Tradition Runs Deep CD

In the Rykodisc family of labels, Tradition taps the rich roots of those indigenous American art forms blues, jazz, and folk. This label sample consists of 15 classic tracks digitally remastered to a stunning level of sonic limpidity. The compilation starts off with Mississippi Fred McDowell. Here playing "steakbone slide guitar," he exhibits on "You Got to Move" a living blues sound rich in both a fingered and vocal vibrato. From Etta Baker we get a beautiful, syncopated, instrumental version of "John Henry." From Leadbelly we get "In New Orleans (House of the Rising Sun)" taken from the first Tradition release after Rykodisc re-christened it as a mid-priced label of seminal American music. Also in the blues and folk section is the great folk troubadour Woody Guthrie ("More Pretty Gals Than One") and the percussive acoustic guitar and rich baritone of Big Bill Broonzy ("Baby, Please Don't Go"). Contralto folk balladeer Odetta, a major inspiration to Bob Dylan, is present along with creepy murder ballad "Down in the Willow Garden" by sweetly harmonizing folk choral ensemble Kossy Sisters. More country blues guitar is celebrated by the inclusion of Lightnin' Hopkins, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Brownie McGhee with Sonny Terry. The roots of jazz are explored in a second, five-song section. Here is Louis Armstrong, a stridently bopping Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Barnet's Big Band, pianist Errol Garner, and fleet-fingered guitarist Charlie Byrd, backed by Woody Herman's group, in a samba. ~ Tom Schulte

Etta Baker,Leadbelly,Big Bill Broonzy,Louis Armstrong & More

Arrangers: John A. Lomax; Alan Lomax.