John Hartford Live From Mountain Stage

The clown prince of old-time returns with this engaging live set that collects performances from three mid-'90s appearances on the West Virginia-based radio program. Clown, we say, because Hartford is so adept at being humorous and wistful simultaneously. And because he never takes himself too seriously, but never (OK, rarely) lapses into silliness. Filled with Hartford's distinctive banjo and fiddle work and an assortment of classic original material, the set serves as an accessible introduction to one of folk music's most unique and idiosyncratic characters. --Marc Greilsamer