Let me be clear right up front – this is not a “review”. How can one person expect to review the Philadelphia Folk Festival??? A festival of this type is next to impossible to properly review. With several stages operating at once and three days with unique entertainment each day, it is not fair for one person to give a review. There is simply too much going on, and I only had one day to experience the fest this year.

Saturday’s gathering was one of the larger turnouts in recent years, which was expected with a name like Jackson Browne in the lineup. My guess is that there were a few festival “virgins” in the assembled multitude, and if there were, they blended in quite well. I noted a number of people sporting Jackson Browne T-shirts (it is amazing that people still can wear shirts with 20 year old tour schedules printed on the back).

I will also admit that I am not a huge Jackson Browne fan. During the 70’s and 80’s when he was at his “peak” in popularity, I found his music to be repetitious and often dull. How much do we need to hear about “the road”?? Pull over and let someone else in the lane if you don’t care to drive! Well, I guess Browne did that for awhile. Of course, most people seem to have a much different opinion of his music and Browne’s recordings not only sell well but also receive warm reviews.

While I was not expecting much, I ended up being very impressed with his performance at the Philadelphia Folk Festival. Performing alongside longtime friend and collaborator David Lindley, the duo gave an inspired performance. There were no theatrics, no sonic tricks – just Browne and Lindley sharing the stage and having fun along with the audience. His down to earth patter and unassuming persona on stage reminded me of some local musician sitting down in a small room with a handful of friends.

With so many “hits” to his credit, I almost forgot that Browne co-wrote “Takin’ it Easy”, made famous by the Eagles. Browne joked that there are numerous versions of the song around the globe, each changing the lyrics to fit the culture. Browne said that he was going to perform the Amish version as he launched into the tune at Old Pool Farm, not too far from Pennsylvania’s celebrated Amish country.

Between songs, Browne also shared his memories of performing in Philadelphia early in his career. He genuinely seemed humbled by the experience. Browne made at least one convert during the two hour afternoon set.

Browne & Lindley’s Saturday afternoon set came after the daytime workshops and showcases ended. The crowded fields made it a bit tricky to quickly wander from stage to stage, but I managed ot see a few gems.

The Angel Band recently released their “debut” CD “Beautiful Noise”. Any group that can features David Bromberg as their arranger and musical leader is off to a good start before they even sing a note!

The Angel Band consists of Nancy Josephson, Jen Schonwald and Jennifer Larson. I caught them at a workshop with the Burns Sisters. The Angel Band was performing one of my all-time favorite songs – “Angel of the Morning”. No, it is not a folk song – but I fell in love with the tune when I first heard Merrilee Rush sing it back in 1969. The Angel Band now has THE version of the song. Stunning. I also loved their rendition of “One Voice”.

Nancy has been on the scene for a number of years performing with the Buffalo Gals, David Bromberg Band, Arlo Guthrie, Peter Rowan and Fiddle Fever. Jen Schonwald is a veteran of the Philadelphia folk scene and a former member of Full Frontal Folk. She also possesses the most beautiful smile in all of folk music! The newest member of the Angel Band is Jennifer Larson. Last year, Jennifer was a member of the All-Star Shoe Band on Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion” and she also has performed with a number of bluegrass bands as well as other styles of music.

The Angel Band will be performing at BB King’s in NYC on August 31. This promises to be an evening you won’t want to miss!!

Another workshop that I enjoyed was titled “World Beat” and it featured Annie Wenz, Guy Mendilow, and Pipeline. Pipeline has deep roots in Celtic cultures, but they take the music beyond the trad and open it up with exciting arrangements – proving that music is a living tradition. Annie Wenz and Guy Mendilow have explored a wide variety of cultures. Be sure to check out Annie’s new CD “Winds of the World“. Guy has spent quite a bit of time traveling the globe, learning and sharing music. He also has a new CD out called “Guy Mendilow Live” and he will be a guest on my program TRADITIONS later this fall. I was struck by the way each of the performers were able to relate to each other. As diverse as the music can be, there is a commonality in the expression of music that can bring cultures together.

The Saturday evening concert also had an international flair this year. Following the traditional opening sounds of piper Dennis Hangey, the Santa Cruz River Band took the stage. The trio of Ted Ramirez, Michael Ronstadt (brother of Linda Ronstadt) and Gilbert Brown gave a lively set that can be described as Southwestern folk music. Blending Spanish melodies, original songs and folk tunes, the trio won the hearts of the crowd.

They were followed by Huun Huur Tu, throat singers from Tuva. If you have not heard this type of music, you will be in awe. Gene Shay noted that while the instruments may look a bit different, the style is reminiscent of our own bluegrass styles. He is right – the subjects and styles do make a good parallel to our music. Once again, the theme of commonality arises!!

The Avett Brothers were not my cup of tea. They were having tremendous tuning problems that may thrown them off, but to my ears they were not ready for prime time. Raul Malo followed up with an exciting set, and the evening was capped off by the Horse Flies.

I saw the Horse Flies earlier in the day at the dance tent, and their love affair with the music is obvious. They share many of the elements of jam bands, but their roots are definitely showing. I hope to see them again in the future.

It would not be the Philadelphia Folk Festival without Gene Shay. One of the founders of the festival, Gene has been the MC for every evening concert since the first one in 1962! A remarkable run. Yes, the jokes were just as corny! Henny Youngman and Milton Berle had nothing on Gene!

The Philadelphia Folk Festival is a unique experience. At times the size can be overwhelming, especially if you are used to more intimate festivals. Yet, Philly manages to overcome the pitfalls of large events and maintains a wonderfully homey atmosphere. They could book the guy that used to spin plates on the Ed Sullivan show and the audience would be welcoming. It is hard not to have a good time at Philly. I’m already counting the days to the 46th annual edition next August!

www.pfs.org