On August 6th, Smithsonian Folkways released a fantastic new collection called Classic Banjo. The 30-track compilation is a wonderful tribute to the truly unique instrument via a diverse cross section of artists. I recently had the opportunity to speak with archivist Greg Adams about his work on putting together Classic Banjo.

As a fan and admirer of Hiss Golden Messenger, I first discovered guitarist Steve Gunn through his collaboration with HGM called Golden Gunn (Three Lobed Recordings). Shortly after obtaining a copy of that record, I discovered Steve's own new solo album called Time Off (Paradise of Bachelors).

Along with some of some other really great guitar records released recently by Marissa Anderson (Mercury, Mississippi),  William Tyler (Impossible Truth, Merge), Daniel Bachman (Seven Pines, Tompkins Square), Glenn Jones (My Garden State, Thrill Jockey) Lena Hughes (Queen of the Flat Top Guitar, Tompkins Square) and the forthcoming release from Nathan Salsburg, Gunn's Time Off is one not to be missed.

Frank Fairfield released his latest, limited edition, hand-printed, self-released CD last spring on his own new record label called Ingleside Records. It is a direct, no-nonsense recording, similar to his previous recordings issued by the Tompkins Square label (2009's Frank Fairfield and 2011's Out On The Open West), filled with carefully crafted fiddle, banjo, guitar, and vocal tunes.

In June, Pokey LaFarge released his fourth full-length studio recording, Pokey LaFarge. The album is his first long-player for Jack White's Third Man Records (who also put out his 7" single of "Chittlin Cookin Time in Cheatam County" as part of their Blue Series).

Mr. LaFarge and his partners draw from early country, western swing, traditional jazz, jug bands, and string band music. His traveling show continues to impress loyal listeners, as well as reel in newcomers wherever he performs. I'm putting my money on Third Man exposing Pokey to lots of new listeners and as a result,  I'm thinking his days of playing intimate clubs, sadly, may be coming to an end.

Anti-, a label known for handling such legendary and groundbreaking artists such as Tom Waits, Neko Case, Calexico, and Mavis Staples, have recently been adding an impressive roster of  young artists blazing new and exciting territory far beyond the folk and americana realms. The Melodic is just one of the many exciting acts to have recently joined the label, along with recent signees The Milk Carton Boys and Saintseneca.

I first discovered Luke Winslow-King when I picked up his Old/New Baby album in 2009. Best known for his slide guitar playing, the New Orleans-based artist returns with his long overdue follow up and his Bloodshot debut. Mr. Winslow-King continues to mine genres such as traditional jazz, pre-war blues, delta-folk, ragtime, and good old-fashioned rock and roll. Luke & co. are very much attuned to the sounds of the past while constructing a sound and feel all their own in the here and now. And boy, are we lucky!