Dave Van Ronk brilliantly, though personably, embodied all the brashest and most mercurial qualities of the folk revival movement. He played and sang the country blues of such giants as Brownie McGhee and Jim Jackson with what seemed like easy aplomb. He brought his own unique voice to tunes that Ma Rainey and Billie Holiday had made famous, and recast them as Van Ronk tunes. He pioneered the playing of the classic rags of Scott Joplin on solo guitar, galvanizing younger players like Eric Schoenberg, Stefan Grossman, and Duck Baker. "Sister Kate," on In the Tradition, one of two albums reissued herein, finds Dave accompanied by a wailing Dixieland band. There is real variety here, but also a consistent quality, both of voice and vision. You'll find Dave Van Ronk refreshing, remarkable, and a gas to listen to.

with the Red Onion Jazz Band

Recorded in 1963 and 1981.