Artist: Etta Baker
Title: Etta Baker & Taj Mahal
Label: Music Maker
Format: CD
Price: $12.53 15% off until March 29th

The other day I ran across a record called “Etta Baker and Taj Mahal” on the Music Maker label out of North Carolina. Etta Baker is a great instrumental folk-blues guitarist who turns 92 this year. The liner notes have her earliest release (a few tracks on 1956’s “Instrumental Music from the Southern Appalachians” on Tradition Records) as being “among the most influential recordings of the folk era.” In fact, Bob Dylan met her on his 21st birthday. While listening, I heard some Elizabeth Cotton and Mississippi John Hurt in her amazingly beautiful playing. I’ll have to do a bit more research to find out who influenced who -- although, I guess in the big picture it doesn't really matter..

Of course, after the first couple of tracks I knew I had to have more of her music so I went to the Music Maker web site (www.musicmaker.org). Wow – what a great label. Here is what their mission statement says:

“Music Maker Relief Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the true pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern musical traditions gain recognition and meet their day-to-day needs. Today, many such musicians are living in extreme poverty and need food, shelter, medical care, and other assistance. Music Maker's aid and service programs improve the quality of recipients' lives. Our work affirms to these artists that we value the gifts of music and inspiration they have delivered to the world.”

How cool is that? I immediately ordered a few more CDs (the MM Collector Edition of three CDs) and a Cootie Stark t-shirt. When they arrived a few days later there was a personalized thank-you postcard, a “Cootie for President” button and all my goods neatly packed into a hand addressed recycled box. These folks do it right and for all the right reason. If you dig into their web site you’ll also find both BB King and Bonnie Raitt sit on their advisory board.

So, for some really beautiful intricate (yet oddly simple at the same time) instrumental folk blues guitar playing I highly recommend “Etta Baker and Taj Mahal.” For some genuine Piedmont Blues pick up Cottie Stark’s “Sugar Man”. And, to get a feel for how great the Music Maker label is pick up their sampler – “Music Makers with Taj Mahal.” But, no matter what, go to www.musicmaker.org and support some folks who are doing it for the love of the music and the people who make it.

Click here to see the stuff we have -- go to the Music Maker site for more.

TRACK LISTING:

NOW (new recordings)
1 John Henry - Etta Baker &Taj Mahal - 3:41
2 Crow Jane - Etta Baker &Taj Mahal - 2:20
3 Going Down the Road Feeling Bad -
Etta Baker &Taj Mahal - 2:46
4 Madison Street Blues -
Etta Baker &Taj Mahal - 2:50
5 Railroad Bill - Etta Baker &Taj Mahal - 3:18
6 Cripple Creek - Etta Baker - 1:39
7 Johnson Boys -
Etta Baker & Wayne Martin - 1:52
8 Going to the Race Track - Etta Baker - :32
9 Lost John - Etta Baker - 1:58
10 Dew Drop - Etta Baker - 2:20
11 Poem - Etta Baker - :21
12 Comb Blues - Etta Baker, Algia Mae Hinton &Taj Mahal - 5:03

THEN (old recordings)
13 -One Dime Blues - Etta Baker - 2:57
14 - Sourwood Mountain - Mr. Boone Reid - 1:48
15 - Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down - Etta Baker - 1:22
16- Railroad Bill - Etta Baker - 2:35
17 - Johnson Boys - Mr. Boone Reid - 1:25
18 - John Henry - Etta Baker - 2:36
19 - Bully of the Town - Etta Baker - 2:58