El Paso
Out in the west Texas town of El PasoOf all the songs I’ve explored so far in this blog, none has proven quite as elusive as “El Paso” to find the proverbial handles to grab on to it and open … Continue reading →
The Flo’oers o’ the Forest – part two – Sighing and Moaning.
James IV of Scotland As we saw in part one, James Stewart, the King of Scotland had sought to banish the memory and the guilt of his part in the death of King James III, his father by transforming Scotland. … Continue reading →
MARK GROBNER and KEN KOLODNER: Sun Rise
MARK GROBNER and KEN KOLODNER Sun Rise Sunrise Music 11 www.sunrisedulcimermusic.com www.markgrobner.com www.kenkolodner.com Mark Grobner and Ken Kolodner are both world class masters of the hammered dulcimer. Ken has performed and recorded with Helicon, … Continue reading →
The Flooers o’ the Forest – part one – the Renaissance King.
Flodden Field. The House of Stewart that ruled the Kingdom of Scotland from 1371 to 1715, including James VI becoming James I of England in 1603, were not strangers to betrayal, treachery and murder. The lure of power was all … Continue reading →
CATIE CURTIS: Strech Limousine on Fire
CATIE CURTIS Stretch Limousine on Fire Compass 745632 www.compassrecords.com Oddly, the popular Boston-based singer-songwriter Catie Curtis is sometimes called out for lacking the harsh edginess of contemporaries like Ani DiFranco and Melissa Ferrick. This … Continue reading →
THE UNTHANKS: Diversions Vol. 1
THE UNTHANKS Diversions Vol. 1: The Songs of Robert Wyatt and Antony & The Johnsons Rough Trade 636 www.roughtraderecords.com The Unthanks have always played loose with the folk traditions of their native Northumberland, England. Though … Continue reading →
RACHAEL SAGE: Haunted By You
RACHAEL SAGE Haunted By You Mpress 0909 www.mpressrecords.com “Regal” is not usually a word I would generally use to describe Rachael Sage, but on her 10th CD, it is a perfect fit. Her cover … Continue reading →
To roam all alone on the shore
This is the third of three posts on the ballad “Bold William Taylor.” Read the first post here, and the second post here.Those of you who have been following my posts for a while may have noticed that I tend … Continue reading →
DAVID PHILIPS: The Rooftop Recordings
DAVID PHILIPS The Rooftop Recordings Black & Tan 037 www.black-and-tan.com Born and raised in the United Kingdom, singer-songwriter and guitarist Philips moved to Barcelona, Spain at age 24 and has lately released two solo … Continue reading →
Honor About This Year
I can’t believe it’s nearly forty years since I parted from my college sweetheart Peggy Noonan. Forty years … but who’s counting? I would let go, but every time I turn on a television political news forum, or pick up … Continue reading →