Various

To celebrate their 35th anniversary, Stony Plain, Canada's premier roots music label, has come up with a two-CD set (with bonus DVD) featuring one highly impressive cast. Those making strong contributions to the singers, songwriters and more CD include Steve Earle, Ian Tyson, Maria Muldaur, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Spirit of the West, Corb Lund, David Wilcox and Blue Rodeo. The latter's version of Tyson classic "Four Strong Winds" is a gem, while Harris's version of Gram Parsons' "Wheels" and Earle's little-known "Ben McCulloch" are other highlights. Equally star-studded is CD two, featuring blues, jazz, R&B and more. There you'll find tunes from the likes of Jeff Healey, Duke Robillard, Long John Baldry, Rory Block and Jay McShann, plus previously unreleased tracks by Robert Nighthawk and King Biscuit Boy. The DVD includes a moving tribute to Jeff Healey (set to the soundtrack of "Like A Hurricane") and videos by Tyson, Lund, Downchild, Baldry, the great Jr. Gone Wild and more. The 41 audio tracks are devoid of duds, but the video clip for Tyson's "Springtime In Alberta" is cheesy. The powerfully poetic video for Lund's "The Truth Comes Out" helps compensate. The informative liner notes do justice to the legacy of a label whose contributions to the Canadian roots scene have been immense.