Various Artists - Flatpicking Guitar Festival (Various Artists) - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

The 23 tracks that make up this single-CD reissue vary wildly in terms of style and execution, from straightforward bluegrass like Dick Fegy's renditions of InchBig Sandy RiverInch and InchFire Hose ReelInch to Eric Thompson's adaptation of two Irish reels and Richard Lieberson's jazzy InchPaddy on the Swingpipe. Inch Doc Watson is well represented with three tracks (InchFisher's Hornpipe/Devil's Dream,Inch InchDown Yonder,Inch and InchLiza/Lady Be GoodInch), and David Bromberg kicks in an atypically subdued version of InchThe Kitchen Girl. Inch Most of the other guitarists are relative unknowns; although Dan Crary (InchFishing Creek Blues/Arkansas TravellerInch) will be well-known to bluegrass fans, only hardcore guitarheads are likely to recognize names like Michael Aumen, Barry Solomon, and Eric Thompson. Regardless, all of them play beautifully, and the stylistic variety of the program makes it a great listen from beginning to end. Highly recommended. - Rick Anderson/Allmusic. Com