YEAR END THOUGHTS, THANKS, AND REMINISCENCES

This seems like a good time to look back a bit and also, later, to look ahead a bit. This year's end will represent 13 years of being one of the hosts of TRADITIONS--Ron Olesko being the originator of the program--here are the two of us a few years back at a NERFA conference:

Bill (l) Ron (r)




When it comes to longevity TABLETALK comes in second with 5 years now followed by the end of 2 years of SUNDAY SIMCHA.

Each of these programs has its own share of rewards in the wonderful and interesting people that have honored me by their presence at the microphones. Better yet---they actually talked and sang into them. This year TABLETALK came full circle when the first guest on the program made another appearance---Elizabeth Swados. It was the idea of getting her on WFDU for a chat that led to this program in the first place. She was appearing at The Bottom Line and the mgmt. of WFDU agreed that if I did an interview with her there would be a one time slot for it---which has now, happily, turned into 5 years of TABLETALK. The guests have ranged from noted authors, composers, and--as I say--"...very interesting people". They surely are.

When it comes to SUNDAY SIMCHA these few years have been a delight in many ways. For one thing---as the only slogan we have so far (which I created---and I ask for contributions) says---"Keeping Yiddishkeit On The Air on WFDU". In addition the listeners have grown---some are well over 6 feet now---how far behind can Bar Mitzvah be?

Seriously, though, the listeners have made this a joy with the support and the material many have sent in to air on the program. I want to thank, in particular, Arthur Levy (producer) for some wonderful recordings of the early and later years of Yiddish material, Alberta (I won't mention her last name since she may not like being published here) for the information and the recordings she sent, and also all of the people who have e mailed suggestions and offered the financial support during fund-raising to keep this program growing.

The audience also has to be applauded for opening their minds and hearts to the inclusion of material that encompasses Judaism and Jewish music today--as it evolves, as all music does, over the years. Welcoming artists such as Carey Creed, Mere Winningham, and so many more we have added to the playlists you see each week. That also includes Kinky Friedman, Shelley Posen, and Schlock Rock. All book ends for the older Yiddish material (always to be recalled) and wonderful liturgical material by the famous cantors and other performers.

The longest and longest running has to be saved for last.

TRADITIONS : You might want to check the new videos on the right since the program will be honored by the presence of these two artists on different dates during the year. NOEL PAUL STOOKEY will be joining me in January--stay tuned--or check in--to find out the exact date. EMILY KURN (one of my choices for our picks for meaningful works this year) will be joining me later in the year. In addition a lot of other very special guests will be on board---including some live concert presentations in the new Studio "C".

On December 30 Ron Olesko and I will be doing the year end program which will feature our 10 choices each for the recordings that ---for want of a better word---touched us more than most. NO 10 BEST--10 memorable ones, if you will. Many others did as well, but time constraints won't allow for more. They were hard choices and some of our choices over-lapped. To find out more about them you will have to tune in next week to hear them and our commentary. The playlist will, as always, be posted later.

Thanks have to go out for all the wonderful artists that have, as said earlier, graced these microphones. I won't repeat the bad joke. This year I would like to mention a few that joined me for music and talk--and I will include a few pictures---no room for them all. Though, you can see most of them by clicking on the right for the picture gallery.

In no particular order:

Beppe Gambetta
---you have to love the lyrical lilt of the Italian dialect.




Laurie Lewis for some great music in the studio--and some insightful conversation.

Clay Eals for a program that needed two weeks to complete because of the fascinating nature of his work on Steve Goodman.

Modern Man for giving the program the classical sound of The Three Tenors---after Pavoratti's demise and the joy of The Marx Bros without Zeppo (that makes 3).


Noel Paul Stookey, Annie Dinerman, and Arlon Bennett for their making music for a great cause and for sharing it with us. They were the winners of The Music To Life Foundation's songwriting (for songs of social significance) competition.

David Amram for his great talent and for sharing it on all three programs--his Jewish music is a joy to behold, his involvement with Steve Goodman a merging of some great talents, and his Tabletalk chat covered the entire gamut of his wide area of expertise. Problem was---30 minutes cannot contain him.

Surely there are others that I have neglected to mention but they are in my thoughts and in my heart as well. Of course, in my heart I only hope that they are not clogging up the arteries.

Those were guests we spoke of. Never forget all the wonderful music that has come over the transom this year and all the previous ones. Whether people have been guests or not the product of their talent is such a joy and honor to present. Many of them you will hear on December 30. Those from this year. I would just add a few last notes on that subject.

In the past week I have received some wonderful material that is too late to include but you will be hearing it at the start of January--Jackie Morris, a brilliant songwriter with a great voice who will be featured on TRADITIONS and has a piece just perfect for SUNDAY SIMCHA--tune in to find out why(in the meantime click on THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER on the right to see a video of her)--Laura Wetzler has sent in material for SUNDAY SIMCHA that features her and also a guest from a while back on TRADITIONS--Rande Harris.

A little appetizer of things to come---or as might be said on SUNDAY SIMCHA--a vorshpeis.

Looking ahead as promised. MARGOT LEVERETT and her Klezmer Mountain Boys will be joining me for a 1 hr. special on SUNDAY SIMCHA that will air in either late January or early March (if Fund raising works out). Stay tuned. STUART MARCUS and his trio will be joining me live---(they should live and be well--don't want Stu to miss his Mom's advice--also eat) on January 13 if all goes according to plan. On that same day NOEL PAUL STOOKEY will be in the studio for a chat about his newest work and some live music.

As always many surprises and "people of interest" will be joining us during the year. As to the "people of interest". I am in constant touch with the NYPD to find them for us.

My best wishes for a happy, healthy, and very peaceful new year to one and all.

AND A HAPPY HOLIDAY WISH FROM THE WHOLE FAMILY---MAY YOU ALL HAVE A GOOD AND HEALTHY AND PEACEFUL YEAR.

A MOVING PIECE FOR THIS TIME

A note by a friend and talented artist--Rik Palieri was sent to a group of radio hosts and I felt this so apt and so important I am posting it here:


Dear Friends & Folk DJ , Erik Darling, banjoist and 12 string guitar player , who played with the Weavers & Roof Top Singers , sent me this very moving video he just posted on You Tube.

If you take a look on the right the video Rik speaks of is viewable. His link did not work so I thought the best thing was to post the actual video here. (You will find that it does not play---you may, however, click on the title of the song below the panel that does not play and you will see directly on You Tube)

Please do tell your acquaintances about it since Erik Darling is a brilliant musician and songwriter and this piece really has something to say to us all---and especially to those who think there are no singer/songwriters that anything meaningful to say in this time we are living in.

Memorable Moving Moments--Dan Fogelberg

photos: Jean Fogelberg

As the year winds down it seems almost eerie to lose the writer of Same Old Lang Syne at this time.

Dan Fogelberg died this past week at the age of 56. Sadly, he joins those who have left us way to early---Harry Chapin, Kate Wolf, Phil Ochs, Steve Goodman and, surely, many more.

A full and moving obituary can be read in the NY Times of December 17,2007 . For that reason I thought I would spend just a few moments with some personal thoughts---not reminiscences since I never met the man. Yet he made me reflect on things and for that reason some thoughts rather than an "obit" seems appropriate.

My musical tastes are eclectic and range from Classical, Semi-classical, Light Opera, and tend to focus on what can be termed "folk". That said I have to admit my appreciation of the newer artists have to be attributed to my daughter who introduced me to the music of Dan Fogelberg and Harry Chapin and opening my ears and mind to many other artists.

My original thought was ---"another rocker". But--No---those words really made one take notice. Insights about life and well told stories to a beat might be an apt description. In fact his writing was more than that. In many ways it was--as I had said many times in regard to Harry Chapin---an entire novel done musically in a few minutes.

The song that comes to mind that has always seemed to me to be his most touching is Leader of The Band. While it was written for his father it has a wonderful metaphorical sense. The listener can relate it to one's own feelings of an older generation and, then, can relate it to one's self--as one ages. I know I do.

Artists who practice what they preach really do stand out and in the later years Dan Fogelberg's involvement with environmentalism and writing music to that end is the type of thing that makes a person meaningful and not just of the moment.

On the right there are a few videos---and Leader of The Band is one of them.

Not ever having met Dan Fogelberg is my loss---discovering him in his heyday is my gain.

PROGRAMS AND POSERS

I guess this has grabbed your attention---it is also the poser in the title. My caption for this shot would be "...before the exorcism". Perhaps you can actually tell me what is happening in this shot. If you can and you are the first one to e mail me ( it is time stamped) at wfdutraditions@yahoo.com you will receive a randomly selected CD. If, on the other hand (where there are 5 fingers) you e mail sundaysimcha@yahoo.com you will receive a Jewish oriented CD.

Credit for this picture goes to one John Sanders. He is a talented voice-over artist, former program host on WFDU, and also, when on traffic television is known as Lane Closure. Which brings me to a great story that Mr. Sanders does with great timing----I related a tale to him of a former news-caster at WFDU who, while being a real intellect, dressed in a most shabby way. One day, aside from torn pants, worn shoes lacking shoelaces, and other such things he was holding his pants up with a rope as a belt. Mr. Sanders said to me :

"what color is the belt"

My response:

"hemp color--rope color--what did you think?"

PAUSE

Sanders:

"Damn---I gave him a beautiful blue rope for Christmas".

OK--you have the question. For a CD let us see if you know the answer. A non-musical query. Next time we'll do a musical one---and congratulations to the winner of the CD about Hank Williams other persona---Luke The Drifter.

A few program updates now:

SUNDAY SIMCHA: The year is rapidly drawing to a close. For a program like Sunday Simcha I guess it has to be added I am not talking of Rosh Hashonah. If you e mail me ( sundaysimcha@yahoo.com ) requests for artists or pieces you heard on the program I will do an all request program on the first Sunday in January,2008 ---you know BCE.

Stay tuned for announcements as to when we will do a special featuring Margot Leverett and the Klezmer Mountain Boys. It will take place either at the end of January or early March---since in February you will have to help to keep "Yiddishkeit on the air". If you have a better slogan we can use let me know---but, most importantly, let us keep Yiddishkeit on the air and that will, in February require your help. I am doing my best and WFDU has obligations--so---we have to carry our share of the load. As Bluegrass, Country, and all the other genres do. So--let us show that Yiddishkeit is right up there with the loyalists---and there are many---to the above genres. Even Folksbiene does its best to keep tradition alive---and they are succeeding---let us succeed. Together.
.

Menasha Skulnik and Richard Whorf (not Jerry Ohrbach)

TRADITIONS: On December 30 Ron Olesko and I will be presenting the 10 recordings that really impressed us this year. That is not to say that this is going to be 10 best since we both had overlapping ones and also had more than the 20 between us that there was time for.

Additionally, it has to be said, that TRADITIONS is about more than the newest things to come down the pike. They are important but we never want to forget from whence this all derives.

TABLETALK: On the right you see some videos of THEODORE. To the later entrants into the Theodore Cult---BROTHER THEODORE. The film maker who has just finished a bio/documentary on this performance artist and intellect will be my guest in January. Stay Tuned! We will also find out why the film is entitled--- TO MY GREAT CHAGRIN. It will have its debut performance at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) in February.

On the subject of debuts. I am delighted that TABLETALK was able to introduce authors and other artists to you this year prior to being taken on by the mainstream or larger media. The author of DOUGH comes to mind. Some time back others come to mind---Daniel Silva, Michael Oren, Liz Swados, The Siegels, and so many more.

My thanks to them all for their presence and their insight and talent.

Getting to the end of the year a few more thanks are in order--

WFDU and all the people there. For the freedom of expression an creativity that only this station allows its staff in the pursuit of ---to steal a phrase from Paul Bain's Let There Be Country---Radio as radio should be.

Paul Bain---we wish him well and comfort in his trials and tribulations

To the support people who keep all things in such shape so as we on-air people can present programs with ease.

To the audience that supports this station so that we are truly in a 21st century mode with equipment. Many artists that have visited and commented on how impressed they are with the facility compared to others they visit.

To Major Armstrong. He built a really nice tower---among a lot of other things. (An Aside---new play on Bway--The Farnsworth Invention---Gen. Sarnoff of RCA tried to steal that patent along with that of Major Armstrong's FM invention) So---we thank Major Armstrong for FM radio.

The Fellow on The Left and a ProgramNotes Poser

No sense in putting his picture here---the fellow on the right in a video is Jason Petty. Many of you may believe that Hank Williams has passed on and in one sense that is true. In the other sense there is Jason Petty. A number of years back he appeared in an off Bway show ---"Lost Highway--The Story of Hank Williams". Having seen the show and having had the privilege of going backstage and interviewing him and the rest of the cast I can say that Hank Williams is alive and well in the skin of Jason Petty. He has captured the pure essence of the man.

A short while back he obliged me with a copy of his newest CD autographed---"..Bill from ole Hank?". That CD is entitled Me and My Honky Tonk Heroes and Jason captures Hank Williams and a few others.

When he tours in this area again in his latest production he will surely be making an appearance on TRADITIONS with me.

The videos on the right do not capture his total incarnation of Hank Williams since he does these as a spoken word. You might want to visit JASON PETTY by clicking on this link and listening to the re-incarnation of Hank Williams. My review of LOST HIGHWAY was published a ways back but, suffice it to say, he, the cast with minimal scenery totally evoked the era, the person, and the music.If, at an appropriate time, anyone wants a re-airing of this interview please make that request by e-mail to wfdutraditions@yahoo.com . You can also leave the request right here.

NOW--The program notes poser----for that click on the right side red link to THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER. Have to entice you to visit there for some other things than music.

PROGRAM NOTES & UPDATES

Perhaps it is the time of year but the schedule for all 3 programs promises to be a full one for December.

TRADITIONS: December 2 playlist has been posted and you probably noted that we started the month off with a nice little Hanukkah party (oh--spell it anyway you like) that touched on some broader aspects of the occasion---as evinced by the Laura Warfield piece.

Trying to get a few tears from you with our friend the "horse" with some of the most touching songs on that subject I could think of. I doubt that the fellow on the left is an Appaloosa and he certainly is not one of the poor equines from the Eric Bogle song.

He could, however, be Stewball. Prancing and Dancing.

Mention must be made about one of the requested artists---Toby Walker. He appeared the night before this program at the HURDY GURDY FOLK MUSIC CLUB with Pat Wictor. Pat described him as a force of nature---well, that makes two such forces that were on the stage that night. While I was more than happy to honor the request it was in fact on my schedule of things to air---a performer would say "set list". I do not have the talent to presume I can have a "set-list" ---merely list of talent that I, merely a conduit, can present to you.

Coming up on TRADITIONS we commemorate the birth of Harry Chapin on the Dec. 9 program ---he was born on December 7, 1942. Doing the math he would have been 65---and, like so many, a voice taken too soon. If you have any Chapin pieces that are meaningful to you please let me know and I shall try to get them on. Just write wfdutraditions@yahoo.com

The rest of the month will include Ron Olesko's annual Christmas program and we join together for our year end program to talk about and play the pieces (among many we will not have time for) that we found most meaningful this past year.

SUNDAY SIMCHA: The month started with the Hanukkah program which, from e mails, seemed to have been particularly appreciated. The good thing there is that with all the songs about Latkes you were only ingesting them in a virtual way so your cholesterol levels remained where they were. All that oil left over when the Maccabees lit those lamps was probably used to fry up the latkes so you can imagine how lucky they were that they did not know about cholesterol then.

You probably noticed that one of the mainstays of our Hanukkah program was Joy Katzen Guthrie. She is multi-faceted and will be my guest on Dec. 9 when she will talk of her musical career and if you click on her name here you can find out more about her varied interests and projects. One, in particular, will be discussed on TABLETALK--more about that later.

TABLETALK: December has proved to be quite full and fascinating. Joy Katzen Guthrie (link above) joins me on Dec 9 --prior to the SIMCHA appearance to talk of the tours she guides to China where tour members explore the Sino-Jewish experience throughout history. The conversation will be found to be fascinating and, who knows, you may want to join her on the tour in March. I admit to telling her that she should run the tour in December so that on Christmas Day the Jewish folks on the trip could get some really authentic Chinese food.

Elizabeth Swados joins me for what this program is aptly titled. We have a conversation about her career and her upcoming projects with special attention to the program at Joe's Pub on December 21.

December and year's end brings about certain feelings of nostalgia and this might be the right time to relate the tale of Tabletalk and Elizabeth Swados.

Liz Swados is the renaissance spirit that creates musicals, writes books, and teaches---among other things. Many years back she created, among other things, such works at the Public as Hagaddah, Dispatches, Runaways, and more. Her hero--you will hear in the interview---Dylan and, happily, she included Phil Ochs in that category.

So how is Liz Swados the subject of a tale of Tabletalk and Liz Swados. In 2002 she was going to appear at The Bottom Line and I wanted to meet this person and do an interview. Allan Pepper of Bottom Line arranged it and the question now was where to air it. It did not fit on TRADITIONS and there was no SUNDAY SIMCHA yet (where it did not fit either). I was offered a 1 shot on Radio Omnibus by Barry Sheffield (program director of WFDU). As you can see---it went well and so the rest is history---albeit not world shattering history.

So---we have come full circle and on Dec. 16 Liz is back and the program is what it was always intended to be---conversation---Tabletalk.

GIFT GIVING TIME: This is the time of year for that so I am going to offer some if you can answer a question---since the question will be posted on THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER you will have to click on the link on the right (oh--OK you can click on this title as well).

Finally, thanks to Carey Creed for her nice comments about the THEODORE notices, all of you who have visited this site---hope you enjoyed the virtual Vodka I offered--, and to all the many artists who have been kind enough to share their talent and knowledge on all these 3 programs--- they exist because of you.

Now---the question---it is on THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER

TO MY GREAT CHAGRIN

To My Great Chagrin is title of a new documentary coming out shortly about the life and career of THEODORE---or as he was later known BROTHER THEODORE.

A brief commentary on this article. THEODORE had a great cult following in the 1950s in Greenwich Village with his midnight shows at the, then, Circle In The Square. Yes---I was part of that cult. Not having ever forgotten this brilliant "performance artist" (before that term was coined) I was delighted to have once again seen him in performance many years later---he was then called Brother Theodore for reasons explained later--at the 12th St. Rep in NYC. Age==92

He was his usual brilliant self then and it was a delight to see the hall, albeit a small one, filled to capacity with families that wanted their next generation to see him in performance. THEODORE said that the place is packed but, surely, a far cry from the large halls he had filled. Or, as he might say, "...these are people of taste and have a thirst for the knowledge that only I can impart in the metaphysical realm and also the the realm of podiatry".

TO MY GREAT CHAGRIN will be having its premier showings at MoMa in NYC in February of 2008 and I am delighted and honored to announce on this site, well in advance of that, JEFF SUMEREL the producer, writer, and guiding light behind this project will be my guest on TABLETALK in the very near future. Updates on that will follow.

Earlier the story of how THEODORE became BROTHER THEODORE was promised. He explained that in our interview. That interview took place shortly after his 92d birthday at his humble apartment in NYC and was aired on TRADITIONS some time in the late 1990s---around 1997 if I am correct. While, admittedly, it is not something for a folk program his story telling is on a par or better than most "cracker barrel" "front porch chatterers". If it is requested I would be happy to re-air this interview on TABLETALK near the time the film premieres.

I have digressed---a condition for which I am seeking medical attention. BROTHER THEODORE and why that name. He explained in our interview that on the Merv Griffin program and all that TV exposure he was recognized in the street but people could not place him. He always wore black and many said are you not Father So and So---he finally replied to all---BROTHER THEODORE.

THEODORE was, in fact, a tragic figure of great intellectuality (did I make my own word). Theodore Gottlieb came from Vienna and was born to a wealthy and influential publishing family. The Nazis arrived and changed that equation. It gets even more interesting---which you will find if you request the interview re-airing or---better yet---see the documentary and find out all about his career, his failed marriage (and the reason), chess hustling, and, finally performance art. As to his young lady friend---well, that you will only hear about in our interview. I believe---who knows. With THEODORE surprises always awaited.

For you afficianados---have you taken your Oleum Canus for the day? Best you should.

HOLIDAY TIME FOR SOME PROGRAMING

SUNDAY SIMCHA: The picture is a classic. Taken by a photographer unknown to me in the 1930s and foretelling things to come. Happily after the dark days a new day has dawned for Jews. Sadly, that cannot be said for so many other people. But, like the Maccabees of yore the evil ones were conquered.

The year seems to have flown by and it is time, once again, for our annual Hanukkah celebration. A proper word---CELEBRATION. On December 2 we will spend the entire hour with festive music for Hanukkah from around the world. Music from Woody Guthrie via The Klezmatics, Joy Katzen Guthrie, The Weavers, Herdman, Hills, and Mangsen, and a bevy of traditional and non-traditional music. Serious and Funny. It is all there to celebrate a joyous holiday---albeit a minor one in the Jewish Calendar--but a joyous one full of song and food. As one of the artists tells us in one song---for Latkes-- if you run short of oil just go into the garage and get some Quaker State and keep cooking.

Now it is time to stop spinning your Dreidl with all this information. Just join the party on December 2 at 10 AM on WFDU (89.1 FM) as always ---or tune in on the web at http://www.wfdu.fm/.

A few Hebrew Schools have asked for copies and, unfortunately, for legal reasons that cannot be done. You are surely welcome to record the program if you like. In fact---I encourage it. Share the joy.

One last update for SUNDAY SIMCHA --on December 9 JOY KATZEN GUTHRIE will be my guest for a brief while but will be making a longer appearance that same day at 8 AM on TABLETALK. We will be talking of her music and also her historical interest in knowledge of the vast Sino-Jewish experience and of the tour she will be leading there shortly. You may want to join it.

Since this entire thing is being written in the evening of Thanksgiving Day it is only proper to give thanks for many personal things but in a public forum I think credit and thanks must be given to WFDU and the parent university for the wonderful eclectic program that it offers to the world and for the freedom the hosts---this one included---in presenting material you won't find anywhere else on the dial in this area. Doubtfully, anywhere else either.

For SUNDAY SIMCHA--WFDU keeps "Yiddishkeit" alone (I believe) on the air in this area.

For TRADITIONS--the wide spectrum of non-commercial folk---old and new not found anywhere else on the dial.

TABLETALK has the freedom to present authors discussing their works be they books about politics, crime, or any other subject along with "people of interest" (not in the criminal sense---though--hey, you never know).

Those are only the programs that I am involved in. My hat is off to all the other hosts so knowledgeable in their areas.

Finally, thanks, to all of our loyal listeners since your support allows the already open-minded management know that these programs should have the time slots and air time they have.

Since you have read through all this I will offer a gift for the answer to a TRIVIA QUERY. As you know CAPITOL STEPS is exclusively aired on TABLETALK (with the exception of this Dec. 30 when it will be aired at 7 AM for the year end review--for which we thank Stacy Wendell for donating her time slot). SO---for a CAPITOL STEPS CD--the question:

Since the Capitol Steps do political humor a political question --and, hopefully, this is not a person who had only 15 min. of fame---Where did Congressman Craig go to the toilet? YES---a toilet question.



The first two correct answers to wfdutraditions@yahoo.com get the CDs. The entries are time stamped so you will get a fair count---you know like the 2000 election.

A FREE GIFT AWAITS---AND THIS IS NOT SPAM FROM NIGERIA

Don't you hate those messages that start with the offer a wonderful---and misspelled---business opportunity that comes from rather strange people from a far away place? This is not one of them.

Short---but sweet. On this past Sunday on TRADITIONS I mentioned that from time to time at this website there would be a trivia question for a prize. Since this page is pretty much devoted to Program Notes involving Jewish Music, Folk Music, and the two programs I do in those genres---TRADITIONS and SUNDAY SIMCHA---let's not forget TABLETALK ---I thought it best to pose this query on THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER page---you can find it on the right side (just click on it). In all honesty---2 reasons.

The first is to steer you to that page for things other than the musical ones. The second is that the question will not have anything to do with Traditional or Jewish Music.

I think there you will also find some interesting videos. It is hoped you are enjoying the ones on this site.

As to Program Notes. JOY KATZEN GUTHRIE will be my guest on both TABLETALK and SUNDAY SIMCHA in December. An update will be coming shortly. She, besides being a Sunday Simcha mainstay, will be leading a group to China to visit the historical Sino-Jewish links. There are many. The latest being during WW2 and Shanghai. You will hear all about that on TABLETALK.

Hope now you click over to THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER to answer the question.

A Few Reviews, Comments, and Updates

As to the reviews. Three recordings that I have to tell you about. One came in this week and two others from a week or so ago. First, the brilliant new arrival this week---sort of like announcing a baby--is the the wonderful work of James Gordon and his sons. James, it may be recalled, was my guest on TRADITIONS a while back and has had (better--is having ) a wonderfully varied career. He once did weekly topical material for CBC (Canadian equivalent to NPR).

An inhabitant of Guelph, Canada, James tours, does workshops, and school programs.

Over 40 recordings under his, still slim, belt the latest one with his sons--NINE GREEN BOTTLES--has got to be one of his best. The musicianship of all of them falls into the category of great collaboration. That said, the pieces on it are topical, meaningful and touching. Pieces such as Another Silver Maple Comes Down, Levee's Broken, and others really hit a topical mark wonderfully in the best musical sense. Then there are songs like Inukshuk and Manitoulin that invoke James Gordon's (and sons) wonderful feelings of place and time. To me the topical centerpiece is the topical anthem---CASEY SHEEHAN DIDN'T DIE FOR NOTHING.

Let no one wonder where are the protest and political singers this day. They are here in the person of people like James Gordon and Sons.

Emily Kurn. A few brief words now about Emily and her wonderful new CD.

Things Change. That is the name of her newest recording. From the beautiful melodies to the wonderful lyrics I was just taken by this piece of work and asked to hear her older material. Whitebird is her other recording and is as wonderful and lyrical as the latest one.

Emily was going to be my guest on TRADITIONS but, unfortunately, scheduling in her travels precluded it. She had left NERFA--more later on that---and was on her way to Boston. She wanted to make a U turn and come down here but I discouraged that and we had a great chat on the phone which I can relay as an interview---a California resident who moved to Anchorage, Alaska a number of years ago. She is a graduate of Brandeis but is finding her life and meaning in doing music. Wonderful music it is.

For a comparison. Think of Iris DeMent's voice in a songwriter many years her junior with a whole new outlook on things. Emily Kurn.

It is hoped that in the spring she will be doing a few concerts in the NY/NJ area and will join me on TRADITIONS.

Now we come to Carey Creed .

PEACE OF WILD THINGS is the name of her new CD. A interpretation of some of the most wonderful material composed by so many people along with some wonderful traditional material. Two pieces truly stand out to me--even though it must be said that one cannot pick one over any other on this work.

Grateful is one of the two that stood out to me. Composed by John Bucchino, her interpretation of this wonderful metaphorical piece is inspiring. John Bucchino, who, among other things is Holly Near's accompanist and was my guest on TABLETALK a while ago. He now has a new musical coming to NY ---A Catered Affair.

Carey also does a wonderful version of Psalm 62:5 (Alone in God be in silence, my soul). That was played on my SUNDAY SIMCHA program.

Carey Creed is truly an artist that can interpret so many works in such musically wonderful ways. The album is PEACE OF WILD THINGS. Great for your collection---if you have one. If not---hey--start one with this.

As to updates. If you live in the NY/NJ area near Rockland County, NY you had best call The Orangeburg Library if you want to get a seat for the Dec. 16 FREE concert given by MODERN MAN that day at 2 PM. Seating is limited ---approx. 100---and 70% seats are spoken for. The Tel. number for reservations --- 845 359-2244

This Sunday's TRADITIONS will be my contribution to presenting some Thanksgiving thoughts and music for your enjoyment. In addition to our wonderful guest--SPOOK HANDY. Hopefully you will be with us. If not let me wish you all a most meaningful and happy Thanksgiving---the only holiday on our calendar that we all can celebrate without thinking of differences. Hopefully! Though, for me, hopefully, the rest of the family can stay away from the TV and some football game. Ah Joy. You may recall what Loudon Wainwright III said on the subject of Thanksgiving Dinner. I won't be playing it this Sunday---happier things should be thought of.

Earlier I noted that one of the artists above was at NERFA. Not showcased since she did not apply. Emily Kurn. Would she have been selected? I know not. So just a final thought or two on that event.

I have been at it for some 7 or 8 years and this was the first year I did not attend and have serious doubts of any future attendance. It has occurred to me, as noted much earlier, that the organization is quite insular. As many are. That is their prerogative. Recurring panelists, judges (for showcases), etc; are the norm along with---which is what I also felt strongly about---the cost for the artists and all the attendees while select people are having their expenses paid.

Shades of DC.

I do applaud them for organizing a wonderful event that creates opportunities for artists. The artists selected for showcasing, it is hoped, receive a benefit from all this. Judging, being subjective, one would hope for rotation of them.

The venue--Kutshers--frankly, is probably a good place for this event. In all honesty. It is run-down, tacky, and moldy. I mean this in the most positive way---a place where one can be informal. Something this community needs as opposed to a formal venue as, say, a Hyatt Hotel.

On a personal note---Kutshers---great for this but if you like mold--best purchase a slice of good cheese. Or---think of this---they have walkways between buildings--they could advertise on the ubiquitous signs on Rte 17---Go To The Country---BUT Never Be In It.

Oh well, since I was not there I could not get to do some "shtick" as that on the stage which I once did and seemed to have not been too well received by the "powers that be" only by some attendee a year later who asked how come I was not on the stage since it is "Da Catskills and we like "shtick"".

Sunday Simcha awaits you with some "shtick" and some wonderful artists on Traditions.

It must be said that any program has to entertain and involve the audience. Presenting new artists is, of course, wonderful and has to be encouraged. But, the bottom line, a program has to stand as an entertainment program and the host has to make the audience enjoy it and come back---and bring in others. The artists then can flourish and perform in many venues. We all have our place in the food chain. You have to decide our place.

Some Upcoming Appearances and A Few Other Bits of Minutae

Here is hoping that you will be joining me on November 18 a day full of programming on our favorite radio station---you know the Right Place on The Left Side of The Dial--way on the left---89.1 On the web as well --so that you world wide listeners can tune in.

TRADITIONS will be commemorating Thanksgiving in some surprising ways as we always do. Some brilliant new recordings have arrived in the weeks that I have not been with you and will present them and in addition my guest will be the fellow on the far left---SPOOK HANDY. He has a great new CD out there and is a wonderful artist with what so many lack today---a purpose. A purpose to make this world of ours a better place through his music and his work. Still---his music is enjoyable and involving. Stick around for him. You will love this guy. Oh---the fellow on the right---a mentor of Spook's--some kid by the name of Seeger. Hope he makes a go of it.

It is hoped that you tuned in earlier to TABLETALK. A wonderful chat with the authors of RADIO AND THE JEWS. Scroll down for more info on that.

Not to neglect SUNDAY SIMCHA if you tuned in you heard some Thanksgiving material since it is the universal holiday causing no problems for our multi ethnic and religious nation. Lets hear it for the Pilgrims. They were bigoted iin their own way---that is another topic. Thanks to blinding our eyes to that we can all enjoy it. The Turkeys are the only ones that should--had they a thinking process on our level--to abhor and try to escape this holiday. By the way, a Turkey is always presented to the President of the U S. Do you think the Turkey thinks it an honor (if he could think) or is the bird in the majority in regard to this Pres.?

You also heard a brilliant artist who I met a week ago thanks to Christine Lavin. See below for more info on Ray Jessel.

I hope you click over to THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER. Some interesting videos await and some thoughts having nothing to do with folk music---I don't even know if this had to do with that. For that best go to the fellow who wants to sit on the front porch and insists that we listen to it in its original form. After that feel free to doze off. Time moves on, culture moves on, and music moves on. We move on.

SOME ODDS AND ENDS

Have I got your attention with this picture---that is Ray Jessel. More about him in a moment.

Some news about some additions to the blog that you may have overlooked. There are some new links up on the right that will lead you to some wonderful artists. One link in particular--Rik Palieri--will really amaze you when you visit it. Give it a shot .

The videos are always being updated to let you see some current material and what shall we call the rest---say, "some blasts from the past". All three pages have videos that are representative of what that is about. Jewish material is usually on THE PLAYLISTS page, PROGRAM NOTES has most of the folk material, and THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER has the sometimes topical material. The new one on THE PLAYLISTS page is a real "blast from the past" by an artist played much on Sunday Simcha.


Now--RAY JESSEL. This past Saturday I attended a wonderful concert ---ONE MEATBALL --THE CONCERT put together by my favorite Cheerleader and Baton Twirler--

The concert was held at the beautiful Ciccone Theater on the grounds of Bergen Community College and was to be a stage version--sort of--of the album One Meatball. Featuring Christine, The Accidentals---that truly brilliant accapella group--, and my dear dear acquaintance---dare I say friend---Julie Gold. Prior to the concert I was introduced to that charming fellow pictured at the top. He was the surprise that Christine--who seems to know most people in the near universe---got to join the program as a surprise guest. The surprise guest brought down the house with his comedy songs. A former writer for variety programs such as The Smothers Bros. and more. He now is a cabaret and concert performer in the mode of Tom Lehrer, Anna Russell, Flanders and Swan, and that brilliant ilk. For the month of November he will be appearing in NYC at Don't Tell Mama. Truly a performer not to be missed.

He will, if we can work out the schedule, be my guest on TABLETALK in December. Then he returns to his roost in L A to regale those lucky laugh seekers in that happy home of the weather report that runs from Sunny Today to Sunny Today (with a breather for the forest fires---but that is a whole other topic of building homes in those areas and why do they do it).

Finally, the tale of the article in the New York Times--that eminent Gray Lady must be told.

On November 4th an article by Peter Applebome appeared commenting on the return of Don Imus. Best you read the article for yourselves.

Suffice it to say he thought it the best thing to come back to radio--AM (amplitude modulation---not mornings---though---who knows) and cited the only other thing worthwhile in this world of radio today to be (whisper this now) wfuv for its sterling presentation of music. WNYC was put in the position of being ---my words---"esoteric". WFDU---well---therein is the rub. In all honesty this station presents what can be, truly, called an eclectic and free-form mix that is missing on radio. SO---below you will see what I have sent to Mr. Applebome. To his credit he replied to my e mail and will be doing --at some time---a piece on what is, hopefully, the station you "love".

For a tower as high as the historic Armstrong tower, from which WFDU transmits, WFDU truly stays under the NY Times radar.

Whether I agree with your endorsement of Don Imus or not I have to say that there is a lot more quality radio out there than the --basically--two things you mentioned. You talked of Imus and WFUV. You seemed to negate the WNYC offerings.

Apparently you have never heard the eclectic free form radio you find on WFDU. All brought to you by experts in whatever genre they are presenting. It is a great variety.

I would be happy to sit down for an interview or have you publish this note in the paper of record since it does not see fit to even list our radio listings.

It might be noted that besides the mix of Country, Bluegrass, Folk, Blues, Jazz, and Pop the writers and artists that have been here for interviews have been myriad. Personally, I have had authors from Michael Oren (who writes for your Op Ed page) to Elizabeth Swados and Christine Lavin to Daniel Silva and Larry Hochman (Spamalot).

Thank you.

Bill Hahn

Producer/HostTraditions & Tabletalk & Sunday Simcha

WFDU 89.1 FM

Teaneck, NJ

A Look Back Showing the Way Forward

While the video you will see on the right has been on THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER for a time now I have moved it here since more people will view it.

As was announced in an earlier commentary the TABLETALK program on November 18 (Airtime 8 AM Eastern--and on the web http://www.wfdu.fm/ ) my guests will be the Siegels and they will be talking about their book "RADIO AND THE JEWS". Among the many things we will be talking about will be about the person pictured here. Gertrude Berg. Creator and star of the 2d longest running radio program of all time. Amos and Andy were #1.

On the right is a wonderful video that I hope you will view. You will have 12 minutes of historical radio and television significance. You will find that the besides presenting a wonderful portrait of a Jewish family on radio over the years. Something unknown over the country. The television version was truly the origination of "sit-coms". All done live.

You will also find out, in this video, about the supporting cast with special attention paid to Philip Loeb, the co-star who was later blacklisted but who was in the front of the Actors Union getting paid for rehearsal time and other things that were never paid for before him.

Rather than telling you more---watch the video. Those too young to know of the "Golden Age" of radio will be impressed and those of the right age will have a wonderful trip back to that time. The time when Edward R Murrow was the prime source of news and later--as you will see here (much against his will) --host of a TV program that visits the homes of stars. Gertrude Berg in her 5th Avenue apartment being one.

Having seen the video I think you will appreciate the chat I have with the Siegels about radio in their most readable and fascinating book. The book comes with a CD that has clips from many programs and also of the anti-Semitic tirades of Father Coughlin. It also has a wonderful piece by Edward R Murrow that listeners to SUNDAY SIMCHA (Sundays 10-11 AM Eastern--and on the web-- http://www.wfdu.fm/ ) will be hearing on Holocaust Remembrance Day in 2008.

While this page usually is for items about my 3 programs---TRADITIONS / SUNDAY SIMCHA / TABLETALK it also is about giving you some updates about upcoming events and memorable moments; if you will.

Upcoming events:

Modern Man will be at Bodles Opera House on 11/10. Chester NY and at Temple Emanuel in New Hyde Park on 11/17. On 12/16 the will be at the Orangeburg Library (Orangeburg NY tel:845 359-2244) for a FREE concert but seating is limited. Call the number to reserve a seat. If you were born with a seat of your own---park it wherever you like.

DAVID MALLETT / JOE JENCKS at HURDY GURDY FOLK MUSIC CLUB on 11/3

CHRISTINE LAVIN / JULIE GOLD at BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The memorable moments that this time of year of long and colder nights brings along are reminiscences of some of the wonderful people that have been part of doing the various programs---so--- a little history. This time only one brief story more to come if they are welcome. TABLETALK and how it came about.

Elizabeth Swados was going to appear at the BOTTOM LINE (now, sadly, defunct) and I asked the owner if there was a way I might get to interview this wonderful writer and performer. Her musicals range from the one at left (Runaways) to Dispatches, Haggadah, and more. He arranged for us to meet at her most eclectic abode.

A digression here. RUNAWAYS was the only of her musicals ever recorded for distribution on LP or CD. As she told me that it was truly a shame because, in my opinion, they were all gems we do not see much of anymore.

Now the problem---where to air this interview. WFDU, being the eclectic and all encompassing station that it is the Program Director allowed me a "one-shot" on Radio Omnibus when there was an open slot. It was well received and so TABLETALK was born and the guests over the years have been a veritable roll call of great artists, writers, and---as I say---="...people of interest". Authors of books ranging from the Israeli 1967 War, Katherine Hepburn to a producer of a film about a true spy story and the musical director of Spamalot (0n how one creates for a Bway musical). That is only the tip of the ice-berg---and not the one that sunk the Titanic--the one that holds the treasure of the talent that has graced TABLETALK.

So for that one does have to thank WFDU and its management for the open mind that allows for creativity. Which, finally, brings us to the other video on this site. Check on the right and enjoy what you ---the listeners--have wrought and what Gertrude Berg was all about

Halloween Referrals for Some Frights

Brother Theodore (left)(more about him below in TABLETALK)

It is Trick or Treat time once again. So a referral for a frightening trick--

THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER or you can click on the right side to get to the same spot. No treat there---just a scary trick.

Program Notes to mention briefly here now:

TABLETALK: A reminder that November 11 you can hear the quarterly installment of The Capitol Steps and the following week join David and Susan Siegel as they walk with me about their book---pictured below---Radio and The Jews. We will also touch on some of the great old radio programs of years past---Life Can Be Beautiful, The Goldbergs, Rudy Vallee, and much more.

TABLETALK airs at 8 AM on Sundays. Get your coffee and wake up to some interesting talk.

TO MY GREAT CHAGRIN--that is the name of the a documentary that will shortly be presented at MOMA at the Fortnight of Documentaries. TO MY GREAT CHAGRIN is a film about the late and great THEODORE. The film maker will be my guest in December---or at the latest in January. Stay tuned for this because the subject of this film is about a lost treasure that I had the delight of meeting and chatting with on TRADITIONS some 8 years ago---at age 92. He passed away shortly thereafter. I don't blame myself---though I do know how to clear a room.

TRADITIONS: On November 18 I will be joined by SPOOK HANDY for some live music and also to talk about and listen work from his newest CD--"Watcha Gonna Do?". I guess the thing to do is to listen to it and the add it to your collection. Meaningful Music from a Meaningful Musician.

SUNDAY SIMCHA: The program now has a following on the web in Israel and material has been received from the land that made the desert bloom which we shall be presenting in the next few weeks--starting November 18.

The Continuing Sock Shortage

Those of you who have been listening to TRADITIONS know about the sock shortage. Lately I have had my socks knocked off by much of the material that has arrived to present to you. This week there were two that I want to tell you about now---it was my last pair of socks so I was in the studio barefoot.

We start with EMMA'S REVOLUTION . The group consists of Pat Humphries (left) and Sandy O (right).

Those of you who have heard me on the program over the years know that I refer to Pat as my favorite and best anthem writer to visit this planet in many a moon. Now she is multiplied by two. The latest CD moves them onto even richer and more nuanced material presented with some great feeling for a studio recording. While it is not a "live" concert recording you get the feeling of that on many of the tracks---"Choir" comes to mind. Their take on "If I Had A Hammer" shows you can that wonderful anthem by Pete Seeger/Lee Hays and put it into a whole new feeling---a Southwestern or South of the Border feeling. Unlike the Peter Paul and Mary version or, even, The Weavers now we have a melody with instrumentation that includes accordion (no bad jokes now!) and Latin instrumentation.

Suffice it to say that this is a recording you can listen to many a time and get a great feeling for the music and the messages it sends to you.

Since EMMA'S REVOLUTION is more than just about recordings one should visit their web-site to find out where they can be seen live and what you might learn from their appearances. In addition for you clothes conscious people--as I am---check this out:

On their web-site you can get this tee-shirt (or sweatshirts) inscribed thus---designed by these talents.

I look forward to sporting one of these myself.

Would that this world had more talents that made music that was singable, listenable and also have meaning and substance. EMMA'S REVOLUTION has that.

The socks are still off since there were two to the pair. The other one was blown off by SPOOK HANDY :

The latest effort by this meaningful and talented artist's "Whatcha Gonna Do?" So--watcha gonna do. Hopefully listen to this work and say you have to add it to your collection.

It may well be that all roads lead to Pete Seeger since so many artists have been influenced by him and credit him with those influences. Yet, they all have beaten their own path and their work stands on its own. Spook is no exception.

The title of the recording is quite apt. My take on it, given all the subject matter, it really fits. Watcha Gonna Do. Watcha Gonna Do with the world we live in which each of this tracks presents in a unique and interesting way.

The booklet that comes with the CD explains the thought behind each song. That always seems like a wonderful insight into the artist's thought process. An example---September 11 (which Rudy Giuliani is mayor of) and the invasion of Iraq prompted Spook Handy to to an interpretation of John Prine's "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore"---thinking, of course, of the ribbons and bumper stickers. "Mom and Pop's Small Townne Corner Hardware Store" is a gem in bringing, musically, to us the sad homogenization of our society.

Since, it seems all roads lead to Pete Seeger "Waist Deep In The Big Muddy" is interpreted by Spook on this CD. A Holly Near composition that has been done by her, The Klezmatics, and now Spook is included along with so many other tracks---12 in all--one cannot single out a best one. They are all good and make such valid musical points.

Tipping of the Unworn Hat

I never wear a hat. If I did I would tip it to the fellow you can see in the video by clicking on the right side of the page. A tear in my eye that we have replace Modern Man for a time, but their presence can be seen locally very shortly.

While many times there are critiques of artists there are also positive critiques. That is the definition---critique. Opinion. Positive or negative. This entry has to do not with a critique or an opinion. Merely a tip of the, as the title implies, the hat I never wear.

A brief history or bio, if you will. Some 14 years ago I joined the staff of WFDU. How that came about might be of interest. Ron Olesko invited me on board and said that before that would come to pass I would have to meet with the Program Director (Barry Sheffield). Putting on a nice jacket and slacks I proceeded to go to the station and meet with him---not knowing who he was.

OK. There I am in a sport jacket and slacks---unlike my usual attire--

Opposite me is sitting the then newscaster Jack O'Shea. A brilliant and delightful man---dressed in rags. A great story about him another time.

After a time the Program Director arrives. I do not know that is who he is but he asks what I am doing here. I tell him I am waiting for the Program Director and he tells me that is exactly who he is--and, hey, welcome aboard---let me know the phone numbers of your next of kin if you drop dead in the studio. At this point I have to say that years later I made the comment to him that I never realized we went to the same tailor (honesty here---his leather is not inexpensive)

That all transpired some 14 years ago. Time flies. It seems like 14 weeks. Which brings me to the point of this brief history. The studio was something that one would not recall were one to see it today. Any of the studios---The Air studio, Studio A or Studio B and now Studio C--The Atomic Underground.

Not to neglect the most loyal and devoted person, Carl Kraus (who has been written of earlier) the creativity and technical skill of Barry Sheffield is to be applauded. My two hands cannot do the job so help is needed.

At this point it is best to steer you to the link that will allow you to see the facilities---OK---Major Armstrong was a visionary---but we all are in our own ways. Barry Sheffield is no exception.

Hopefully you clicked on the link to the tour of the station. You will be impressed. It takes about 5 minutes and in that brief time period you will see what "radio" is about and what it was about for all these years. Eclecticism, Variety, and personal contact with the listener.

Back to the hat I never wear. Though as host of Sunday Simcha I probably should wear a "kippah". Oh well, another image is shot. Yet, I am happy many of you are enjoying the program. Let us always stay together on that.

My thanks for the loyal and wonderful support that is given to me, to all my programs, and for the creativity of the people at WFDU. All of them. Whatever the "format" they know their stuff--as the expression goes. Hopefully, the expression, notwithstanding, I can just say that I appreciate them, their talent, and the opportunity for radio to be what it should be. That is WFDU. You know---as Ronnie Gilbert says---putting the emphasis on left (when recorded her) ---"...the right place on the LEFT side of the dial". So true!

A Bit of Trivia

Below you will see a list of programs and what will be presented on them in the next few weeks.

Since TABLETALK is a pre-recorded program the only communication we can have is via e- mail wfdutabletalk@yahoo.com Now for the trivia query mentioned in the title.

You will see that on November 18 you will be hearing a conversation with David and Susan Siegal about their latest book Radio & The Jews. As noted earlier the conversation covers a range of topics from long gone programs, anti-semtism on radio in the 1930s and 1940s, and a host of other items.

The trivia question is this: There were 2 series that used a character named "David". One was "Uncle David" and the other "Papa David". Can you name which character appeared on which series? The prize for the first two correct e mail answers will be a randomly selected CD from either the TRADITIONS programming or SUNDAY SIMCHA programming. Your choice---merely e mail the answer with your address and your choice from which program's music you want a CD.

REMEMBER--Only 2 winners and PLEASE--no Googling. Its the honor system.

You are left with the classic line of Minerva Pious aka Mrs. Nusbaum on Allen's Alley---"...nu--you were expecting may Lauren Bagel or Dinah Schnorer?"

Program Notes and Thanks

Since this page is about the programs---while THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER covers more general material and THE PLAYLISTS PAGE (click on the right) is self explanatory--let me start with thanks to our loyal listeners of yesterday's TRADITIONS program for all their kind calls of appreciation for the afternoon's program. Also for checking in with their vote on "satire". The home team is well ahead.

It is a given that humor, as most things, is something that will appeal to some and be anathema to others. Subjectivity. I do, however, believe two things (of the myriad that I have an opinion about--honesty) --Satire has to be light-hearted and put the subject of the satire in a foolish light. Number two would that any artist has to accept criticism. This includes your never humble correspondent. If you put yourself on a virtual stage you have to allow for negativity along with all the positive comments.

A few updates now for the various programs:

TABLETALK: Nov. 11 will be a wonderful presentation of the quarterly broadcasts by THE CAPITOL STEPS

Nov. 18 An interesting conversation with the authors of

It is hoped that part of this interesting interview will also find its way to SUNDAY SIMCHA. Here you will find out about The Goldbergs, Father Coughlin and Anti Semitism, Jewish Humor on the air--from Mr. Kitzel on the Jack Benny program to some rare radio cuts forgotten over the years.

SUNDAY SIMCHA: A few surprises are in store. We include some Jewish music as performed by the multi-faceted artist Oscar Brand and some rare radio cuts from the book mentioned on TABLETALK.

TRADITIONS: We are nearing Halloween so some fright is in store as is a visit to those people we have not heard in a while. Kate Wolf has once again been requested and if you have any requests for this or the Steve Goodman or Country Western segment please leave a comment or e mail wfdutradtions@yahoo.com

Some Video Updates and a Few "Heads Up"

We start with a mention of the new videos on this page and also THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER and THE PLAYLISTS. Click on the right to visit these sites.

There are some artists who's work is timeless. Some for good reasons and others for the sad events they chronicle and just keep getting repeated---Phil Ochs is such an artist. I hasten to add that he also has "timeless" material for all the good reasons. Think of "Changes", "Flower Lady", and "The Highwayman".

On this page some footage garnered from You Tube that presents him with some very rare material the source of which I know not. Of special interest is the Swedish clip. Hopefully these rare and unheard or seen items are of interest to you.

An aside now about Phil Ochs vis a vis Bob Dylan. Without getting into their histories or their comparisons, suffice it to say that given the sad circumstances of Phil Ochs' short life we shall never know what he would have accomplished in the realm that Mr. Dylan dominates. The short years seem to show something that gives a hint.

Moving on to THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER you will find the entire Stephen Colbert routine at the Press Dinner of this past year. Truly a wonderful piece. If you heard any interviews with Stephen Colbert you will know that while there was not much laughter up front the audience in the rear was quite regaled with the work. Looking closely at the Pres. reaction you will find it also appreciative---until the end. The only criticism here is that the little film he put together about being press secretary was too long.

THE PLAYLISTS page. Itzhak Perlman continues with some wonderful music. Mike Burstyn will be with you for a short time more.

It is hoped that you will visit those other two sites for the videos and then, perhaps, for the content of the comments made therein---hey---big words. Impressed? Never step out of character---that is the "hint of the day".

Other blogs might be serious and a litany of serious commentary it is hoped that here there is that mix of the serious and the light hearted. If one has to describe it then it isn't working.

Program Notes: As the title implies time to mention some upcoming things on the various programs:

TRADITIONS: We have some interesting guests coming that will be mentioned at a later time --you know TBA. TBA--I guess that is like The Famous Many Others. We will, this week, continue our Steve Goodman feature and also, by request, once again hear the voice of Kate Wolf. The Country Music that was so popular in the '50s on some stations here will, again, be re-visited. It still is on WFDU. As we all know.

SUNDAY SIMCHA: Shortly we will be airing an interview that will spill over to TABLETALK with the authors of a book about Old Time Radio and the Jewish representation on it---from the Goldbergs to Father Coughlin.

As it is said---not in the good book--or any book I know of---"stay tuned"

A Suggestion

This is a really brief note to request a click on the right to The Almost Daily Rooster. Such a grand fellow---right up there with Brian of Family Guy. Today he has some insights for you idealists.

Since this page is really devoted to the programs and to artists that appear on them I refer you to that other spot. I do not think you will he disappointed. If you believe in idealism and you know a bit of Candide (Voltaire and Bernstein) you will appreciate the comments.

For program updates I can tell you that on

Sunday Simcha for 10/21 we will be having an interesting debut of a CD one of our listeners graciously sent over by Oscar Brand---that versatile fellow of many years who is so knowledgeable in so many genres.

Some Time Out From My Vast Nigerian Correspondence

Tearing myself away from the network of Nigerian business opportunities that seem to come to me so many times is hard to do. So many grand opportunities from so many important entrepreneurs from this hub of commerce but time to update some Program Notes.

First of all I was thinking about the very gracious and talented guest that was on TRADITIONS this past Sunday---Beppe Gambetta. Besides his talent and his lilting Neapolitan dialect his sense of humor blows me away---I still recall this exchange:

Q: Can you tell us what Flat Picking is?

A: (in that great dialect) Eh--could be looking for an apartment.



I would suggest you go the website for BODLES OPERA HOUSE to check the schedule and make some reservations to meet Beppe on October 14. The rest of their schedule is also of great interest:



October 12--RED MOLLY & HOPE MACHINE

October 13--SONiA and Disappear Fear

October 21--RICHIE HAVENS

and----

November 10-- MODERN MAN



A very special reminder---MODERN MAN in a FREE CONCERT at ORANGEBURG LIBRARY on Sunday December 16 at 2 PM It would be good to call the library soon since seating is limited and you surely want to make sure you have one---after all you have to have a seat to put your own seat on. The number is 845-359-2244.



The calls this past Sunday for requests for Steve Goodman encourage me to keep up this feature. Either comment here or e mail wfdutraditions@yahoo.com for any requests in that area.

As said last Sunday--in --as the expression goes--"the day" people (including this avid radio fan) would mail in postcards with requests. The postcards were 1 cent. They are more now but e mail is free----for now. Why not try that approach and let us revisit that land of yesteryear with request correspondence.

On your way to that land of yesteryear do say hello to The Lone Ranger and Tonto if you happen to bump into them. If you don't it is probably because The Shadow knows where you are---and what evil lurks in the hearts of men.

Now I have to be excused to get back to some major financial dealings with Mr. Mjube and his late wife's estate that has to be disposed of by transferring her 10 cows, 5 sheep, and 10 million dollars to me.