As you can see above - yes, that's me with my hands to the sky, dancing sidestage in full-on last-day-of-the-festival mode - this year's annual excursion into the folkfields was a grand success. So good, in fact, that I'm writing this on the porch, reluctant to come inside lest the residual joy of the previous 11 days leech off in the presence of real toilets and showers, refrigerated food, and electric lighting. But in the end, it was also a study in contrast, with Grey Fox bigger than ever, and [...]
It's that time of year again, when a folk fan's thoughts turn to this year's summer festivals. Though the weather up here in the American Northeast makes for a relatively short season, there's plenty of choices, from this month's eco-centric Clearwater Festival to that one glorious weekend in mid July when both the Green River Festival and Grey Fox Bluegrass take place, forcing fans to choose between a lovely two day set of popfolk, alt-rock and blues on the one hand, and the best damn Bluegrass camp-out around on the other. [...]
Both songs today are from the 1998 album Treasures Left Behind-Remembering Kate Wolf. This song opens the album. "Altogether, Kate Wolf wrote close to 200 songs, and recorded 60. Without doubt, the most beloved of that group is "Give Yourself to Love," a gentle tune about conquering fear of intimacy and opening up the heart." - Edward Guthmann San Francisco Chronicle, 1987 MP3 File
One of the last great union-organizing singer-songwriters, Utah Phillips walked the walk, spending a hobo's life on the road spreading the word on behalf of his blue collar brethren, always championing others over himself, always honest about his work as a folksinger and crafter of song. Others have said it earlier and more thoroughly , several asking whether there are any like him left; many have shared the obvious originals in the wake of his passage. But it's never too late to say goodbye. Here's a [...]
Kathy Mattea's Coal was released on April 1st, but I just received my copy a few days ago. The concept of this collection of classic coal miner covers was initially inspired by the Sago Mine... **Click on the link to read the full post, download mp3s, and comment.**
The Note Books series features musicians discussing their literary side. Past contributors have included John Darnielle , John Vanderslice , and others. Kathy Mattea's new album, Coal , examines the both the human and ecological costs of coal mining through a carefully curated collection of songs. This is an album of tragedy, warning, and ultimately hope that change is possible if we work hard enough. A strong advocate for miners' rights, ecology, and nonviolence, Kathy Mattea is a person (not only an artist) I admire greatly. [...]
Cover Lay Down
Keep the Coffee Coming
Muruch
largehearted boy
Antony and the Johnsons - "Rise"
Beach House covers Queen
Paradise Awaits (Part 1 of 3)
