What's the difference between a reel and a jig? Who did more for jazz – John Coltrane or Stan Getz? Is "world music" a badge of authenticity, or just a label that makes life easier for record store clerks? Answers and opinions in this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge, as we explore some musical roots and branches. Also, a forgotten genius of American music – Josh White.

Liz Carroll is the American queen of Irish fiddling. She tells Steve Paulson the difference between a fiddle and a violin, a reel and a jig; remembers growing up Irish - American; and says her music is Celtic music, not "Turkey in the Straw." Carroll brought her fiddle to the studio and we hear several musical examples. Liz Carroll's latest recording (for Green Linnet) is "Lost in the Loop." Also, Timothy D. Taylor teaches music at Columbia and is the author of "Global Pop: World Music, World Markets." He tells Steve Paulson that "world music" is a category created by the music industry for its own convenience, and worries that authentic music and musicians are being subverted and exploited by the Western artists and producers who "discover" them.

Richard Terrill is a writer and a jazz saxophone player. His new book is "Fakebook: Improvisations on a Journey Back to Jazz." Terrill tells Jim Fleming how he came to jazz as a young man in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and comments on some of the jazz greats who shaped him and who are profiled in his book. We hear samples of legendary recordings by Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane and Stan Getz.

Guitarist Elijah Wald has written a biography called "Josh White: Society Blues," and compiled a collection for Smithsonian Folkways called "Free and Equal Blues." Wald brought his guitar to the studio and illustrates aspects of White's style. He also tells Steve Paulson about Josh White's musical beginnings, his fabulous success as a cabaret singer, and his popularity with fans across musical genres. And we hear lots of examples of Josh White's music.

Distribution dates:

• week of 03/11/2001 - hour 2