by Brian BeattyOriginally recorded in 1958 for the Folkways label, Sings and Plays is now available on CD and cassette on a made-to-order basis, ordered directly from the Smithsonian label website. These 18 sides include as much oral history as they do fine banjo frailing. Kazee's expert clawhammer playing is the reason this collection remains essential for fans of the archaic performance style. His stories and impromptu banjo lessons are likewise worthwhile. Kazee's brittle singing voice, on the other hand, may require some getting used to for unprepared listeners. But the old familiar tales of "John Hardy" and "Darling Corey" sound like today's breaking news as this Kentucky minister performs them. This is an exceptional collection that chronicles an age of American musical tradition (and spirit) long since lost to history and third-generation imitations. Photocopies of the album's original notes and lyric sheet are included with each order.