NEW AND NOTABLE
"The Pizza Tapes"
Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, Tony Rice
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The impromptu, oft-bootlegged 1993 collaboration between
Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, and Tony Rice has finally been
released on an official CD and it's well worth the wait.
Though it's mostly a collection of traditional folk songs,
there are also several spontaneous jams featuring the
contrasting flatpicking-guitar styles of Rice and Garcia.
Garcia once again proves himself to be an exceptionally
moving, if not technically sound singer--check out "Amazing
Grace"--and the overall vibe of the set is laid-back,
down-home, low-key, and off-the-cuff.
"Flying Saucer Blues"
Peter Case
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One of the most engaging folk releases of the year, Case's
fourth Vanguard effort finds the power-popster turned folk-
storyteller embracing the spirit of the blues while
continuing to weave insightful and touching narratives. Case
borrows from a variety of musical styles, but never obscures
his lyrics or his delightful melodies in the process.
"Lemonade and Buns"
Kila
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For whatever reason, most updates of traditional Irish music
can seem a bit forced and overly precious. That's why Kila's
music is so refreshing. Their sound is unlike that of any
other Celtic band, rich with invention and adventure while
retaining the spirit of the music's tradition. With its
blend of several ethnic styles and instruments, it's a true
world-fusion release, but done with vitality and looseness
rather than studied perfectionism or academic
heavy-handedness.
"Real Time"
Tim O'Brien, Darrell Scott
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If this duet collaboration sounds like an informal living-
room summit, there's a good reason for it. These two buddies
dive into both traditional folk songs and new compositions
with conviction and passion. Once an O'Brien sideman,
Scott's keen songwriting and formidable tenor get--and
deserve--equal billing here. Of course, O'Brien's picking
and singing gifts are long established.
"Tarbox Ramblers"
Tarbox Ramblers
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On the surface, a modern quartet bringing old-time music
into the next century isn't exactly cause for excitement.
Yet, there's a lot going on inside the music of the Tarbox
Ramblers. The gritty guitar work brings to mind the muddiest
of Delta blues; the dancing fiddle offers the appeal of
string-band music; the rhythms add the buoyancy of jug-band
booziness; and the whole band reinvigorates all of these
classic styles with a decidedly modern energy and
experimental edge.
FROM THE VAULTS
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"Weaver of Visions: The Kate Wolf Anthology"
Kate Wolf
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Despite the fact that musicians of all stripes revered her
and her work, Kate Wolf was a relatively unappreciated
folksinger until her untimely death by leukemia in
1986. Today, new fans seem to discover her lovely, beguiling
voice and her warm, wonderfully intimate songs every
day--and they are amazed that they hadn't discovered this
magical talent before.
"Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice"
Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice
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Recorded and first released in 1980, this stunning
collection of pared-down folk and bluegrass duets has lost
none of its emotional power 20 years later. Remastered and
reissued in 2000, the set is a study in the close-harmony
style popularized by the brother duos of the 1930s, done by
two men whose devotion to and appreciation of their heroes
shine clearly and brightly.
"The BBC Sessions"
Loudon Wainwright III
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This compilation includes solo performances dating back to
1971 up through 1993, and nicely charts Wainwright's
progression from New Dylan to dirty middle-aged man. The
bare-boned setting puts his sarcastic, often shocking songs
in a new light and as such offers perhaps the most
accessible introduction to this difficult songsmith.
"Dancin' With Them That Brung Me"
Stacey Earle
Release date: May 9
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Steve Earle's sister proves beyond a doubt that the
country-rock rebel isn't the only talented songwriter of the
clan.
"Fair Weather"
Alison Brown
Release date: May 9
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This banjo wizard returns to her bluegrass roots with the
able assistance of a slew of A-list pickers.
"Til We Outnumber 'Em: The Songs of Woody Guthrie"
Various Artists
Release date: May 23
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Ani DiFranco's Righteous Babe label puts out a tribute to
the folk patriarch featuring music (and recollections) from
artists including Bruce Springsteen, Billy Bragg, Indigo
Girls, Arlo Guthrie, and of course, DiFranco herself.