REVIEW FROM www.livingtradition.co.uk

VARIOUS ARTISTS - Old Town School of Folk Music Songbook Vols 2 and 3
Old Town School Recordings OTS003

Founded in 1957, The Old Town School of Folk Music is the only organization in Chicago dedicated to the teaching of traditional music and culture. As such it deserves the success it has achieved and will achieve in the future. The school recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and I think these CDs, parts of a four volume series, are issued as part of that celebration.  The performances on these CDs are in fact a wide ranging selection of musical Americana. Many of the songs and tunes included will be known to almost everyone. Red River Valley, Down by the Riverside, Careless Love – that gives you an idea what to expect from the forty two tracks. The performers are not so well known, at least outside of the United States, but they all bring a freshness and originality to the familiar material. The most striking thing about all the performances is the obvious enjoyment everyone is getting from what they are doing.  Recordings like these are very welcome, and it’s good to hear old favourites again. There must always be room for good old fashioned enjoyment of ‘folk’ music. Congratulations to all involved.

Danny Saunders