Search - Jean Ritchie :: Mountain Hearth & Home

A great introduction to a great pioneer

Robert H. Nunnally Jr. | Allen, TX United States | 09/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jean Ritchie's story has an almost mythic quality about it.

Raised in Appalachian Kentucky, she got her college degree and

moved to New York to help in the inner-city. There folks discovered her knowledge of the folk songs and mountain dulcimer music with which she was raised. She's often been credited with being the person who brought the mountain dulcimer to the attention of the broader public.



This collection of songs chooses a broad selection, commencing from her very first album to her later work. The songs here emphasize vocals, not dulcimer, so that is not a "Hendrix of the dulcimer" approach to this music. The spare, two and four track productions have an enchanting "live" quality, and Ms. Ritchie's voice has an appealing sincerity.



This CD is a very worthwhile introduction to her work. I highly recommend."