Tradition Runs Deep (1998)

About this title: 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 ... read more

Tracks:

1. You Got to Move [McDowell/Davis]
2. John Henry [Traditional]
3. In New Orleans (House of the Rising Sun) [Lomax/Ledbetter]
4. More Pretty Girls Than One [Guthrie]
5. Treat Everybody Right [Broonzy]
6. Jack O'Diamonds [Traditional]
7. Down in the Willow Garden [Traditional]
8. Walk On [McGhee/McGhee]
9. See See Rider [Rainey]
10. Balky Mule Blues [Jefferson/Public Do]
11. I'm Not Rough [Armstrong/Hardin]
12. Oop Bop Sh'bam [Brown/Fuller/Gilles]
13. Cherokee [Noble]
14. Bayou Blues [Traditional]
15. Bamba Samba [Feller]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.