My special guest on this week's edition of Folk Roots/Folk Branches will be "PHILADELPHIA" JERRY RICKS.

Four decades ago as a young musician, Jerry worked extensively with, and learned from, such blues legends as Mississippi John Hurt, Lonnie Johnson, Lightnin' Hopkins, Skip James, Son House, Reverend Gary Davis and Brownie McGhee. After spending more than 20 years in Europe, Jerry returned to the U.S. in the 1990s and is now recognized as one of today's most important and influential acoustic blues artists.

I first met Jerry 28 years ago when he lived in Montreal briefly before leaving for Europe. I learned much from him and regard the long conversations that I had with Jerry then as a essential component of my own musical education.

During his visit, we'll be listening to Jerry's own recordings as well as some by his mentors. Jerry will have his guitar with him in the studio, so some live songs should be on the agenda.

Jerry will be joining me after 10:00 am. Before that, we'll have lots of other great music.

Folk Roots/Folk Branches is heard on Thursday mornings from 9-11:30 (Eastern). Over the air on CKUT, 90.3 FM, in Montreal and in RealAudio from the Folk Roots/Folk Branches website.

Mike Regenstreif