portrait of this blog's author - by Stephen Blackman 2008

Thursday, August 15, 2024

BUTTERBOY COMPILATIONS : ARHOOLIE “VA - Arhoolie Records 40th Anniversary Collection 1960-2000, The Journey Of Chris Strachwitz [2000]”


ARHOOLIE

This is nice if your an Arhoolie fan (who isn’t?) from Jesse Fuller and Mance Lipscomb to Flaco Jimenez and Clifton Chenier to The Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band what’s not to like . . . . . . ?

VA - Arhoolie Records 40th Anniversary Collection 1960-2000, The Journey Of Chris Strachwitz [2000] (4 x CDs)

Arhoolie Records, the label that released the “VA - Arhoolie Records 40th Anniversary Collection 1960-2000, The Journey Of Chris Strachwitz [2000]” box set, has a rich history and a profound impact on the music industry. Established in 1960, the label has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting cultural music that might have otherwise faded into obscurity. The label’s dedication to cultural preservation and the celebration of music from America’s marginalized communities is clearly reflected in the diversity and depth of the music included in this box set.

This box set offers us an intricate tapestry of music that has been crafted over the decades. It is a celebration of the variety and depth of musical styles that have been unified under the banner of Arhoolie Records.

The box set traces the evolution of various musical styles. It spans a broad spectrum of genres, from Jazz to Latin, Funk to Soul, Blues to Folk, and World to Country. Each genre is showcased in its rawest form, encapsulating the essence of the music and the zeitgeist of the era in which it was created. The styles within these genres are equally varied, including Avant-garde Jazz, Cajun, Zydeco, Contemporary Jazz, Country Blues, Dixieland, Electric Blues, Folk, Gospel, Harmonica Blues, Louisiana Blues, Mariachi, Piano Blues, Piedmont Blues, Tejano, Texas Blues, and more. This variety mirrors the eclectic tastes of the label’s founder and the scope of his musical exploration.

Beyond the music it has released, the label’s influence is far-reaching. It has inspired a multitude of artists, researchers, and music enthusiasts to delve into and appreciate the rich traditions of down-home music. The label’s commitment to cultural preservation has ignited national interest in various forms of music, leading to a revival of interest in these genres.

“VA - Arhoolie Records 40th Anniversary Collection 1960-2000, The Journey Of Chris Strachwitz [2000]” box set is a celebration of the diversity and depth of musical styles that have been brought together under the umbrella of Arhoolie Records. Tthe label’s commitment to cultural preservation and the celebration of music from America’s marginalized communities. It is a treasure trove for any music enthusiast, offering an in-depth exploration of specific musical eras and themes. It truly encapsulates the spirit of Arhoolie Records and its founder, Chris Strachwitz. 

When you blend a keen musical instinct with an unwavering dedication to capturing only the sounds that resonate with your personal taste, you’ve discovered the secret ingredient that has powered Arhoolie Records for four decades. The label’s founder, Chris Strachwitz, a German immigrant and ex-educator, might not have been the most obvious choice to emerge as a leading curator of regional American music. Yet, that’s precisely the role he has excelled in. This comprehensive retrospective of the label, spanning five discs and featuring 95 artists, is nothing short of a towering achievement. (B)


ARHOOLIE 40th Anniversary - Butterboy comps here


No comments: