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:
Dennis = Dennis Brunnenmeyer
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.

This CD is a mix of pop, Celtic and Bluegrass/Country influenced material. The more traditional songs work the best. "The Lingan Strike" is about labor issues. Tracks: 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12.
DJ

Another in a series of fantastic compilations from the pages of Sing Out! magazine. Almost all of the selections are from current CDs. Tracks 6, 17 & 18 are suitable for international programming. WARNING: I think track 11 has "shit" in it. Tracks: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 15, 17.
DJ

Doc Watson is very well know but unfortunately David Holt is not as nearly well known. He is a great old time banjo player/singer as well as storyteller and has several albums to his credit. The first 2 CDs of this 3 CD set consists of David Holt interviewing Doc Watson interspersed with Doc & David playing tunes and songs. The third CD is a concert recording of Doc and David complete with on stage banter. The concert contains some rarely recorded material and is worthwhile buying the set for this one CD. The interview illuminates Doc's interesting life and how he came to a musical career. Highly recommended. Tracks: Disc1: 1, 3, 5, 7, 16, 17, 18, Disc 2: 1 , 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, Disc 3: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, 17, 18.
DJ

McManus is probably best known for his album with Alasdair Fraser Return to Kintail. He is virtuoso musician in his won right with several European solo albums. With this domestic release his talents stand a better chance of being recognized in this country. He doesn't have to wow you with blazing speed. His slower pieces are exquisite. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11.
DJ

I hesitate to use the word "authentic" to describe the music on this CD. Does "roots klezmer" mean anything? Perhaps "elemental" is appropriate for the music performed on this album. The duet style of klezmer performance faded in the mid 19th century and now, it is saved from complete obscurity. Although the jazz influenced klezmer bands have created some excellent recordings, the Rushefsky/Rosenblatt duet material is more appropriately placed in the folk tradition and more to my liking. The tunes are lovingly performed with eloquent virtuosity. Good liner notes. Tracks: 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18.
DJ

Gillespie, who sings and plays guitar, sticks to traditional material. Her rough edged voice seems appropriate for the songs she has chosen. Several groups of musicians share the task of performing back up and several instrumentals are included. High energy and fun music. Tracks: 1, 3, 8, 9, 11.
DJ

Very nice acoustic guitar solos of original work with one exception. Tracks: 5, 7, 9, 13.
DJ

This effort consists of tunes (and one song) composed by the performers in the old time style, as the sub title suggests. Its done very well in my opinion. Tracks: 1, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 18, 20.
DJ

This CD is a re-issue of two previous albums of this talented English group. The subtitle describes the range of material covered: "breakdowns, blues & ballads from the Sussex/Mississippi border 1981-83. The English accents takes a little getting used to, but a good listen overall. Tracks: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20.
DJ

Multi-instrumentalist Amaya does a fine job of arranging a compatible selection of Andean influenced material. The tracks are instrumentals with three exceptions. Highly recommended. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11.
DJ

Mile & Miles are Davis expatriates now living in Portola. The generous songs and tunes are divided between traditional and composed. They are comfortable in the Celtic genre as the singer/songwriter. Tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 17, 18.
DJ

This is a mostly Celtic collection led by the master hammered dulcimer player Walt Michael. The CD was recorded "live" at a concert in Scotland. The only criticism I have is the introductions are included on the previous tune, making it difficult for radio play. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12.
DJ

A mix of traditional Celtic and pop tunes are tackled by guitarist Proctor on this intriguing CD. The material ranges from "Nights In White Satin" to "Bach To Ireland." Tracks: 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10.
DJ

Can there be a better combination of hammered dulcimer and Celtic music? Not in my mind when it is well executed. The material consists of mostly well known tunes and this presentation demonstrates why they have stood the test of time. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.
DJ

This diverse collection of fiddlers play a divers collection of musical genres. Each performer is a master of their particular style and together this collection keeps your interest through the varying types of music. Tracks: 1, 3, 7, 10, 11, 13.
DJ

Lunasa have a couple of previously released CDs but this album is their first, predating these on the Green Linnet CDs. It was recorded live in concert and only availabel in this country as an import. The re-issue is distributed domestically and contains two "bonus" tracks. They are reminiscent of the Bothy Band in energy and draw from diverse sources, klezmer being one. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.
DJ

Margaret MacArthur is an institution in the Northeast. She has a keen interest in regional music and this CD was originally released in 1989 for the Vermont Bicentennial. It does justice to the rich tradition of folk music of Vermont. The dulcimer and harp-zither accompaniment provides a sparkling chime like background for the accomplished vocals. Tracks: 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13.
DJ

Daughter of Arlo Guthrie, Sarah Lee is making her own way with her lovely voice. Most of the arrangements are too country/pop for my taste but your taste runs that way, you are in luck. A very nice gospel sounding "You Gotta Sing" ends the album. Tracks: 1, 5, 7, 9, 12.
DJ

And now for something different. Duff gives us a program of Spanish classical & Latin folk music performed on the hammered dulcimer. It turns out to be a fine combination. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
DJ

Who would think that a folk singer could make a career out of singing songs exclusively about the Great Lakes. Well, Standing At the Wheel is Lee Murdock's 7th CD of songs of the Great Lakes and it is as fresh as his first. Murdock's voice is reminiscent of Bob Bossin. Tracks: 3, 5, 6, 12.
DJ

The title cut stands out on this CD. Other songs of social significance are airworthy as well: "Ode to Bill Gates" and "Capital Records." Note that what is listed as track 12 "Song Cycle for June" is really tracks 12, 13, & 14. Hence, listed tracks 13 & 14 are really 15 & 16. Nina Gerber & Radim Zenkle help out with back up. Tracks: 1, 7, 8, 9, 14, 16.
DJ

Jones is well known in the U.K. and unfortunately, hardly known in the U.S. This live 2CD recording is a good introduction to Jones's interpretation of traditional material (and a fantastic version of Dylan's "Boots of Spanish Leather." Tracks: Disc 1: 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, Disc 2: 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14.
DJ

Cute name for the group that plays Appalachian music with a modern edge - and material that is clearly jazz and Eastern European influenced. They play all the material well but it does not hold up as an album you would want to play from start to finish. It does work for radio where you can pick and choose. Tracks: 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11.
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.