(MySpace photo of John Cephas)
Fans of acoustic blues here in Virginia have something to look forward to. The following is from a record company press release:
"On July 29, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings will release 'Richmond Blues' by guitarist-singer John Cephas and his harmonica-player partner Phil Wiggins as part of the African American Legacy Recordings Series. 'Richmond Blues' traces the traditional Piedmont blues through its origins in the southeast Appalachians, from Richmond, Virginia, to Atlanta, Georgia, and showcases its thriving modern embodiment in the hands of Wiggins and Cephas, the most respected and well-known Piedmont blues musicians today ...
'Richmond Blues' is the duo's effort to document the Piedmont tradition and provide a musical roadmap for other aspiring musicians. Featuring original songs and traditional favorites, the album's 16 tracks, each carefully annotated, exemplifies the duo's skill as well as the enduring relevance of Piedmont music."
With the passing of the late, great John Jackson in 2002, Cephas and Wiggins are the Old Dominion's best-known acoustic bluesmen. I'm glad to hear they're embracing their Piedmont roots.
1 comment:
Thanks for listening and for your coverage!
- Smithsonian Folkways
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