RALPH PEER AND THE MAKING OF POPULAR ROOTS MUSIC

As Ralph Peer shifted from the phonograph business to the record business, he boosted the music industry, particularly blues, jazz, country, and Latin music. The music executive's own thoughts about his life are part of Mazor's meticulous account of Peer's life and legacy. There's also some personal history on Peer, whose hobby was camellia gardening. The narrative isn't dramatic--the production is more like an engaging college course. But Peer's life story includes some good moments. Listeners will likely enjoy stories about early sessions with Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family or his involvement in U.S. outreach in Latin America during WWII. At times, discussion of esoteric topics like royalties bogs down. Nonetheless, listeners who are curious will find this worth hearing. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2015]