A Kate Wolf Rememberance

One of the artists that I have wanted to commemorate for quite some time now is Kate Wolf. Born in January, 1942 and sadly left us at such a tender age in 1986.
My first inkling of her came from friend in 1984 who introduced me to her music and her voice. Admittedly, I listened reluctantly. I was smitten. Never have I heard such a voice and such feeling.

She started life as Kathryn Louise Allen (aka Katie Lou) in San Francisco. There is much moving and there are many relationships in her brief life. I won't delve into that here since you can read all that in her biography on the Kate Wolf website-- http://www.katewolf.com/

What I would like to mention is how her music has affected me and so many others. You can read all about her history ---radio host, performer, composer, mother, wife, etc; on the website that has been put up by her children.

"Give Yourself To Love". That song, alone, has so much meaning. Written for a friend's wedding it is used now for many occasions.It is a wonderful piece at funerals. I know some who have used it at that sad event. Truly meaningful. Her interpretation of songs by others--Leonard Cohen, Jack Tempchkin (Peaceful Easy Feeling), and so many more can make you tear up when listening.


A few little sidebars here. Bio, as said you can get on her website.

I had the delight of interviewing her children on my radio program---TRADITIONS (WFDU Teaneck NJ) which I co-host w/ Ron Olesko a while back and the insights and love they showed for Kate and how they are keeping her music alive is just a wonderful thing. I add, here, that listeners call many times to request her touching music.

Kate Wolf has appeared on Prairie Home Companion, she had the toured this country, she had a protege --Nina Gerber who has gone on to great things and has always credited Kate (with her song--Kate's Guitar), and, to my surprise, Pete Kennedy, of THE KENNEDYS , accompanied her many a time.

This is a shot of Pete Kennedy with the legendary Chet Atkins. Sorry---no shot of Pete with Kate.

Moving on now--having appeared on all these venues, having toured the country and building a wonderful following of devoted listeners and fans she, as said, sadly, left us at such a tender age.

The good thing for us is that she has left us our "inheritance". A wonderful array of music that we can use through our life's travels. It can set our mood---not politically-- but can help us overcome many of the "bumps" in life and give us an anchor to hold and reflect.

To learn more visit the website: http://www.katewolf.com/ You can also find her recordings there. Unless you are clothing deprived the T shirt part is off limits.

Fund Raising February Premiums For Traditions & Sunday Simcha

The first 3 Sundays in February will be when I ask for your support on SUNDAY SIMCHA --Live in Studio---and also when Ron Olesko and I --together--will ask for your support on TRADITIONS.




Let me start with a few brief comments about SUNDAY SIMCHA.








Joy Katzen Guthrie

Margot Leverett & Klezmer Mtn. Boys

Pictures represent some of the generous premium offers that have been donated by some of the artists that you have come to enjoy on the program. In keeping with the tradition of the program they are offered to you for a contribution of $36.00 for a CD ---you know Double Chai. Old habits are hard to break so let us stick with tradition. The pictures are of Margot Leverett and the Klezmer Mountain Boys on right and Joy Katzen Guthrie on left. Supplies are limited.

I would add that your support in any amount will be appreciated and, frankly, you will be supporting programming that you care about. You know, certainly, that Jewish programming is something you will not find on the radio dial today except in rare instances---and WFDU is that rare instance. WFDU as all places has bills to pay and technology to keep up with and since it is a non commercial station --except for the Milady's Blintzes I push--listeners have to support the station and the programs. Those programs that are not supported are in jeopardy. Which means a listener's favorites are in jeopardy.

On a positive note let me just say that I am sure that you don't need premiums to support this program. So when February rolls around do call me on those first 3 Sundays or pledge via e mail to the program and let us keep company for another "freylach" year. Alevai!!

===================================================================

Little Toby Walker

Let me now turn to TRADITIONS where Ron Olesko and myself will be asking you to keep the longest running program---27 years now---on the air heading for another 27--at least. Here are just a few pictures of the artists that we have featured on the program and have generously donated premiums to this program. I once again say that I am sure that premiums are not what keep you tuned to the program---a love of the music and the presenters (I hope) are what do that. I won't repeat what I said above about the station and the importance of it and the programming. You already know that. All premiums--$40.00 for one and $75.00 for two. I am sure that premiums are not your motivation in supporting the program but we like to think of them as a nice "thank you" gift to a family member.

As said--any amount will be appreciated by us and by you for having Traditions and Bill/Ron to kick around for another 27 years---well, not 27 in my case anyway. But don't consider it a farewell gift yet---my doctor has DR orders only for "air times"-you know---Do Resuscitate. Other times DNR

Kim /Reggie Harris / Kate Campbell/ James Durst

Finally let me just end with hoping for support for the programs and you can call us during the 1st 3 Sundays in Feb. It will be a delight to hear from you. You can also pledge via e mail to our e mail addresses--or if you would like to see a list of the premiums I would be happy to e mail them to you. Just write to the addresses below and request a premium list (remember all supplies are limited):

sundaysimcha@yahoo.com

wfdutraditions@yahoo.com

But, as I said, I am sure you feel strongly enough about both programs that a premium is not your priority.

Best of all will be to call us at 201 692-2012 in Feb. or drive by with an armored car and drop off a sack of money----or Shekels for Simcha (we'll convert them).

UPDATES FOR SOME PROGRAMS

A few updates and highlights for the various programs:

TABLETALK: As you know if you have read the blogs Daniel Silva will be on Jan. 14. On Jan 21 the picture on the left explains it. Lee Sandstead, master photographer, lecturer, and art historian is my guest. He has taken pictures in the great museums of this world in addition to portraits, outdoor (landscape) photos, and events. The photo on the left is one he took at the Cincinnatti Museum of Fine Arts. He has been at the Metropolitan in NYC and all the great ones around the world.

You will learn much from his enthusiastic and knowledgeable presentation of photography, cameras, and ideas for photos. His website is http://sandstead.com

TRADITIONS: Erik Balkey is my guest on January 14. He will be opening for David Buskin ---a grand old friend and man of many facets--in a Jersey City performance. In addition--David may stop by--but if not he wants you all to know that Robin Bateau will probably also be on the bill that evening. Erik will tell us more on Sunday. And David will as well---if his color is good, he feels good, and the mood strikes him properly. Being a denizon of NYC he has trouble leaving his home turf. We must always understand and sympathize with Upper West Siders. Home is not only where the heart is but, also, where, the rent check goes.

SUNDAY SIMCHA: January 21 I am delighted to have Lori Nevias as my guest---and her family. Great stories and wonderful music. In addition---some great material from the Jewish Music Group. Our visit to Comedy Corner will be a real surprise---I guarantee offense to all via Don Rickles and other artists on the album--It Sounds Kosher to Me.

We shall also listen to some of Lenny---you know---Leonard Bernstein. We were on a first name basis if you did not know. I called him Lenny and he never called me.

Bottom Line--and it really is---hope you tune in to the eclectic weekend sound of WFDU. The right place on the left side of the dial.

As I said, from time to time I would like to make mention of some artists that I truly think should be of great interest.

This is Modern Man (Formerly The Testostertones---but that is another story) with me and David Busikin's daughter a while back at the Turning Point in Piermont, NY.

They have 3 CDs out now. To see them in person is even better and more sidesplitting. Then, of course, you can get a CD and take them home.

It has to be said that to be a great satirist(s) which they are you also have to be the compleat artist that can do all the genres. They can and they do.

From Surfin' ( with a bad bladder) to Internet Dating , Animal Husbandry (their version), and Runny Eggs in NJ to some straight pop songs---they do it all. The best part is that if you see them live you will have trouble driving home because of your constant laughter. Try to control youself a bit and do not miss this group when they are in your area

I am happy that they have graced the Traditions programs a few times and--thankfully---David Buskin did tell me --..." you got good color today boy"

The group consists of David Buskin, Rob Carlson, and George Wurzbach. Not in that or any kind of order--for sure.

Their website: www.modernman3.com

Check that out to see if they will be in your area---and take some medication before you see them to control your blood pressure from laughter.

Updated Playlist Information

Knowing that many like to see the playlists I think I have made it easier to do now. Merely go to the right of the screen---click on the link that is described there and you will go to a much easier way to read them. They will be posted each week.

Let me remind all that we will be doing a commemoration of Martin Luther King Day on Traditions this Sunday---Jan. 14. In addition my guest will be Erik Balkey.

On Sunday Simcha we have some really interesting new material for you and also a visit by Laurie Nieves and some live music in the old studio. Actually I believe that we are older than the studio---thanks to your help.

A PLAYLIST UPDATE AND SOME OTHER ITEMS

You will notice that the playlist for Sunday Simcha appears on the right hand bar. For easier viewing I shall post them in this format starting next week--both for Traditions and Sunday Simcha.

The picture on the left is of Eric Bibb. We honored some requests today to play from his new CD---a wonderful tribute to Paul Robeson that he did with his father Leon Bibb.

Now for a few more updates on the various programs:

TRADITIONS: On January 14 I will be welcoming Erik Balkey as my guest for some live music and also to talk about an upcoming appearance in Jersey City with the multi-faceted David Buskin. In addition, Martin Luther King Day will certainly me commemorated in song and in speech. Some quite rare.

SUNDAY SIMCHA: A potpourri of music and a request for your opinion on one piece that will be played. The question will be what you think of this style of music---an "updating" of traditional Jewish music.

The other 2 pieces of news are that I am delighted to be able to welcome Laurie Nieves to the program on January 21 for some of her original compositions done live in the studio. Then at Passover time---looking ahead now--we will be having Rabbi Jonathon Kligler and Kim and Reggie Harris in the studio to talk about the common bond we all share historically and have music from their Passover CD.

TABLETALK: The award winning author, Daniel Silva, is my guest on the January 14 program.