Tradition Records sampler
Annie Van Auken | Planet Earth | 06/28/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"TRADITION records was founded in 1955 by Diane Hamilton. This niche company released folk, blues and jazz LPs, but never turned a profit until the Clancy Bros. joined in 1958. When the Clancys moved to COLUMBIA three years later, TRADITION ceased operations. Their archives passed to different outfits, including EVEREST.
The "Tradition" and "Everest" catalogues were acquired by RYKODISC in 1996. This material is often combined by them, thus artists like Erroll Garner, Dizzy Gillespie, Carlos Montoya, Big Bill Broonzy and others now appear under the TRADITION banner for the first time.
This CD, TRADITION RUNS DEEP is a sampler of "Tradition" label albums that were available as of 1998. A six-page insert includes two of company history. Audio quality of these AAD transfers varies. Tracks 2, 3 and 10 are lo-fi dubs from vinyl. Tracks 7, 12 and 14 are still vinyl but have higher range. Songs 1, 8 and 15 are stereo.
RANDOMNESS--
Rolling Stones fans will recognize Fred McDowell's "You Got To Move" from the band's STICKY FINGERS set.
"John Henry" has a minor left channel drop from 2:15 until the end.
Leadbelly's solo with guitar "In New Orleans" is better known as "House of the Rising Sun."
Woody Guthrie's "More Pretty Girls" shows a bit of groove damage.
The Kissoy's tale of homicide, "Willow Garden" has a tiny jump at :10.
"Balky Mule Blues" is clean but has some white noise.
Erroll Garner's trio version of "Red Sails" is delightful.
TOTAL PLAYING TIME: 47:48"