Phil Alvin's second solo date,
County Fair 2000 continues his thorough exploration of Americana with references to tap dancing ("Low Down Rhythm"),
Ellingtonia ("The Terror"), Delta blues ("That Thing"), New Orleans brass bands ("Danny Boy's Mourning Sunset"), rockabilly/country ("County Fair 2000"), automobiles ("Wreck Your V-8 Ford"), and the
Jimmy Reed-styled "Oh, Doctor."
Alvin has the good taste to employ an impressive list of guests including
the Dirty Dozen Brass Band,
Billy Boy Arnold,
Cesar Rosas from
Los Lobos,
James Intveld, and members of
the Blasters (without brother
Dave Alvin.)
County Fair 2000 leaves no doubt that
Phil Alvin is a premier musicologist, preserving and staying true to what he loves.