I spent a lot of money I didn't have on eBay buying vintage vinyl by Dave Van Ronk – a leading figure in the '60s folk revival – the day after I heard his version of "Did You Hear John Hurt?," Tom Paxson's tribute to the blues guitar great, on this four-CD Rounder compilation. Now I have to buy a new turntable.

The collection is brimming with great cuts – heavy on bluegrass and zydeco – tracing the journey of roots and regional musics as they've evolved over the years. The hyperprolific Boston-based label, founded in 1971, has done a solid job over the years; Roots Music is a chance to sample the many artists it has recorded. I love accordions, which is why "Ti Gallop Pour Mamou" by D.L. Menard – the Cajun Hank Williams – is such a treat; ditto Santiago Jimenez Jr.'s lovely conjunto "Zulema Waltz." Liner notes will tell you that the Tex-Mex conjunto was the Mexican American adaptation of the polkas and waltzes played by the Germans who brought the accordion to the Americas – I've known this for a while and have had a tough time living with it. Nevertheless, it's true.