Album Notes

Les Cousins is pleased to announce the release of a new recording by the legendary American fingerstyle guitarist Duck Baker, whose recording career spans over three decades, including 22 solo records and appearances on another 35. Baker has been cited consistently as one of the most accomplished, original, and influential guitar voices of his generation, equally at home playing solo or with other musicians in an amazing variety of musical idioms. Indeed, much of his repertoire has been learned playing in bands with musicians who are known to aficionados as being among the best in their respective fields.

On The Roots and Branches of American Music Baker presents a solo program that includes everything from Irish dance tunes to modern jazz. There are ragtime tunes, old-timey fiddle tunes, and blues, gospel and swing, including three of Duck's trademark vocals. This will be the most comprehensive Duck Baker record to date, and we feel that he sets a new standard with the performances here.