The Folkways Years (1945-1959) (CD - 1991)

Principally recorded between 1955 and 1959. Includes liner notes by Kip Lornell.

Personnel: Brownie McGhee (vocals, guitar); Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee (vocals, harmonica); Coyall McMahan (vocals, maracas); Wilbert Ellis (piano); Gene Moore (drums).

Audio Remasterer: Alan Yoshida.

Liner Note Author: Kip Lornell.

Recording information: 1945-1959.

Photographer: David Gahr.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Lorrie Taylor; Jeff Place.

Folkways Years (1945-1959) is a wonderful 17-track compilation of Brownie McGhee's Folkways recordings. During this time, McGhee became a staple on the blues-folk revival circuit, and accordingly these recordings find the Piedmont bluesman playing in a folk style, which he excelled at. Many of the most powerful tracks are straight from the rural Piedmont tradition, but the folkier material shows what a rich musician he was. It's an excellent sampler, one that demonstrates the depth and breadth of his Folkways recordings. ~ Thom Owens minimize