New Folk CD: Slice of Acoustic Music Scene

The Folk Scene Collection - Various Artists (Red House Records): You can rest assured no one broke any guitar strings or strained vocal chords in making this recording. A quiet tranquillity is the common thread that ties this compilation of folk artists into a cohesive whole.

The album is a sampling of excellent acoustic music from some of folk's brightest performers. From traditional to contemporary, Celtic to American country, these recordings are a pleasant slice of the current acoustic music scene. Featured artists include Iris DeMent, John Gorka, Bruce Cockburn, Dar Williams, Tish Hinajosa, Richard Thompson, Maura O'Connell, Dave Alvin, Dillon O'Brian, and Kate and Anna McGarrigle. And there's not a screeching guitar or screaming voice among them.