Shows
American SongcatcherTalkin' Blues // Buffalo NicholsToday, I’m sharing a conversation I had with one of today’s most eclectic roots musicians, Buffalo Nichols. Since his earliest infatuations with guitar, Carl, who goes by the name Buffalo Nichols has asked himself the same question: How can I bring the blues of the past into the future? A student of African traditions and its roots in the blues, as well as the black influence on “white” music in country, bluegrass, old time and folk, the depth and airy nature of his voice lends itself to all these traditions, as represented in his music. We talked about hi...2025-05-311h 05American SongcatcherANNOUNCEMENT // American Songcatcher's FutureOver the last 5 years, we have had the privilege of bringing you stories of Pioneering musicians such as Bill Monroe, Sam Cooke, Johnny Cash, Lead Belly, Dolly Parton, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Pete Seeger, Jean Ritchie and so many more.However, a recently shift was forced upon the American Songcatcher program. Our distributor, Spotify for Podcasters/Creators, has taken down 1/4 of our episodes on all platforms, with more likely to follow, as they have began to crack down on the rights and usage of songs. Although this program is strictly education-based, and we don’t sell products or pr...2025-05-1202 minAmerican SongcatcherBONUS // Moses Asch & Folkways RecordsA few years back, we had the pleasure of partnering with Smithsonian Folkways for a special two part series on Folkways Records founder Moses Asch, who was born 99 years ago earlier this month. To honor his legacy, we combined these two pieces and re-releasing them today. We’ll traverse Moe’s early career, bankruptcy, and the tumultuous yet tantalizing 40 years of iconic recordings with pioneering and lesser known artists of Folkways Records. You’ll find out how what Moe accomplished became so woven with the cultural footprint of American Music as we know it today. Now… here’s the story of M...2024-12-302h 12American SongcatcherWNC Roots Music History LIVE!Back in July of 2024, I had the pleasure of bringing the first LIVE American Songcatcher podcast experience to the historic Graham County Courthouse in Robbinsville, NC. This time, I can't edit out all of my stumbles. The multimedia presentation traverses Western North Carolina music history starting with the native Cherokee, first settlers and immigration, African American influence on Appalachian music, and short stories of obscure and well known musicians from North Carolina. Attendees had visuals of photos and videos that you'll have to experience at the next live episode. The very end features a short concert with...2024-11-1745 minAmerican SongcatcherANNOUNCEMENT // ReString AppalachiaReString Appalachia
www.americansongcatcher.com/ReStringAppalachia
ReString Appalachia is an initiative by American Songcatcher to get instruments that were lost due to Helene back in the hands of musicians throughout Appalachia. This effort is supported by over 125 roots musicians, including Bela Fleck, Rhiannon Giddens, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Infamous Stringdusters and many more, as well as several non profits, instrument makers, venues, festivals, actors, visual artists and media outlets.
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It's been nearly a month since Helene brought unfathomable devastation to...2024-10-2302 minAmerican SongcatcherS3:E7 // Frankie & JohnnyToday on the program, we’re proud to present the story behind the most widely recorded murder ballad in American history, the true St. Louis story of "Frankie and Johnny." Johnny’s real name was Albert, and though the phrase "He was doin’ her wrong” has been the constant refrain, the depiction of Frankie Baker has always been one of a vengeful murderess - rather than murder in self defense - and she fought nearly her entire life to change that narrative. For over 100 years, the song has continued to be recorded with many false depictions, and in this story, yo...2024-09-2234 min
Scenic Roots“Sessions” From TEDxChattanooga: Nicholas Edward WilliamsNicholas Edward Williams - at TEDxChattanooga’s “Sessions” in April 2024 at Barking Legs Theater.(TEDxChattanooga)If you’ve listened to WUTC, chances are you’ve heard Nicholas Edward Williams.He’s a multi-instrumentalist and storyteller who plays songs and styles from ragtime and Piedmont blues to traditional folk, old time and early country.For this episode of “Scenic Roots,” we bring you his performance this spring for TEDxChattanooga’s “Sessions” - a showcase of local musicians and ideas worth spreading - at Barking Legs Theater.The theme: “Carry On” - the theme for all of TEDxChattanooga’s e...2024-08-2235 minAmerican SongcatcherTalkin' Blues // John McCutcheonToday, I’m sharing a conversation I had with Grammy-nominated folk singer, storyteller, humanitarian, author and multi-virtuoso-instrumentalist John McCutcheon. During his five-decade career, John has released 44 albums spanning an eclectic catalog of ballads, historical songs, children's songs, love songs, topical satire, fiddle and hammer dulcimer instrumentals, and even symphonic works. He is regarded as a master of the hammered dulcimer, and is also proficient on many other instruments including guitar, banjo, autoharp, mountain dulcimer, fiddle, and jaw harp, and has received six Grammy Award nominations for his children’s songs. I got to know a bit of John’s story...2024-08-181h 02American SongcatcherS3:E6 // Sam CookeToday on the program, we present the story behind the Father of Soul, Sam Cooke. Growing up in the church, Sam knew he wanted to be a singer by the time he was five years old. There was a magnetic and infectious quality to this young Gospel singer, and he knew he was destined for bigger things than singing sacred music. The risk he took in becoming a pop singer was massive, but it produced the first records of what is now known as Soul music. Sam also was a pioneer when it came to being savvy about the...2024-07-2434 minAmerican SongcatcherBonus // Southern Songs and StoriesToday on the program, through our host public radio station WNCW in Spindale, NC, we’re sharing one of our favorite cultural podcasts, called Southern Songs and Stories, a documentary series about the music of the American south and the artists who make it. The show is based in western North Carolina and the surrounding Appalachian and foothill regions, covering a wide array of musicians and bands, documenting the current music of the South and the story of how it came to be, put together by host and producer Joe Kendrick.
This episode features a n...2024-07-0627 minAmerican SongcatcherS3:E5 // Bob Wills and His Texas PlayboysToday on the program, we’re proud to present the story behind the King of Western Swing, Bob Wills. One of the most influential and iconic bandleaders and musicians of the 1930’s-1950’s, Bob came from a humble life of a poor sharecropping family, and was deeply influenced by old time and breakdown fiddle through his Texas state champion family of fiddlers in his father and uncle. Bob also loved all the turn of the century and 1920’s black music, and this confluence of cultures would help him create the craze that became Western swing, and the details of his jour...2024-06-0445 minAmerican SongcatcherTalkin' Blues // Charlie HunterToday, I’m sharing a conversation I had with GRAMMY-NOMINATED American guitarist, composer, producer and bandleader Charlie Hunter. He first came on to the scene in the early 1990s, and simultaneously plays bass lines, chords, and melodies, on custom seven and eight-string guitars, as featured in trios and quintet projects, as well as Garage-A-Trois. Notably, Charlie is also a student of ragtime guitar, using the true two finger technique pioneered by Arthur Blind Blake and very different from what he’s known for. We talked about Charlie’s upbringing in a musical family, finding his own path, the groove and au...2024-04-201h 00Scenic Roots“Carry On” … At TEDxChattanooga’s “Sessions” For 2024(TEDxChattanooga)Last summer, TEDxChattanooga presented its first-ever “Sessions” - a showcase of local musicians and their ideas worth sharing - at Barking Legs Theater.This year, “Sessions” returns to Barking Legs in the spring: on Thursday, April 25th, starting at 7 PM.The theme: “Carry On” - the theme for all of TEDxChattanooga’s events this year.Among the musicians: Nicholas Edward Williams, Rachel Blackmon and YGTUT.Cody Ray is the artist liaison with TEDxChattanooga “Sessions.”Nicholas Edward Williams(TEDxChattanooga)Rachel Blackmon(TEDxChattanooga)YGTUT(TEDxChattanooga)2024-04-1807 min
Bright On BuddhismWhat is self-immolation?Bright on Buddhism Episode 27 - What is self-immolation? Why do people do it? What are some examples of self immolation in the Buddhist scriptural texts?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism' Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006-50-0; Flanagan, Owen (2011-08...2024-03-2924 minAmerican SongcatcherS3:E4 // Bascom Lamar Lunsford & A Living TraditionToday, we proudly present something a little different on American Songcatcher. Instead of the usual documentary podcast-style piece, this is a compilation of field recordings I did in Buncombe and Madison Counties just outside of Asheville, NC. Considered the mecca of the long held traditions in ballad singing and old-time mountain music, this area is also home to the “Minstrel of the Appalachians”, one of the most important yet lesser-known figures in folk and old time music, Bascom Lamar Lunsford - who was born on this day 142 years ago.
Over the last year, I was fortunate enough to vi...2024-03-2153 minAmerican SongcatcherS3:E3 // Mississippi Fred McDowellToday on the program, we present the story of the father of North Mississippi Hill Country Blues, Mississippi Fred McDowell. From humble beginnings, Fred was inspired from the likes of Charley Patton, his neighbor Eli “Booster” Green and the sounds he gathered from guitarists in Memphis, Mississippi and the Delta, and defined the often overlooked nuances of the blues. Like many of the great Southern pre-war blues guitarists born around the turn of the century, Fred was “discovered” by Alan Lomax in 1959, and continues to inspire slide guitarists to this day, despite not being a household name in the blues re...2024-02-2539 minAmerican SongcatcherS3:E2 // Shady GroveToday on our program, we present the story of one of the most iconic American Folk songs, born from the lineage of 16th century ballads brought by immigrants from the British Isles, “Shady Grove”. Often used in both dance and courtship, the timeless melody was the backbone for countless ballads and folk songs that made their way into North America and took root in the Appalachian and Ozark Mountain ranges. To date, “Shady Grove” has been estimated to have amassed over 300 stanzas since it was first sung in the Cumberland Plateau region of Eastern Kentucky in the mid-nineteenth century. Story by...2024-01-2129 minAmerican SongcatcherS3:E1 // John HartfordHappy release day! Today on our program, we’re delighted to release the first episode of Season 3, diving into the life of renowned songwriter, riverboat pilot, folklorist, song collector, music historian, accomplished fiddler and banjoist, clog & shuffle dancer, storyteller and consummate entertainer, John Hartford. One of the most brilliant yet lesser-known musicians of the last century, John was the key figure in redefining Bluegrass and American roots music for future generations, the unofficial father of “newgrass”, who had a life that was anything but ordinary.
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2023-12-2743 minAmerican SongcatcherLOCAL FOCAL // The Pine Barrens Folk MusicToday, we proudly present the sixth installment of the LOCAL FOCAL series, where we’re collaborating with artists around the country to share unique and lesser-known musical history. Our narrator today is Joe Makoviecki (mackavecky) who brings to the surface a near century-old lineage, the story of New Jersey's own first family of folk music, The Ridgeways, who settled in a territory deep in South Jersey known as The Pine Barrens, and whose music faded into obscurity for several decades until recently.
Jackson Pines
Merce Ridgeway - Library of Congress
2023-10-2924 minAmerican SongcatcherLOCAL FOCAL // Swamp Pop with Dustin Dale GaspardToday, we proudly present the fifth installment of the LOCAL FOCAL series, where we’re collaborating with artists around the country to share unique and lesser-known musical history. Our narrator today is Dustin Dale Gaspard, a 9th generation cajun who comes from the deep, deep South, the Acadian region of Louisiana. Dustin shares the very unique history of the genre Swamp Pop, with detailed context of the cajun heritage it was born out of. Let’s head to the swamp.
Dustin Dale Gaspard
Swamp Pop Playlist
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Join the Patreo...2023-08-2723 minAmerican SongcatcherLOCAL FOCAL // Cowboy Song Collector Jack ThorpToday, we proudly present the fourth installment of the LOCAL FOCAL series, where we’re collaborating with artists around the country to share unique and lesser-known musical history. Our storyteller is cowboy & poet Andy Hedges, who hails from Lubbock, TX and is doing his part to keep the old cowboy song traditions alive. Andy takes us back to the late 1800’s, in the vast Western plains to the first collector of cowboy songs, a roving Easterner by the name of Jack Thorp, who printed the first book of Folk Songs, titled Songs of the Cowboys in 1908, forever changing the scop...2023-07-0818 min
Bright On BuddhismIf killing is bad in Buddhism, what is the status of carnivorous animals?Bright on Buddhism Episode 62 - If killing is bad in Buddhism, what is the status of carnivorous animals? What does loving-kindness and compassion look like for them? Are all animals looked upon in such a defeatist way in Buddhism?
Resources: Brecher, W. Puck. Animal Care in Japanese Tradition : a Short History. Ann Arbor, MI: Association for Asian Studies, 2022. Print.; Ambros, Barbara R. Bones of Contention : Animals and Religion in Contemporary Japan. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press,, 2012. Web.; Keown, Damien. Contemporary Buddhist Ethics. Richmond, Surrey: Curzon, 2000. Print.; Tucker, Mary Evelyn., and Duncan Ryūken Williams. Buddhism and Ecolo...2023-06-1625 minAmerican SongcatcherLOCAL FOCAL // The Other SideFor our third installment of the LOCAL FOCAL series, we present the following audio-rich piece - described as "sound painting" - brought to you by Muddy Boots Radio, a podcast that I only recently came into contact with by way of its creator, Tenali Hrenak. This particular episode honored a legend of radio from Grass Valley, CA - Mikail Graham. A composer, performer, producer, music promoter, advocate, consultant and beta tester for numerous pro-audio and MIDI companies. He was with the community radio station KVMR since its inception in the 1970s. For decades, he produced a radio show called...2023-05-2859 min
The Movie MobEp.50 Killers of the Flower Moon Trailer! Cannes Recap & Succession S4E9 BREAK DOWN!In this episode, the crew shares their thoughts on new trailers for Gareth Edward’s The Creator and Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, while also recapping the divisive responses to The Idol and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny at Cannes! Stick around to hear Nick and RJ dive deep into this past weekend’s penultimate episode of HBO’s Succession “Church and State.”
Chapter Markers:
0:00 Start
1:17 “The Creator” Trailer Reaction
10:52 “Killers of the Flower Moon” Trailer
17:21 Indiana Jones “Dial of Destiny”
21:28 New HBO’s Se...2023-05-271h 08American SongcatcherLOCAL FOCAL // Doc Watson & Over HomeIn honor of the 35th annual MerleFest coming up this week, American Songcatcher presents a very special LOCAL FOCAL - a relatively unknown live recording from May of 1989 of North Carolina’s own Doc Watson, telling stories and singing songs passed through his family - only this show he was asked to perform without his guitar, until the very end.
This concert was part of a historical series called Over Home, which aired on the well-known WNCW radio in Spindale, NC between 1988 and 1990. The show featured Western North Carolina traditional musicians and storytellers, and va...2023-04-2337 minAmerican SongcatcherLOCAL FOCAL // Last Wisps of the Old WaysToday, we proudly present the first installment of the LOCAL FOCAL series, where we’re collaborating with artists to share musical stories from different locations throughout America - in celebration of the parts that make up the whole fabric of American music history.
First up, we’re bringing you the works of Derek Piotr, a folklorist and musician who’s been deep in research about a particular family of tradition-bearers from Avery County, North Carolina that have a lineage to Frank Proffitt, a key figure in Appalachian old time preservation. I was taken with Derek's story not only b...2023-03-2618 minAmerican SongcatcherANNOUNCEMENT // SEASON 3ANNOUNCEMENTS!
1. Season 3 NEEDS your financial support! Can you commit to $1 a month via Patreon? - OR - Send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal
2. We're changing the format next season to SINGLE STORIES released every few weeks, so we can give each story full attention, and put out content more frequently.
3. CALLING ALL WRITERS! Do you love human stories? Love music history? Do you have any writing experience? If you'd like to be a volunteer writer on American Songcatcher, email us at AmericanSongcatcherPodcast@gmail.com
4. The first installment of our...2023-03-1602 min
Ozark Highlands RadioOHR Presents: Nicholas Edward WilliamsThis week, singer, multi-instrumentalist, podcaster, story teller and musicologist Nicholas Edward Williams recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park.
“Host of the popular roots music history podcast American Songcatcher, Nicholas Edward Williams is a multi-instrumentalist and storyteller who is dedicated to 'playing it forward' by preserving the songs and styles that have shaped our country: ragtime, Piedmont blues, traditional folk, old time and early country. Williams has spent the last 15 years touring around the US, the UK, Western Europe and Australia, blending the roots music spectrum in his own style. He's opened for Taj Mahal, The Wood Brothers, Dom Fl...2023-03-0558 min
The Soul Unleashed With Mike Nicholas#37 What does it mean to be Left Brain vs. Right Brain and why does it matter in your Spiritual Awakening?In this episode, I discuss the basic concepts of someone who is “left-brained” vs.”right-brained”, and how it impacted my growth and development of my spiritual awakening. I discuss three scientific studies, and also ask how it might impact your own inclination to consider spirituality.
REFERENCES:
From “Simply Psychology”, Left Brain vs. Right Brain, with explanation of differences: https://www.simplypsychology.org/left-brain-vs-right-brain.html
The “Big Five” personality traits: neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness-to-experience
Duke University Study, Brain Structure May Not Influence Personality After All: https://researchblog.duke.edu/2020/12/07/brain-structure-may-not-influence-personality-after-all/
University of...2023-01-1413 minThe Soul Unleashed With Mike Nicholas#37 What does it mean to be Left Brain vs. Right Brain and why does it matter in your Spiritual Awakening?In this episode, I discuss the basic concepts of someone who is “left-brained” vs.”right-brained”, and how it impacted my growth and development of my spiritual awakening. I discuss three scientific studies, and also ask how it might impact your own inclination to consider spirituality.
REFERENCES:
From “Simply Psychology”, Left Brain vs. Right Brain, with explanation of differences: https://www.simplypsychology.org/left-brain-vs-right-brain.html
The “Big Five” personality traits: neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness-to-experience
Duke University Study, Brain Structure May Not Influence Personality After All: https://researchblog.duke.edu/2020/12/07/brain-structure-may-not-influence-personality-after-all/
University of...2023-01-1413 minAmerican SongcatcherS2:E9 // Moses Asch and Folkways Records (Part 2 - SEASON FINALE)This is our season finale, part two of a special audio-documentary series on Folkways Records founder Moses Asch, in collaboration with Smithsonian Folkways. Part one walked us through Moe’s childhood, teenage years, early career, the first two labels he created, bankruptcy, as well as the early years of Folkways Records. In part two, we traverse 40 years of iconic recordings with pioneering and lesser known artists, business hardships, milestones, the fledgling years of Folkways, and Moe’s death. We’ll also examine the acquisition of the massive Folkways catalog by Smithsonian, illustrate how Moe’s legacy has intertwined with the iden...2022-12-201h 14
Bright On BuddhismIf there is no soul in Buddhism, how do we account for spirits and ghosts?Bright on Buddhism Episode 46 - If there is no soul in Buddhism, how do we account for spirits and ghosts? Why is this important? How does this affect how Buddhism is practiced across East Asia?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2...2022-12-0223 minAmerican SongcatcherS2:E9 // Moses Asch and Folkways Records (Part 1)Today, American Songcatcher is proud to present a special two-part collaboration with Smithsonian Folkways, going behind the curtain of Folkways Records founder Moses Asch, who was born 117 years ago on this date. This is the story of a ceaselessly stubborn Jewish immigrant with unstoppable ambition. A pioneer who had a great respect for creative artists, whether they were commercially viable or not. A provider whose work was selfless, though he was often quite difficult to work with. A visionary that would turn the record industry on its head without producing any major hits, which was just the way he...2022-12-021h 01American SongcatcherS2:E8 // Ralph Stanley & The Hundred Year Old Voice“The boy with the hundred year old voice” Dr. Ralph Stanley grew up in the hills of Southwest Virginia during the Great Depression. He and his brother Carter were heavily inspired by The Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers and Bill Monroe, who The Stanley Brothers would feud with decades later. Radio was king, and The Stanley Brothers became a household name throughout Appalachia by merciless appearances. Hear the story of how this farmhand persisted through waves of personal and career hardships, always staying true and believing in the old-time country music he played until becoming the international patriarch of traditional moun...2022-10-2048 minAmerican SongcatcherS2:E7 // Wack Fall The Daddy-OFeatured in this Episode:
Traditional - Whiskey in the Jar
Billie Holiday
Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee
Charlie Parr
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Teaser:
Arguably the most popular Irish drinking song has a more unique origin than being sung at the pub, celebrating the spirit of Whiskey. She’s one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time, yet her personal life was ripe with adversity from family, abusive relationships, an...2022-08-121h 32Bright On BuddhismWhat is Buddhist cosmology?Bright on Buddhism Episode 35 - What is Buddhist cosmology? How does that play out in ritual and practice? How does it change over time?
Resources: Mahathero, Punnadhammo. The Buddhist Cosmos: A Comprehensive Survey of the Early Buddhist Worldview; According to Theravāda and Sarvāstivāda Sources. Independently published, 2018.; Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide
Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism
Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its...2022-07-0125 min
American SongcatcherTalkin' Blues // Seth WalkerToday I’m sharing a conversation I had with American roots singer and guitarist Seth Walker, who has spent the last 20 years putting out incredibly diverse records, inspired by early blues to jazz, folk, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, early country and anything else he’s been able to gobble up.
Recently mentored by the likes of Oliver Wood and the Wood Brothers, Seth just released his 11th studio record, titled I Hope I Know, a tasty, seasoned array of roots songs that navigate a host of emotions and comforts, a record I highly suggest listening to...2022-06-2944 minBright On BuddhismWho is King Yama?Bright on Buddhism Episode 34 - Who is King Yama? Where does he come from? How does he fit into the system of karma and reincarnation?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide;Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006-50-0; Flanagan, Owen (2011-08...2022-06-1711 minBright On BuddhismWhat is emptiness?Bright on Buddhism Episode 33 - What is emptiness? What are the different definitions of this word? How does the definition change over time?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006-50-0; Flanagan, Owen (2011-08-12). The...2022-06-1027 minAmerican SongcatcherS2:E6 // The Man in Black (Part 3)Featured in this Episode:
Johnny Cash
Teaser:
The finale of this three part series on "The Man in Black" starts in the 70’s, when Johnny’s turnaround gets traction through learning to be a father, his activism and overtly religious period, several relapses of his addiction, the fall from Columbia Records, and his rise with Rick Rubin before passing away, as well as his legacy.
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"Shine A Light" | Johnny Cash: The Life
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Send a...2022-06-0552 minBright On BuddhismWhat are kōans?Bright on Buddhism Episode 32 - What are kōans? What is the doctrine behind them? How are they used?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006-50-0; Flanagan, Owen (2011-08-12). The Bodhisattva's Brain: Buddhism Naturalized. M...2022-06-0319 minBright On BuddhismHow does one get started learning about Buddhism?Bright on Buddhism Episode 30 - How does one get started learning about Buddhism? How can you tell if the sources you are looking at are unreliable? How does one become a Buddhist?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978...2022-05-2019 minBright On BuddhismWhat does "poa" actually mean?Bright on Buddhism Episode 29 - What does "poa" actually mean? Why is it important? How has the understanding of this term changed over time?
Resources :Bayer, Achim. “From Transference to Transformation: Levels of Understanding in Tibetan ‘Ars Moriendi.’” The Eastern Buddhist 44, no. 1 (2013): 77–96. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44362527.; Halkias, Georgios T. “Tantric Transfer in Sukhāvatī.” In Luminous Bliss: A Religious History of Pure Land Literature in Tibet, 139–63. University of Hawai’i Press, 2013. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt6wqg95.13.; Halkias, Georgios T. “Visions of the Pure Land from the Mind Treasury of Namchö Migyur Dorje.” In Pure Lands in Asian Texts...2022-05-1313 minBright On BuddhismWho is Samantabhadra/Puxian/Fugen?Bright on Buddhism Episode 28 - Who is Samantabhadra/Puxian/Fugen? What are some stories about Samantabhadra/Puxian/Fugen? What sort of devotional texts/rituals are there for Samantabhadra/Puxian/Fugen?
Resources: https://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/fugen.shtml; Kato, Bunno (1993). The Threefold Lotus Sutra. Tokyo: Kosei Publishing Company. p. 348. ISBN 4333002087.Archive index at the Wayback Machine; Niwano, Nikkyo (1976), Buddhism For Today: A Modern Interpretation of the Threefold Lotus Sutra, Tōkyō: Kōsei Publishing Co., ISBN 4-333-00270-2, archived from the original on July 22, 2013; The Lotus sutra : and its opening and closing sutras. Tokyo: Soka Gakkai. 2009. ISB...2022-05-0619 minAmerican SongcatcherS2:E6 // The Man in Black (Part 2)Featured in this Episode:
Johnny Cash
Teaser:
The story of the enigmatic “Man in Black” is a vast ocean that is impossible to cover every detail. But this three part series will attempt to further explain what listeners know about Johnny Cash, debunk a few myths, and uncover fascinating moments in his life that are lesser known. In essence, we’ll be looking further behind the curtain of the legend known as JR Cash, more than exceptional movies such as “Walk the Line” have portrayed.
Part 2 presents Johnny’s rise with S...2022-05-0140 minBright On BuddhismHow does Buddhism perceive friendships and romantic relationships?Bright on Buddhism Episode 26 - How does Buddhism perceive friendships and romantic relationships? How does this relate to non-attachment? How does one maintain these relationships and follow the precepts?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978...2022-04-1529 minBright On BuddhismHow does one remember their past lives in Buddhism?Bright on Buddhism Episode 25 - What does the canon say about people who claim to remember their past lives or parts of them? How does one come to remember past lives? What does Buddhism say about groups of people whose karma is so intertwined they continue to find each other across multiple reincarnations?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika) ; Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse...2022-04-0828 minAmerican SongcatcherS2:E6 // The Man in Black (Part 1)Featured in this Episode:
Johnny Cash
Teaser:
The story of the enigmatic “Man in Black” is a vast ocean that is impossible to cover and give every detail. But this three part series will attempt to further explain what listeners may think they know about Johnny Cash, broaden the understanding of his personal life, and uncover fascinating moments in his career that are lesser known, misunderstood, or flat out wild. In essence, we’ll be looking WAY behind the curtain of the legend known as JR Cash, far more than even e...2022-04-0448 minBright On BuddhismWhat are mantra in Buddhism?Bright on Buddhism Episode 24 - What is the meaning of the word mantra? What are the different understandings of this word in Buddhism? What are some of the most famous mantras and their function?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1...2022-04-0119 minBright On BuddhismHow does Buddhism deal with the issue of destiny and fate?Bright on Buddhism Episode 23 - How does Buddhism deal with the issue of destiny and fate? How much control does one have over destiny and fate? How does karma affect how much agency we have in our lives?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others...2022-03-2535 minBright On BuddhismWhat are the different realms of Samsara?Bright on Buddhism Episode 22 - What are the different realms of Samsara? What are their native inhabitants like? What happens when they die?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006-50-0; Flanagan, Owen (2011-08-12). The...2022-03-1823 minAmerican SongcatcherS2:E5 // That Bad ManCelebrating Black History Month!
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Stagger Lee” (:42)
Memphis Minnie (15:45)
Lightnin’ Hopkins (29:21)
Taj Mahal (48:55)
Teaser:
This notorious murder story has been covered in more genres, by more artists and across more multi-media platforms than any other in history, while somehow remaining relatively obscure. She’s known as the queen of the country blues, and queen of the Chicago blues, though she got her start while homeless and playing on the streets full time in Memphis. One of th...2022-02-211h 09
Basic FolkBF Presents: American SongcatcherHelp produce Basic Folk by contributing at basicfolk.com/donateEditor’s note: Basic Folk is pleased to introduce our listeners to one of our favorite podcasts by sharing an episode in our feed! American Songcatcher with Nicholas Edward Williams, is an independent audio documentary-style podcast hosted by the folk musician and music history enthusiast.Each episode has five stories: starting with one traditional song’s journey to America, followed by the stories of four musicians in American roots starting with legends of the past going all the way to current artists of the day.2022-02-201h 20Bright On BuddhismWhat is Yogacara/Faxiang/Hosso Buddhism?Bright on Buddhism Episode 19 - What is Yogacara/Faxiang/Hosso Buddhism? How does it differ from other schools in East Asia? What role do other teachings of Buddhism play in the Yogacara?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978...2022-02-0414 min
JPR Live SessionsJPR Live Session: Nicholas Edward WilliamsAfter eight albums as Whetherman and countless miles on the road, the lifestyle of itinerant musician started to catch up with Nicholas Edward Williams. At a show in Cleveland he hit the wall, walked off stage, and spent the next year taking stock of his life, his interests, and his talents.A chance opportunity to work in gave him the break he needed, and a chance opportunity to work in Costa Rica provided an environment that allowed Williams to figure out a different and more sustainable way of pursuing music.What sprung to life with...2022-02-0429 minAmerican SongcatcherAS Presents // Basic Folk feat. Chris ThileToday on the program, I’m pleased to bring you a very special episode through American Songcatcher, sharing a wonderful podcast called Basic Folk in our feed. Now some of you may already be aware of these in-depth, honest interviews with host Cindy Howes, but I feel like the rest of you should get on board!
Sure, there are many conversational podcasts out there, but Basic Folk sets itself apart with honest and complex conversations about the human experience witnessed from an artistic angle. Cindy's questions are not only well-researched and carefully crafted, but the artists featured ar...2022-02-021h 03Bright On BuddhismWhat is the Buddhist philosophy of speech, language, and words?Bright on Buddhism Episode 18 - What is the Buddhist philosophy of speech, language, and words? What are some of the doctrines surrounding speech, language, and words? How do these doctrines play out in ritual and practice?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping...2022-01-2822 minBright On BuddhismWho is Avalokitesvara?Bright on Buddhism Episode 17 - Who is Avalokitesvara/Guanyin/Kannon? What are some stories about Avalokitesvara/Guanyin/Kannon? What sort of devotional texts/rituals are there for Avalokitesvara/Guanyin/Kannon?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006...2022-01-2121 minAmerican SongcatcherS2:E4 // Pioneering Women in Bluegrass and Old-TimeFeatured in this Episode:
Jean Ritchie (:28)
Ola Belle Reed (17:48)
Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard (35:41)
Alison Krauss (55:54)
Teaser:
Her family is considered one of the wealthiest in the ballad tradition, preserving hundreds of songs from their lineage to Scotland in their home of Kentucky, and is single-handedly responsible for bringing the Appalachian dulcimer to prominence in America. Born in the mountains of North Carolina, she paved the way for both bluegrass music and old-time with her brother through their pioneering work at music parks, on the...2022-01-161h 12Bright On BuddhismHow does Buddhism deal with death?Bright on Buddhism Episode 16 - How does Buddhism deal with death? What are some of the doctrines surrounding death? How do they play out in ritual and practice?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006-50-0...2022-01-1419 min
Jack Barksdale's Roots RevivalNicholas Edward WilliamsNicholas Edward Williams is a folk singer, singer-songwriter, and creator and host of the music history podcast, American Songcatcher. I had the honor to interview him this week and It was phenomenal. This episode is a bit longer than usual because there was just so much ground to cover. Nicholas is such an interesting individual and it would have felt wrong not to talk about it all. So please enjoy what Is one of my favorite episodes of this podcast so far and have a great day. As always email me at jack@jackbarksdale.com for any questions or show...2021-12-221h 03Bright On BuddhismWhat is the relationship between Buddhism and science?Bright on Buddhism Episode 14 - What is the relationship between Buddhism and science? Do science and Buddhism indeed believe the same things? Does science validate or reinforce Buddhism, or vice versa?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0...2021-12-1728 min
The Coyote Radio Show & PodcastNicholas Edward Williams InterviewI'm super happy we had Nicholas Edward Williams on the show. He's a great folk artist as well as podcaster. Come hangout with us as we chat about his life and music. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and please subscribe to our Youtube channel. Click below to donate to the podcast. Thanks Yall. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=7MBMKUYZSRGC2&item_name=Thank+you+for+supporting+the+podcast%21¤cy_code=USD2021-12-1156 minBright On BuddhismWhat is the Buddhist perspective on mental health?Bright on Buddhism Episode 13 - What is the Buddhist perspective on mental health? What does Buddhist scripture say about it? How does that perspective change over time?
Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006-50-0; Flanagan, Owen (2011...2021-12-1027 minBright On BuddhismWhat is a Bodhisattva?Bright on Buddhism Episode 12 - What is a Bodhisattva? What are the different meanings of this word? How have those meanings changed over time?
Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Robert E Buswell: Encyclopedia of Buddhism: Zen; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; Streng, Frederick. Emptiness: A Study in Religious Meaning. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1967.; Drewes, David, Mahāyāna Sū...2021-12-0519 minAmerican SongcatcherS2:E3 // God's Golden ShoreSeason 2, Episode 3 // God's Golden Shore
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Man of Constant Sorrow” (:28)
Ma Rainey (13:08)
Bill Monroe (31:40)
Patsy Cline (51:29)
Bruce Molsky (1:08:17)
Teaser:
Thought to be rooted in the early hymns brought to America, this old-time folk song has reveled in the spotlight more than once in the roots music community, especially after being featured in the 2000 film “O’ Brother Where Art Thou.” A defining voice of the 1920’s and 1930’s, this female artist wrote the book on fashion, songwriting, a...2021-12-051h 25
Appalachian Vibes Radio ShowS2E21 Appalachian Vibes- Travis Shallow, James Lagueux Band, Radar Rose & American SongcatcherHappy Saturday beautiful people. Amanda here. Can you believe it's almost Thanksgiving? It's also Season 2 Episode 21 of Appalachian Vibes. This week North Carolina singer-songwriter Travis Shallow talks about growing through addiction, We learn of the unspoken language between the guitarist and keyboardist of Raonoke, Virginia’s James Lageaux Band and Radar Rose is SW Virginia's Darling with a history encompassing 30 years of touring and songwriting in the Appalachian region.And Nicholas Edward Williams is the creator of American Songcatcher and we get a preview of the show airing on Chattanooga public radio station. Travis Shallow amas...2021-11-1456 minAmerican SongcatcherBONUS: Side BIt’s a pleasure to bring you the second half of this special short series Side A // Side B, bringing some depth to the songs from my recently released traditional record “Folk Songs For Old Times’ Sake”. Today, we’re flipping the record over, and diving in to the history behind Side B.
Side B Tracklist:
Goin’ Down This Road Feelin’ Bad (Traditional)
Saint James Infirmary (Traditional)
Midnight Special (Traditional)
Barbry Allen (Traditional)
Mississippi River Blues (Jimmie Rodgers)
Peggy-O (Traditional)
Pay Day (Mississippi John Hurt)...2021-11-0933 minAmerican SongcatcherBONUS: Side ASince releasing the podcast, I’ve had a lot of people ask if the renditions at the end of each segment will be released, or streamable. Well I’m happy to say that over the last six months, I’ve been hard at work on a traditional record called Folk Songs For Old Times’ Sake, that is now available on all platforms, as well as limited edition vinyl. Several of these rearranged songs are traditionals, and some are from artists covered in the first season of this program. This is the first of a special two-part short series called Side A...2021-11-0633 minAmerican SongcatcherS2:E2 // Oh Little LizaSeason 2, Episode 2 // Oh Little Liza
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Lil' Liza Jane” (:28)
Dock Boggs (11:22)
Snooks Eaglin (25:54)
Nina Simone (43:36)
Billy Strings (1:04:18)
Teaser:
Today, this song is a standard in New Orleans brass bands as well as old-time music, but its earliest iterations started as a sea shanty. His three finger-style banjo picking was directly inspired by early African American string bands, and his early recordings helped standardize nearly a dozen old-time songs from the Cumberland mountain range. Blind at age...2021-10-301h 18American SongcatcherS2:E1 // Ain't Gonna Study War No MoreSeason 2, Episode 1 // Ain't Gonna Study War No More
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Down by The Riverside” (00:27)
Mance Lipscomb (10:28)
Ramblin’ Jack Elliot (23:31)
Emmylou Harris (45:17)
Chris Thile (57:27)
Teaser:
After the civil war, songs such as these were created and sung from Alabama to Ohio for a perilous journey through the Underground Railroad, where the enslaved were in pursuit of their freedom. He wasn’t a bluesman as much as a songster, known for his incredibly broad catalogue of songs and his fron...2021-09-271h 18American SongcatcherBONUS: Sitting In // Cristina Vane and Her New (Old) American RootsFor the final collaboration of the “Sitting In” miniseries, I’m excited to share a fantastic multi-instrumentalist, fluent in clawhammer banjo and slide blues guitar, named Cristina Vane. Born in Italy, and living many places overseas before arriving in America at 18 years old, Cristina accumulated a wealth of culture and a diverse range of songs before discovering her love for pre-war blues and the likes of the pioneers Skip James, Robert Johnson, Blind Willie Johnson and Rory Block who have all shaped her guitar technique and song catalogue. She worked at the famous McCabe’s Guitar Shop in LA, and stud...2021-07-2918 minAmerican SongcatcherBONUS: Sitting In // Jody Carroll and the Newport RecordingsToday on the program will be my sixth guest for the “Sitting In” mini-series, Jody Carroll. Jody is a performer and songwriter who effortlessly creates bold interpretations of old Blues and American Folk music, and makes them his own improvisational musical journeys. He’s a finger-style and slide guitar master, and a soulful singer blending flavors of Blues, Folk, Mountain music, Jazz and Rock all together into a true power- packed gumbo.
Raised on Willie Nelson and AM Country Radio in the late 60’s, he’s toured with or shared the stage with legends such as Buddy Guy, Honey...2021-07-2119 minAmerican SongcatcherBONUS: Sitting In // Dylan Walshe and Ramblin' Jack ElliotThe fifth edition of the “Sitting In” miniseries features a new project by international touring Irish musician Dylan Walshe. Steeped in the traditions of folk, Irish, Blues, Singer-songwriter and roots music, Dylan has received wide acclaim from all over, including Dave King of Flogging Molly who has said that “The future of songwriting is safe in the hands of this man.”
This episode features Dylan’s new music podcast, The Stirring Foot, and the first 20 minutes of a conversation he had with none other than Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, who Dylan first met at Tennessee’s Muddy Roots Music Festival...2021-07-1423 minAmerican SongcatcherBONUS: Sitting In // Lon Eldridge and the Hawaiian Steel GuitarGood people! I'm so pleased to share my fourth guest to embark on this “Sitting In” mini-series, a local legend in my neck of the woods, Chattanooga’s own Lon Eldridge. Harboring a unique blend of traditional pre-war blues, ragtime, jazz and swing, Lon has spent the last two decades evoking the styles of those who laid the framework of these genres, from the likes of Mississippi John Hurt to Robert Johnson to Blind Blake and countless other musical masters. He’s an avid collector of 78rpm records and restores old Victrola record players, and showcases his deep collection under th...2021-07-0712 minAmerican SongcatcherBONUS: Sitting In // Willi Carlisle, Ozark FolksingerHey Folks! I’m so pleased to share the 3rd act of this “Sitting In” miniseries with you, none other than the inimitable Willi Carlisle. A multi-faceted writer, performer, and instrumentalist, Willi has spent the last several years collecting folklore, playing or calling square dances, and working in the avant-garde. He’s a folksinger with a style forged in the fire of Ozark old-time, and has a masters degree in Poetry. He’s spent years in the woods with poets and old folk singers and he’s a queer-identifying storyteller whose musical stories hoot, stomp, and saunter through joys and troubles u...2021-06-3011 minAmerican SongcatcherBONUS: Sitting In // Sparrow and The John C. Campbell Folk SchoolHey Folks! I’m thrilled to share the second part of the “Sitting In” mini-series, where I hand over the podcast reins to some of my folky friends, so that they can share a story that ties into music preservation and play a few songs in line with their story.
My guest today is Sparrow, who along with her partner Keith, leads the Asheville, NC group The Resonant Rogues, who seamlessly weave the threads of old time, country, swing, folk and more into a beautiful tapestry that simultaneously showcases tradition and innovation. In late 2020, she was immersed in a m...2021-06-2318 minAmerican SongcatcherBONUS: Sitting In // Matthew Sabatella & “We Shall Not Be Moved”Today, I’m delighted to share the first “Sitting In” mini-series episode with you, where I’ve handed the podcast reins over to a music preservationist and performer. First up, is a story of the African American spiritual turned protest song called “We Shall Not Be Moved”, written and spoken by Matthew Sabatella.
Matthew’s mission is to “connect people with music that is woven into the fabric of the United States”. He’s a singer, writer, multi-instrumentalist and award-winning old-time banjo player, music historian, leader of the Rambling String Band, and serves on the board of directors for Southe...2021-06-1626 minAmerican SongcatcherTalkin' Blues // Fruition's Jay Cobb AndersonToday I have the pleasure of sharing a conversation I had with multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Jay Cobb Anderson, co-founder of the group Fruition, who has been making big waves in the major festival circuit during the last decade with blends of traditional sounds, contemporary folk and bluegrass, and most recently the roots of rock and roll.
We talked about Jay’s busking journey, how he reached the other members of Fruition, how they developed their sound, about Bob Dylan and the wake he left for so many to dive into old music, how traditional music fits in...2021-06-051h 15American SongcatcherTalkin' Blues // Sierra HullToday, I’m delighted to share a talk I had with mandolin prodigy and Grammy nominated multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Sierra Hull. Accomplishing more in her first 28 years of life than most could over a few lifetimes, Sierra made her Grand Ole Opry debut at the age of 10, played Carnegie Hall at age 12, then landed a deal with Rounder Records at 13. Sierra was mentored by Alison Krauss and Chris Thile, she’s collaborated with all the big hitters in bluegrass from Ricky Skaggs, to Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglass and Sturgill Simpson. Despite all those big names I thre...2021-05-2956 minAmerican SongcatcherTalkin' Blues // Oliver Wood of The Wood BrothersToday, I have the pleasure of sharing a conversation I had with Oliver Wood. Since 2004, Oliver has been the frontman of The Wood Brothers, blurring the boundaries between folk, gospel, country-soul, and blues, earning an international audience and a Grammy Award-nomination along the way. Alongside his brother Chris Wood, of Medeski Martin and Wood, as well as percussionist Jano Rix, The Wood Brothers have embodied the future of roots music, while at the same time turning it on its head.
Released yesterday, Oliver’s debut solo album, Always Smilin' reimagines his sharp songwriting, savvy guitar chops, and on...2021-05-221h 09American SongcatcherTalkin' Blues // David HoltWhen I first set out with this podcast there were a few people in particular that I wanted to talk to, and today's guest is at the top of that list.
David Holt is a four-time Grammy winner, multi-instrumentalist, and for 14 years performed as a duo on banjo with the legendary Doc Watson. He’s spent his life learning, performing and telling stories of traditional American music as the host of numerous radio and television shows including: Riverwalk Jazz, Folkways, Great Scenic Railway Journeys, Fire on the Mountain, and today, David Holt’s State of Music. The PBS...2021-05-1354 minAmerican SongcatcherS1:E10 // She Warbles When She Flies (SEASON FINALE)Season 1, Episode 10 // She Warbles When She Flies (SEASON FINALE)
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “The Cuckoo” (:27)
Willie Nelson - “Lucky Old Sun’” (13:30)
Jerry Garcia - “Walkin’ Boss” (31:40)
Blaze Foley - “Oval Room” (52:50)
Jontavious Willis - “Pistol Slappin’ Blues” (1:12:38)
Teaser:
This traditional tune is based off of England’s oldest known documented song, dating back to the 13th century, centered around a bird who calls in spring. He’s one of America’s most well known musicians, responsible for completely changing the face of country mus...2021-04-241h 25American SongcatcherTalkin' Blues // Leah Song of Rising AppalachiaToday on the program, I have the distinct pleasure of sharing a wonderful conversation I had with Leah Song, one half of the world folk fusion group Rising Appalachia. Over the last decade, Rising Appalachia has reimagined a huge body of traditional songs to a massive audience over the seven records they’ve released since forging their musical path. We talked about how she and her sister Chloe grew up, how they will continue unpacking the musicology lessons they’ve received from their fiddle folklorist mother, how traditional music fits into their landscape of sounds, the importance of preservation, and...2021-04-161h 14American SongcatcherS1:E9 // Twas in the Merry Month of MaySeason 1, Episode 9 // Twas in the Merry Month of May
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Barbara Allen” (:27)
Lead Belly - “Goodnight, Irene’” (11:39)
Joan Baez - “Silver Dagger” (37:50)
Tony Rice - “New River Train” (59:35)
Colter Wall- “Diamond Joe” (1:13:14)
Teaser:
For the last 400 years, the most widely collected ballad from the British Isles is still being recorded today, born out of a unique and puzzling story. A larger than life figure, rumored to have been released from prison due to the diverse musical prowess he car...2021-03-131h 30American SongcatcherTalkin' Blues // Dom FlemonsToday on the program, I’m delighted to share a conversation I had with the Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist and preservationist Dom Flemons. Branded The American Songster from his diverse catalogue of tunes, Dom’s not just a songwriter, he’s a multi-instrumentalist, producer, actor, music scholar, historian, and record collector who is proficient on banjo, guitar, harmonica, jug, percussion, quills, fife and rhythm bones.
We talked about his early life, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, music preservation and the journey to becoming a historian and musicologist. He also played a few tunes and shared some stories about a few essentia...2021-02-261h 07American SongcatcherS1:E8 // Shine That Ever Loving Light On MeSeason 1, Episode 8 // Shine That Ever Loving Light On Me
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Midnight Special” (:39)
Memphis Jug Band - “Stealin’, Stealin’” (13:30)
Etta Baker - “Railroad Bill” (26:13)
Big Bill Broonzy - “Glory of Love” (40:55)
Charley Pride - “Roll on Mississippi” (1:01:32)
Teaser:
When the light of the train hits the cell windows of inmates at Mississippi’s infamous Parchman Farm prison, they feel a release and comfort from their captors. Find out what made jug bands so popular in the 1930’s, and the Tennessee natives...2021-02-101h 17American SongcatcherS1:E7 // She's Gone With The Gypsy DavySeason 1, Episode 7 // She's Gone With The Gypsy Davy
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Gypsy Davy” (:20)
Son House - “Grinnin’ in your Face” (9:02)
Merle Travis - “Nine Pound Hammer” (24:07)
Dolly Parton - “Jolene” (40:30)
Sierra Ferrell - “Elk River Blues” (59:60)
Teaser:
Who were the original gypsies, and why are so many songs sung about them? Hear the man who inspired Robert Johnson and set the standard for the Delta blues slide guitar. A boy born out of the Kentucky coal mines and creating the epito...2021-01-061h 14American SongcatcherS1:E6 // I'll Die With That Hammer In My HandSeason 1, Episode 6 // I'll Die With That Hammer In My Hand
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “The Ballad of John Henry” (:25)
The Mississippi Sheiks - “Sittin On Top of the World” (11:09)
Pete Seeger - “If I Had a Hammer” (22:05)
Hank Williams - “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” (44:32)
Tyler Childers - “Rocks, Salt and Nails” (1:05:35)
Teaser:
Was the greatest African American folklore hero based on a true story? The most popular old time and blues string band in the 30's that all started wi...2020-12-021h 21American SongcatcherS1:E5 // I'm Just Going Over HomeSeason 1, Episode 5 // I'm Just Going Over Home
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Wayfaring Stranger” (:30)
Burl Ives - “Streets of Laredo” (11:45)
Sister Rosetta Tharpe - “Up Above My Head” (28:50)
John Prine - “In Spite of Ourselves” (44:27)
Charley Crockett- “That’s How I Got To Memphis” (1:06:40)
Teaser:
Did it come from a hymn? An old ballad? Was it born in Scotland, or America? Navigate these questions with me for one of the most enduring and well known traditional songs in Bluegrass, Folk, and Old Country music...2020-11-021h 23American SongcatcherS1:E4 // Hang Your Head and CrySeason 1, Episode 4 // Hang Your Head and Cry
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Tom Dooley” (:27)
Blind Blake - “Diddie Wa Diddie” (12:23)
Woody Guthrie - “Ramblin Around” (23:46)
Doc Watson - “Blue Railroad Train” (49:00)
Justin Townes Earle - “Lone Pine Hill” (1:08:23)
Teaser:
A North Carolina murder ballad turned folk tale withstands the tests of time, the true story is still up for debate today. The most distinct blind guitar player to take sounds from ragtime piano and transfer it to guitar, though his life was a short mys...2020-10-051h 26American SongcatcherTalkin' Blues // Andy CohenI’m so pleased to have my first guest on the podcast, the incredibly gifted multi-instrumentalist, teacher, musicologist and songster Mr. Andy Cohen. You may remember Andy from a mention in Episode 2 of American Songcatcher, as he was the mentor of my mentor, Joan Crane. Once a lead boy soaking in the shadow of Reverend Gary Davis, Andy’s been playing music for 72 years. He’s a virtuoso finger-style guitarist and pianist who has been described as “a walking, talking folk-blues-roots music encyclopedia.” He has devoted his entire life to studying, performing, and promoting traditional blues and folk music, specializi...2020-09-1846 minAmerican SongcatcherS1:E3 // They Call The Rising SunSeason 1, Episode 3 // They Call The Rising Sun
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - "Rising Sun Blues" or "House of the Rising Sun" (1:37)
Bessie Smith - "Tain't Nobody's Business" (16:46)
The Carter Family - "Wildwood Flower" (40:30)
Townes Van Zandt - "Pancho and Lefty" (1:04:17)
Blind Boy Paxton - "Nobody Cares For Me" (01:22:42)
Teaser:
Was there ever a “house of the rising sun” in New Orleans or elsewhere, or was it a myth brought from the UK? Raised by her sisters in deep poverty, a Ch...2020-09-041h 39American SongcatcherS1:E2 // I Could Root That Mountain DownSeason 1, Episode 2 // I Could Root That Mountain Down
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional | Bascom Lamar Lunsford - “I wish I was a Mole in the ground" (:27)
Mississippi John Hurt - “Spike Driver Blues” (13:50)
Reverend Gary Davis - "Slow Drag” (28:23)
Norman Blake - "Church Street Blues” (42:26)
Willie Watson - "James Alley Blues” (56:08)
Teaser:
A North Carolina mountain banjo player dubbed the "Minstrel of the Appalachians" helps create America’s first folk festivals and preserves history as one of the country's earliest song collector...2020-08-161h 16American SongcatcherS1:E1 // If She Heard My Guineas ClinkSeason 1, Episode 1 // If She Heard My Guineas Clink
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - "Peggy O" (:28)
Jimmie Rodgers - "Waiting For a Train" (8:01)
Elizabeth Cotten - "Shake Sugaree" (15:23)
Dave Van Ronk - "Green, Green Rocky Road" (25:40)
Gillian Welch - "Everything is Free" (35:26)
Teaser:
A traditional Scottish song survives over 300 years, traveling thousands of miles before filtering through the Appalachian Mountains and becoming a folk "pass along" tune. “The Singing Brakeman” comes alive after witnessing the yodeling of Swiss emissaries, creating the ori...2020-07-2851 min
American SongcatcherS1:Trailer "American Songcatcher"Tracing the roots of American music from its cultured past to artists playing it forward, join folk musician Nicholas Edward Williams in the audio documentary-style podcast series, American Songcatcher. Each episode uncovers the lesser-known journey behind one traditional song, followed by four stories of musicians in American roots music, up to someone carrying tradition today. From European and British isles immigrants who brought their music to Appalachia, to songs of the South: Gospel, Ragtime, Blues, Country, and the Folk music derived from it all. We’ll go behind the curtain of legends, and shine the limelight on many integral les...2020-06-3002 min
Over-the-Counter CultureRamblin' Around with Dylan Van PeltDylan is a brother to me and I'm very thankful that we got to sit down and deep talk about his story. He and I took part in the north Florida tradition of growing up local, then moving far away; he to the Rockies, Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, and then back to Florida before now settling in the Pacific Northwest. It's interesting to me why people leave their hometowns, what they aim to find out in the world, and why they sometimes return, and I think all of us can recognize some of Dylan's story in ourselves. Now that...2020-01-051h 38
TheDavidBowersAwardsTheDavidBowersAwards with Joe Bonsall (Oak Ridge Boys) and Nicholas Edward WilliamsThis week TheDavidBowersAwards brings back one of our most popular guests, Ban Joey himself, Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys, and newcomer Nicholas Edward Williams. Joe Bonsall, 45-year member of the legendary Oak Ridge Boys, brings his insights into The Boys' just-released album, 'Down Home Christmas,' and shares tracks from it. Nicholas Edward Williams brings us his deeply personal and intimate songs, crafted from a lifetime of travel and experiencing all life has to offer.
We also debut 'Christmas In July for April,' a heart-wrenching song of fulfilling a little girls wish by TDBA lis...2019-11-0558 min
TheDavidBowersAwards w/ Joe Bonsall(The OakRidgeBoys) & Nicholas Edward WilliamsThis week TheDavidBowersAwards brings back one of our most popular guests, Ban Joey himself, Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys, and newcomer Nicholas Edward Williams. Joe Bonsall, 45-year member of the legendary Oak Ridge Boys, brings his insights into The Boys' just-released album, 'Down Home Christmas,' and shares tracks from it. Nicholas Edward Williams brings us his deeply personal and intimate songs, crafted from a lifetime of travel and experiencing all life has to offer.
We also debut 'Christmas In July for April,' a heart-wrenching song of fulfilling a little girls wish by TDBA listener-favorites, Smith Sisters Bluegras...2019-11-0359 min
Wizard of Ads Monday Morning MemoAmerican Exceptionalism in 1687Exactly three hundred and thirty years ago – roughly ten generations of parents and children ago – the French explorer La Salle, searching for the mouth of the Mississippi River, was murdered by his own men.We were experiencing dysfunction among supposed team members.In Virginia, a panicked Nicholas Spencer of Westmoreland County provides Virginia Governor Francis Howard with, “Intelligence of the Discovery of a Negro Plott for the Distroying and killing of his Majesty’s Subjects, with a designe of Carrying it through the whole Collony of Virginia…”White people feared that people of another othe...2017-07-1705 min