CooP - The Fast Folk Musical Magazine Vol. 2 #5 Love Songs

Fast Folk Musical Magazine – FFSE 205

Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
{Tracklist]
A1 Who Should Know: Geoff Bartley and Mark Dann (05:22)
A2 Downtown Tonight: John Gorka and Mark Dann (03:04)
A3 Dublin Farewell: Jack Hardy, Jeff Hardy, and Mark Dann (04:00)
A4 Some Journey: Suzanne Vega and Mark Dann (04:26)
A5 Laughing/Scared: Richard Meyer and Mark Dann (04:03)
A6 Baby are You Lookin' My Way: John Trent and Mark Dann (03:32)
B1 Celibacy: The Belles of Hoboken (03:34)
B2 Sidewalks of New York: Dave Bolger and Mark Dann (03:28)
B3 Anna Maria: Richard Chanel and Mark Dann (03:21)
B4 April Fool's Landscape: Judy Ficksman and Mark Dann (02:48)
B5 The Apple of My Eye: Barry Louis Polisar and Mark Dann (03:12)
B6 Will Ye No Come Back: Scott Alarik (05:54)
[Credits]
Producer: Jack Hardy, Recorder and Field Worker: Mark Dann
[Notes]
Fast Folk Musical Magazine continued its second year of publication with another dozen songs. This collection, subtitled "Love Songs," considers the many aspects of love, ranging from the light-hearted to the sorrowful. Among the performers contributing to this collection are Suzanne Vega ("Some Journey"), Jack Hardy ("Dublin Farewell"), Judy Finksman ("April Fool's Landscape"), Barry Louis Polisar ("The Apple of my Eye"), and The Belles of Hoboken celebrating the virtues of "Celibacy." The album includes a 24-page edition of The CooP featuring an interview with Ronnie Gilbert and Holly Near.

Favorite Gospel Songs sung by Harry and Jeanie West

With Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar & Dobrow Accompaniment

Folkways Records – FA 2357

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1957
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Gospel
[Tracklist]
A1 When Our Lord Shall Come Again (03:14)
A2 Matthew Twenty-Four (03:09)
A3 What Are They Doing in Heaven Today (02:20)
A4 Sweet Bye and Bye (02:56)
A5 Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill (03:58)
A6 He's Set Your Fields on Fire (03:47)
A7 Campin' in Canaan's Land (03:05)
A8 The Man of Galilee (02:32)
B1 Oh, Hide You in the Blood (03:59)
B2 Amazing Grace (03:17)
B3 Preach the Gospel (03:16)
B4 Only One Step More (02:54)
B5 Thirty Pieces of Silver (04:31)
B6 The Sea of Life (02:56)
B7 I'm Gonna Let It Shine (03:08)
B8 I'm Only on a Journey Here (02:31)
[Credits]
Harry West (mandolin/banjo/dobro/vocals) Jeanie West (guitar/voals)
Producer: Kenneth S. Goldstein
[Notes]
By presenting hymnal standards like "Amazing Grace" alongside newly-composed religious pieces performed on the radio, this album demonstrates that the sacred song tradition is a vital and dynamic part of Southern music. Harry and Jeanie West bring their Appalachian musical roots to each rendition.

Between the Sound and the Sea

Music of the North Carolina Outer Banks

Folkways Records – FS 3848

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
A1 Johnny O'Lou: Dile Gallop (02:45)
A2 Home Sweet Home / Kitty Wells: Isabel Etheridge (02:07)
A3 Amber Tresses: Isabel Etheridge and Mary Basnight (02:32)
A4 Ole Tucky Buzzard / Oh Pray Docto: Elizabeth Howard (01:13)
A5 Lttle Sydney / Round the Mountain: Lawton Howard (01:58)
A6 Seventy-Two: Dick Tillet (02:11)
A7 Tom Dan'ls: Edgar Howard, Jule Garrish, and Maurice Ballance (01:29)
A8 Matilda Jane Lee: Edgar Howard, Jule Garrish, and Maurice Ballance (03:12)
B1 The Sailor Boy: Dick Tillet (02:51)
B2 Nellie Cropsey: Isabel Etheridge (01:30)
B3 Charlie Mason Pogie Boat: Charles Stowe (03:55)
B4 Carolina Cannonball: Charles Stowe (03:34)
B5 Casey Jones / The Old Sow Jumped over the Fence: Jule Garrish (01:45)
B6 Booze Yacht: Jule Garrish (02:37)
B7 Paddy's Hollow: Edgar Howard, Jule Garrish, and Maurice Ballance (03:21)
B8 Let's Keep the Holler Alive: Edgar Howard (01:34)
[Credits]
Producer and Recorder: Karen G. Helms, Recorder: Otto Henry, Designer: Ronald Clyne, Photographer: Doug Helms
[Notes]
This album is the product of three years of fieldwork and research conducted by ethnomusicologist Karen G. Helms. Helms recorded the traditional and, she felt, overlooked music of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Prior to this recording, the original music of the narrow barrier islands had never been written down in notation. And, as Helms discovered, one could still find some of the "uniqueness and beauty of the culture, its world view and its values" in the traditional ballads that appear on this album. Liner notes include notes on the songs and photographs of the performers, all native folk musicians of the Outer Banks.

Son House & J. D. Short: Blues From The Mississippi Delta

Folkways Records – FA 2467

Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1963
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Delta Blues
[Tracklist]
A1 So Much Wine: J.D. Short (04:13)
A2 Train, Bring My Baby Back: J.D. Short (03:49)
A3 You Been Cheating Me: J.D. Short (03:00)
A4 Charlie Patton: J.D. Short (01:15)
A5 Fighting For Dear Old Uncle Sam: J.D. Short (05:23)
B1 My Black Woman: Son House (03:01)
B2 Sun Goin'Down: Son House (05:00)
B3 I Ain't Goin' To Cry No More: Son House (02:57)
B4 The Key of Minor: Son House (01:33)
B5 This War Will Last You For Years: Son House (02:55)
B6 Was I Right or Wrong?: Son House (01:49)
B7 County Farm Blues: Son House (02:17)
[Credits]
Son House (guitar/vocals) J.D. Short (guitar/harmonica/vocals)
Producer and Recorder: Samuel Charters, Recorder: Library of Congress
[Notes]
This album presents the distinctive blues born from the hardships of life—especially African-American life—in northern Mississippi. In addition to their music, this collection includes the men's speech: J. D. Short, who died shortly after this recording was made, contributes his memories about Charlie Patton, and Son House presents a description of "the key of minor."

Ruth Rubin and Pete Seeger: Jewish Children's Songs and Games

Folkways Records – FC 7224

Format: Vinyl, LP, 10"
Country: US
Released: 1957
Genre: Children's, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Children's, Folk, Judaica
[Tracklist]
A1 Shpits-Boydim (01:21)
A2 Du Maydeleh Du Fines (02:13)
A3 Oksn (01:35)
A4 Lomir Zich Ibberbetn (01:52)
A5 Amol Iz Geven a Myseh (03:08)
A6 Kestelech (02:00)
A7 Homntashn (01:50)
B1 Shayn Bin Ich, Shayn (01:32)
B2 Beker Lid (02:36)
B3 A Genayveh (01:06)
B4 Michalku (02:18)
B5 By Dem Shtetl (01:45)
B6 Yomi, Yomi (01:38)
B7 Tonts, Tonts (01:30)
[Credits]
Ruth Rubin (voclas) Pete Seeger (banjo/guitar)
[Notes]
Ruth Rubin (1906–2000), a preeminent authority on Yiddish folk song, was successful as an author, concert singer, and folk song collector, with four albums in the Folkways catalogue. On this album, she presents children's songs in Yiddish, the primary secular language formerly spoken by the Jews of Eastern Europe. For most of the songs, Ruth is accompanied by Pete Seeger on banjo. Liner notes provide background information and complete Yiddish lyrics with English translations.

Still Feels Like Rollin': Songs About Trucks and Trains

Collector Records – COLL01943

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
A1 Been Rollin' So Long (05:04)
A2 East Chicago Run (02:42)
A3 548 (02:16)
A4 Old Corn Binder (And a Load of Steel) (02:41)
A5 A Trucker's Song (03:54)
A6 On My Grandma's Patchwork Quilt (03:09)
B1 End of Train Device (02:42)
B2 Blow Bugle Blow (03:06)
B3 A Railroad Life for Me (03:48)
B4 No Self Respecting Hobo (04:43)
B5 Tuscan Red Rose (03:23)
B6 The Spike (01:35)
[Credits]
Larry Penn (guitar/vocals)
[Notes]
Joe Glazer said of Larry Penn: "[He] is walking in the footsteps of Joe Hill and Woody Guthrie." In this second album of Larry Penn's work (See COLL0931 Workin' for a Livin') listeners are treated to more original songs by this charming folk musician. Though Still Feels Like Rollin' is a collection of songs about trucks and trains, it’s not just an album for trucker and conductors and includes one of Penn's most requested songs, "On My Grandma's Patchwork Quilt."

Pharis & Jason Romero: Tell 'Em You Were Gold

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings – SFW CD 40246

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2022
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
01 Souvenir (3:23)
02 Cold Creek Shout (3:00)
03 Rolling Mills (3:58)
04 Sour Queen (3:35)
05 Pale Morning (2:33)
06 Train on the Island (2:34)
07 Lady on the Green (3:01)
08 Cannot Change It All (4:27)
09 The Dose (2:05)
10 SS Radiant (3:17)
11 Been All Around This World (3:30)
12 Black Guard Mary (3:08)
13 Going to Town (2:04)
14 Going Across the Sea (3:38)
15 Five Miles from Town (2:48)
16 Old Bill's Tune (3:05)
17 New Caledonia (Vinyl only) (3:23)
18 Backstep Indi (Vinyl only) (2:34)
19 Lost Lula (Vinyl only) (2:26)
20 Billy in the Lowground (Vinyl only) (3:05)
21 Old September (Vinyl only) (3:47)
22 Ballad of Old Bill (Vinyl only) (3:44)
[Credits]
Jason Romero (banjo/vocals) Pharis Romero (guitar/vocals) Grace Forrest (fiddle) Trent Freeman (fiddle) Marc Jenkins (pedal steel) Patrick Metzger (bass) John Reischman (mandolin)
Producer: Pharis and Jason Romero, Associate production: Marc Jenkins, Engineer: John Raham, Marc Jenkins, John Raham and D. James Goodwin
[Notes]
Pharis and Jason Romero are pure craftspeople. A renowned banjo builder, Jason spent years developing his own personal designs, and on Tell 'Em You Were Gold, his handmade instruments take center stage. Over a half dozen uniquely crafted banjos are played by the duo in the course of the album. There's conviction and delicacy in this music, which ranges from duets that showcase the pair's deep psychic and artistic connection to solo banjo meditations and full band romps. Recorded over six days in an old barn in Horsefly, British Columbia, the album displays the multiple Juno Award-winning duo playing music that is honest, direct, and reflective of life's beauty and knottiness. The double LP edition features six fan favorite bonus tracks including "Lost Lula," "Backstep Indi," and others never before available on vinyl.

Brown's Ferry Four 16 Greatest Hits

Gusto Records SD-3017

Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country
[Tracklist]
A1 Over in the Gloryland (01:59)
A2 Heaven Eternal for Me (02:21)
A3 When the Redeemed Are Gathering In (02:25)
A4 You Must Be Born Again (02:21)
A5 What Shall I Do With Jesus (02:25)
A6 Praise God! He Loves Everybody (02:44)
A7 The Arm of God (02:34)
A8 Can't You Hear Him Calling (02:29)
B1 Everybody Will Be Happy over There (02:00)
B2 Rock of Ages Hide Thou Me (02:04)
B3 The Lord Is Watching over Me (02:03)
B4 When the Good Lord Cares (02:02)
B5 Eternity Without Him (02:34)
B6 Bound for the Shore (02:15)
B7 If We Never Meet Again (02:56)
B8 Will the Circle Be Unbroken (02:59)
[Credits]
Grandpa Jones (Vocals) Merle Travis (guitar/vocals) Alton Delmore (vocals) Rabon Delmore (vocals) Red Foley (Replacing Merle on B1, B3, B4) Unidentified (mandolin)
[Notes]
The career of Brown's Ferry Four began when the Delmore Brothers, Grandpa Jones, and Merle Travis were working at WLW in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Delmores had already become known in the 1930s for appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and recordings, while Jones had appeared on various radio stations in Virginia and West Virginia and Travis' band, the Drifting Pioneers, had broken up due to a lack of personnel. The Pioneers' absence left a void in WLW's programming, so program director George Biggar requested a new gospel formation. Alton Delmore brought in Jones, Travis and his brother Rabon to rehear. (Read more...)

Granpa Jones 28 Greatest Hits

Gusto-King KG-5102-2

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1998
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country, Old Time
[Tracklist]
01 Mount Dew (2:45)
02 15 Cents Is All I Got (02:50)
03 You'll Make Our Shack A Mansion (02:39)
04 Eight More Miles To Louisville (02:44)
05 Bald Headed End Of The Broom (02:27)
06 Old Rattler (02:49)
07 Down In Dixie (Where They Say You All) (02:23)
08 East Bound Freight Train (03:03)
09 Time, Time, Time, Time (02:19)
10 Take It On Out The Door (01:50)
11 Get Back On The Glory Road (02:48)
12 I'm Tying The Leaves So They Won't Come Down (02:51)
13 You Done Me Mean And Hateful (02:44)
14 I Don't Know Gee From Haw (02:36)
15 I'm My Own Grandpa (02:38)
16 Chicken Don't Roost Too High (02:33)
17 Tragic Romance (02:55)
18 Daisy Dean (02:37)
19 Are You From Dixie (02:35)
20 Five-String Banjo Boogie (02:39)
21 How Many Biscuits Can You Eat (01:54)
22 Old Rattler's Treed Again (02:42)
23 Grandpa's Getting Married Again (02:43)
24 It's Raining Here This Morning (02:53)
25 Our Fathers Had Religion (02:35)
26 Don't Sweet Talk Me (02:11)
27 Uncle Eph's Got The Coon (02:39)
28 My Little Nagging Wife (02:38)
[Credits]
Grandpa Jones (banjo/vocals) and Brown's Ferry Four (Delmore Brothers, Merle Travis)
Art Direction and Liner Notes: Chuck Young, Designer: Moe Lytle
[Notes]
Until a box set of his King recordings appears, 28 Greatest Hits is the best available anthology of Grandpa Jones' classic early years. Sounding like Uncle Dave Macon with an electric guitar, Grandpa Jones' King sides mixed old-timey novelties with hot Travis-picking (Merle Travis and Grandpa Jones were bandmates in the Brown's Ferry Four gospel quartet), and created an anachronistic style that kept pace with the times in its own way. Not every track is electrified, but Jones' unique update of mountain music is heard most clearly on tracks such as "Five-String Banjo Boogie" and the popular "Eight More Miles to Louisville." While most of the songs are novelties, Jones plays it straight occasionally, as on "Tragic Romance" and the couple of sacred songs. Essential music from everybody's favorite Grandpa. -- All Music Review by Greg Adams

Muleskinner Live: Original Television Soundtrack

Rural Rhythm Records – RHY 1018

Format: CD, Album, Soundtrack
Country: US
Released: 2003
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 New Camptown Races (2:53)
02 Dark Hollow (2:34)
03 Land Of The Navajo (5:49)
04 Blackberry Blossom (2:32)
05 Knockin' On Your Door (3:08)
06 Opus57 In G Minor (2:03)
07 Red Rocking Chair (3:25)
08 Going To The Races (1:56)
09 Eighth Of January (2:44)
10 I Am A Pilgrim (4:51)
11 The Dead March (2:41)
12 Sitting Alone In The Moonlight (2:42)
13 Orange Blossom Special (4:44)
[Credits]
Peter Rowan (guitar/vocals) Clarence White (guitar/vocals) David Grisman (mandolin/vocals) Bill Keith (banjo) Richard Greene (fiddle) Stuart Schulman (bass) Maria Muldaur (vocals)
Television producer: Alan Baker, Director: Allan Muir, Audio engineer: Tom Ancell
[Notes]
For progressive bluegrass aficionados, Muleskinner Live -- Original Television Soundtrack is something of a watershed event. Originally broadcast on public television in the late '70s, the documentary captured the bluegrass supergroup at the peak of its powers in front of a live studio audience in Hollywood. Muleskinner's lineup was a knockout, boasting the talents of Clarence White, David Grisman, Peter Rowan, Bill Keith, and Richard Green, so it should come as little surprise that this live record is a powerhouse, illustrating everything that was right about progressive bluegrass. All nine songs that were originally aired on the TV program are here, along with four songs that were edited for broadcast. These tapes were often believed to be lost, so the presence of Sierra's meticulous, loving reissue is quite a boon indeed. -- AllMusic Review by Thom Owens

O Sister! The Women's Bluegrass Collection

Rounder Records – RCD 0499

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2002
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 If Wishes Were Horses Gretchen: Peters Claire Lynch (02:35)
02 Silver Tongue and Gold Plated Lies: Suzanne Thomas (03:26)
03 Sad Situation Clyde: PittsDelia Bell (02:27)
04 True Life Blues: Bill Monroe / Hazel Dickens / Alice Gerrard (02:36)
05 Lonesome Wind Blues: Wayne Raney Rhonda Vincent (03:01)
06 Pardon Me: Jesse McReynolds The Cox Family (02:44)
07 Old River: Hazel Dickens / Ginny Hawker (02:59)
08 You Tried to Ruin My Name: Pee Wee King / Wilma Lee Cooper (02:27)
09 I Can't Find Your Love Any More: Hazel Dickens (02:35)
10 Just Like Rain: Kathy Kallick / John ReischmanKathy Kallick / Laurie Lewis (02:15)
11 Mama's Hand: Hazel Dickens / Lynn Morris (04:13)
12 Every Time You Say Goodbye: John Pennell / Alison Krauss (03:17)
13 BlueStevens Sisters (02:39)
14 Time Is Winding Up: Ginny Hawker / Carol Elizabeth Jones (04:17)
15 Blow, Big Wind: Laurie Lewi (02:52)
16 Will There Be Any Stars?: The Cox Family / Alison Krauss (03:12)
17 The Last Old Shovel: Phyllis Boyens (02:21)
18 Comin' Down from God Carol: Elizabeth Jones (02:42)
19 Eight More Miles: Laurie Lewis / Claire Lynch / Lynn Morris / Rhonda Vincent (02:42)
[Credits]
Compiler: Ken Irwin, Liner Notes: Marty Godbey, Designer: Visual Dialogue, Photographer: Rick Olivier, Engineer: Toby Mountain
{Notes}
The latest in a lengthening string of releases designed to benefit from association with the Coen brothers film O Brother, Where Art Thou? is this all-girl bluegrass compilation, which features on its cover the requisite stubbly cornfield and archaic font style. Opportunistic as the packaging may be, there's no arguing with the quality of the content. Generously packed with outstanding performances by women as stylistically disparate as Hazel Dickens, Claire Lynch, and Kathy Kallick, O Sister is a delightful celebration of several generations of criminally unheralded female bluegrass artists. The highlights are many, but particular standout tracks include Rhonda Vincent's rocking "Lonesome Wind Blues," the hard-edged mountain sound of Phyllis Boyens (backed up by Hazel Dickens and the Johnson Mountain Boys), and the clawhammer banjo-powered "Comin' Down From God" by the relatively unknown Carol Elizabeth Jones. The usual suspects are here too, of course, including Alison Krauss (on the exquisitely gentle and sweet "Every Time You Say Goodbye") and the Cox Family (twice). You might buy this one because you feel guilty about the way women have been neglected in the bluegrass world, but you'll keep coming back to it because the songs are just so dang good. --Allmusic Review by Rick Anderson