Shortly we will all be inundated with recordings and TV documentaries commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House. The American Civil War has contributed some wonderful historical songs and tunes to the American Songbag. This … Continue reading →
Bluegrass has been mostly a boy’s club since it’d development in the 1940s. In the past decade and a half the rules have changed and we find more and more women leading or playing a featured role bands. It didn’t … Continue reading →
Each Spring brings the beginning of the Baseball Season. After the severe winter we’ve had in the Northeast, Spring Training is particularly welcome this year. Including songs by John McCutcheon, Craig Bickhardt, Chuck McCabe and of course Steve Goodman, it’s … Continue reading →
This week we conclude our two part feature focusing on Topical Songs. We’ll hear songs about Human Rights, The Environment, The Never Ending War and Politics with a Comical View. Songs written or performed by The Freedom Singers, Pete Seeger, … Continue reading →
Topical songs have been a major component of American folk music for many years. This week we’ll hear some of the classic songs about warfare, railroads, coal mining and unions. Music from The Almanac Singers, Big Bill Broonzy, Guy Carawan, … Continue reading →
Smithsonian Folkways is releasing a massive 5CD collection of the music of Leadbelly on February 24th. On this week’s edition we will listen to some of the songs on that great collection. We’ll also hear some classic renditions of Leadbelly … Continue reading →
With the introduction of CDs back in the early 80’s many felt the demise of the LP was at hand. For the past decade there has been a marked increase in the popularity of LPs and 78s, sometimes fetching 5 … Continue reading →
Generally when you think of folk music brass and woodwinds don’t easily come to mind. However, there are some very talented players and bands that have used brass and woodwind instruments to great advantage. Sometimes it’s just for instrumental color … Continue reading →
This week we conclude our 2 part feature focusing on musicians who push the envelope taking their music to new places. We’ll hear selections from Renata Bratt, Leyla McCalla, Ooodoo, Ken Bloom and many more. Expand your sound palate with … Continue reading →
I love when artists take their music to new places. The next two programs feature musicians who stretch the tradition. We’ll hear music from Sam Amidon, Aonymous 4 with Darol Anger and Mike Marshall, Alison Brown and many more. Come … Continue reading →
