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 Reviewers:
DJ = Don Jacobson

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.

Artist:
Album
CLASS
Review notes

This is one of the best releases of 2002. It is part re-issue and contains a lot of previously unreleased material. Recorded at the Great American Music Hall in April of '83, many of the topical songs are (unfortunately) still topical today. "No More Genocide" is a song that should be played and played and played. It gives voice to our feelings that we want no part of killing innocent people in our name. We need it now, more than ever. Although the subjects vary, the composite feeling from this album is one of empowerment. We need it now, more than ever. Tracks: Disc 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, Disc 2: 3, 4, 10, 11.
DJ

Miller has developed a unique concept with his bluesy ragtime arrangements of opera arias. He is an excellent guitarist and the material was well chosen. The tracks all run together so most of the tracks need to be faded in and out. Highly recommended. Tracks:1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.
DJ

Poetry and fire from a Flamenco guitar! Marraccini is a very hot guitar player and a talented composer. All of the selections are written by Marraccini. Tracks: 1, 3, 5, 8.
DJ

WOW! Lehmann-Haupt is a fantastic guitar player at home in folk, world, jazz or classical genres. All of the those are represented on this CD. It works as an anthology (great for radio) or for casual listening from start to finish. He plays an excellent version of Bonfa's "Manha De Carnaval" Consider playing this CD with tracks from the Dale Miller and Luigi Marraccini CDs. Tracks: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13.
DJ

This CD features composers who were born in 1540 to as late as 1956. The material is an interesting mix of the familiar to the obscure. One traditional Irish piece was added to the program. The playing is superb. Tracks: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 18.
DJ

American & Celtic folk music is what this CD is about. Nice instrumentation and vocals are found throughout with a nice sprinkling of hammered dulcimer, autoharp, guitar and banjo. Tracks: 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17.
DJ

The first 12 tracks were recorded in 1938 and the remaining five in 1946. The 1938 recordings are far superior technically and the 1946 recordings are so poor technically, I wouldn't play them on the air. Rounder has previously published better material from Lead Belly but there are some worthy tracks here. Tracks: 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10.
DJ

Angelis has been around for a few years playing world (European) influenced violin. She even played live in the old KVMR studios, I believe. Tracks: 3, 5, 7, 8.
DJ

This is another quarterly CD extra from Sing Out! magazine, containing recordings of the published music. Great version of the "Man of Constant Sorrow" by Ralph Stanley. Tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 17, 18,
DJ

This is the second in a series of women in bluegrass compilations. The choices for inclusion are excellent, and my favorite is Olla Belle Reed's "High On the Mountain." Tracks: 1, 3, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.
DJ

The tunes on this CD are instrumentals with Epstein on fiddle and guitar and mandolin backup. Most of the selections are written by Epstein but they are in the traditional style. Tracks: 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
DJ

Subtitled "Songs of Woody Gutrhrie," this CD has some of Woody's well known songs as well as some of his more obscure songs. Rafael's gravelly voice does well with most of them and its important to keep Woody's songs alive and vibrant. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13.
DJ

This CD is yet another compilation from Rounder. "A Women's Bluegrass Gospel Collection" is the descriptive subtitle. With a lot of material to choose from, this collection contains a lot of exceptional material. You don't have to be a fan of bluegrass gospel to like this CD. Tracks: 2, 3, 4, 7, 11, 13.
DJ

The title just about covers it. The 2nd look like they are part of the Civil War reinactment fad but the music holds up. Tracks: 1, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15.
DJ

Edward James Richard, a man with three first names. He plays the banjo and is the Reverend Edward. As you might expect, there are quite a few gospel numbers. Tracks: 1, 3, 7.
DJ

The band is really a trio but that's all they need to create a full sound. Good musicianship mixes with good vocals to make a very enjoyable listen to the old-time and folk music selections. Tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 16.
DJ

This CD is a concert recording for the benefit of the Fredonia Opera House in New York. The selections are either traditional or in the traditional style, and are played with enthusiasm. Tracks: 3, 4, 8, 14.
DJ

J.P. Cormier is Joseph's nephew and they both play the fiddle (Joseph plays other instruments as well). Whether it's in the genes or J.P is a good student, the result is another great Cormier fiddle player. As you would expect, there are some great fiddle duets. Tracks: 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14.
DJ

Mostly Celtic selections with a Swedish Medley and an East European Medley thrown in as kickers. The vocals are a little weak, except for tracks 7 & 10, but the instrumentals are the core of the CD. Tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12.
DJ

The fiddle players on this CD are not professional and their music was not meant to be publically distributed out of their locale. The quality is mixed but the good tracks are for air play. Tracks: 8, 10, 11.
DJ

This is a compilation of the first three albums by the best known Welsh traditional group. How can you go wrong with a group that plays songs in a language that has words that start with "dd" "ff" and "ll?" The CD has a good combination of vocals and instrumentals, a nice cross-section of traditional Welsh music. Tracks: 1, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 21.
DJ

Creaven plays the traditional Irish music on a wooden flute. Some selections are solo and others he is joined by Dennis Cahill on bouzouki. This is a stunning first album by a very accomplished flute player. He could use another back up instrument or two to add some more variety to the CD. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.
DJ

Both Marie & Martin have played with "Riverdance" and Marie is a current member of the excellent Cherish the Ladies. After hearing it for the first time, this is one of my favorite Celtic releases of 2002. They are superb instrumentalists that belie their young years. Highly recommended. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.
DJ

Traditional music from a rich New England culture. MacArthur and her musically talented family have a love the music they play that is very evident. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 13, 14.
DJ

Kim Wallach, who has at least a couple of solo CDs, joins with Kate Seeger (yes, she is from that Seeger family) and Fay Baird to form the Short Sisters. This is their third CD and like the previous efforts it combines good harmony singing with an interesting collection of traditional and contemporary folk. "The Other Shore" is a Austin Lounge Lizard song and a Utah Phillips song "Rock Salt & Nails" is included. Tracks: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 16.
DJ

Pickren provides some interesting arrangements of well know folk songs. His voice is on the rough edge but it works for most of the songs. Tracks: 4, 5, 8, 11.
DJ

The subtitle is "Music if Celtica, France & Early America." Although they do a good job on all of the range of material, the French songs stand out. Tracks: 2, 3, 7, 14.
DJ

More topical material from long time progressive folkie Charlie King and his partner Karen Brandow. A goodly number of the songs have humor (Thank goodness!). "Deeper Waters" is based on a story by Wendell Berry. This CD needs to be played. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14.
DJ

Siucra is yet another band of young people playing Irish music in the traditional style. Based out of New England they have found their roots from across the sea. Nice stuff! Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.
DJ

Crasdant is Welch band who play mostly traditional dance tunes and a couple of self described "new traditional" dance tunes. I'm glad this hidden element of Celtic music is being uncovered in this country. Tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 11.
DJ

Tenenbaum is an excellent old-banjo player. Unfortunately, there is far too little of her banjo prominent the mix. Her voice is not sufficient for thsongs she chose to sing. Tracks: 1, 3, 6, 18.
DJ

This CD is a mixture of traditional songs and fiddle music from Britain and France. All are performed in Medieval style. Very tasty. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10.
DJ

The song on this CD are traditional but the arrangements are quite modern. Most of the time it works. Tracks: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11.
DJ

Barachois is a Canadian band who play music of Canada and Cajun country. Some of their vocals are an acquired taste but there are plenty of selections to play from this CD. Tracks: 2, 5, 6, 8.
DJ

Carreg Lafar is a very talented ensemble from Wales. You will hear excellent instrumentation and very fine singing on this CD. Almost all of the selections are traditional. Tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.
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.