Pokey LaFarge and company play old music, incorporating styles of ragtime, jazz, blues, swing and country. It’s mostly upbeat and fun and features a lineup of incredible musicians. Instruments include a 1900 Guitjo, a 1905 Washburn Parlour Guitar and a 1920 Vega Tenor Banjo as well as a cornet, trombone, harmonica, drums and upright bass. These guys kick ass. Pokey is from St. Louis and the confluence of musical styles which have landed there from elsewhere has seeped into Pokey’s soul and has been transformed into these blissful sounds by Pokey and his cohorts. Great stuff, and be sure to check out the liner notes and sleeve notes. No FCC’s.

*My Favorites*: I picked 1, then 2, then 3, and then all the rest...

1. (3:07) Mid / Fast. Upbeat gallop around a ‘break-up’ song. Rapid guitar and cool horn.
2. (3:18) Mid / Fast. Bluesy with harmonica, nice guitar soloing.
3. (2:32) Mid. Guitar solos, bass solos, backing vocals. Killer stuff.
4. (2:49) Mid. A reinterpretation of a classic, it’s kinda sparse and quiet and really well done.
5. (2:41) Slow / Mid. There’ve been many songs about the Shenandoah River and this is Pokey’s straight-ahead version, not flashy, but dang good.
6. (3:32) Mid / Fast. Harmonica showcase, upbeat blues. Start stop phrases, gets sparse then full again with some backing vocals. Hootin’ an’ hollerin’ ensues and just plain kicks ass.
7. (2:56) Mid. Plodding beat, deep horn, guitar solo, a jaunty ride.
8. (4:32) Slow / Mid. Mellow then picks up. Guitar, harmonica predominate.
9. (2:28) Fast. Jammin’ guitar, banjo. All-out energetic tune with cool bass solo. Killer.
10. (2:53) Fast. Drinkin’ song, amped up. Great guitar and bass solos.
11. (3:13) Mid. Easy-going tune, harmonica gives it that country, bluesy flair.
12. (4:01) Mid. Blues number done with guitars, harmonica, a few background vocals.
13. (3:01) Mid. Horns gives this song that New Orleans sound with guitar solos and background vocals. It’s got a carefree feel, but has a stern message. Very cool.