Music From The Lost Provinces: Old-Time Stringbands From Ashe County, North Carolina & Vicinity 1927-1931
For whatever reason, the so-called "Lost Provinces" of North  Carolina--Ashe, Watauga, and Alleghany Counties--were a breeding ground  for fantastic string bands in the late '20s. Maybe it was the isolated  and tough nature of the region that inspired folks to turn to music. Or  perhaps all those enterprising record companies were eager to sign  old-time musicians. Whatever the case, the talent on this anthology of  vintage 78 records is astounding and, at times, surprising. Is it  possible, for instance, to listen to the Woodie Brothers sing "Likes  Likker Better Than Me"--a woman's lament for her alcoholic love  interest--with a straight face? Probably not. And why the heck did Jack  Reedy & His Walker Mountain String Band use a Hawaiian guitar for the  intro to "Chinese Breakdown"? Don't worry, there's also plenty of  straightforward and memorable string band music here from the likes ofGrayson & Whitter, Frank Blevins, the Smyth County Ramblers, and more. Throughout, you'll  hear incredible old-time guitar, fiddle, and (thanks to Jack Reedy)  banjo playing on a thoroughly engaging collection of laments,  traditional tunes, and at least one presidential campaign number  ("Governor Al Smith For President"). As with Old Hat'sViolin, Sing the Blues for  Mecompilation, you'll find copious liner notes and excellent  remastering in this wonderful package.--Jason Verlinde