Urban Folk music reviews

Although Kenny Rogers had a history in the world of music that preceded "The First Edition" (including a time with "The New Christy Minstrels"), it was with "The First Edition" that I first became aware of and familiar with his unique voice.

But as famed and respected as Kenny Rogers is, this band made its own special dent in the music scene of the late sixties and early seventies and made a place for itself in American popular music history.

This cd collection, "Anthology" reprints some of their best tracks. "Just Dropped In To See What Condition My Condition Was In" is my all time favorite recroding by "The First Edition" . . . perhaps the most heavy and rockin' song they recorded, equalled perhaps by, "Something's Burning"

A little to the country-rock style is "But You Know I Love You" written by Mike Settle (who I recall from watching "Hootenanny" back in 1964). "Reuben James" and "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town"

Even some social commentary and advice in "Tell It All Brother".

This was a most enjoyable group of talented artists. This album spans the the group's recording history, including the transition from the tenure of female vocalist Thelma Commacho to Mary Arnold (later to become Mrs. Roger Miller of "doo wacka doo wacka doo fame! ha!).

I am so happy that this "Anthology" collection of some of their best recordings has been released. It doesn't merely bring back old nostalgic memories of listening to this music "way back when" . . . but the music and performances still stand on their own today . . .and these tracks have all been "digitally remastered" for even better sound reproduction.

A small "liner note" booklet with an interesting history of "The First Edition" and its members is included . . .which also contains some nice photo's of the group. (Mary "Arnold" MIller was a knock-out! . . . one can see why the late Roger Miller fell head-over-heels for her!)

I thank all involved: Thelma Commacho, Mary Arnold, Mike Settle, Terry Williams, drummer Mickey Jones and Kenny Rogers -- The First Edition! . . . and THE BEST EDITION! :)

You've provided me . . . and countless many more with great musical entertainment . . . and it's lasted through all these years!

This album kicks some major [...]!!! As I have always known the Athens Georgia Music scene is always the place to be to see and hear some amazing artists with strong inner music quality. True to the music and what the believe in. The souls behind the music will touch even the hardest of hearts and inspire the youth to create an original status when composing there music. Athens music scene will always bring out true talent and competition among bands who bond together to share the spotlight and live the dream of being heard by millions. The ~REBELCOWBOY~ Will take his hat off and bow to all of these great artists who inspire all of us with there wide range of sould driven talent.
Thanks for the album and Please contact Jackpot City and let them know there new video is up on the Brand New www.rebelcowboyrocks.com site we have lost there contact information and are desperate to get in touch with them as for they have vanished on us...LOL
Once again Thanks for keeping it real as usuall all of you!!!

This CD is the next best thing to visiting a traditional music and folk dance festival in Northern Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Bosnia, Bulgaria and Turkey ... One may come close to experienceing the Balkans in North America by attending an Eastern European Folk Dance Camp (www.eefc.org) on the East or West coast of the USA. However, if even experiencing "live" music and dance is not possible, then the *very* next best thing is to buy this CD. It is among the best compilations of Balkan music produced ...

EEFC had the uneviable task of narrowing down selections from among highly talented N. American Balkan musicians and singers -to include on this CD. They did an admirable job. Track #1 "Kondi Kondoula" by Pangeo is played on the guitar, accordion, clarinet and percussion. The liner notes describe the origins as N. Greece/W. Macedonia but I clearly distinguish the music of Albania on this magnificent piece which starts out in the 7/8 rhytyhm and at the end quickens into the 2/4 pogonosios style. The clarinet solos are the hallmark of this high energy passionate song. On track #2 Mary Sherhart provides a rich authentic rendition of "U Dul Basti" from Bosnia. Her emotional tone and inflections are unforgettably ornamental ... In track #3 Alexander Fedoriouk plays the cimbalom with distinction and flair in the limping rhythmic instrumental "Canta Cucul Primavera" (Romanian hora). Track #5 had me up on my feet dancing!!! The vocals of Christos Govetas and the clarinet solos by George Chittenden can rival any of the locals in Thrace and Greek Macedonia for authentic flavor and musical texture ... these guys have me tapping my fingers against my thigh or swaying to the music. I just have to move when I hear it played.
Carol Silverman sings "Lenorije Chaje" (track #5) in Romani, the language of the gypsies. It is a cocek rhythm played in the hicaz mode. I defy anyone to hear it and *not* start singing along ... "Aj Leno, Lenorije chaje" . She learned this one from the Queen of Macedonian Gypsies, the incomparable Esma Redzepova. Carol Silverman has earned a reputation for pure and distinctive authenticity. She is a platinum vocalist in this genre. Track #6 is highly unusual in that two zurlas and a tapan produce an archaic melody in a style reminiscent of the past. It is hypnotic and mesmerizing. the primoridal beauty of this ancient music is beyond word descriptions ...Other truly phenomenal tracks include, a female chorus singing a capella in Bulgarian, a male chorus singing New Year's greetings in Croatian and a fantastic Smyrneika from Asia Minor sung by Sophia Bilides ...

In summary, this CD is filled with oustanding representative authentic music from Greece, Macedonia and Bulgaria plus a few other Balkan countries. Each selection is a "best of the best" example of superior talent both in musical style, expression, improvisation, authenticity and vocalization. This CD receives my highest recommendations. Another exotic, energetic, authentic enjoyable Balkan music CD highly recommended is "Nonstop" by the Seattle group, Balkanarama. Erika Borsos (erikab93)