DOWN IN THE BASEMENT
CD Review, by Ralph Speas

The cover art pretty much covers the basics: "Joe Bussard's Treasure Trove Of Vintage 78's -- 1926-1937. String bands, blues, jazz, country, cajun, gospel."

On an exceptionally well constructed CD package (tri-folder), OLD HAT Enterprises has come up with yet another unique contribution, appealing not only to vintage 78 collectors but also to any lover of American roots music.

From the Stripling Brothers "The Lost Child" to the Grinnell Giggers "Play Boy Hop," we get digitally remastered rare gems from the likes of James Cole's Washboard Four, Blind Blake & Charlie Spand, Bessie Brown, Gitfiddle Jim and many others.

In the accompanying 74-page profusely illustrated booklet detailing a biographer's dream listing of the labels, the artists & their music; we are entertained also by Joe's smiling face and some fascinating (and amusing) anecdotes from his life as a record collector. These all different 24 tracks, while entertaining and educational, merely tease us with just a sip of the full jug Joe's basement collection has to offer. Let's hope we get to go back again and again.

CD-1004 Old Hat Enterprises, PO Box 10309, Raleigh, NC 27603
www.oldhatrecords.com