This week we’ll turn our attention to the Harmonica and some of its finest players. We’ll hear classic masters like Little Walter and James Cotton, innovators like Mickey Raphael Charlie McCoy and John Mayall and new a new recording from … Continue reading →
At the beginning of each year it’s important to reflect on the musicians who have passed and their significance to the music. When I glance at all the year end lists I’m always surprised at whom I’ve forgotten or missed. … Continue reading →
The purity of the unaccompanied human voice is one of the most beautiful sounds. Songs sung without accompaniment or a capella have a long history in folk music. You don’t need an instrument to make beautiful music whether you’re working … Continue reading →
A few weeks ago, artist, musician, composer, and all-around creative Kentuckian Dan Dutton was kind enough to speak with me in depth about his early years as student of the ballad tradition. He also related his experiences learning ballads and … Continue reading →
Preview of a new CD from Dan Schatz and WFDU-FM’s TRADITIONS Playlist for August 23, 2015 There are numerous songs that address the frailty of our environment. Numerous collections have gathered songs that point out the human impact upon our … Continue reading →
Somerset is in the Knobs of Kentucky, and if you live among those hills you know that the red clay you can find thereabouts is perfect for spurring a child’s imagination. One of Somerset’s native sons, who grew up making … Continue reading →
I recently paid a visit to Chicago for the birthday of my good friend Ken, also the father and co-founder of this blog. After a party-hating thunderstorm drove Ken, his family, and me with near full coolers from a free concert in … Continue reading →
JENI AND BILLY’S BIG PICNIC BAND Picnic In The Sky Waystation 003 www.jeniandbilly.com In the early days of the recording industry much of what we today call folk, country, and old-time music was called … Continue reading →
WFDU-FM’s TRADITIONS Playlist for January 4, 2015 Everyone has favorites, and these are mine. I hesitate from calling this list a “best of” because we all have different opinions and I firmly believe that art has no limits to what … Continue reading →
Various Artists Dear Jean: Artists Celebrate Jean Ritchie Compass Records #7 4631 2 www.compassrecords.com There are two things any and every true aficionado of folk music should know full well about Jean Ritchie: … Continue reading →
