A tribute to Blind Alfred Reed

Just released, in conjunction with the inaugural event of the wv music hall of fame, is a CD with 19 songs - a tribute to one of the inductees, Blind Alfred Reed. These are all musicians with WV connections. I like Larry Groce's "you must unload"- the carpenter ants "money cravin' fools"- always lift him up and never knock him down (dwight diller and john morris) The "bookends"- the lead song- by little jimmy dickens (woman's been after man ever since) and tim o-brien (how can a poor man stand such times and live) may represent two classic representations- a somewhat "funny" song by a long time grand ol' opry star known for some pretty funny and kooky songs himself; and the song that ry cooder, bruce springsteen, etc. "discovered" Reed through. Songs were recorded across several sites; charleston, nashville, California- some very diverse arrangements and styles. Intriguing matches of musicians and songs; wondering if they picked them out themselves, or if they were matched. I had heard Todd Burge's selection earlier off his website/ myspace site. The Carpenter Ants maintain their exciting quality. I hope people will track this music down and give it a listen; it connects the 1920's and 30's with the present very well.