VA — Vanguard: Roots of Folk (2002)

mp3 320 / FLAC (tracks+cue, log, scans) | Genre: Folk Pop/Rock, Country, Blues, Folk Revival, Singers & Songwriters | 2h 26 min | 422 / 833 MB

Many of my old folk LPs (and LPs in general) have been displaced, or scratched beyond recognition. Alternatively, if you sold most of your vinyl during the onset of the late 80s, Compact Disc craze then this 3-CD set should signify a welcome event. This offering features a comprehensive overview to coincide with \»Vanguard Records\» capitalization of folk music\’s increasing popularity commencing back in 1950. Naturally, these selections are culled from the now historical \»Vanguard Records\» archives. The three CDs are divided into distinct folk based genres: Roots of Folks (CD-1), Singers & Songwriters (CD-2), and Folk Blues (CD-3). You will hear Cisco Houston\’s patriotic classic, \»This Land Is Your Land,\» and Doc Watson\’s \»Tom Dooley.\» Vietnam protest singers such as Phil Ochs and the inimitable Northern California band, \»Country Joe & The Fish are featured as well. Essentially, this three-pack is awash with one masterwork after another. The producers also include an informative line style glimpse of the progression and outgrowths of folk.

This wonderfully appealing product conjures up memories of both the good and bad while also serving as a testament to America\’s beauty and wherewithal. More importantly — we are treated to a series of topical statements from many of this genre\’s most prolific raconteurs. Highly recommended.

By GLENN ASTARITA

Disc 1 — Roots Of Folk

1. Paul Robeson — Joe Hill (02:53)

2. Leon Bibb — Irene (03:17)

3. The Weavers — Kumbaya (02:49)

4. Cisco Houston — This Land Is Your Land (02:39)

5. Ramblin\’ Jack Elliott — Roll On Buddy (01:59)

6. Odetta — Another Man Done Gone (02:30)

7. Judy Collins — Turn, Turn, Turn (04:07)

8. The Weavers — If I Had A Hamer (02:14)

9. Joan Baez — Donna Donna (03:12)

10. Jimmie Driftwood — The Battle Of New Orleans (02:55)

11. Doc Watson & Clarence Ashley — Amazing Grace (03:48)

12. Maybelle Carter — It Takes A Worried Man (03:07)

13. Sandy Bull — Little Maggie (04:07)

14. Elizabeth Cotten — Freight Train (03:59)

15. Doc Watson — Tom Dooley (03:14)

Disc 2 — Singers & Songwriters

1. Buffy Saint-Marie — The Universal Soldier (02:17)

2. Eric Andersen — Violets Of Dawn (03:46)

3. The Kingston Trio — M.T.A. (03:16)

4. The Rooftop Singers — Walk Right In (02:33)

5. Donovan & Joan Baez — Catch The Wind (02:13)

6. Richard & Mimi Farina — Pack Up Your Sorrows (02:58)

7. Joan Baez & Bob Dylan — It Ain\’t Me Babe (03:31)

8. The Chambers Brothers — People Get Ready (03:26)

9. Phil Ochs — I Ain\’t Marchin\’ Anymore (02:35)

10. Tom Paxton — Ramblin\’ Boy (03:25)

11. Jerry Jeff Walker — Mr. Bojangles (03:50)

12. Patrick Sky — Many A Mile (03:14)

13. Ian & Sylvia — Early Morning Rain (03:55)

14. Jim Kweskin Jug Band & Geoff Muldaur — Jug Band Music (02:57)

15. Country Joe & The Fish — Feel Like I\’m Fixin\» To Die Rag (03:43)

Disc 3 — Folk Blues

1. Mississippi John Hurt — Candy Man (02:53)

2. Skip James — I\’m So Glad (01:53)

3. John Hammond — Seventh Son (02:27)

4. Odetta — Rambling Round Your City (04:02)

5. Reverend Gary Davis — Samson And Delilah (03:36)

6. Dave Van Ronk — Cocaine (03:47)

7. Son House — Empire State Express (04:04)

8. Jesse Fuller — San Francisco Bay Blues (02:51)

9. Lightnin\’ Hopkins — Baby Please Don\’t Go (02:41)

10. The Chambers Brothers — See See Rider (03:08)

11. Muddy Waters — Walkin\’ Blues (04:04)

12. Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee — Drink Muddy Water (02:53)

13. John Lee Hooker — Great Fire Of Natchez (04:23)

14. Pete Seeger, Willie Dixon & Lafayette Leake — Midnight Special (02:53)

15. Paul Butterfield — Blues With A Feeling (03:56)