Jean Ritchie's debut album, "Singing The Traditional Songs Of Her Kentucky Mountain Family," released in January 1952, is a captivating collection of traditional folk music that showcases Ritchie's pure, resonant voice and her deep connection to her Appalachian roots. This album, Elektra's first folk release, features a mix of love ballads, lullabies, and folk tunes that Ritchie learned from her family in Kentucky. The tracks, such as "Black Is the Color," "Hush Little Baby," and "The Cuckoo," are performed with a simplicity and authenticity that highlights the raw beauty of these traditional songs. With a runtime of just 27 minutes, the album is a concise yet powerful introduction to the rich musical heritage of the Kentucky mountains. Ritchie's delicate fingerpicking on the Appalachian dulcimer adds a unique texture to the songs, making this album a timeless treasure for folk music enthusiasts.
Vinylscout