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

Artist:
Album
CLASS
Review notes

This is a re-issue of Paxton's second album (originally released in 1964) but one that put him solidly on the folk map. A testament to Paxton's song-writing is that 10 out of the 15 songs are great songs that have lost none of their vitality or timeliness. Tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15.
DJ

Davis was a featured teller at the Sierra Storytelling Festival in North Columbia. This CD does not reflect Davis's "fall out of your chair laughing" humor. It does however, celebrate the awakening of respect and love for our parents that can only come with maturity. Davis is a masterful storyteller. Tracks: 2, 3, 5, 6.
DJ

And now for something completely different! It's the Celtic Marimba. Incongruent? Not at all. Guitar, octave mandolin, piano and bass join the marimba ensemble to play some O'Carolan and traditional tunes. Recommended. Tracks: 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.
DJ

Hurt is a young banjo player who plays in the old time clawhammer style. He is very good at it too! There is enough variety on his CD to make a good listen from start to finish. Highly recommended. Tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16.
DJ

Originally recorded in 1971, the master were lost and only recently found. Although produced by usually capable Jim Rooney, I found most of the selections over produced. Exceptions are tracks: 7, 8, 9.
DJ

Except for the first selection ("Bristlecone Pine"), the material failed to move me. I found too much "spiritual" content and not enough enthusiasm.
DJ

All of the tracks were written in the last two years except for the A.P. Carter song "March Winds Goin' Blow My Blues." They all however have the roots firmly embedded. Good harmony singing is combined with a mastery of their instruments make this a good listen. Tracks: 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10.
DJ

The Society, based in Bozeman, MT, combines a variety of styles on this CD. From classical to Irish to jazz to pop to contemporary folk some are quite interesting arrangements although not all them work. Tracks: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
DJ

The Clarke Sisters are from England, are comprised of two women an a man. The women are not sisters and they are not named Clarke. Nevertheless, the CD is a fine excursion into contemporary writing based on deep roots with a healthy contribution of traditional material. The future of English traditional music is good hands, even if they lie about their name. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 13.
DJ

Smith & Jones are veterans of the traditional folk music scene. Jones played with Rising Fawn Ensemble with Norman and Nancy Blake as members. Smith played with the Heartbeats and other groups. The CD consists of instrumentals and songs. I think they do an especially fine version of "Going To The West" Tracks: 2, 4, 9, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18.
DJ

This CD includes a nice selection on traditional/old-timey songs and tunes. Some of the vocals are weak ("Bright Morning Star" is an exception) but there is plenty of material for air play. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 12, 18.
DJ

Another varied and interesting collection from the Sing Out! magazine. There are a couple of selections by the Hungarian group Csokolom, one by the NYC Labor Chorus ("Bread & Roses"), Tommy Jarrell, Jean Richie, Greg Brown, Martin Carthy, Jez Lowe and more. Tracks: 1, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21.
DJ

Thirty years in existence, and Sweet Honey is still writing and performing topical songs. They are just as good and full of energy too. Two songs are about the disenfranchisment of residents of Washington DC and one commemorates the sit-ins. Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18.
DJ

The selections on this CD range from the hey day of Bill Monroe to the very contemporary. The arrangements are straightforward with most of the CD sounding like straight ahead bluegrass. I preferred the instrumentals with the exception of "Flesh Blood & Bone." Tracks: 4, 9, 10, 11, 13.
DJ

Recorded in 1990, this 2 CD set is, as the title implies, from concert and festival peformances. Most of the songs have been recorded before and included in "best of" collections but this anthology has some of his lesser known material. At the time of this recording Monroe was definitely declining in the quality of his performances, but this only relative. Most of the CD is very listenable and air play quality. Tracks: Disc 1 - 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, Disc 2 - 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13
DJ

Keenan is a great piper with several solo recordings to his credit. But he probably is best known as a member of the seminal Irish group The Bothy Band. He is joined by Arty McGlynn Tommy Peoples, Neil Vallely and several other fine musicians. There exists not a bad track but my picks are Tracks: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12
DJ

How does an album of bluegrass and eastern European traditional music sound? Surprisingly well on this CD. Tracks: 1, 4, 6, 9, 12
DJ

Grey is an aficionado of traditional music of America and the British Isles. This CD focuses on North America although the European roots are evident. She is very comfortable with the story ballads as well as love songs. Grey accompanies herself on banjo and is backed up with fiddle and guitar. Highly recommended. Tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13.
DJ

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir they are not, but then the MTC doesn't sing "Dump the Bosses Off Your Back," "There Is Power In A Union," or "Solidarity Forever." This is folk music, music by the folks and they do a good job of it too. Track Two has "SHIT" in it. Tracks: 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19.
DJ

This is another fine recording from a band that loves the tradition. Some of the selections are more contemporary but played in a traditional style. Very well done instrumentals and vocals. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16
DJ

Traditional and original old-time country music is how they describe their music. The quality is a little uneven but there still is plenty interesting material to play. Tracks: 2, 6, 8, 10, 15, 16.
DJ

Celebrating the Winter Solstice is the sub-title of this gorgeous CD. The trouble with these "seasonal" CDs is that they will only be played around Christmas. Barry & Shelly Phillips and Gerry O'Beirne provide elegant back up. Instrumentals, vocals and narratives are mixed to make this CD listenable from start to finish. Highly recommended. Tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17.
DJ

Watson is joined by Robin & Linda Williams, Alan Jabbour, Bill Hicks and Alice Gerrard on this CD of mostly traditional material. Watson's voice is unique and soulful, adding interest to some of the more familiar songs. Tracks: 1, 3, 4, 7, 10, 12.
DJ

Another singer-songwriter with an excellent sweet voice. Tracks: 5, 11.
DJ

Singer-Songwriter with a nice voice but the best track is not her's. Track 5.
DJ

Allen is a singer/songwriter with a fine voice and displays some nice guitar work. Several of her songs separate her from the crowd. Her appropriate arrangements should be studied by the crowd of s/s. Tracks: 1, 3, 7, 9, 11.
DJ

Tepper is a fine harper who mixes some of the standard harp pieces (from O'Carolan) and original work. This CD is an excellent addition to an already crowed field of Celtic harpers. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 11, 14, 16, 17.
DJ

Tepper has been playing the Harp since she was 8 years old and it is clear that it is her instrument. This CD consists of some traditional but mostly contemporary tunes. The eclectic material makes for interesting listening. John Burkhalter III adds a nice recorder accompaniment on a number of tracks. Tracks: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 16.
DJ

Its great to hear a new recording from Kenny Hall. That said, this recent recording is a little disappointing compared to his earlier releases (Kenny Hall & the Sweetsmill String Band re-issue CD) where 80% of the tracks are airplay. However, this 2 CD set has its share of high points. No one plays like Kenny. Tracks Disc 1: 1, 2, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 16, Disc 2: 2, 3, 7, 12, 14.
DJ

Kahn is a singer/songwriter as well as a labor organizer. Of course, many of his songs deal with labor issues. The title, Threads, should be a clue as to the specific industry he focuses on this CD. "Blue Jeans For You, Brown Lung For Me" is a standout in an excellent collection. Highly recommended. Tracks: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11.
DJ

Engberg plays the guitar with occasional back up musicians helping out. The sources for this collection are diverse: folk, classical, the Beatles and his own compositions. Tracks: 1, 4, 7, 11, 12, 13.
DJ

Previous editions

Dec. 2002 - Jan. 2003
Aug. - Sep. 2002
Apr. - May. 2002

Oct. - Nov. 2002
Jun. - Jul. 2002
Dec. 2001 - Feb. 2002

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