VARIOUS ARTISTS
Avalon Blues - A Tribute To The Music Of Mississippi John Hurt (Vanguard)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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This is the time of year when reviewers' thoughts turn to the year end "best of" polls, and the slot for Best Compilation of 2001 has already been filled in on my ballot. For a while, actually, since constant listening has postponed my getting around to writing about Avalon Blues. This is everything you want a tribute album to be. First of all, the subject, the music of Mississippi John Hurt, is one that's completely worthy of a tribute, or of several tributes, for that matter. Secondly, the selecton of artists is impressive, both for the quality and for some intriguing diversity. Finally, the performances themselves display a knowledge of and affection for the music by all participants. Every spin of the disc reveals a new "favorite" track, until finally this has just become one of my very favorite albums, compilation or otherwise.

Giving adequate attention and praise to each of the 15 tracks on this release would fill an issue of Cosmik. Producer Peter Case, who provides one of the invariably excellent selections in a duet with Dave Alvin, has done a phenomenal job. This is just great stuff, beginning to end. I'm gonna sign off before I get all gooey and shit, but you need this album.

Track List:
Chris Smither/Frankie & Albert * Bruce Cockburn/Avalon, My Home * Lucinda Williams/Angels Laid Him Away * Alvin Youngblood Hart/Here Am I, Oh Lord, Send Me * Steve & Justin Earle/Candy Man * Peter Case & Dave Alvin/Monday Morning Blues * Ben Harper/Sliding Delta * Geoff Muldaur/Chicken * Mark Selby/Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor * Beck/Stagolee * Victoria Williams/Since I've Laid My Burden Down * Bill Morrissey/Pay Day * Taj Mahal/My Creole Belle * Gillian Welch/Beulah Land * John Hiatt/I'm Satisfied

© 2001 - Shaun Dale