VA - Excavated Shellac: Reeds (2015)

Reed instruments are capable of some of the most impassioned music on the planet, all due to the malleability of the reeds, themselves historically made of plant tissue - which vibrate when air hits them. The origin of most reed instruments is steeped in rural, pastoral culture. Many insistent, loud, often joyful, reed instruments have always been played outdoors as traditional accompaniment for dancing and celebrations. This compelling album is the second volume in the Excavated Shellac release series, featuring rare, never-before issued 78rpm records from around the world, centered on a unique theme. The previous volume (Excavated Shellac: Strings) focused on stellar stringed instrument performances. This release examines some of the most intense and hypnotic music set to disc during the early years of international recording, all featuring reed instruments.