With the current popularity of roots music showing no signs of waning, it feels as if each week brings a dazzling cornucopia of opportunities to indulge in live performances and recordings by a host of local and international soul, blues, folk, funk, alt-country and reggae artists. It is the sheer eclecticism and energetic creativity of the modern roots scene that makes it so durable and attractive. The 34-track behemoth Best Of Blues And Roots 2011 perfectly captures this vibrant diversity and positively sparkles with variety.
Encompassing everything from cruisy groovin’ blues (Eric Bibb’s Shine On) and country-soul rock ‘n’ roll (Dan Sultan’s Walk Through My Dream) to the genre-bending innovation of Ash Grunwald (Lady Luck) and Dan Kelly’s Hold On (I’m Coming On), this generous collection is studded with gems and provides a neat introduction to the scene.
Like all great compilations, it will inspire the listener to rush out and buy albums by each of the featured acts. Considering the talent on display here, this buying spree is likely to be a deeply satisfying and enriching experience.
Best Tracks: Walk Through My Dream DAN SULTAN, Hold On (I’m Coming On) DAN KELLY.
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: DIG: Roots and More Various Artists and Beyond Mississippi Various Artists.
In A Word: Vibrant!
