"The Bristol Sessions 1927-1928: The Big Bang of Country Music" was issued in 2011.
TOM NETHERLAND|SPECIAL TO THE BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
ETSU professor of Appalachia Studies, Ted Olson, wrote liner notes for and served as the reissue producer of all three of Bear Family Records' East Tennessee "Sessions" boxes that cover years 1927 through 1930.
TOM NETHERLAND|SPECIAL TO THE HERALD COURIER
Olson began work on the boxes in 2009 with "The Bristol Sessions."
TOM NETHERLAND|SPECIAL TO THE HERALD COURIER
"The Johnson City Sessions 1928-1929: Can You Sing Or Play Old-Time Music?"
TOM NETHERLAND|SPECIAL TO THE BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Neither the Carter Family nor Howard Armstrong will literally return from the dead anytime soon. Likewise Appalachia circa late 1920s. However, with the recent completion of Bear Family Records’ trio of boxed sets, each elevates in the public eye.
» Germany’s Bear Family Records sells the aforementioned box sets via its website, www.bear-family.com. However, they’re pricey. Merchants around the world sell Bear Family’s 250-plus box sets, though for varying ranges of prices.
» Apply patience. When in search of, say Bear’s “Bristol Sessions” set, shop around. Though rare, prices on eBay sometimes fall below $75. Tags can stretch to above $150.
» One can buy directly in Bristol. The Birthplace of Country Music Museum sells “The Bristol Sessions” for $149.99 and “The Johnson City Sessions” for $159.95. Walk in, buy and walk out with each if you prefer.
» Or order from Amazon.com. A new copy of “The Bristol Sessions” sells for a shade above $100. “The Johnson City Sessions” retails for just under $95. “The Knoxville Sessions” set clocks in at $129. Too costly? Check back often as prices fluctuate often on Amazon.
ETSU professor of Appalachia Studies, Ted Olson, wrote liner notes for and served as the reissue producer of all three of Bear Family Records' East Tennessee "Sessions" boxes that cover years 1927 through 1930.
