deso - Posted - 02/10/2007:  11:26:51

Cathy, I was just discussing the topic of iTunes vs CD's with my wife the other night, wondering if my iTunes purchases are really benefiting the artist. I really like being able to download music because it is immediate and because the local music store in my town is small and not likely to have what I want (they'll get it though). I am usually disappointed when something is not available through iTunes. But the real question is, "What's best for the artist?" And, if CD's are best, what distribution route? Is it better to purchase direct from the musician when possible or does it make any difference? As far as cost goes, I like the lower prices of downloads but honestly it's not a factor. What I'd like if paying more on iTunes are liner notes and the option to download full quality sound files, etc.

I know this probably sounds naive, but why can't a record lable or independent setup their own download site? Especially independents. It could be something like an artist cooperative to help with operational costs.

Deke

arnie - Posted - 02/10/2007:  11:40:23

Alan Jabbour and Ken Perlman did a good job on Southern Summits. Lots of good Henry Reed tunes there too -some of my favorites including "Blilly In The Lowland" - beautiful! Ken is also the only banjo clawhammerer I know of to tackle Canadian P.E.I. fiddle tunes (on another cd of his)
My highlight of last year's Midwest banjo camp was playing "Ducks On The Pond" with Alan Jabbour in concert (we had never played together before)

Arnie Naiman
http://www.merriweather.ca/Records.aspx?ID=2

Clawhammer Clint - Posted - 02/10/2007:  13:09:12

The discussion on copying CDs aside, this is an absolutely great thread for a newbie like myself. It will likely cost me alot of money. Thanks to those who contributed.

C.C.

stanger - Posted - 02/11/2007:  00:59:28

A personal favorite of mine is 'The Twisted Laurel' by the Red Clay Ramblers. I don't know if it has been released as a CD, though.
regards,
Stanger

Emiel - Posted - 02/11/2007:  06:08:42

I don't think this has been mentioned:

Clarence Ashley And Doc Watson: The Original Folkways Recordings, 1960-1962 [2-CD Set]

And don't forget the McGee Brothers. The old Folkways LP's can be ordered as custom CD from Smithsonian Folkways.

Has anybody mentioned Uncle Dave Macon? Art Rosenbaum?

And of course Mike Seeger: Southern Banjo Sounds (most important).

Emiel


http://www.nowhereradio.com/emiel
http://www.bluerounders.com

Copo - Posted - 02/11/2007:  07:25:05

Bill Whelan is a top player in Ireland and his recordings with the rough deal stringband are well worth a listen

BanjoBillyBoy - Posted - 02/12/2007:  10:15:43

Paul Brown (he did an album with Mike Seeger, and he jsut put out a new one ..Red Clay County)
Ron Mullenex (Gandydancer and Cross Ties)
Tim BIng (The Bing Brothers)
The Rockenhams (CD same title)
Kyle Creed ( The Camp Creek Boys, June Apple, there is a cassete I used to have, if I can find it I will pass on the title, super banjo playing on it.)

These all have some great banjo playing.





Bill Boyer,
Curmudgeon, O.F., D.O.M.