Browse Titles - 43 results

The sounds and social history of African American banjo playing—32 superb instrumentals and vocals, recorded between 1974 and 1997. Extensively annotated with performer's life histories, tunings, lyrics, bibliography, and discography. The banjo's gourd ancestors came to the Americas with enslaved Africans, forging the link between West African griots and performers of 20th-century blues and string-band music. 64 minutes.

Clarence "Tom" Ashley's musical life began at home, with the family, but soon expanded to include the medicine show circuit. Popular among rural listeners, Ashley's playing didn't gain a wider audience until 1960, when he met folk music scholar Ralph Rinzler at the Galax Fiddlers' Convention. This album presents fourteen songs from Ashley's repertoire.

Recorded live at the 1968 Union Grove Fiddlers' Contest, this album captures the energy and passion of dedicated, skilled musicians playing for their own enjoyment. Rather than worrying about microphone placement or winning awards, the musician is relaxed and excited about the tunes—and Kessinger's performances here embody this excited ease.