Cumberland Three -- Folk Scene USA (Collector's Choice Music)

This 1960 release is steeped in much of the Americana tradition that the Kingston Trio, Weavers and Journeymen were reinvigorating the nation with. One of the key contributors to the combo is John Stewart (banjo/vocals). After several well-received collections with the Cumberland Three, Stewart later replaced Dave Guard in the Kingston Trio during the mid '60s before becoming a solo artist and songwriter.

Here, he hones his skills as a musical interpreter on the modern arrangements of "Darlin' Corey," "Molly Dee," and originals "New Land," and the definitive "Johnny Reb." This CD edition of Folk Scene U.S.A. also includes the non-LP single tracks "Cotton Fields," "You Can Tell The World," and "Old Dog Blue."

Erik Darling -- Erik Darling (Collector's Choice Music)

This venerable relic from 1958 marks the solo debut of one-time Tarriers, Rooftop Singers and Weavers band member Erik Darling (guitar/banjo/vocals). Immediately evident is the remarkable variety of traditional folk material that Darling chose to include. These range from rural bluegrass-informed anthems such as "Salty Dog" and "Cumberland Mountain Bear Chase," to regional blues staples like "Candy Man," or "J.C. Holmes."

The entire 14-song project was a solo endeavour in the truest sense as Darling is unaccompanied by anything other than his own banjo, guitar and vocals. While that stark, raw approach lends further authenticity, by contrast it's conspicuously absent on many of the overly stylish and more elaborate arrangements from Darlings contemporaries.

The Travelers 3 -- The Travelers 3 (Collector's Choice Music)

Although they were one of the shorter-lived bands of the genre, The Travelers 3 are notable for full-bodied, lively and at times irreverent arrangements. The dozen tracks on their 1962 self-titled debut include high energy readings of the old standards "Roll Along," "Bowling Green," "Sinner Man," "Hi Jolly," and the fiercely executed "Tamure."

These performances are complemented by the endearing balladry of "Hush-A-Bye," "Juliane," and the hauntingly beautiful "Land Of Oden." This particular album may be of interest to folk aficionados as mint copies of the original 12" record have been spotted at upward of three bills. That is if you could find one at all.




Phil Ochs -- All The News That's Fit To Sing (Collector's Choice Music)
Phil Ochs -- "I Ain't Marching Any More" (Collector's Choice Music)

The first two albums from Phil Ochs are once again offered on CD after a brief absence between the early 1990s Rykodisc pressing and their most recent incarnation. The onset of political polarization in America is deeply ingrained within every note. Remarkably, All The News … is a contemporary of Meet The Beatles and Barbra Streisand's People. Ochs originals "Talking Vietnam," "Power And The Glory," "Talking Cuban Crisis," "Bullets of Mexico," "The Bells," -- with a bit of poetic liberty from Edgar Allan Poe -- and the Woody Guthrie-inspired "Bound For Glory" would in time become better known components within the artist's catalogue.

Given the "My Country Right Or Wrong!" ethos pervading Middle America circa 1965, it is a wonder that "I Ain't Marching Any More" wasn't blacklisted or banned. Ochs unapologetic anti-war stance permeates through "Draft Dodger Rag," "The Men Behind The Guns," as well as the racially-charged "Talking Birmingham Jam," and "Here's To The State Of Mississippi." Not to mention the troubadour's pacifist hymn "I Ain't Marching Anymore."

Whereas Dylan often couched his barbs and stinging social satire in his quick-wit and surreptitious humour, Ochs is completely unafraid and unabashed in his derision. Both long players are nothing short of musical portals back into American history and are highly recommended as indispensable Americana.


Hank Williams -- Turn Back The Years: The Essential Hank Williams Collection (Mercury)

Turn Back The Years is a sizable anthology, weighing in with 60 songs on three thematically-compiled discs. Honky Tonkin' is packed with plenty of good-timin' favorites including "I'm A Long Gone Daddy," "(I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle," "You Better Keep It On Your Mind," "Howlin' At The Moon," "Move It On Over," "Hey, Good Lookin," "Lost Highway," There's A Tear In My Beer," the one-and-only "Honky Tonk Blues," and under the pseudonym of Luke The Drifter "Ramblin' Man," "I've Been Down That Road Before," and "Too Many Parties And Too Many Pals."

From the high life comes the torture and isolation heard on Cold, Cold Heart. Kicking off with the classic "Lovesick Blues," "A Mansion On The Hill," "Your Cheatin' Heart," "A House Without Love," "They'll Never Take Her Love From Me," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," "Let's Turn Back The Years," "Cold, Cold Heart," "You Win Again," and another Luke The Drifter number titled "Please Make Up Your Mind."

The journey is complete as I Saw The Light marks the exodus from the depths of despair and into spiritual triumph. Significant sacred selections include "Thy Burdens Are Greater Than Mine," "Wealth Won't Save Your Soul," "Are You Walkin' And Talkin' For The Lord?," "Alone And Forsaken," "Drifting Too Far From The Shore," "A Tramp On The Street," as well as "Beyond The Sunset," by Luke The Drifter and "The Pale Horse And His Rider," credited to Hank and Audrey. The 32-page booklet is a good read as Colin Escot's newly-inked essay is surrounded by plenty of photos taken from throughout Williams' all-too-brief career.

---