In spite of the title, this second volume in Rounder Records'
Old Time Music: On the Air series isn't made up of radio performances but is instead comprised largely of studio recordings of contemporary musicians who work in the old-timey tradition, and is essentially a generous (27 tracks) sampler of some of the old time-styled wares available in the Rounder back catalog. Bright and varied, this set features several banjo and fiddle pieces, some solo clawhammer banjo performances, a handful of tracks featuring mountain vocal harmonies, and even a song or two with yodeling. Highlights include the opening track, a fiddle, banjo, and guitar rendition of the classic "28th of January" by the Bing Brothers, Joel Mabus' sly "Henhouse Door,"
Walt Koken's delightful "Jay Bird Town," and an impressive banjo turn by
Cathy Fink on "Rush in the Pepper." ~ Steve Leggett