Sunday, December 23, 2007

12/23/07 Playlist

1. Valeriu Apan, Miamon Miller: Trei Crai (StarSong), Dargason 109
2. Revels North: On Christmas Day I'Da Mornin' & Cooley's Reel (A Celtic Feast of Song), Appletree Records 1452
3. New York Ensemble for Early Music: Rex virginum amator (Nova -- A Medieval Christmas), Early Music Foundation 29001
4. Ensemble Choral du Bout du Monde: Christmas at Sea (Noel Celtique), Green Linnet 3124

The Christmas Story, and the ensuing life:
5. Ensemble: Nothing But A Child (Down at The Sea Hotel), The Secret Mountain 35 www.thesecretmountain.com
6. Richard Shindell: Before You Go (Wonderland), Signature Sounds 1268 www.signaturesounds.com
7. Robin & Linda Williams: The First Christmas Gift (The First Christmas Gift), Red House 188 www.redhouserecords.com
8. Tommy Sands: Down Among the Bushes of Jerusalem (To Shorten the Winter), Green Linnet 1212
9. Lily Lankin, Martha Wainwright: The Rebel Jesus (The McGarrigle Christmas Hour), Nonesuch 79925
10. Hugh Blumenfeld: Kosher for Christmas [Long-Haired Radical Socialist Jew] (At Home for The Holidays with The Folk Next Door), Uh-Oh [Out of print]
11. Dan Fogelberg: The First Christmas Morning (The First Christmas Morning), Morning Sky 3001

Gifts:
12. Salamander Crossing: Dona Nobis Pacem (Homegrown Holidays), Signature Sounds 1225
STORY: I read "The All-I'll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll" by Patricia C. McKissack (Schwartz-Wade Books)
13. Juliet Wyers: The Gift of The Magi (private recording -- text T.S. Eliot)
14. Willow Geer-Alsop: The Gift (Peter Alsop's Chris Moose Holidays), Moose School Records
15. Honky Tonk Confidential: Who Gets the Fruitcake This Year? (A Holiday Feast Volume V), Hungry for Music 0013 www.hungryformusic.com
16. Eva Cassidy: It's Not the Presents (A Holiday Feast Volume V)
17. Joel Mabus: Let's Do Christmas Right (How Like the Holly), Fossil 1299 www.joelmabus.com
18. Cathy Barton & Dave Para: Make My Present Small (Crazy Quilt), self www.bartonpara.com

Have you gotten your Christmas missives out yet?
19. Lou and Peter Berryman: Christmas Letter (Some Days), Cornbelt 16 http://louandpeter.com
20. Dave Potts: Christmas Cards (Hudson Harding Happy Holidays Sampler Volume 1), Hudson Harding radio promo
21. Holly Tannen: Brownies for Breakfast (Crazy Laughter), self www.hollytannen.com

Christmas at wartime / War at Christmas time:
22. Julie Sanderson: Christms 1864 (A Holiday Feast Volume 2), Hungry for Music 004 www.hungryformusic.com
23. June Star: Merry Christmas from Antietam (A Holiday Feast Vol. IV), Hungry for Music 010 www.hungryformusic.com
24. Matt and Shannon Heaton: It Came upon A Midnight Clear (Fine Winter's Night), Eats Records 007 www.mattandshannonheaton.com
MEMOIR: I read "Truce in The Trenches, 1914," written by W.R.M. Percy, London Rifle Brigade, included in "A Christmas Celebration, Harper & Row, 1984
25. Artisan: Christmas Eve 1914 (Paper Angels), Bedspring BOING 9806
OPINIONION: I read "Christmas in Vietnam" by James G. Lubetkin, Christian Science Monitor, Dec. 24, 1987
26. Claudia Schmidt & Sally Rogers: Song for Dave (While We Live), Red House 45 www.redhouserecords.com
27. Brett Dennen: The Holidays Are Here [And We're Still at War] (single), Dualtone 1240S3
28. Arlon Bennett: The Christmas Tree on Salem Street (Hudson Harding Sampler: Happy Holidays Volume 2), Hudson Harding radio promo
29. Jefferson Pepper: Christmas in Fallujah (Christmas in Fallujah), American Fallout Records 001 www.americanfallout.com
30. Jeff Talmadge: A Soldier's Christmas (single)

The (seasonally short) Dreaded Folk Calendar over selections from Jody Marshall's "Carol of The Bells," self www.jodymarshall.com

STORY: Who says there’s a war on Christmas? I read “The Anarchist's Pudding” by Geraldine McCaughrean, collected in “An Oxford Book of Christmas Stories,” Oxford University Press

Dysfunctional families are not necessarily alike:
32. Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison: Oklahoma Christmas (Happy Holidays), self www.kellywillis.com
33. Dixie Chicks with Rosie O’Donnell: Merry Christmas from The Family (single)
34. Eliza Gilkyson: Peace Call -- live version (Ribbon of Highway Endless Skyway), private

Sunday, December 16, 2007

12/16/07 Playlist

1. Jody Marshall: Nutcracker Mini-Suite (Carol of The Bells), self www.jodymarshall.net
2. Debi Smith: From the Hills of Bethlehem (The Soprano Christmas), self www.debismith.com
3. Mindy Smith: My Holiday (My Holiday), Vanguard 79838
4. Eileen Ivers et al: Apples in Winter medley (An Nollaig), Compass 4467 www.compassrecords.com
5. Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer: Go Tell the Fox (American Noel), Signature Sounds 2011 www.tracygrammer.com
6. Alison Brown Quartet with Joe Craven: O'Carolan's / Welcome Christmas (Evergreen), Compass 4470
7. Matt & Shannon Heaton: First Snowfall of December (Fine Winter's Night), Eats Records 007 www.mattandshannonheaton.com

Some Grammy nominees:
8. Levon Helm: Anna Lee (Dirt Farmer), Vanguard 79844
9. Tom Waits: The Bottom of The World (Orphans), Anti- 86677 promo
10. Mary Chapin Carpenter: On with The Song (The Calling), Zoe / Rounder 1111 www.rounder.com
11. Peter Case:The Open Road Song (Let Us Now Praise Sleepy John), Yep Roc 2160 www.yeproc.com
12. Cathy Fink et al: Banjo Pickin' Girl (Banjo Talkin'), Rounder 0599 www.rounder.com
13. Steve Earle: Steve's Hammer [For Pete] (Washington Square Serenade), New West 6128
14. Patty Griffin:Up to The Mountain [MLK Song] (Children Running Through), ATO 0036 www.pattygriffin.com
15. David Bromberg: Shake Sugaree (Try Me One More Time), Appleseed 1099 www.appleseedrec.com

Big storms everywhere; in the midwest they were debilitating
16. Dar Williams: Mortal City (Mortal City), Razor & Tie 2821

17. Tamarack: Blankets of Snow (Blankets of Snow), SGB Productions 31
18. Marienne Kreitlow: God Bless the Snowstorm (Beautiful Illusion: A Winter Album), self www.mariennekreitlow.com
19. Charlie Maguire: I Like It Here / Oh Cold and Misery (Harbour Lights: The Second Voyage), Mello-Jamin www.charliemaguire.com
20. Bonnie Lee Panda: Angels Wings (Magical Winter Day: A Holiday Collection), self bonnieleepanda.com
21. The Short Sisters: Snow, Snow (A Planet Dancing Slow), Black Socks 12
22. Herdman / Hills / Mangsen: Snow in The Street (Voices of Winter), Gadfly 235 www.gadflyrecords.com
23. Loreena McKennitt: Snow (A Winter Garden), Warner Bros. / Quinlan Road www.quinlanroad.com

This is a time of year when the religion-issue pushes its way to the front of the news -- Connecticut Valley Atheists put up a sign in Vernon which says "Imagine No Religion," and the response-letters to this message have been quite negative. In addition, it seems as if each presidential candidate is trying to prove that he or she is THE most devout of the pack:
24. Joan Baez: Imagine (The Complete A & M Recordings), A & M B0000828
25. Eliza Gilkyson: Man of God (Paradise Hotel), Red House 187 www.elizagilkyson.com
26. Rory McLeod: God Loves Me (Mouth to Mouth), Talkative 001 www.rorymcleod.com
27. Susan Werner: Why Is Your Heaven So Small (The Gospel Truth), self www.susanwerner.com
28. Chris Smither: Origin of The Species (Leave the Light On), Signature Sounds 2001
29. Holly Near: I Ain't Afraid (Edge), Calico Tracks 0004 www.hollynear.com
30. Les Barker: The Church of The Wholly Undecided (The War on Terrier), Mrs. Ackroyd DOG 018 www.mrsackroyd.com
31. Chuck Brodsky: In the Beginning (Tulips for Lunch), Waterbug / Chuck Brodsky www.chuckbrodsky.com

The (seasonally-short) Dreaded Folk Calendar over selections from Eileen Ivers's "An Nollaig," Compass 4467, into
32. Susan McKeown: Don Oiche Ud i mBeithill (An Nollaig), Compass 4467

33. Ilene Weiss: It's That Time Again (Weiss Christmas), Gadfly 236 www.gadflyrecords.com
34. Anne Hills et al: Christmas Is Coming (On This Day Earth Shall Ring), Flying Fish 70605
35. Shawn Colvin: Christmas Time Is Here (Holiday Songs and Lullabies), Columbia CK 69550
36. Peter Alsop: Little Tree (Chris Moose Holidays), Moose School Records / self
37. Jim Henry: The Tree (Wonderland), Signature Sounds 1266
38. Tish Hinojosa: Arbolito (Memorabilia Navidena), Watermelon
39. Eliza Gilkyson et al: Peace Call (Land of Milk and Honey), Red House 174

Sunday, December 9, 2007

12/9/07 Playlist

1.Mae Robertson: Every December Sky (December Sky), Lyric Partners www.lyricpartners.com 2. Diane Zeigler: December in Vermont (December in Vermont), self www.dianezeigler.com 3. Lou & Peter Berryman: Cheese & Beer & Snow (House Concert), Cornbelt 12 http://louandpeter.com 4. Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum: If We Make It through December (Winter's Grace), Signature Sounds 1251 www.signaturesounds.com

A perfect pairing:
5. Phil Ochs: Love Me, I'm A Liberal (Farewells & Fantasies), Elektra / Rhino R2 73518 www.rhino.com
6. John C. Reilly: Dear Mr. President (Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story), Columbia 18248

7. Terri Hendrix: What Is The Color of The Soul (The Spiritual Kind), Wilory 30008 www.terrihendrix.com
8. Levon Helm: Poor Old Dirt Farmer (Dirt Farmer), Vanguard 79844
9. Susan McKeown: The Things in Your Heart (Blackthorn: Irish Love Songs), World Village 468054 www.susanmckeown.com
10. Martin Simpson: Lakes of Champlain (Prodigal Son), Compass 4466 www.compassrecords.com

Another great pair of songs:
11. Eliza Gilkyson: Solitary Singer (Redemption Road), Silver Wave www.elizagilkyson.com
12. Ryan Bingham: Boracho Station (Mescalito), Lost Highway 9396 www.losthighwayrecords.com

A question, an answer:
13. Shelley Posen: Will Their Children Light the Candles (Menorah: Songs from A Jewish Life), Well Done Music 03 www.shelleyposen.com
14. Emily Kurn: Light the Lamp (Happy Holidays Volume 2 / Hudson Harding Sampler), self www.hudsonharding.com

15. Judith Berkson & NEC Jewish Music Ensemble: Fayer (A Taste of Chanukah), Rounder 3165
16. Chasia Segal: Latke Cooking Demonstration (A Taste of Chanukah), Rounder 316517. Sharon, Lois & Bram: I'm A Little Latke (Candles, Snow & Mistletoe), Drive R2 71620

I read “THE BORROWED HANUKKAH LATKES,” written by Linda Glaser (Albert Whitman publishers)

18. Magpie: The Ballad of Chanukah (Last Month of The Year), Sliced Bread 71305 www.magpiemusic.com
19. Five Chinese Brothers: Age Old Story (A Window Shopper's Christmas), Price CD / Fifty-Fifty Music
20. Magpie: Chanukah Chase (Last Month of The Year)
21. Shelley Posen: My Mother's Old Menorah (Menorah: Songs from A Jewish Life), Well Done Music 03 www.shelleyposen.com
22. Alexandria Kleztet with Laura Baron: Hanukkah Waltzing with You (Happy Holidays Volume 2 / Hudson Harding Sampler), self www.hudsonharding.com

23. Laura Berkson: Menorah (The 12 Steps of Christmas and Other Holiday Fare), Providence Music Works 10002 fuzmuzek@aol.com 24. Herdman / Hills / Mangsen: Hanerot Halalu (Voices of Winter), Gadfly 235 www.gadflyrecords.com

25. Joni Mitchell: River (Blue), Reprise 2038
26. John Gorka: Temporary Road (Temporary Road), High Street www.johngorka.com
27. Brett Dennen: The Holidays Are Here -- And We're Still at War (single), Dualtone 1240-S3 www.dualtone.com
28. Rosalie Sorrels: Hot Buttered Rum (An Imaginary Christmas in Idaho), Limberlost Books & Records www.limberlostpress.com

The Dreaded Folk Calendar over selections from "Evergreen" by Alison Brown Quartet with Joe Craven on Compass www.compassrecords.com
29. Bruce Hornsby: Lost in The Snow (Halcyon Days), Columbia 92652
30. Matt & Shannon Heaton: First Snowfall of December (Fine Winter's Night), self www.mattandshannonheaton.com
31. Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer: Ditchling Carol (American Noel), Signature Sounds 2011 www.signaturesounds.com

32. Johnny Walker: Bomb Iran (Slamming Bush), self www.johnnywalkercomedy.com
33. Bruce Springsteen: Last to Die (Magic), Columbia 17060
34. Rory McLeod: No More Blood for Oil (Brave Faces), Talkative 002 www.rorymcleod.com 35. Mem Shannon: S.U.V. (Car Talk: Born Not to Run), Car Talk

36. Randall Williams: Yes, Virginia (Happy Holidays Volume 2 / Hudson Harding Sampler), self www.hudsonharding.com
37. Al Petteway & Amy White: Into the Light (Winter Tidings), Maggie's Music 234 www.maggiesmusic.com

38. Robin & Linda Williams: Down Home Diva (Radio Songs), Red House 204 www.redhouserecords.com
39. Eliza Gilkyson et al: Peace Call (Land of Milk and Honey), Red House 174

Sunday, December 2, 2007

12/2/07 Playlist

1.Martin Simpson: Pretty Crowing Chicken (Prodigal Son), Compass 4466 www.compassrecords.com
2. Ana Egge: Johnny's Garden (Lazy Days), Grace/Parkinsong 45439 www.anaegge.com
3. Todd Snider: All of My Life (Happy to Be Here), Oh Boy 020 www.ohboy.com
4. Mary Ann Rossoni: On This Morning (Timber & Nails), self www.rossoni.com

5. Michael Jerling: Thousand Dollar Car (Crooked Path), Fool's Hill Music 2002 www.michaeljerling.com
6. The Roches: Jesus Shaves (Moonswept), 429 Records 17636 www.roches.com
7. Kane Welch Kaplin: Last Lost Highway (Kane Welch Kaplin), Compass 4464 www.compassrecords.com
8. Cindy Kallet & Grey Larsen: Cross the Water / Little Girl (Cross the Water), Sleepy Creek Music 105 www.kalletlarsen.com

Interview with Matt and Shannon Heaton www.mattandshannonheaton.com, recorded 11/29/07 to preview their Agawam concert at "The Captain's House" on 12/8/07:
9. Jig medley ending with Dust of Snow (live in studio)
10. Fine Winter's Night (live in studio)
11. First Snowfall of December (Fine Winter's Night, Eats Records 007)
12. Belle of The South Shore (live in studio)
13. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (live in studio)
14. Star Song (Fine Winter's Night, ESL 007)

15. Mikhail Horowitz & Gilles Mallkine: Hebrew Blues (A Chanukah Feast), Hungry for Music 021 www.hungryformusic.com
16. Voice of The Turtle: Ocho Kandelikas (Circle of Fire), Titanic Records 159
17. Robin Helzner Trio: Banish Night (A Chanukah Feast), Hungry for Music 021
18. Gathering Time: Light One Candle (single), self www.gatheringtime.com
19. Lissa Schneckenburger & Hankus Netsky: Haneyros Halulu (A Taste of Chanukah), Rounder 3165

20. Christine Lavin & the Mistletones: A Christmas/Kwanzaa/Solstice/Chanukah/Ramadan/ Boxing Day Song (The Runaway Christmas Tree), Appleseed 1075 www.appleseedrec.com
21. Roy Zimmerman: Christma-Hanu-Rama-Ka-Dona-Kwaanza (Peacenick), Metaphor 918 www.royzimmerman.com

The Dreaded Folk Calendar over selections from Bobbie Nelson's "Audiobiography," Justice Records www.bobbienelsonmusic.com

22. Steve Earle: Jerusalem (Jerusalem), E-Squared / Artemis
23. Anais Mitchell: Song of The Magi (The Brightness), Righteous Babe Records 53 www.anaismitchell.com
24. Nathan Moore: The Tanks (In His Own Worlds), Frogville 037 www.nathanmoore.org

On Friday I saw "Hadestown," a folk opera partly written by Anais, presented in one-nighters around New England25. Anais Mitchell: Hades & Persephone (The Brightness)

Google NSPD 51 / HSPD 20:
26. Band of Hope: If They Come in The Morning (Rhythm & Reds), MusikFolk 512
27. Hilary Spencer: They Make the Laws (The Wings of Butterflies), Mrs. Ackroyd DOG 013
28. Eric Bogle: Global Economy (The Colour of Dreams), Greentrax 237 www.greentrax.com
29. Eliza Gilkyson: Man of God (Paradise Hotel), Red House 187
30. John McCutcheon: Not Me (This Fire), Appalsongs 2007 www.folkmusic.com
31. Eliza Gilkyson et al: Peace Call (Land of Milk and Honey), Red House 174