Shows

In the first half hour of this program we conclude our 2 part mini series on the music of Irish Americans. This time we cover the sentimental pop songs of the urban Irish Catholics. These escapist, romantic love songs of early Tin Pan Alley are associated with the era of the “Gay 90’s” (the 1890’s) through perhaps the 1930’s and are tied to the early cinema. These catchy tunes have permeated American musical culture and are at the beginings of our “pop” culture.

Then in the 2nd half of the program Eli will play a bunch of music unrelated to the first half, except in that its also stuff (like sentimental pop) that you won’t usually hear on DHR. Including some Fugs, Pluto and music from the far corners of the Earth.

Irish American Music Part 2/2 – Urban

This week ( in the 1st half hour) Henrietta, Eli and guest host Bob Malenky play examples of the music of early immigrants from Ireland and Scotland, Protestant farmers who settled in Appalachia, and discuss the social conditions that gave rise to this music. Then in the second part of the program Eli plays some tracks he likes, but without changing the genre too much. Tune in again next week for the 2nd half of the program, featuring 19th and early 20th century popular music from the Northern urban Irish Catholic factory workers who emigrated later.

Of special note in this program is the connection between the church singing of the appalachan Primitive Baptists, and the Presbyterian church singing from the the Isle of Lewis off the coast of Scotland. They’re the same! Except one’s in English and the other’s in Gaelic. That style of singing is absolutely at the foundation of old-time, bluegrass and some early country vocal style.

Irish American Music Part 1/2 – Rural

Links:

Of special note in this program is the connection between the church singing of the appalachan Primitive Baptists, and the Presbyterian church singing from the the Isle of Lewis off the coast of Scotland. They’re the same! Except one’s in English and the other’s in Gaelic. That style of singing is absolutely at the foundation of old-time, bluegrass and some early country vocal style.

Isle of Lewis Wikipedia Article

Gaelic Psalm Singing webpage – Has audio clips

The Free Church of Scotland – Get converted

 

This week, Henrietta and Eli speak with enthnomusicologist/anthropologist & musician Peter Gold. Peter was one of Henrietta’s students at City College back in the mid 1960’s and was her field recording assistant on a number of recording expeditions in Mexico and the American South. We’ll hear selections from those field recordings, selections from Peter’s own CDs and hear about Peter’s latest book, “Navajo and Tibetan Sacred Wisdom: The Circle of the Spirit.”

Interview with Peter Gold

Links:

Ancient Ways Project– Peter Gold’s front organization.

Humane Being – Peter’s Blog, a bunch of great writing that he’s done.

Navajo and Tibetan Sacred Wisdom: The Circle of the Spirit – Peter’s most recent book

Blog entry on new film on Pete Seeger that Peter Gold recommended

The Real Mexico – CD reissue of field recordings that Henrietta made with Peter’s assistance back in the late 60’s. Awesome stuff! Another friend of mine, my former banjo and fiddle teacher and also former student of Henrietta’s, Jody Stecher, was also a field recording assistant on this album.

Folk Songs of Puerto Rico – Another great album of Henrietta’s field recordings for which Peter Gold was the recording assistant. Henrietta’s son, Peter Yurchenco was also an assistant on this record.

John’s Island, South Carolina: Its People and Songs – Another great album of Henrietta’s field recordings for which Peter Gold was the recording assistant.

info@ancientwaysproject.org – Contact Peter Gold

Having just celebrated Passover, this week Henrietta, Eli and guest host Bob Malenky decided to play a bunch of tracks sampling Jewish music from around the world- The Middle East, Mediterranean, Africa, Europe and the United States. Then, in the second part of the program, Eli will play a number of tracks that he just plain and simple wanted to play.

Jewish Music from Around the World
(followed by some of Eli’s current favorite tracks)