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Not so much a box set as a paving slab, the five-CD American Epic almost manages the impossible task of gathering together the seminal US releases of the 1920s. The most atmospheric disc compiles 17 field recordings in pin-sharp fidelity, but the most exciting one traces New York’s contribution, exemplified by the supple twang of Big Bill Broonzy’s Long Tall Mama.

Henry Yates has been a freelance journalist since 2002 and written about music for titles including The Guardian, The Telegraph, NME, Classic Rock, Guitarist, Total Guitar and Metal Hammer. He is the author of Walter Trout's official biography, Rescued From Reality, a music pundit on Times Radio and BBC TV, and an interviewer who has spoken to Brian May, Jimmy Page, Ozzy Osbourne, Ronnie Wood, Dave Grohl, Marilyn Manson, Kiefer Sutherland and many more.

Various Artists - American Epic album review

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