I want to apologize. My last few posts sound too defensive when I re-read them, which is odd since this isn't my project and I have no stake in this.   As I said at the beginning, I missed this workshop at the Folk Alliance, but I am going to order the tape.   I'm very intrigued. From what I've read and heard, ALL the individuals involved are treating this with respect, but I will wait to hear the recording before passing judgement.

I do see and respect everyones point about tampering with the work of a dead artist. The points are valid and I hope that the original artist will be honored.

Personally, if it were my recordings, I would be happy that a new generation took interest in my work and as long as my original were available for listening, I would have no problem with being "sampled" or even "altered".   It would be one thing if they were adding brass bands or a laugh track, but I do believe they are giving these recordings respect - and perhaps adding something that the original might have (or might not have) added if he or she had the technology and musicians at their disposal.

I do believe that projects like this will create new interest in the original recordings, but that shouldn't be the intention of the producers of these new recordings. Rounder Records and the Alan Lomax archives have done an outstanding service in preserving and promoting folk music. I give them credit for having the courage to allow someone the freedom to work with these tapes, when the reaction (as witnessed here) was so obvious.   I can't wait to hear them.

Again my apologies if I sounded too defensive. That was not my intention.

Ron