Some Of Shelley's Blues (2:57)
A4 It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry (4:25)
A5 Step It Up And Go (2:25)
A6 Back Slider's Wine (2:33)
B1 Down In The Flood (2:38)
B2 Love In My Time (3:43)
B3 Holiday Hotel (2:07)
B4 Come On Train (5:30)
B5 Salty Dog Blues (2:10)
B6 Station Break (1:59)
[Credits]
Earl Scruggs (banjo) Gary Scruggs (bass/harmonica/vocals) Randy Scruggs (guitar/vocals) Josh Graves (dobro/guita/vocals) Andy McMahon (piano/organ/vocals) Tracy Nelson (vocals) Chip Young (vocals) Jody Maphis (drums/vocals) Carl Himmel (drums)
Producer: Ron Bledsoe, Photographer: Slick Lawson, Engineer: Stan Hutto
[Notes]
Red and yellow Columbia label. Track A6 is listed on sleeve as "Back Slider's Wine" and on label as "Black Slider's Wine." The correct title of the song, a composition by Michael Martin Murphey that appeared on the 1972 Michael Murphey - Geronimo's Cadillac, is "Backslider's Wine."

Songs of the Civil War

Folkways Records FH-5717

Format: Vinyl, 2xLP, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1960
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
A1 John Brown's Body: Pete Seeger (2:57)
A2 Johnny is My Darling: Ethel Raim, Elizabeth Knight and Joyce Gluck (1:26)
A3 Billy Barlow: Jerry Silverman (3:30)
A4 Somebody's Darling: Elizabeth Knight and The Harvesters (5:04)
A5 Old Abe Lincoln: Hermes Nye (1:12)
A6 The Vacant Chair: The New Lost City Ramblers (3:39)
A7 Lincoln and Liberty: Pete Seeger (1:05)
A8 Roll Alabama Roll: Jerry Silverman and The Harvesters (2:59)
A9 Clear the Track: Pete Seeger and group (1:45)
B1 Tramp, Tramp, Tramp: Jerry Silverman and The Harvesters (2:07)
B2 Bonnie Blue Flag: Elizabeth Knight with The Harvesters (2:00)
B3 Tenting Tonight: Pete Seeger (5:30)
B4 Richmond is a Hard Road to Travel: The New Lost City Ramblers (3:05)
B5 Battle Cry of Freedom: Jerry Silverman and The Harvesters (2:30)
B6 The Cumberland and the Merrimac: Ellen Stekert (2:59)
B7 Just Before the Battle, Mother: Jerry Silverman and The Harvesters (4:14)
B8 Farewell Mother: Hermes Nye (1:47)
C1 Weeping Sad and Lonely: Elizabeth Knight with The Harvesters (5:54)
C2 Marching Song of the First Arkansas: Pete Seeger and Bill MacAdoo (2:04)
C3 Overtures from Richmond: Jerry Silverman (4:13)
C4 Pat Murphy of the Irish Brigade: Ellen Stekert (1:42)
C5 Goober Peas: The New Lost City Ramblers (3:39)
C6 Cumberland Crew: Sandy Ives (4:42)
C7 High Toned Southern Gentlemen: Jerry Silverman (3:25)
D1 When Johnny Comes Marching Home: Pete Seeger and Bill MacAdoo (1:29)
D2 Who Will Care for Mother Now?: Jerry Silverman (4:01)
D3 Marching Through Georgia: Pete Seeger and Bill MacAdoo (1:50)
D4 No More Auction Block: The Harvesters (3:07)
D5 Kingdom Coming (Year of Jubilo): Pete Seeger (2:36)
D6 Booth Killed Lincoln: Cisco Houston (2:59)
D7 Oh, I'm a Good Old Rebel: Hermes Nye (1:46)
D8 Two Brothers: Ethel Raim and Ronnie Gluck (2:45)
D9 Battle Hymn of the Republic: Elizabeth Knight with The Harvesters (2:58)
[Credits]
Producer: Irwin Silber
[Notes]
The Civil War played an instrumental role in the development of an American national identity. Specifically for American folk music, the war inspired songwriting on both sides of the conflict, as amateurs and professionals wrote new, timely lyrics to old English, Scottish, and Irish ballads as well as original compositions. Some of the popular songs are still well known today, such as the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." This 33-song collection, featuring Pete Seeger, The New Lost City Ramblers, Hermes Nye, Cisco Houston, Sandy Ives, and others, was released on the centennial of the Civil War in 1960. It contains patriotic songs of the Union, songs about Southern rights, sentimental ballads, parodies, and marching songs. The liner notes by Paredon Records co-founder Irwin Silber feature song descriptions and lyrics plus a two-page essay about the music of the Civil War.

Heartland: An Appalachian Anthology

Sony Classical SK-89683

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2001
Genre: Classical, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Classical Crossover
[Tracklist]
01 Short Trip Home: Mike Marshall/Sam Bush/Joshua Bell/Edgar Meyer (3:48)
02 Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier: Mark O'Connor/James Taylor (2:55)
03 1B: Yo-Yo Ma/Edgar Meyer/Mark O'Connor (3:58)
04 Appalachia Waltz: Yo-Yo Ma/Mark O'Connor/Edgar Meyer (5:45)
05 Soldier's Joy: Mark O＇Connor (4:06)
06 Sliding Down: Edgar Meyer/Mike Marshall/Béla Fleck (4:41)
07 BT: Yo-Yo Ma/Joshua Bell/Edgar Meyer/Mark O'Connor/Mike Marshall/Sam Bush (4:50)
08 Butterfly's Day Out: Yo-Yo Ma/Edgar Meyer/Mark O'Connor (4:42)
09 College Hornpipe: Yo-Yo Ma/Edgar Meyer/Mark O'Connor (3:15)
10 Fancy Stops and Goes: Mark O＇Connor (3:47)
11 Old Tyme: Edgar Meyer/Mike Marshall/Béla Fleck (3:24)
12 Emily's Reel: Yo-Yo Ma/Edgar Meyer/Mark O'Connor (2:46)
13 Slumber My Darling: Yo-Yo Ma/Edgar Meyer/Mark O'Connor/Alison Krauss (4:49)
14 Death by Triple Fiddle: Joshua Bell/Sam Bush/Mike Marshall/Edgar Meyer (4:15)
15 Amazing Grace: Mark O＇Connor (2:46)
16 Song of the Liberty Bel: Mark O＇Connor (5:45)
[Credits]
Yo-Yo Ma (Cello) Mark O'Connor (violin) Joshua Bell (violin) Sam Bush (mandolin/violin) Edgar Meyer (bass/mandocello/piano) Mike Marshall (guitar/mandola/mandolin/violin) Béla Fleck (banjo/guitar/mandolin) Mark Schatz (banjo/bass) John Jarvis (harpsichord/keyboards/piano) Jerry Douglas (dobro) John Mock (whistle) Russ Barenberg (guitar) Eddie Bayers (percussion) Glenn Worf (bass) James Taylor (vocals) Alison Krauss (vocals)
Producer: Laraine Perri, Liner Notes: Thomas Goldsmith, Photographer: Noah Cross, Designer: Laura Torres
[Notes]
In 1995, Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, and Mark O'Connor joined forces on Appalachia Waltz, the first of a series of Sony Classical albums celebrating the varied musical textures of Americana. Over the course of six years, several albums were cut, among them Short Trip Home, Liberty!, Uncommon Ritual, and Midnight on the Water, in addition to the Grammy-winning Appalachia Waltz. Each project may have had its own specific instrumental focus, although the shared theme was clearly to obfuscate the genre lines that separate classical and traditional American music on a 200-year journey from the concert halls of Britain to the Shenandoah Valley. Heartland: An Appalachian Anthology is a carefully plucked and eclectic amalgam of these recordings. Featuring swinging waltzes, Baroque chamber music, Celtic reels, and Yankee ballads, this compendium serves as a stylistic hub of the European strain in American music. It passes as a refined bluegrass recording that is easily digested by less stodgy classical devotees, and the roster alone should be enough to cue the listener that dazzling instrumental interplay is the pièce de résistance. "Sliding Down," a Meyer composition featuring Bela Fleck (banjo) and Mike Marshall (guitar), "BT," and "Death By Triple Fiddle" (Sam Bush, Joshua Bell, and Marshall) are just a few prime examples. "Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier" and "Slumber, My Darling," which showcase the vocal nuances of James Taylor and Alison Krauss, respectively, round out the radio-friendly end of the album. Heartland is a mere crossroads, a refreshing spin on two timeless idioms. It's safe to say that it adds something to both, but the album's greatest asset may be the unknown direction it will springboard the listener. (AllMusic Review by Brian Kelly)

Songs of the Civil War

Columbia CK-48607

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released:1991
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Rock, Blues, Pop, Folk
[Tracklist]
01 Ashokan Farewell: Jay Ungar and Molly Mason (4:11)
02 No More Auction Block For Me: Sweet Honey in the Rock (5:30)
03 Lincoln and Liberty: Ronnie Gilbert (2:12)
04 Dixie's Land: United States Military Academy Band (1:17)
05 The Southern Soldier Boy: Kathy Mattea (2:36)
06 Aura Lee: John Hartford (1:28)
07 Rebel Soldier: Waylon Jennings (3:30)
08 Follow the Drinking Gourd: Richie Havens (3:25)
09 Battle Hymn of the Republic: Judy Collins (2:17
10 When Johnny Comes Marching Home: United States Military Academy Band (2:13)
11 Was My Brother in the Battle?: Kate & Anna McGarrigle (3:43)
12 The Yellow Rose of Texas: Hoyt Axton (2:15)
13 Run, Mourner, Run: Sweet Honey in the Rock (2:44)
14 Give Us a Flag: Richie Havens (2:39)
15 The Secesh (Shiloh): John Hartford (2:55)
16 Somebody's Darling: Kathy Mattea (4:12)
17 An Old Unreconstructed: Waylon Jennings (1:52)
18 Vacant Chair: Kathy Mattea (4:12)
19 Better Times Are Coming: Kate & Anna McGarrigle (1:46)
20 Lorena: John Hartford (4:44)
21 Marching Through Georgia: Jay Ungar and Molly Mason (3:01)
22 Hard Times Come Again No More: Kate & Anna McGarrigle (2:27)
23 Oh I'm a Good Old Rebel: Hoyt Axton (1:54)
24 When Johnny Comes Marching Home: Ronnie Gilbert (1:51)
25 Taps: Staff Sgt. Steve Luck (0:59)
[Credits]
Producer: Ken Burns, Don DeVito & Chris Anderson, Liner notes: Arthur Levy & Peter Miller, Art Direction: Nicky Lindeman, Designer: Pat Jerina, Engineer: Mark Ferguson, SFC Dave Hydock, Larry Loewinger, Johnny Rosen, Alan Silverman & Mike Zook
[Notes]
Songs of the Civil War is a compilation album, released in 1991 by Columbia, that presents an assortment of contemporary performers recording period pieces and traditional songs that date back to the American Civil War.

In The Ground: The Gibson Brothers

Rounder Records CD 1166100173

Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2017
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 Highway (3:07)
02 Homemade Wine (3:11)
03 Remember Who You Are (2:59)
04 Making Good Time (3:05)
05 My Quiet Mind (4:07)
06 I Can’t Breathe Deep Yet (3:32)
07 Fool’s Hill (3:29)
08 Friend of Mine (2:57)
09 Little Girl (4:11)
10 I Found a Church Today (2:42)
11 Look Who’s Crying (3:39)
12 Everywhere I Go (4:01)
13 In the Ground (4:55)
[Credits]
Leigh Gibson (guitar/vocals) Eric Gibson (banjo/vocals) Jesse Brock (mandolin/vocals) Clayton Campbell (fiddle) Mike Barber (bass) Rob Ickes (dobro)
[Notes]
The Gibson Brothers' brand of bluegrass is a visceral mix of heritage and soaring harmony, making them the premiere brother duet of the genre, following in the footsteps of legendary brother acts such as the Stanley Brothers, Jim & Jesse, and the Osborne Brothers. Their first-ever album of entirely original songs, In the Ground sees the Gibson Brothers taking on their own roots as the sixth generation of Gibsons to grow up on their family farm. The two-time International Bluegrass Music Association Entertainers of the Year follow up their stellar, 5-times nominated tribute to brother harmonies, Brotherhood, with this latest effort, which digs even deeper into their commitment to family and their history. The themes come from the farm, their childhood, and the region in which they were raised. One can hear their dedication to the songs, from the lighthearted to the profound; in the modernity of the lyrics, matched with a virtuosity that feels somehow both traditional and revelatory. Featuring celebrated, award-winning Dobro player Rob Ickes, In the Ground reaches into new territory for the Gibson Brothers as they reflect on their past.

Traditional Music From Grayson And Carroll Counties: Songs, Tunes with Fiddle, Banjo and Band

Folkways Records FS-3811

Format: Vinyl, Album, Mono
Country: US
Released: 1962
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Bluegrass, Old Time
[Tracklist]
A01 Cluck Old Hen: Vester Jones (3:22)
A02 Soldier's Joy: Glen Smith (2:51)
A03 Polly Put the Kettle On: Glen Smith (2:04)
A04 Ida Red: Wade Ward (1:29)
A05 Devilish Mary: Glen Neaves, Roscoe Russell, and Ivor Melton (2:28)
A06 Old Jimmy Sutton: Vester Jones (2:49)
A07 Fire in the Mountain: Glen and Frank Smith (1:21)
A08 Old Ruby (Old Reuben): Vester Jones (3:26)
A09 Little Love: Glen Smith (2:42)
A10 Sourwood Mountain: Wade Ward (1:07)
A11 Poor Ellen Smith: Vester Jones (2:25)
A12 Mississippi Sawyer: Glen and Frank Smith: (1:56)
A13 Pretty Polly: Ed Spencer (1:29)
B01 Katy Cline: Vester Jones (2:19)
B02 Cindy: Glen Smith (2:10)
B03 Ground Hog: Vester Jones (2:27
B04 Hell Among the Yearlings (Hell Amongst the Yearlings): Glen Smith (2:03)
B05 Sugar Hill: Ed Spencer (1:08)
B06 Old Joe Clark: Vester Jones (2:18)
B07 Johnson Boys: Glen Smith (2:50)
B08 Cripple Creek: Wade Ward (1:06)
B09 Tom Dooley: Glen Neaves, Roscoe Russell, and Ivor Melton (2:12)
B10 Fortune: Glen Smith (3:35)
B11 Pretty Little Willow / Sugarfoot Rag (medley): Glen Smith (1:40)
B12 Sally Goodin': Vester Jones (2:24)
B13 Old Jimmy Sutton: Glen Smith (2:05)
B14 Handsome Molly: Glen Neaves and Roscoe Russell (2:52)
[Credits]
Recorder & Producer: Eric H. Davidson & Paul Newman
[Notes]
Bordering each other in southwestern Virginia, Grayson and Carroll counties have a distinctive musical heritage. An important banjo technique, variously called "clawhammer," "flailing the banjo," or "thumbnoting," captured the interest of collectors Eric Davidson and Paul Newman, who set out to record examples of this indigenous style. Recorded between 1958 and 1961, the songs and tunes are believed to be representative of the traditional musical heritage of the area. How do we know? According to elderly locals, the style of the music on this album is similar to what they remember as far back as their grandparents’ day. Liner notes include a social and musical history of Grayson and Carroll counties, song notes and lyrics, and performer biographies.

Takes Off: Jefferson Airplane

RCA Victor AFL1-3584

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: US
Released: August 15, 1966
Genre: Rock
Style: Folk Rock
[Tracklist]
A1 Blues From An Airplane (2:10)
A2 Let Me In (2:55)
A3 Bringing Me Down (2:22)
A4 It's No Secret (2:37)
A5 Tobacco Road (3:26)
B1 Come Up The Years (2:30)
B2 Run Around (2:35)
B3 Let's Get Together (3:32)
B4 Don't Slip Away (2:31)
B5 Chauffeur Blues (2:25)
B6 And I Like It (3:16)
[Credits]
Marty Balin (rhythm guitar/vocals) Signe Toly Anderson (percussion/vocals) Jorma Kaukonen (lead guitar) Paul Kantner (rhythm guitar/vocals) Jack Casady (bass guitar) Skip Spence (drums)
Producer: Matthew Katz & Tommy Oliver, Liner Notes: Ralph J. Gleason, Recording Engineer: Dave Hassinger
[Notes]
The debut Jefferson Airplane album was dominated by singer Marty Balin, who wrote or co-wrote all the original material and sang most of the lead vocals in his heartbreaking tenor with Paul Kantner and Signe Anderson providing harmonies and backup. (Anderson's lead vocal on "Chauffeur Blues" indicated she was at least the equal of her successor, Grace Slick, as a belter.) The music consisted mostly of folk-rock love songs, the most memorable of which were "It's No Secret" and "Come up the Years." (There was also a striking version of Dino Valente's "Get Together" recorded years before the Youngbloods' hit version.) Jorma Kaukonen already displayed a talent for mixing country, folk, and blues riffs in a rock context, and Jack Casady already had a distinctive bass sound. But the Airplane of Balin-Kantner-Kaukonen-Anderson-Casady-Spence is to be distinguished from the Balin-Kantner-Kaukonen-Casady-Slick-Dryden version of the band that would emerge on record five months later chiefly by Balin's dominance. Later, Grace Slick would become the group's vocal and visual focal point. On Jefferson Airplane Takes Off, the Airplane was still Balin's group. (AllMusic Review by William Ruhlmann)

Joan Baez Live in Japan

Vanguard / King Record GP-315

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Japan
Released: 1973
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
A1 Oh, Freedom (traditional)
A2 There But For Fortune (P. Ochs)
A3 Saigon Bride (J. Baez, N. Duschek)
A4 House Of The Rising Sun (traditional)
A5 Donna Donna (S. Secunda, A. Zeitlin) Blowin' In The Wind (B. Dylan)
B1 It Ain't Me Babe (B. Dylan)
B2 What Have They Done To The Rain (M. Reynolds)
B3 Wild Mountain Thyme (traditional)
B4 Pilgrim Of Sorrow (traditional)
B5 Farewell To This Today (S. Kaneko) 今日の日はさようなら (金子詔一)
B6 We Shall Overcome (G. Carawan, Hamilton, Z. Horton, P. Seeger)
[Credits]
Joan Baez (guitar/vocals) Mari Kobayashi (B5: vocals 小林万里)
Liner notes: Kazuo Mituhashi (三橋一夫)
[Notes]
Recorded at Kosei-Nenken Hall, Tokyo, Feb. 1, 1967（1967年2月1日東京厚生年金ホール）

Lead Belly: The Smithsonian Folkways Collection

Smithsonian Folkways SFW CD 40201

Format: 5xCD, Compilation, Remastered
Country: US
Released: 2015
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Blues
[Tracklist]
Disc One
1-01 Irene (Goodnight Irene) (1:53)
1-02 The Bourgeois Blues (2:18)
1-03 Fannin Street (Mister Tom Hughes Town) (3:30)
1-04 The Midnight Special (2:03)
1-05 John Henry (3:10)
1-06 Black Girl (Where Did You Sleep Last Night) (2:07)
1-07 Pick A Bale Of Cotton (1:30)
1-08 Take This Hammer (2:15)
1-09 Cotton Fields (2:06)
1-10 Old Riley (1:58)
1-11 Rock Island Line (2:02)
1-12 The Gallis Pole (2:45)
1-13 Ha-Ha This A Way (1:34)
1-14 Sukey Jump (1:04)
1-15 Boll Weevil (3:07)
1-16 Scottsboro Boys (4:32)
1-17 Governor O.K. Allen (2:37)
1-18 Governor Pat Neff (3:40)
1-19 There's A Man Going Around Taking Names (1:24)
1-20 On A Monday (1:47)
1-21 You Can't Lose Me, Cholly (2:37)
1-22 Keep Your Hands Off Her (2:51)
1-23 We Shall Be Free (2:34)
Disc Two
2-01 Alabama Bound (2:17)
2-02 Almost Day (1:05)
2-03 Fiddler's Dream (2:28)
2-04 Green Corn (1:15)
2-05 Sally Walker (2:40
2-06 Bring Me A Little Water, Silvy (0:48)
2-07 Julie Ann Johnson (0:41)
2-08 Linin' Track (1:11)
2-09 Whoa, Back, Buck (2:09)
2-10 Shorty George (1:28)
2-11 Ham And Eggs (1:42)
2-12 Moanin' (1:00)
2-13 Out On The Western Plains (1:31)
2-14 Noted Rider (2:50)
2-15 Meeting At The Building (0:59)
2-16 Good, Good, Good (Talking, Preaching) / We Shall Walk Through The Valley (2:11)
2-17 Ain't You Glad (The Blood Done Signed My Name) (2:19)
2-18 I'm So Glad, I Done Got Over (1:21)
2-19 The Hindenburg Disaster (3:22)
2-20 Ella Speed (5:48)
2-21 Haul Away Joe (2:48)
2-22 Old Man (2:35)
2-23 Sweet Jenny Lee (1:51)
2-24 Jean Harlow (1:40)
2-25 Laura (1:41)
2-26 Queen Mary (4:46)
Disc Three
3-01 Good Morning Blues (2:24)
3-02 Sail On, Little Girl (3:14)
3-03 Easy Rider (2:51)
3-04 Poor Howard (1:36)
3-05 Duncan And Brady (4:06)
3-06 How Long, How Long (2:13)
3-07 T.B. Blues (3:43)
3-08 Jim Crow Blues (3:30)
3-09 Pigmeat (2:33)
3-10 John Hardy (2:43)
3-11 Outskirts Of Town (2:40)
3-12 4, 5 And 9 (2:20)
3-13 In The Evening (When The Sun Goes Down) (3:29)
3-14 Red Cross Store Blues (3:09)
3-15 Diggin' My Potatoes (2:34)
3-16 Blind Lemon (1:39)
3-17 When A Man's A Long Way From Home (2:57)
3-18 Alberta (3:11)
3-19 Excerpt From "The Lonesome Train" (3:11)
3-20 National Defense Blues (3:13)
3-21 Hitler Song (Mr. Hitler) (4:31)
3-22 Big Fat Woman (1:10)
3-23 Been So Long (Bellevue Hospital Blues) (2:44)
Disc Four
4-01 Grey Goose, Boll Weevil, Yellow Gal, Ha-Ha This A Way, Leaving Blues, Irene (14:42)
4-02 Almost Day, Blues In My Kitchen, Blues In My Dining Room, I Went Up On The Mountain, Good Morning Blues, Baby, Don't You Love Me No More, T.B. Blues, Irene (14:45)
4-03 If It Wasn't For Dicky (2:15)
4-04 What's You Gonna Do When The World's On Fire (2:12)
4-05 Rock Me (Hide Me In Thy Bosom) (2:19)
4-06 Packin' Trunk Blues (2:35)
4-07 Leaving Blues (2:58)
4-08 How Come You Do Me Like You Do? (3:26)
4-09 One Dime Blues (2:25)
4-10 I'm Going To Buy You A Brand New Ford (1:40)
4-11 Jail-House Blues (1:13)
4-12 Shout On (2:09)
4-13 Come And Sit Down Beside Me (1:02)
4-14 Red River (2:14)
Disc Five
5-01 Yes, I Was Standing In The Bottom (1:41))
5-02 Ain't Going Down To The Well No More (Version 2) (1:23)
5-03 Everytime I Go Out (1:25)
5-04 Go Down, Old Hannah (4:58)
5-05 Black Betty (1:53)
5-06 Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out (3:42)
5-07 Stewball (2:34)
5-08 Ain't It A Shame To Go Fishin' On A Sunday (1:22)
5-09 Relax Your Mind (4:05)
5-10 Princess Elizabeth (3:33)
5-11 Silver City Bound (6:01)
5-12 The Titanic (5:11)
5-13 House Of The Rising Sun (2:24)
5-14 It's Tight Like That (3:09)
5-15 Diggin' My Potatoes (3:57)
5-16 Springtime In The Rockies (3:02)
5-17 Backwater Blues (3:23)
5-18 Didn't Old John Cross The Water (1:56)
5-19 De Kalb Blues (3:51)
5-20 They Hung Him On The Cross (Version 1) (2:26)
5-21 They Hung Him On The Cross (Version 2) (2:49)
5-22 In The World (2:02)
[Credits]
Leadbelly (guitar/vocals)
Liner Notes: Jeff Place & Robert Santelli, Art Direction: Visual Dialogue, Executive-Producer: D.A. Sonneborn & Daniel E. Sheehy, Compilation Producer: Jeff Place & Robert Santelli, Editor: Carla Borden Production Manager: Mary Monseur, Remastering: Pete Reiniger
[Notes]
Lead Belly is "the hard name of a harder man," said Woody Guthrie of his friend and fellow American music icon who was born Huddie Ledbetter (c. 1888–1949). From the swamplands of Louisiana, the prisons of Texas, and the streets of New York City, Lead Belly and his music became cornerstones of American folk music and touchstones of African American cultural legacy. With his 12-string Stella guitar, he sang out a cornucopia of songs that included his classics "The Midnight Special," "Irene," "The Bourgeois Blues," and many more, which in turn have been covered by musical notables such as the Beach Boys, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Van Morrison, Nirvana, Odetta, Little Richard, Pete Seeger, Frank Sinatra and Tom Waits. Lead Belly: The Smithsonian Folkways Collection brings us the story of the man as well as the musician. 5 Discs, 108 tracks (16 unreleased), 5 hours of music, historic photos, extensive notes, and 140-page book.

Earl Scruggs: I Saw The Light With Some Help From My Friends

Columbia KC-31354

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
A1 Lonesome And A Long Way From Home: Earl Scruggs Revue (2:33)
A2 Silver Wings: Linda Ronstadt (3:25)
A3 It's A Picture From Life's Other Side: Arlo Guthrie (3:36)
A4 Motherless Child Blues: Tracy Nelson (4:29)
A5 Some Of Shelley's Blues: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (2:44)
B1 Never Ending Song Of Love: Earl Scruggs Revue (2:44)
B2 Rock Salt And Nails: Linda Ronstadt & Tracy Nelson (3:20)
B3 The Banks Of The Ohio: Arlo Guthrie (3:25)
B4 Ring Of Fire: Linda Ronstadt (2:11)
B5 Propinquity: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (2:17)
B6 I Saw The Light: Guest Artists (3:43)
[Credits]
Earl Scruggs (banjo) Linda Ronstadt, Arlo Guthrie, Tracy Nelson, Gary Scruggs, Jeff Hanna (lead vocals) Norman Blake (dobro) Vassar Clements (fiddle) Les Thompson (mandolin) Bob & Pauline Wilson (piano) Jody Maphis, Karl Himmel (drums) The Earl Scruggs Revue, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Stacey Belson & Arloff Boguslavaki
Producer: Don Law, Designer: Bill Barnes, Photographer: Slick Lawson, Engineer: Charlie Bragg
[Notes]
When Earl Scruggs split with longtime collaborator and fellow Foggy Mountain Boy Lester Flatt in 1969, it was evident who of the pair had the more commercial aspirations. While Flatt remained firmly rooted in the bluegrass tradition, Scruggs, much like similar-minded artists such as the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Johnny Darrell, and the Dillards, sought to bridge the gap between pop, folk, and the old-timey sounds of yesteryear. I Saw the Light With Some Help from My Friends may sound like it was culled from the buckle of the "Bible Belt" (there are indeed a few spirituals), but the "friends" referenced in the title are merely saviors of the late-'60s/early-'70s country-folk movement. Scruggs gathered both family -- sons Gary, Randy, and Steve -- and contemporaries like Linda Ronstadt, Arlo Guthrie, Vassar Clements, Tracy Nelson, Norman Blake, and the aforementioned Dirt Band, to flesh out an album of covers both sublime (Merle Haggard's "Silver Wings") and surprising (Monkee Michael Nesmith's "Some of Shelley's Blues"). The musicianship is top-notch and the vocals, especially Ronstadt and Nelson -- Arlo Guthrie will always be an acquired taste for some -- are warm and soulful, resulting in one of the more lucid and enjoyable examples of the crossover genre. (by James Christopher Monger)