CD Review

WPAQ: The Voice of the Blue Ridge Mountains
(Radio recordings from Mount Airy, NC 1947-50)
Rounder

This compilation is a rare piece of music history which, by being so particular in time and space, succeeds in capturing the universal spirit of American folk music. Founded by Ralph Epperson, WPAQ's mission was to reflect the cultural and musical values of the community. The twenty-five cuts from the station's first years include old time, bluegrass and traditional gospel music - from social to spiritual - and are performed live by a variety of local and touring musicians. The local character of the artists and the noisy recordings enhance the sense of place and history that is this disc's chief reward. There's more than music preserved here. It's life itself - the past - and it's almost palpable. -HB