Recording information: Arlington, TX (06/27/1967/??/??/1971); Carrolton, MO (06/27/1967/??/??/1971); Pleasant Grove, AK (06/27/1967/??/??/1971); Rugby, VA (06/27/1967/??/??/1971); Arlington, TX (07/??/1969/07/31/1970); Carrolton, MO (07/??/1969/07/31/1970); Pleasant Grove, AK (07/??/1969/07/31/1970); Rugby, VA (07/??/1969/07/31/1970); Arlington, TX (07/18/1970/07/20/1970); Carrolton, MO (07/18/1970/07/20/1970); Pleasant Grove, AK (07/18/1970/07/20/1970); Rugby, VA (07/18/1970/07/20/1970); Arlington, TX (07/21/1970); Carrolton, MO (07/21/1970); Pleasant Grove, AK (07/21/1970); Rugby, VA (07/21/1970).
Virginia's County Records makes available these field recordings of four guitarists from the South and West , captured between 1967 and 1971. The purpose of the recording is to showcase the enduring influence of 19th century guitar playing on many of the 20th century's most influential fingerstyle players, including Elizabeth Cotten, Sam McGee, and Gary Davis. Some of the songs collected here are dated as early as 1850, yet survive with modern twists and turns developed in technique along the way. This is especially true in the playing of Lewis Thomasson here, whose adaptations of traditional tunes are infused with his more percussive flair and use of unusual tunings. For acoustic guitar fans, this is essential listening. ~ Thom Jurek
