By Art Menius

A couple of weeks ago in Memphis Chris Strachwitz of Arhoolie Records reportedly heard a gospel group he really liked. The next day he signed the band and booked studio time. Three days later he recorded them. For thirty-five years or so, that has been the Arhoolie way, permitting Strachwitz to assemble an archive of recordings spanning almost every kind of roots music from North America.

A few titles can only suggest the riches of the Arhoolie catalog. The various artists set 15 Tex-Mex Conjunto Classics (CD 104) may stand at the apex. The album provides the most comprehensive one disc panorama of the irresistible Spanish language music from just north of the border. It includes pioneers like Lydia Mendoza, such tradition bearers as Flaco Jiménez, and contemporary leader Esteban "Steve" Jordan. Actually, 15 Cajun Classics (CD 103) may prove just as broadly representative and danceable, including each generation from Joe Falcon to Beausoleil.

Like Jiménez and Beausoleil, Louisiana accordionist Clifton Chenier, the late King of Zydeco, represented his music to the world. Chris credits Chenier with inventing Zydeco, the propulsive Creole gumbo of Cajun rhythm and blues funk. A non-stop party, Zydeco Sont Pas Sale (CD 9001) compiles the best French language cuts from his ten rocking Arhoolie albums recorded between 1964 and 1983.

The Carter Family occupies a similarly seminal position in country music. The three discs of On Border Radio (CD 411-413) present them exactly as they sounded on powerful Mexican radio in 1939 including station breaks (visit Mexico: "The customs officials will do everything to cut the red tape"). We hear Carter classics and songs they never waxed in the studio. The transcriptions give us not only A.P., who does some rare solo numbers, the expressive Sara, and the amazing picker Maybelle, but the kids -- June, Jeanette, Helen, and Anita. Few labels have the resources of Arhoolie. Check them out.

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