Acoustic guitar whiz Norman Blake started off as a bluegrass prodigy in the late 1950s, and  flatpicked his way across numerous albums in the 1960s and '70s, particularly as a session guitarist on albums by Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Joan Baez, and as frequent collaborator in John Hartford's various bands.  This is one of his best-known solo records from the 'Seventies, a typically understated, flawless set of stripped-down, nostalgic old-timey acoustic numbers, with Blake playing solo and accompanied by a sympathetic secod guitar.  There are plenty of Vaudeville and Southern-themed songs on here, including ditties such as "Hand Me Down My Walking Cane," "Arkansas Traveler" and "Old Gray Mare," music that the entertainment industry -- in all its areas -- had long since turned its back on.  Blake breathes life back into these old standards, taking each song at his leisure while crooning in his thin, smooth old-mannish voice.  For fans of great music, simply and elegantly performed, this is hard to beat.  Plus, the guy's a world-class ace flatpicker -- folks who actually "get" what he's doing on guitar will be amazed.