This coming Sunday, January 19, Amos Jessup will be my guest as we discuss and share samples from the new Mudcat Blue Plate Special CD samplers.

The interview will air during the 5pm Eastern Time hour of WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS, which can be heard in the NYC area over 89.1FM. You can also listen in via the internet through our website - www.wfdu.fm .

Unfortunately, one hour does not give us nearly enough time to sample all the treasures on this amazing 5 CD set.   What we have accomplished is a program that will alert our listeners to this project and hopefully bring a few new folks into the Mudcat and maybe sell a few CD's to help support this site. Amos eloquently discusses the history of the project and introduces a few selections from the CD's.

Even though we aren't able to squeeze everyone into this one hour "special", I can tell you that this CD series will be a treasured resource for my program. I have already begun including cuts into my playlist. I am astounded at the spirit and quality of the cuts. While some cuts may sound more "polished" than others, ALL the selections reflect a love for the music and sharing of the tradition. As I said to Amos, I really feel that this set could eventually be of historical importance, in a similar way that Harry Smith's anthology helped inspire a folk revival, I feel that the Mudcat CD's also reflect a continuance of the tradition and hopefully will inspire others to sing the songs.

Thanks to Amos and everyone for making these CD's possible, you have done an amazing job!

Ron Olesko
WFDU-FM