Excavated Shellac: Reeds

From piercing zurnas to breathy reedpipes—hear the world’s most captivating reed performances, preserved from original 78s.

Reed instruments are capable of some of the most impassioned music on the planet, thanks to the malleable reeds—historically made of plant tissue—that vibrate when air hits them. Steeped in rural and pastoral traditions, these insistent, often joyful instruments have long been played outdoors to accompany dancing and celebrations.

This second volume in the Excavated Shellac series—following Excavated Shellac: Strings—presents rare, never-before-issued 78rpm recordings from around the world, all centered on reed instruments. From North Korea’s janggochum to Upper Egypt’s mizmar, from the tarantella of southern Italy to the free reed traditions of China, the collection showcases some of the most intense and hypnotic music documented during the early years of international recording.

What’s Included

• 17 audio tracks
• all previously unreleased on CD, including 3 bonus tracks not available on the vinyl LP
• All recordings carefully transferred and mastered for optimal sound
• View the complete tracklist here: [Insert hosted PDF link]
• 20-page digital booklet (PDF) featuring:
• rare and historic photos and 78rpm era graphics
• extensive liner notes by Jonathan Ward

Compiler Bio

Jonathan Ward is the founder and author of the global 78rpm website Excavated Shellac. A writer, compiler, and collector based in Los Angeles, his productions include the 4-CD box set Opika Pende: Africa at 78rpm—a 2013 Grammy nominee for Best Historical Album—and the continuing Excavated Shellac LP series, all released by Dust-to-Digital.

Praise for Jonathan Ward & Excavated Shellac

“One of the most awesome places on the internet.” — John Darnielle, The Mountain Goats

“Meticulously detailed commentary… mind-blowing music.” — Other Music