“Down Home Blues : Chicago Volume 3” (Wienerworld)- This beautifully annotated anthology from Wienerworld extends over 4 CDs as it delves deeply into the archives to present a vivid musical portrait of the blues scene in Chicago during its now long distant golden era. The list of participants includes giants of the genre such as Muddy Waters, Memphis Slim and legendary harmonica ace Little Walter, and compiler Peter Moody should also be congratulated for finding the space to showcase the talents of a whole host of lesser known performers who also deserve a long overdue glimpse of the limelight, most notably Robert Lockwood Junior, Johnny Temple and former Jimmy Reed sideman Eddie Taylor.

Rod Picott,”Starlight Tour” (Welding Rod Records)- The prolific Mr.Picott invariably delivers the goods in no uncertain fashion whenever he feels the urge to venture into the recording studio, and this raw and melancholic offering captures the Nashville based performer in particularly fine fettle. The former construction worker can always be relied upon to chronicle the often overlooked flipside of the American dream with empathy and compassion and “Starlight Tour” provides an ideal introduction to his refreshingly honest approach to the art of music making.”Next Man In Line,” “Digging Ditches” and the beautifully unadorned “Time To Let Go Of Your Dreams” capture this master craftsman at his brilliant best.

Clarence White, “The Lost Masters 1963-1973” (Wienerworld)- An interesting collection of archive recordings highlighting the instrumental artistry of former Byrds guitarist Clarence White, drawing on recordings made at various stages of a career which was tragically curtailed by a fatal road accident in 1973. Several of White’s former Byrds bandmates contribute to the anthology, including Gene Parsons and Roger McGuinn, and the package also features a rare rehearsal tape from the Everly Brothers as they tackle Terry Slater’s “I’m On My Way Home Again” in a 1969 performance which also boasts the late great Gram Parsons on rhythm guitar.