A crystalline-clear voice and a tireless preservation of traditional music are two of the contibutions to folk music that Jean Ritchie is most respected for, and both shine on the Smithsonian/Folkways release Ballads from Her Appalachian Family Tradition. Mostly a cappella, with a few songs accompanied by dulcimer, these children's ballads are alternately warm and chilling, achingly beautiful and as stark as the bones of the balladeers who wrote the songs hundreds of years ago. The ...   [ read more ]

CD $16.13

According to reissue annotator Joe Wilson, Doc Watson and Jean Ritchie had never heard of each other before they got together for a concert at Folk City in 1963, which says something about the 40-year-old Watson's obscurity at the time and about his limited knowledge of other performers, since 39-year-old Ritchie had been recording for more than a decade. The two had a lot in common, however, the North Carolina-born guitarist and banjo player sharing a repertoire of traditional material with...   [ read more ]

CD $16.13

Carols for All Seasons features Jean Ritchie performing a variety of holiday favorites. Featured performances include "Carnal and the Crane," "I Saw Three Ships," "Dames Get up and Bake Your Pies," and "Children Go Where I Send Them," in addition to 13 others. Those who appreciate Ritchie's music should find this to be a delightful addition to the holidays. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide

CD $8.53