The opinions expressed are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the KVMR MD, PD, PC, staff, management, underwriters, Board of Directors, hangers-on or passers-by.

Your Reviewer:
DJ = Don Jacobson

Artist:
Album
CLASS
Review notes

This CD is a collection of songs written after 9/11. Jim Page is unfortunately a very underrated songwriter with several fine albums to his credit. This CD is one of his best and one of the best released in the last 12 months. His songs are insightful and he pulls no punches. Track 3 contains the word "ass." Read the liner notes! Highly recommended. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9.
DJ

This is not a commercial release compiled of previously recorded material and some previously unreleased songs. Three are available as downloads www.tantobie.com. Jez Lowe is another under recognized songwriter with many albums to his credit. Track 2 is titled "Japs & English" which the notes remark the title refers to a children's game similar to "cowboys & Indians." Tracks: 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10.
DJ

This collection, previously released by the Library of Congress, is the title of Alan Lomax's acclaimed book of the same name. Collected between 1933 and 1959 it contains names we recognize like Muddy Water, Son House, Memphis Slim, Fred MacDowell and Big Bill Broonzy. Others like Little Red, Tangle Eye and Hard Hair are less so. All in all it is an amazing anthology of gospel and the secular. Tracks: 1, 3, 5, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28.
DJ

Taken from Rounder's vast collection of old-time (country) music, this collection contains both contemporary performers and those who have passed on. One highlight is Ola Belle Reed performing her own song "High On the Mountain." There is some great fiddling by Bruce Molsky, Clark Kessinger and Ralph Blizzard. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 11, 15, 18, 19, 24, 26.
DJ

Hawkins is a great guitar player. He displays his virtuosity playing and singing covers of the likes of Freddy King, Blind Blake, Blind Willie Johnson, Rev. Gary Davis and Robert King. This CD will work well with a folk or blues set. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11.
DJ

Cisco's name came from Cisco Grove. He took a liking to it as his family drove over the Sierra on US 40. He was often accused of having a voice that was "too good for folk music." This compilation contains a few over produced selections but for the most part, it is an excellent collection. Included are some previously unreleased tracks. Tracks: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23.
DJ

Except for the absence of "912 Greens," all of Ramblin' Jack's hits are on this CD. Although the liner notes don't say when these selections were recorded, Jack is in his finest voice. Bob Dylan plays harmonica on "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." Included are several previously unreleased tracks. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 23, 25.
DJ

Lightnin' is a legend among the great blues players. This recording features two sets at the Newport Folk Festival. Unfortunately, the second set featured a drummer who didn't mesh with Lightnin's style. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7.
DJ

Irish traditional music is alive and well in Ireland. Ceide is another youngish group playing traditional music or music in the traditional style. They do it very well although some of the vocals on this CD are a little weak. Tracks: 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9.
DJ

The material played by Nightingale ranges from Canada to Europe. They are excellent musicians and do justice to all of the regions from which they draw their repertoire. Several vocals are interspersed with instrumentals. Tracks: 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 14.
DJ

Someone said you can learn more history from songs than textbooks. This Library of Congress recording proves that point. All of the songs are sung by miners, not professional singers. Not only is this CD educational and true to the original meaning of folk music, it is good music. Tracks: 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18.
DJ

Another in the series of the Sing Out! magazine CD supplements. The range of material spans the traditional and the contemporary with several international additions (track 12 African, track from the mid east, track 14 is Celtic and track 18 from Mexico). Track 8 is worthy of special mention as it is about Ned Lud which the term luddite (anti-technology) is taken. Tracks: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18.
DJ

This is the real thing, folk music by folks. I was a little surprised by the formal choir arrangements of labor songs I am used to hearing in a much more informal setting. Nevertheless, they are good songs, sung well. Tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13.
DJ

I may be prejudiced against this CD because any tribute to Kate Wolf is compared to the original. It may be impossible for anyone to live up such a high standard. That said, there are some tracks that are worthy of airplay. Tracks: 2, 5, 6.
DJ

Does the combination of drums and guitar sound strange to you? I did to me too. The father son combination sing folk songs playing guitar and drums. Tracks 2, 4, 10.
DJ

Ruskin is a very good acoustic guitar player. This CD is a mixture of genres including pop, ragtime, Gershwin, jazz and some originals. All the selections are instrumentals. Tracks: 1, 5, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18.
DJ

The only complaint I have about this CD is that it doesn't feature enough guitar. Joining Hill are some excellent northwest musicians Vivian Williams, Barbara Lamb, Mark Graham and Frank Ferrel. This is a re-issue of a LP released in the early 1970's. Highly recommended. Tracks: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15.
DJ

The value of this CD is 60% historical and 40% it's music. Although he is an invaluable resource for documenting traditional American ballads, blues and medicine show songs, Uncle Dave was popular in his time and only now would be considered old time country or folk. He was one of the first musicians to perform on the radio version of the Grand Ole Opry. Track 17 contains the word "nigger." Tracks: 4, 7, 8, 12, 13.
DJ

A dozen songs composed songs grace this CD. All are in the traditional style from the serious, Gillian Welch's "Caleb Meyer" to Chuck Brodsky's humorous "Take It Out Back." Tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12.
DJ

Leeder's rough edged voice doesn't work on all of the vocals. However there are some nice back up harmonies and instrumentals. Tracks: 4, 7, 8.
DJ

Folk 'N Review is not published with any KVMR funds. Constructive criticism, contrary opinions, humor and suggestions welcome for publication.

You can have Folk 'N Review delivered every once in a while to your KVMR mail box or e-mail box. Leave a message in my KVMR mail box or send an e-mail to me at: donj@infostations.net.