Classic Mountain Songs from Smithsonian Folkways

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 22, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Smithsonian Folkways
• ASIN: B00006JTG5
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,605 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #7 in Music > Indie Music > Country > Bluegrass
  • #16 in Music > Indie Music > Folk > General
  • #89 in Music > Country > Bluegrass > General

Editorial Reviews

Riding the wave of the renewed interest in traditional American music, Classic Mountain Songs From Smithsonian Folkways Recordings showcases a handful of the greatest mountain ballads as performed by some of the most influential folk singers and songwriters of the 20th century. This collection features many classic performances from a wide variety of regional instrumental and song styles. These diverse styles and songs from the mountain communities of North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee include old-time fiddle and banjo pieces, early bluegrass, and traditional ballads, with a special emphasis on Appalachian vocal traditions. Doc and Merle Watson, Roscoe Holcomb, Clarence Ashley, and Dock Boggs are just a few of the revered roots artists who appear on this stellar compilation. This album is essential for both old and new fans of American mountain music. Compiled and annotated by Jeff Place.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly Classic!, February 13, 2003

By 

James E. Bagley "Jim Bagley" (Sanatoga, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Classic Mountain Songs from Smithsonian Folkways (Audio CD)

The spate of worthy compilations riding on the coattails of O Brother, Where Art Thou? continues with Classic Bluegrass From Smithsonian Folkways, 25 tracks of serious bluegrass untarnished by rock, pop or other corrupting influences. Recorded between 1956 and 1992, it includes three numbers from what's purportedly the first bluegrass LP ever, Folkways'American Banjo: Three-Finger And Scruggs Style. Dashing mandolin runs by Earl Taylor (and his Stoney Mountain Boys) and bluegrass patriarch Bill Monroe (with Peter Rowan) open and close this crisp disc while Ralph Stanley, singing with older brother Carter, offers clawhammer banjo picking.

Many of the performers - Red Allen, Doc Watson and Hazel Dickens, for example - grew up with the music. The Harley Allen-Mike Lilly Band (Harley being Red's son) shows how the genre's trademark tight harmonies can turn smooth (in an Osborne Brothers style) rather than sharp, without sacrificing the essence of true bluegrass. The New Lost City Ramblers' The Little Girl And The Dreadful Snake as well as The Lilly Brothers and Don Stover's Neath That Cold Grey Tomb Of Stone evince mountain music's darkness, but then a wildfire fiddle breakdown such as David and Billy Ray Johnson's Grey Eagle comes along to show its fun side. It's a well-balanced set of early bluegrass highlights.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, April 13, 2009

By 

Bernadette Smith "pixidance" (WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Classic Mountain Songs from Smithsonian Folkways (Audio CD)

A wonderful collection of true folk music. These recordings haven't been softened by the modern sounds or current bluegrass. These recordings sound like they're of neighbors out singing on their porches having a great time. Some of the vocalists are a little rough around the edges, but that's what makes this truly great! Music like this is hard to find and I'm thrilled by my copy of this album.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Mountain Songs from Smithsonian Folkways, June 6, 2011

By 

Les (Oost-Souburg, Netherlands) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Classic Mountain Songs from Smithsonian Folkways (Audio CD)

I hemmed and hawed for a long while before actually buying this, .. and two other CD's ... but I'm so glad I did. I can listen to this music for hours one end and still listen to more. If I could, I'd start collecting all I could lay my hands on .... but at my age you are supposed to start clearing out, not adding to your stuff. I have to say Thank You amazon, for giving a person a chance to actually listen to the music before you buy, I listened to the CD's samples quite a few times, and every time, I was gladdened for being able to in this way. It's an excellent way to get CD's purchased !! ;-) Also I'm very grateful you stock and sell this type of music, as it's getting harder to buy in regular stores, it's not everyone's cup of tea, so to speak. To me it's sort of eternal and I hope to get a lot more of like listening done before I kick the bucket ;-)
L.B.