Blue Notes – Pittsburgh Post Gazette
June 16, 2010

This is another one of the excellent group of Earwig CD I got recently — this one by old-time folk and blues guitarist Andy Cohen, and titled “Built Right on the Ground.”

Cohen is one of those virtuoso acoustic pickers who’s dedicated himself to what are loosely known as prewar blues, along with rags and folk, often breathing new life into otherwise obscure old music. Cohen counts some talented folk among his inspirations, including Jim Brewer, the Rev. Dan Smith, Brother Daniel Womack and the Rev. Gary Davis, plus many others listed here in his bio.

He’s also one of those rare players who has the ability to take old music, refine it, shape it, and give it new life. He does this mostly on guitar, but also on piano (check out his “Honky Tonk Train”), and he throws in the dulceola for good measure.

He tackles great old music here by everyone from Memphis Minnie to Jimmie Rodgers, to Big Bill Broonzy and Jelly Roll Morton — and more. He does a a very interesting 1929 tune by little-known St. Louis blues legend and barber, Henry Spaulding, called “Cairo Blues.” And that’s exactly what makes this such a fine album — music from people we may not have heard of, explained in liner notes, and performed to perfection.

Cohen is doing his best to keep this grand traditional music alive. Give him a listen. Help him out.

-Jim White

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