Various Birthright: A Black Roots Music Compendium
Release Date: February 17, 2023
Label: Craft Recordings
Offering a comprehensive overview of American Black roots music, the 40-track collection Birthright: A Black Roots Music Compendium spans generations and genres, from Gospel and Blues to Louisiana Creole, Jazz, Gullah music, and more, demonstrating the pervasive influence of these styles on popular culture today.
Birthright: A Black Roots Music Compendium is a rousing journey through the rich and nuanced landscape of African-American musical invention.
In the span of just 40 songs, Birthright offers an expansive overview of American Black roots music – from old-time banjo and traditional jazz to Mississippi hill country blues – demonstrating the pervasive influence of these styles on popular culture from country to hip-hop. This rollicking ride through the joyful landscape of African-American musical invention includes essays from musicians (and scholars of the subject) Dom Flemons and Corey Harris, as well as an essay and track notes by co-producer Ted Olson.
The featured artists on Birthright range from little-known musicians to enduring icons like John Lee Hooker, Odetta, The Staple Singers, and Lightnin’ Hopkins.