Various artists, "Classic Piano Blues" (2008)

NICK DERISO: This upcoming Smithsonian Folkways release is a hot-dawg compilation that sets up both as primer for the new-to-this and reminder for the been-there-done-that crowd.

A remarkably deep catalogue has helped the label continue for years with a series of myth-confirming sets. "Classic Piano Blues" is no different, featuring everything from Meade "Lux" Lewis to Champion Jack Dupree, from Kentwood, La.-native Little Brother Montgomery to Memphis Slim (appearing on "Wish Me Well" with bassist/Chess Svengali Willie Dixon).

And, in so doing, the record manages to take in the full breadth of piano styles -- including boogie-woogie, midnight chock- or barrelhouse, stride, riverboat saloon tunes, even more sophisticated jazz (notably from Sammy Price).

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