Bob Stanley

20 Original Recordings Series Collection from 1930 to 1990!

20 Original Recordings Series Collection from 1930 to 1990!

Ace Records’4-CD box set Make It Your Sound, Make It Your Scene: Vanguard Records and the 1960s Musical Revolution is a comprehensive chronicle of the Vanguard sound and style, taking in not only folk, but blues, gospel, country and even rock. (The label’s jazz and classical forays, alas, shall have to wait until another day.) As such, it’s a hugely impressive monument to a decade-plus of recordings that influenced a generation of blues-rock and psychedelic performers as the 1960s made way for the 1970s. But it’s even more of a revelation, for good or ill, that the universal themes reflected in these artists’ works still resonate today. This set isn’t for casual, background listening, but instead offers a serious (and seriously entertaining) glimpse back at a heady time for American culture…

Sing Out! features a stellar line-up of acoustic performances by Bay Area folk heroes, including Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, Country Joe McDonald, Kate Wolf, Rosalie Sorrels, and a percussion set by the Dead’s drummers – billed as the Rhythm Devils. The event was described by Wavy Gravy as a “mini-Woodstock,” and it is the last major show to be mixed and recorded by famed Grateful Dead soundman Owsley Stanley, aka “Bear.” It is also the final live recording he made of any members of the Grateful Dead.

Formed in Bristol in 1969, Stackridge were one of the most unique British bands of the era. Their initial line-up featured Andy Davis (guitar, keyboards, vocals), James Warren (guitar, vocals), James “Crun” Walter (bass), Michael “Mutter” Slater (flute, vocals), Michael Evans (violin) and Billy Bent (drums). Possessing a gift for melody, musicianship and a fine sense of humour and English eccentricity, their concerts were legendary.

Before The Dead brings together a rare collection of the earliest known performances by Jerry Garcia. From an informal and intimate 1691 performance of simple folk songs at a birthday party with future songwriting partner Robert Hunter to more polished coffeehouse gigs with old-timey and bluegrass bands through 1964, this collection showcases Garcia’s deep study of the folk music tradition and its influence on his musical journey leading to the formation of the Grateful Dead.