Physical Edition: Excavated Shellac: Reeds
Format: Vinyl LP
From piercing zurnas to breathy reedpipes, Excavated Shellac: Reeds showcases some of the world’s most captivating reed performances, preserved from original 78 RPM discs.
Reed instruments, historically made from plant tissue, are capable of producing some of the most impassioned music on the planet. Steeped in rural and pastoral traditions, these insistent, joyful instruments have long accompanied dancing, rituals, and celebrations.
This is the second volume in the Excavated Shellac series (following Strings), presenting rare, never-before-issued 78 RPM recordings from around the globe — 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 highlights intense, hypnotic performances from the early years of international recording.
What’s Included:
- 1 CD with 17 tracks (all previously unreleased on CD, including 3 bonus tracks not available on the vinyl LP)
- All recordings carefully transferred and mastered from rare 78 RPM discs
- 20-page illustrated booklet with:
- Rare historic photographs and 78-era graphics
- Extensive liner notes by compiler Jonathan Ward
About the Compiler:
Jonathan Ward is the founder of Excavated Shellac, a global 78 RPM archive and website. A writer, compiler, and collector based in Los Angeles, Ward has produced acclaimed projects for Dust-to-Digital, including Opika Pende: Africa at 78 RPM — a Grammy nominee for Best Historical Album — as well as the continuing Excavated Shellac LP series.
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
