Music of the Plains Apache

Recorded and Edited by John Beatty

Asch Records – AHM 4252

Series: Asch Mankind Series
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: United States
Released: 1968
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Indigenous
[Tracklist
A01 Wolf Song (00:31)
A02 Turtle Song (00:22)
A03 Turkey Song (00:23)
A04 Puppy Song (00:33)
A05 Go to Sleep, Baby Boy (01:24)
A06 Peyote Song: There Is Good Medicine (01:26)
A07 Peyote Song: We Are in the Peyote Tipi (01:50)
A08 Peyote Song: It Is on the Curved Mound (00:54)
A09 Peyote Song: It Is Sure a Good Morning (01:23)
A10 Son of Our Father (00:58)
A11 Jesus Is Standing in the Water (01:04)
A12 Snake Dance Song (02:20)
A13 Buffalo Dance Song (00:57)
B01 Hand Game Songs (02:05)
B02 Hand Game (17:12)
[Credits]
Recorder and Editor: John Beatty, Designer: Ronald Clyne
[Notes]
The Na i sha, or Plains Apache (also called Kiowa-Apache), are some of the Apachean people who came down from Northwest Canada and made their way to the plains of what is now the United States of America. This album holds a collection of songs from various aspects of the lives of Plains Apache people who live in what is now Oklahoma. From animal songs for children that cry out the sounds of a puppy ("Puppy Song"), to the social songs such as "Hand Game" that features lively drumming and singing, these songs represent wholistically the culture of the Plains Apache.

How to Play the 5-String Banjo by Pete Seeger

Smithsonian Folkways - FW08303

Format: CD, Album, Reissue
Country: United States
Released: 2014
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Instruction
[Tracklist]
01 A Basic Strum (01:09)
02 Now with the left hand (00:22)
03 Now with the index finger (00:56)
04 The Fifth String (00:43)
05 Now take that same song (00:25)
06 Hammering On (01:16)
07 Here's a little bit of the (00:21)
08 Pulling Off (01:10)
09 Well, now, if you study the (00:46)
10 Double Thumbing (00:49)
11 Now, for just one more time (00:23)
12 Now, not all songs, alfterall (00:55)
13 Here's the song. 'Hard Ain't It Hard' (00:28)
14 Frailing (00:59)
15 In the G tuning, you might try (01:02)
16 Now, frailing is the best way (00:50)
17 Three-Finger Picking (01:14)
18 Here's another devleopment of (01:01)
19 Here's the song, "Cindy" (00:21)
20 A Loud Strum (00:55)
21 Here is a variation of the above (00:48)
22 Three Micscellaneous Postscripts (01:06)
23 If you ever want to play a (00:46)
24 A roll is a special banjo effect (00:24)
25 3/4 and 6/8 Time (00:57)
26 Using this method, and a little (00:26)
27 For a more sustained effect (01:37)
28 Incidentally, this type of (01:13)
29 Now 6/8 time is the same (01:05)
30 Blues and Jazz (01:04)
31 Another common blues guitar (00:38)
32 Here's a sample blues passage (00:28)
33 Spanish and South American Guitar Techniques (00:50)
34 Here's one way to get a rhumba (00:55)
36 Here's still another way of (01:36)
37 This last pattern can be (01:00)
[Credits]
Pete Seeger (banjo)
[Notes]
Pete Seeger (1919–2014) was a national treasure who had a long and exceptional career as a folk singer and social activist. Overall, he appears on (or is otherwise associated with) an astonishing total of 123 Smithsonian Folkways recordings. In 1948, Seeger wrote a manual entitled How to Play the 5-String Banjo (originally self-published, the third edition was reprinted in 2013). Then, in 1954, Seeger recorded an instructional album on playing a 5-string banjo. The manual and the recording have influenced aspiring banjo players for generations. On the album Seeger explains and provides examples of basic tunings, strums, and techniques such as "hammering on" and "pulling off" and other aspects of playing. He covers the basics of a variety of styles, including "frailing," 3-finger, blues, jazz, Spanish flamenco, and Latin American rumba styles.

Clawhammer Banjo - David Johnson

Folkways Records – FTS 31094

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: United States
Released: 1983
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Old Time
[Tracklist]
A1 Old Joe Clark (02:02)
A2 Shout Little Lulu (02:07)
A3 Red Wing (02:14)
A4 John Hardy (02:33)
A5 Bile Them Cabbage Down (02:39)
A6 Sugar Hill (02:45)
A7 Cumberland Gap (02:47)
A8 Mississippi Sawyer (01:49)
B1 Cripple Creek (02:11)
B2 Johnson Boys (01:59)
B3 John Henry (01:42)
B4 Sourwood Mountain (02:37)
B5 Pig in the Pen (02:23)
B6 Cindy (02:59)
B7 Ground Hog (02:32)
B8 Mountain Dew (02:35)
[Credits]
David Johnson (banjo)
Producer: John R. Craig, Photographer: Kevin Rash, Designer: Ronald Clyne
[Notes]
Clawhammer, a right-hand plucking method of banjo playing, is the traditional style of the early Appalachian Mountain musicians. In Clawhammer Banjo, David Johnson continues this tradition, which he inherited and learned from his own grandfather growing up in western North Carolina. Here, Johnson plays traditional fiddle tunes and southern Appalachian melodies.

Dance-A-Long: Material Edited by Majorie Mazia

Scholastic Records – SC 7651

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: United States
Released: 1950
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Children's, Dance
[Tracklist]
A1 Rhythmic Exercises - 4/4 Rhythm (04:47)
A2 Rhythm Game - Percussion (02:23)
A3 Rhythmic Exercises - 6/8 Rhythm (02:53)
A4 The Circus (04:38)
B1 Out West (04:45)
B2 Fun and Frolic (03:47)
B3 Waltz (01:33)
B4 Polka (01:11)
B5 Mazurka (01:03)
B6 Schottische (01:24)
[Credits]
Prpducer: Moses Asch, Material Editor: Majorie Mazia, Illustrator: Charotte Trowbridge
[Notes]
This collection of music, complete with notes and drawings, encourages both children and adults alike to simply dance, because, in Majorie Mazia's own words, "we believe that the expression of thoughts, feelings and energy through movement can bring us a special kind of pleasure and make our lives just that much richer."

Songs of the Seminole Indians of Florida

Ethnic Folkways Library – FE 4383

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: United States
Released: 1972
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Indigenous
[Tracklist]
A1 Calusa Corn Dance Song: Billie Stewart (01:42)
A2 Cypress Swamp Hunting Dance Song: Charlie Billie (02:21)
A3 4 Cypress Swamp Buffalo Dance Songs: Panther, Josie Billie (03:02)
A4 4 Cypress Swamp Corn Dance Song: Panther, Josie Billie (01:42)
A5 Bird Dance Song / Turkey Dance Song / Alligator Dance Song: Panther, Josie Billie (14:05)
B1 Snake Dance Songs: Panther, Josie Billie (04:07)
B2 Songs for the Story of the Opossum and Her Baby: Panther, Josie Billie (01:49)
B3 Buzzard Dance / Chicken Dance: Billie Stewart (04:00)
B4 Treatment of Lumbago / Song for the Dying / Song for Childbirth: Susie Tiger (08:05)
B5 Songs Concerning the Removal of the Seminole to Oklahoma: Susie Tiger (04:10)
[Credits]
Producer: Charles Hofmann, Recorder and Photographer: Frances Densmore, Designer: Ronald Clyne
[Notes]
Weakened by war and disease, Native peoples of Florida banded together with members of other tribes whom Europeans had forced southward from their homelands to form the Seminoles in the 18th century. Though a large number of Seminoles were relocated to Oklahoma, many stayed in Florida, especially in the Everglades. Dr. Frances Densmore (1867–1957) collected these recordings from 1931 to 1933 on repeat visits to two reservations in Florida. Densmore spent most of her life studying and recording American Indian music, an unlikely career path for a woman at a time when it was unheard of for a proper lady even to travel to "wild" areas.

Folk Songs of the Colorado River sung by Katie Lee

Folkways Records – FH 5333

Format: Vinyl, LP, Mono
Country: United States
Released: 1964
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
A1 Muddy River (03:24)
A2 The Canyoneers (04:01)
A3 Drinking Song (00:43)
A4 Kavitatin' Katie (03:25)
A5 Song of the Boatman (03:07)
A6 Tale of the Tickaboo (05:13)
B1 Pore Colly Raddy (03:49)
B2 Rapids Ahead (02:36)
B3 River Lullaby (01:43)
B4 The Ghosts of Old San Juan (04:43)
B5 Two Little Flies (02:46)
B6 When the Colorado Rises (01:53)
B7 Hippopotami (02:13)
B8 Through This World (01:09)
[Credits]
Katie Lee (guitar/vocals)
[Notes]
Arizona native Katie Lee demonstrates her true love of her surroundings through this collection of environmentally themed folk songs. The 14 songs Lee performs—accompanying herself on guitar—focus on the Colorado River and the adverse environmental effects caused by the damming of the river. The liner notes for this 1964 recording offer a mix of the artist’s poems and commentary on the Colorado River, and the selection of songs she performs. In 2011, Lee was inducted into the Arizona Music Hall of Fame.

All In One Evening: Ola Belle Reed & Bud Reed With Kevin Roth

Folkways Records – FA 2329

Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Old Time
[Tracklist]
A1 Highway Dreamer (05:03)
A2 Ola Belle's Blues (02:21)
A3 Way Out on the Mountain (03:20)
A4 Sweet Evalina (02:47)
A5 When It Came to Loving You (03:55)
A6 Bonaparte's Retreat (02:51)
B1 Foggy Mountain Top (02:36)
B2 Dreams (03:33)
B3 Larkin's Woods (02:43)
B4 Waiting for a Train (All Around the Water Tank) (02:58)
B5 Rainbow Love (03:08)
B6 Tear Down the Fences (03:42)
[Credits]
Producer: Kevin Roth, Designer: Ronald Clyne, Photographer: David Gahr
[Notes]
Ola Belle and Bud Reed's Pennsylvania home was a haven for young musicians, a place where picking, singing, and good company soothed the sting of hard times. The Reeds, joined by Kevin Roth, recorded this album of traditional and original songs one evening in 1977.

Music of the Sioux and the Navajo

Ethnic Folkways Library – FE 4401

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: United States
Released: 1949
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Indigenous
[Traclist]
A1 Rabbit Dance: Benjamin Sitting Up, Lucy Randall, Paul High Horse (03:15)
A2 Peyote Cult Song: Male Sioux singer with gourd rattle, water-drum player (02:22)
A3 Love Song: Male Sioux singer (00:57)
A4 Sun Dance: Male Sioux chorus, eagle-bone whistle player, drummers (01:34)
A5 Omaha Dance: Male Sioux chorus, drummers, dancers with bells (01:33)
A6 Love Song: John Coloff (00:56)
A7 Honoring Song: not listed (02:01)
B1 Riding Song: Mixed Navajo chorus (01:49)
B2 Song of Happiness: Fort Wingate Indian School (01:12)
B3 Spinning Dance: Julia Deal (00:45)
B4 Spinning Dance: Julia Deal (00:58)
B5 Corn Grinding Song: Female Navajo singer, basket-drum player (01:01)
B6 Squaw Dance: Male Navajo chorus, drummers (01:41)
B7 Silversmith's Song: Ambrose Roan Horse (01:10)
B8 Night Chant: Male Navajo chorus with gourd rattles (02:59)
[Credits]
Producer: Walter Rhodes, Recorder and Photographer: Willard Rhodes, Photographer: Harry Tschopik Jr. and U.S. Indian Bureau, Designer: Ronald Clyne
[Notes]
This 1949 album was recorded by American ethnomusicologist Willard Rhodes (1901—1992) with the cooperation of The United States Office of Indian Affairs. The selection from the Sioux community of the Dakotas include a Rabbit Dance and other love songs, a Sun Dance, and an Honoring (or public recognition) Song. The Navajo tribes of the Southwest are highlighted through songs such as a Riding Song, a children's Song of Happiness, a female Spinning Dance, and the distinctive Night Chant, sung in male falsetto. Rhodes provided an introductory essay and track notes.

Friends of Old Time Music

Folkways Records – FA 2390

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: United States
Released: 1964
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Blues, Bluegrass, & Old Time
[Tracklist]
A1 Double File: Doc Watson and Gaither Carlton (01:55)
A2 Hicks' Farewell: Doc Watson and Gaither Carlton (04:32)
A3 Soldier's Joy: Hobart Smith (01:42)
A4 Claude Allen: Hobart Smith (03:48)
A5 Monday Morning Blues: Mississippi John Hurt (05:58)
A6 Pallet on the Floor: Mississippi John Hurt (04:36)
A7 Chick-a-la-lee-o: Almeda Riddle (03:02)
B1 Come All Ye Tender Hearted: The Stanley Brothers (03:38)
B2 Little Birdie: The Stanley Brothers (02:40)
B3 Rabbit in the Log: The Stanley Brothers (02:24)
B4 Dark Holler Blues: Doc Watson and Clarence Ashley (04:57)
B5 What Did I Do To Be So Black and Blue?: Jesse Fuller (03:43)
B6 Mistreated Mama Blues: Dock Boggs (02:07)
B7 Hook and Line: Roscoe Holcomb (00:31)
B8 Pretty Fair Miss All in a Garden: Roscoe Holcomb (03:55)
B9 He's Coming In Glory Some Day: Doc Watson, Clint Howard, Fred Price (02:46)
[Credits]
Producer and Photogrpher: John Cohen, Producer and Recorder: Peter K. Siegel, Recorder and Liner Notes: Ralph Rinzler, Recorder: Edward A. Kahn, Mike Seeger
[Notes]
Founded in 1960 by Margot Mayo, Jean Ritchie, John Cohen, Ralph Rinzler, and Israel G. Young, the Friends of Old Time Music endeavored to bring traditional folk artists to New York City to show people "the real thing." This album features the artists who participated in the non-profit's concerts between 1961 and 1963.

Songs of the Suffragettes - Sung by Elizabeth Knight

Accompanied on guitar by Sol Julty

Folkways Records - FH 5281

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: United States
Released: 1958
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Struggle & Protest
[Tracklist]
A1 Columbia's Daughters (02:31)
A2 Uncle Sam's Wedding (01:24)
A3 Keep Woman in Her Sphere (02:17)
A4 Let Us All Speak Our Minds (01:35)
A5 The Taxation Tyranny (01:46)
A6 The Promised Land (02:45)
A7 The Suffrage Flag (01:49)
A8 Winning The Vote (02:56)
B1 Give the Ballot to the Mothers (01:13)
B2 Song of Wyoming (02:25)
B3 Going to the Polls (00:55)
B4 Where Are Your Boys Today! (04:38)
B5 The Yellow Ribbon (01:32)
B6 Hallelujah Song (02:24)
B7 Oh, Dear, What Can the Matter Be! (01:58)
B8 The New America (01:50)
[Credits]
Elizabeth Knight (vocals) Sol Julty (guitar)
Liner Notes: Irwin Silber, Designer: Ronald Clyne
[Notes]
It is hard to believe in modern times that the issue of women's suffrage once wracked the nation. Riots, demonstrations, and indignant editorials highlight the history of this long battle that finally ended in 1920 with the 19th Amendment. Liner notes by Irwin Silber include a brief history of the suffrage movement, lyrics and background on the 16 tracks, and black-and-white political cartoons.

The Blues - Music from the Documentary Film by Samuel Charters

Asch Records – 101

Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: United States
Released: 1967
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country Blues, Soundtrack
[Tracklist]
A1 Introduction - Alone in the Evening Hours: J.D. Short, Memphis Willie B., and Willie Borum (02:44)
A2 Slidin' Delta: J.D. Short (04:56)
A3 Old Cotton Fields of Home: Pink Anderson (02:31)
A4 John Henry: Furry Lewis (03:30)
A5 Bad Blues: Baby Tate (03:27)
B1 Sitting Here Thinking: Memphis Willie B., Willie Borum, and Gus Cannon (02:48)
B2 Lonesome Ground: Sleepy John Estes (04:17)
B3 If I Could Holler Like a Mountain Jack: Baby Tate (03:06)
B4 When I First Started Hoboing: Baby Tate (03:23)
B5 Weeping Willow Blues: Pink Anderson (04:51)
[Credits]
Producer: Samuel Charters, Photographer: Ann Charters, Designer: Ronald Clyne
[Notes]
While recording in the South in the early 1960s, producer, writer, and music historian Samuel Charters was inspired not only by the sound of Furry Lewis's guitar, but by the patterns of movement in his hands and fingers as he played. Thus Charters decided to make a film that would document aspects of the blues that couldn’t be put on a phonograph record. In the sweltering summer of 1962, Charters journeyed through St. Louis, Memphis, Louisiana, and South Carolina to shoot the film The Blues and record this soundtrack. Artists featured in addition to Lewis are J.D. Short, Baby Tate, and Sleepy John Estes. Liner notes include details of the making of the film and biographies of the artists.

Asch Recordings / 1939-1945 Volume 2

Asch Recordings – ASCH AA 3

Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1967
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
A1 On a Monday: Lead Belly (02:17)
A2 Wayfaring Stranger: Burl Ives (01:16)
A3 The Bold Soldier: Burl Ives (01:30)
A4 Mama, Mama / Once I Knew an Old Lady: Alan Lomax (03:06)
A5 Old Woman and the Devil: Pete Seeger (02:36)
A6 House of the Rising Sun: Woody Guthrie (03:01)
A7 Cryderville Jail: Cisco Houston (03:24)
A8 Betty and Dupree: Brownie McGhee (04:07)
A9 Go Tell Aunt Nancy: Folk Group with Pete Seeger, and Bess and Butch Lomax (02:43)
B1 Polly Wolly Doodle: Folk Group with Pete Seeger, and Bess and Butch Lomax (01:34)
B2 Down in the Valley: Folk Group with Pete Seeger, and Bess and Butch Lomax (02:34)
B3 Number 12 Train: Josh White (03:45)
B4 Born to Lose: Les Paul and Mary Ford (03:18)
B5 Johnson Boys: Frank Warner, Pete Seeger, and Bess Lomax Hawes (01:02)
B6 Down in the Valley: Ralph Page (02:55)
B7 Cowboy Waltz: Woody Guthrie (02:08)
B8 Country Dance Music: Tiny Clark and Mr. and Mrs. Siller (02:33)
B9 Bile Them Cabbage Down: Pick-Up Band (03:00)
[Credits]
Producer and Recorder: Moses Asch, Producer and Liner Notes: Charles Edward Smith, Designer: Ronald Clyne
[Notes]
This compilation of folk ballads from the Moses Asch archives samples songs from many of his favorite singers: Lead Belly, Burl Ives, Alan Lomax, Brownie McGhee, Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. Volume 2 continues on FW00AA4.

Witches and War-Whoops

Early New England Ballads Collected and Sung by John Allison

Folkways Records – FH 5211

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: United States
Released: 1962
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
A1 Lookie There (01:27)
A2 Death of Goody Nurse (03:34)
A3 Lovewell's Indian Fight (02:51)
A4 Susanna Martin (03:50)
A5 The Gloucester Witch (01:27)
B1 Giles Corey (03:03)
B2 Bloody Brook (03:04)
B3 Mammy Redd (01:38)
B4 Fluid Ireson (03:33)
B5 Robin Goodfellowe (01:42)
[Credits]
Liner Notes: John Allison, Designer: Ronald Clyne
[Notes]
This album brings together a sinister and unusual collection of songs about the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, collected and performed by John Allison. The somber melody reflects the solemn lyrics that recount evil and punishments: "They hanged this weary woman then like a felon stout; Her white hairs on the cruel rope were scattered all about. And many knew her innocent of horrid charges made…" Liner notes include detailed information by Allison about each song and an introduction about the Salem Witch Trials.

Music of the American Indians of the Southwest

Recorded in Indian Communities by Willard Rhodes, with the cooperation of the United States Office of Indian Affairs.

Ethnic Folkways Library – FE 4420

Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: United States
Released: 1951
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Indigenous
[Tracklist]
A1 Taos: Moonlight Song (02:10)
A2 Taos: Gambling Song (01:26)
A3 San Ildefonso: Eagle Dance (02:57)
A4 Zuni: Rain Dance (04:44)
A5 Hopi: Butterfly Dance (04:58)
B1 Navajo: Night Chant, Yeibichai Dance (01:42)
B2 Navajo: Enemy Way, War Dance (02:16)
B3 Western Apache: Devil Dance (02:51)
B4 Western Apache: Sunrise Song (01:36)
B5 Yuma: Bird Song Cycle (01:18)
B6 Papago: Saguaro Song (01:57)
B7 Walapai: Funeral Song (01:39)
B8 Havasupai: Stick Game Song (01:09)
[Credits]
Producer and Recorder: Willard Rhodes, Liner Notes: Harry Tschopik, Designer: Ronald Clyne
[Notes]
The Music of the American Indians of the Southwest is one of the most versatile art forms in America. Music plays a crucial role in the ceremonies and dances that embody the culture of the Pueblos, the Southern Athabascans, the Ranchería tribes, and the Plateau Yumans heard in this collection which achieves its goal "..that the American Indians of the Southwest will be justly represented through the art medium which expresses so vitally and strikingly the richness and color of their daily social and religious life."

Chulas Fronteras & Del Mero Corazón

Soundtrack Recordings from Two Tex-Mex Classics

Arhoolie Records – CD 425

Format: CD, Album
Country: Mexico, US
Released: 1995
Genre: Latin, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Latin, World
[Tracklist]
01 Canción Mixteca: Ramiro Cavazos & Rafael Ramírez (03:29)
02 Mi Texana: Los Pingüinos del Norte (02:53)
03 Muchachos Alegres: Narciso Martínez (01:56)
04 Luzita: Narciso Martínez (02:00)
05 Mal Hombre / Pero Ay Que Triste: Lydia Mendoza (04:51)
06 Chulas Fronteras: El Piporro with Los Madrugadores Del Valle (04:14)
07 Rinches de Texas: Dueto Reynosa with Conjunto (02:58)
08 Corrido de César Chávez: Los Pingüinos del Norte (02:43)
09 Chicano: Rumel Fuentes con Los Pinguinos Del Norte (03:42)
10 La Nueva Zenaida: Flaco Jiménez And his conjunto with Fred Ojeda (03:33)
11 Un Mojado Sin Licencia: Flaco Jiménez And his conjunto with Fred Ojeda (03:42)
12 Cotula: Santiago Jiménez (01:06)
13 Prenda del Alma: Los Alegres de Terán (03:39)
14 Volver, Volver: Los Alegres de Terán (02:48)
15 México, Americano: Los Pingüinos del Norte (02:32)
16 Seis Pies Abajo: Ricardo Mejia & Rubén Valdez (04:25)
17 Las Quejas de Zenaida: Andrés Berlanga (02:56)
18 Camioncito Pasajero: Conjunto Tamaulipas (02:49)
19 Al Pie de la Tumba: Conjunto Tamaulipas (02:43)
20 El Troquero: Conjunto Tamaulipas (02:46)
21 En Cada Vida hay un Momento: Leo Garza (04:34)
22 Quiero Que Sepas: Chavela Ortiz and Raymond Flores (02:48)
23 Besos Y Copas: Chavela Ortiz y Brown Express (03:53)
24 Las Nubes: Little Joe & La Familia (04:54)
[Credits]
Producer, Editor and Recorder: Chris Strachwitz, Producer: Willie Lopez, Designer: Dix Bruce, Cover Artwork: Juan R. Fuentes,Translator: Yolanda Hernandez, Guillermo Hernandez, Zack Salem, Juanita Salem, Maureen Gosling, James Nicolopulos and Leticio Del Toro
[Notes]
The music in this recording is drawn from two documentary films, "Chulas Fronteras" (Beautiful Borderlands) and "Del Mero Corazón" (Straight from the Heart). The two films focused on the role of Musica Norteña, more commonly called Tex-Mex or Conjunto, a regional music popular along the Texas-Mexico border. The album features music of early performers Narciso Martínez, Lydia Mendoza, Santiago Jiménez and Los Alegres de Terán and emerging artists Flaco Jiménez and Rumel Fuentes with the Los Pinguinos del Norte. The liner notes provide song lyrics in Spanish and English and background information about each performer.

Accordion Conjunto Champs of Tejano and Norteño Music

Arhoolie Records – CD 342

Format: CD, Album
Country: Mexico, US
Released: 2004
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Latin, World
[Tracklist]
01 Muchacha Bonita: Narciso Martínez (02:33)
02 Patricia: Pedro Ayala (02:14)
03 La Coneja: Paulino Bernal (02:30)
04 Cuando Bebo: Paulino Bernal (02:22)
05 Noche Alegre: Juan López (02:47)
06 Alejamiento Y Regreso: Salvador Torres-García (02:56)
07 Virgencita De Mi Vida: Fred Zimmerle's Trio San Antonio (03:35)
08 Que Rebonito: Narciso Martínez (02:47)
09 Una Noche En Un Jardin: Santiago Jiménez (02:28)
10 Juarez: Flaco Jiménez (04:12)
11 Flor De Dalia: Santiago Jiménez, Jr. (02:11)
12 Vida Fatal: Pedro Ybarra (02:40)
13 Los Frijoles Bailan: Tony De La Rosa (02:44)
14 Me Dejaste: Eugenio Abrego with Tomas Ortiz (Los Alegres de Terán) (02:39)
15 Terán: Eugenio Abrego (Los Alegres de Terán) (02:33)
16 Al Cortar Una Gardenia: Fred Zimmerle's Trio San Antonio (04:05)
17 Amor De Madre: Narciso Martínez (02:29)
18 El Canoero: Valerio Longoria (42:30)
19 El Sube Y Baja: Mario Montes (with Los Donneños) (02:38)
20 La Ratita: Leandro Guerrero (with Conjunto Alamo) (02:11)
21 Las Coronelas: Esteban "Steve" Jordan (02:11)
[Credits]
Editor, Photographer and Liner Notes: Chris Strachwitz, Editor: Gilbert Reyes Jr. and Doctor Loco, Cover Artwork: Jesse Almazan
[Notes]
The button accordion has been an integral part of Conjunto music since the 1940s. This compilation presents 21 selections from many of the great artists who helped shape the genre, such as Paulino Bernal, NEA National Heritage Fellow Flaco Jiménez, Narciso Martínez, Valerio Longoria, and Esteban "Steve" Jordan. The liner notes include artist photographs as well as suggestions for further reading and listening.

Mushroom Ceremony of the Mazatec Indians of Mexico

Folkways Records – FR 8975

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Mexico
Released: 1957
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Indigenous
[Tracklist]
A1 Chjon Nka (02:53)
A2 Chjon Nca Catain (04:44)
A3 Santo...Nana (02:06)
A4 Papa Papai (01:26)
A5 Na? Ai-Ni Tso (01:03)
A6 Ji ñai na (01:46)
A7 Jan Jesu Cri (03:41)
A8 Ji ñai (04:20)
B1 San Pedro (03:32)
B2 Soso Soso (02:37)
B3 Name of Plants (01:35)
B4 Pedro Martinez (01:17)
B5 Don't Be Concerned, Old One (02:36)
B6 Birds (01:37)
B7 Humming, etc (01:52)
B8 Soft Singing (04:22)
B9 Finale (00:48)
[Credits]
Maria Sabína (vocals)
Producer and Recorder: Valentina Pavlovna Wasson, Producer and Liner Notes, Recorder: R. Gordon Wasson, Designer: Ronald Clyne
[Notes]
Recorded by V. P. & R. G. Wasson in Huautla de Jiménez, in the Mazatec Mountains in the northern corner of the State of Oaxaca, July 21, 1956. Updated liner notes include complete lyric transcriptions.

Masters of the Steel String Guitar

Arhoolie Records – CD 485

Format: CD, Album, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2000
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Country
[Tracklist]
01 I Don't Love Nobody: Wayne Henderson (01:56)
02 Cannonball Blues: Wayne Henderson (01:47)
03 A Coat of Many Colors: Wayne Henderson, Linda Lay (03:27)
04 Carter Family Medley: Wayne Henderson (03:17)
05 Alabama Jubilee: Wayne Henderson (02:06)
06 Walking Mama: John Cephas and Phil Wiggins (04:08)
07 Prison Blues: John Cephas and Phil Wiggins (05:09)
08 John Henry: John Cephas, Phil Wiggins and Eddie Pennington (04:31)
09 Lost John: Eddie Pennington (04:08)
10 Dark as a Dungeon: Eddie Pennington (05:09)
11 Eddie's Medley: Eddie Pennington (04:54)
12 I'll See You in My Dreams: Eddie Pennington, Linda Lay (04:03)
13 Northern Lights: Johnny Bellar (03:16)
14 Heaven: Johnny Bellar (03:10)
15 Aloha Oe: Johnny Bellar (03:12)
16 Sweet Dreams: Johnny Bellar, Linda Lay (03:25)
17 Guitar Rag: Johnny Bellar, Wayne Henderson, John Cephas, Eddie Pennington (04:05)
18 Where the Roses Never Fade: Eddie Pennington, Johnny Bellar (03:51)
[Credits]
Executive Producer: Chris Strachwitz, Producer and Liner Notes: Joe Wilson, Producer and Designer: Segrid Pearson, Recorder: John Vengrouskie , Mastering Engineer: Bill Wolf and Wolf Productions, Designer: Morgan Dodge
[Notes]
The sound of a steel string guitar (sometimes referred to as steel string acoustic guitar) is a louder, brighter sound than a nylon string guitar. This collection brings together four musicians considered to be masters of steel string guitars. The four musicians, Wayne Henderson, John Cephas, Eddie Pennington, and Johnny Beller, represent the broad spectrum of Americana roots music. Each performs individually and in ensemble settings, with all joining in on the “Guitar Rag.” Vocalist and bassist Linda Lay, guitarist David Lay and harmonicist Phil Wiggins provide accompaniment.

Indian Music of Mexico

Seri/Cora/Yaqui/Huicol/Tzotzil - Rcorded by Henrietta Urchenco

Ethnic Folkways Library – FE 4413

Ethnic Folkways Library – FE 4413
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Repress
Country: Mexico
Released: 1952
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Indigenous
[Tracklist]
A1 Tzotzil - Fiesta Music: Tzotzil harpist (01:23)
A2 Tzotzi - Bolonchon: Male Tzotzil singers, guitarist, harpist (02:32)
A3 Tzotzil - Fiesta Song: Tzotzil trumpet and reed-flute players, drummer (01:49)
A4 Tzotzil - Song for Saint Peter: The fiscal of the town of Chamula and his wife (01:25)
A5 Yaqui - Pascola Dance: Yaqui harpist, violinists (02:24)
A6 Yaqui - Pascola Dance: Yaqui harpist, violinists (02:07)
B1 Yaqui - Pascola Dance: Yaqui musician simultaneously playing flute and drum (01:54)
B2 Yaqui - Deer Dance: Male Yaqui singers with rasping sticks and water drum (02:24)
B3 Huichol - Peyote Dance: Peyote cult shaman, two male singers, participants (02:24)
B4 Huichol - Squash Dance: Huichol singers, drummer (02:14)
B5 Seri - Religious Song: Male Seri singer (01:15)
B6 Cora - Harvest Chant: Cora shaman with mitote (01:43)
B7 Cora - Harvest Chant: Cora shaman with mitote (01:09)
[Credits]
Producer: Gordon F. Ekholm, Recorder: Henrietta Urchenco, Designer: Ronald Clyne
[Notes]
"The Indians of Mexico were conquered by Spaniards in the 16th century and have now been living and mixing with these 'alien’ people for over 400 years. Because they originally existed in very large numbers, they were not submerged and destroyed as were many of the Indian tribes of the United States, and Indian blood exists in large proportions in the present Mexican population. Indian culture, on the other hand, has largely disappeared..."