The long-meaningless term ‘Americana’ should be reserved for stuff like this — and even then, filed under ‘American Folk Music,’ itself the roots of the blues and other traditional genres honoured here with skill, respect plus the odd dash of humour. Following three albums of original material, the doctor and his blues pros embark on a labour of love, recording standards, long part of their live set, all familiar, well-loved and much-covered. There is no attempt to use any version as a template and the complete lack of any faux-American vocal style also proves that the songs are deemed good enough to speak for themselves.

Even the set’s sequencing reflects this. Instead of hitting the ground running with pace, the door opens lightly with a gently rolling ‘Me And The Devil Blues.’ Bowling’s vocal is full-on “Hello Satan” however and there’s an increasing eeriness in the old-time fiddle playing of Mlle Chat Noir (aka Sophie Loyer). A jaunty ‘Goodnight Irene’ follows, capped by loose but fine harmony vocals. ‘Going Down The Road Feeling Bad’ is treated as an upbeat harmonica-led shuffle, ending as a light-hearted romp. A stomping ‘Cotton-Eyed Joe’ calls us to the dance with old-time banjo picking and fiddle to the fore, a breakneck finale with yet more ensemble vocals. ‘Keep On The Sunny Side’ boasts more fine harmonies in its singalong chorus and an expertly played out duel between Donnie Burke (guitar) and Eamonn McKeever (banjo).

Highlights are many but two tracks featuring guest alto sax man Johannes Bowling are standouts. His expressive contribution to a wonderfully moody ‘St James Infirmary Blues’ is crucial but still matched by the underlying sweep of Noir’s violin as this impressive version builds to a breakneck conclusion. ‘Trouble In Mind’ has swung suitably in expert hands many times but the version here positively bounces, propelled along by the xylophonic patter of Kenny Bruno’s piano and more saxophone verve — but it also emphasises the contribution made throughout by the rhythm section of Roger Chapman (assorted percussion) and Simon Minney on acoustic bass. Band leader Doc completes authenticity with some scat vocals to end proceedings with flamboyant flair. Roll on Volume 2.

Doc Bowling and his Blues Professors are inspired by the heroes of blues, jazz, and country music from the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. For over 15 years, the band of retired criminology professor Ben “Doc” Bowling has been playing to enthusiastic audiences in venues large and small throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany. Their debut album, “Down Home Blues,” was released in 2012.

Their new (4th) album, “Sing The American Songbag Volume 1,” recently appeared. This album features 11 iconic songs that are important in the history of American popular music from the early 20th century. The book “The American Songbag,” a 1927 collection of American folk songs by American poet Carl Sandburg, inspired Bowling for this new album. “It’s a return to the roots of the blues,” says Bowling. “We recorded 22 songs in total. Part 2 takes us to Chicago and the post-war period.”

The album opens relaxed with Robert Johnson’s “Me and the Devil Blues.” The violin lends the song a distinctive atmosphere. Celtic vibes are evoked by the violin in Lead Belly’s classic “Irene, Good Night.” The traditional “Going Down the Road (Feeling Bad)” is a swinging up-tempo piece with banjo, mouth harp, and delightful harmony vocals. The violin, banjo, and harmony vocals are also a delight in the cheerful traditional “Cotton-Eyed Joe.” “Keep on the Sunny Side,” written by Ada Blenkhorn and Howard Entwistle in 1899 and made especially popular in 1928 by The Carter Family, receives a truly brilliant rendition here.

Fine guitar licks, a beautiful bass, and fantastic violin solos are present in the gospel song “I’ll Fly Away,” a 1929 Albert E. Brumley song. For me, the prize song is the jazz and blues standard “St. James Infirmary Blues,” with a wailing violin and a fantastic saxophone. The traditional folk song “Midnight Special,” recorded by many, is a beautiful country blues with a lovely a cappella intermezzo. “I Wish I Was A Mole In The Ground” is a traditional folk song by Bascom Lamar Lunsford from 1928.

The accordion is prominently featured in the cheerful country blues “My Creole Belle,” written by Mississippi John Hurt. The closing track is the well-known blues standard “Trouble In Mind,” written by jazz pianist Richard M. Jones in 1924 and recorded by numerous artists (including Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Dinah Washington, and Lightnin’ Hopkins). The performance by Doc Bowling and his colleagues is also not to be missed, with piano and jazzy sax solos.

Conclusion: “Sing The American Songbag Volume 1” by Doc Bowling and his Blues Professors is a movingly beautiful album with respect for tradition. Bring on part 2 soon.