Founded by
Holger Petersen in 1976, the independent Canadian label Stony Plain Records has devoted itself to what it defines as roots music: folk, country, and blues, along with related subgenres. 35 Years of Stony Plain is a two-CD, one-DVD set chronicling the label's history, with tracks actually going back more than ten years prior to its formation (a quartet of previously unreleased
Robert Nighthawk performances from 1965). But that is not to say that it provides a balanced sampling of Stony Plain recordings over three-and-a-half decades, nor is it intended to. In fact, the label issues this sort of compilation every five years, so this one is, naturally, tipped heavily toward what has come out since 2006. And that's quite a batch of material. It includes the work of flagship artists like
Maria Muldaur and
Ian Tyson, as well as some brand names the label has had the chance to distribute in Canada, including
Steve Earle,
Asleep at the Wheel,
Emmylou Harris, and
Rodney Crowell. Sadly, the five-year period also marked the death of guitarist
Jeff Healey, who is remembered by both audio tracks and a video tribute. These artists are featured on the first disc, dubbed "Singers, Songwriters and Much, Much More…." The second disc, "Blues, R&B, Swing, Jazz and Even More…" also includes
Healey, as well as Stony Plain's blues main man
Duke Robillard,
Rory Block,
Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters,
Long John Baldry, and the trio effort
the Amos Garrett,
Doug Sahm, and Gene Taylor Band. The DVD is a video scrapbook also featuring a tour of the Stony Plain offices and interview with
Petersen, as well as a collection of music videos. The result is a thorough look at Stony Plain Records' ambitions and accomplishments over the 35 years, with special emphasis on the last five. ~ William Ruhlmann