I reckon Dave Van Ronk 'The Folkways Years 1959-61 Smithsonian/Folkways CD SF 40041 is essential to any Van Ronk collection. The compilation is by Van Ronk himself and Kip Lornell. It has an excellent insert with reflections by Van Ronk, an essay by Lornell and extensive notes on the songs. I love his rendition of Bessie Smith's 'Black Mountain Blues'.

Stewie.