Smithsonian Folkways staff pick their favorite recordings 

Pam Rogers, IT Contractor

Wade in the Water: African American Sacred Music Traditions Vol. I-IV

"Wade in the Water has so much music and I keep finding new ones that become favorites."

Jeff Place, Archivist

Mark Spoelstra Recorded at Club 47

"I think this is a brilliant record. Spoelstra was one of the few folk guys in the 60s who played on a 12-string. It's a classic of that era."

Kiley Griffin, Intern

When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq
Rahim Alhaj with Souhail Kaspar

"When the Soul is Settled is great to listen to any day, any time; I never get sick of it."

Pete Reiniger, Sound Production Supervisor

Un Fuego de Sangre Pura: Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto from Colombia

"This is the raw roots of the Cumbia."

Brian Mullan, Volunteer

Lead Belly's Last Sessions

"A great compilation of Lead Belly's music for the discerning blues listener."