A CD Recommendations And Some Other Random Thoughts

No doubt you have heard of "The Vagina Monologues". If that introduction has grabbed your attention then your attention should be grabbed by a most brilliant CD that has come down the old pike. A CD by a true virtuoso of many instruments. Happily we have something that could now also be on the stage---"The Banjo Monologues".

Joel Mabus has come up with a most brilliant piece of work. This CD consists of 18 tracks of traditional music and some truly colorful and insightful intros to many of the tracks. Tales of family, of music, and just some great philosophical thoughts. One insight has to do with how a teacher can also be a student. One of the most moving tracks on the CD. It is about as close as you are going to get to seeing Joel Mabus in concert.

If you have ever wondered what was the precursor to Grand Ole Opry you will find out here. If you ever wondered what instrument is his favorite---and why--you will find out. Also which one he would want on a desert island---hint: forget bad banjo jokes.

If you ever wanted to hear some great family tales with traditional songs as background it is on this CD. In addition there are great traditional pieces, including, Wondrous Love, John Henry's Hammer, and so many more.

You really have to travel far and wide to find a more intriguing artist who can play the many instruments he does. Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo and never forget one of his greatest instruments of all----his voice. Deep, resonant, and his persona engulfs the audience. Be it a live one or one on a CD that will make you think you are at a Joel Mabus concert.

As to the random thoughts mentioned above I can only add that please read the previous commentary and join the TRADITIONS audience this Sunday for a sample of the CD just mentioned and all the other things you have read in the previous post.

OK---a last personal random thought. If you saw today's NY Times article regarding the No Impact Man I really want to add a thought or two. Colin Beavan is the alleged No Impact Man. He was interviewed on WNYC in NYC today and hearing his comments I felt I really wanted to know more. I did by reading the NY Times piece.

His ideas are, to say the least, idealistic. But--read further. Living in a luxury apartment in NYC(5th Ave). giving up these modern day amenities for one---yes---one year so that he can write his book (for profit) on the subject. All this being the idea of his publisher (or agent) amongst the few submitted to him strike me as a bit of a study in hypocrisy and notoriety. I also add that his wife is going along with this while employed as a writer at a large publication.

Best to read the article or look it up on the web.

Personally, I agree with his thoughts regarding food (from a 250 mile radius), fluorescent bulbs, and more---though the Toilet Paper part is hard to ===dare I use the word--swallow. Probably the grabber in the article.

Al Gore has the decency and straightforwardness to admit he espouses a cause and will still live the life-style he is accustomed to while doing his best to adhere to his beliefs and try to convince others.

Calendar Marking Updates

TRADITIONS: This Sunday a step back into a bit of nostalgia along with some very topical material. The topical material will feature songs that were topical in the 1930s , the 1960s, and from a newer artist. In listening, I believe, you will find the topicality of the older artists still valid this day.

Bill Monroe Phil Ochs Dick Gaughan




Yes---all three---Bill Monroe included. With his brother when they were the Monroe Brothers.

As to nostalgia. Some will recall these years because of age. Some because of their devotion and interest in radio. During the 1950s and 1960s I believe that Oscar Brand was the only "folk" program host around---but---big but here---there were "country" programs that are what we might, today, call "folk". "Country" then was "folk" in many ways. However you want to define it.

Don Larkin
On the left the late Don Larkin---on the right--the WPAT lampshade.

Big deal!

They seem to have forgotten their past and this is all that is left---they did have one.

Dave Miller.

He delivered country, pop, and, what was then called--Hillbilly. I guess now Bluegrass. A Traditions Trivia is planned for this Sunday on this subject===in advance for you who check this site is the query---the prize is 2 CDs-===a randomly selected one and also a Capitol Steps CD (More later about that).

SO---Question that will be aired on Sunday---Don Larkin's slogan was ---Harkin To Larkin Barkin. Dave Miller's was---The Thrills of The Hills, The Best In The West, and...................... what was the rest?

If you leave your answer here it will be entered it with the callers on Sunday. There is room for 5 winners on this one. Either leave comments or e mail---which you can hear on Sunday.

You will also be left at the end of the show with what is, hopefully, something meaningful after all the fun and games and topicality.

SUNDAY SIMCHA : In anticipation for the truly exceptional and unique Passover program planned for April 1, 2007 Rabbi Jonathon Kligler will be a featured artist on this program. He is, besides being in the rabbinate, a consummate musician with a wonderful CD for you to hear and, hopefully, enjoy as much as many people have. This is aside from the CD that he has done with the other guests on this memorable day. The guests are Kim and Reggie Harris and they and Rabbi Kligler recorded another brilliant CD on Appleseed Recordings.

As always the Traditions program will air on WFDU (89.1 fm) from 3-6 PM ET and will also stream on the web at http://www.wfdu.fm/. Sunday Simcha will also air that day at 10 AM and stream at that very same site----OK_--I cannot resist---streaming---it is like one big urinal. Let's see if you caught that one.

One last update---Tabletalk. On April 8 you will be able to hear the latest issue of The Capitol Steps. Brilliant is only one of the adjectives to describe this group and we are delighted to offer them on WFDU's Tabletalk program.