Patuxent CD-321 - Carrying On the Legacy

When Phil Wiggins and I wrote the book “Sweet Bitter Blues – Washington D.C.’s Homemade Blues” (University Press of Mississippi, 2020), we reflected on the acoustic local blues scene during the life and times of Phil Wiggins in his own African American community. At its core, the D.C. area acoustic “down home” blues scene was rooted with a small group of musicians, proud and beloved men and women; Mother Scott, Flora Molton, Chief Ellis, Archie Edwards, John Jackson, John Cephas & Phil Wiggins. The musicians in Washington, D.C., who are no longer with us, have left an important legacy: “Carry on this music. Keep it going.” Our friends and compatriots who are featured on this collection were all connected in some way to the elders. As you will hear, they carry on the Piedmont tradition and related acoustic roots music with passion, love and reverence. Thanks to all contributors

                                                                           - Frank Matheis, New York 2019