KATE CAMPBELL PROFILE

I hope you will look at the earlier posting regarding the Sunday Simcha Program for April 1 and tune in.

I had said that from time to time I would like to feature or profile an artist that I feel should be commemorated or profiled. Much like the piece I did about Kate Wolf. I thought that this would be a perfect time to talk about an artist that has truly captured me and, I hope, you as well.
Kate Campbell

Back in about 1999 I, reluctantly, set up an interview with her. Having seen the photo on the cover of her CD --Visions of Plenty---wherein she had what seemed to be a whole bevy of tattoos on her arms . I expected some sort of a "country rock queen". What I found just blew me away. A consummate artist with the greatest ability to translate history into wonderful music.

Not to denigrate tattoos---she did not have any. It was red henna, as she explained to me.

Kate Campbell has been a teacher of Southern History at a Southern College, she has translated her own history into a wonderful blend of music and lyrics that give us historical insights into that history and that of the South.

Her discography, for someone so young is quite impressive. Some 10, and still counting, CDs now.

I first noticed her from her Visions of Plenty CD. A brilliant piece of work that encompassed the civil rights movement, the busing she was involved in (Bus 109) that her father (a preacher and an activist) had her do. Practice what you preach. I bet she might have said "..that's what my Daddy felt". Other pieces on that CD include Visions of Plenty, Deep Tang, Funeral Food, and much more. Funeral Food is truly an all encompassing piece that can relate to people of all faiths at a time of grief.

As I said, she has quite a discography.

Moonpie Dreams came out before I knew Kate. There you find such wonderful pieces that can bring you back to another place and time. Think of the 1950s and a Ford Fairlane, See Rock City and much more. Wandering Strange is a truly interesting and unusual piece of work. Worthy of much greater attention than it has received. One of her later CDs, Blues and Lamentations is a work that may be one of the best. On this album you will hear her wonderful interpretations of folk and gospel and with a wonderful bevy of guest artists that include Guy Clark, Maura O'Connell and many more.

Which brings us to this CD---The Living Of These Days. Many, if not all, of Kate's recordings have featured Spooner Oldham and have been recorded at the historic Muscle Shoals Studios in Alabama (or as Hank Williams might say---Alabam). This CD has so many meaningful songs on it that it is hard to pick any that would stand out---they all do. From the Woody Guthrie compositions to the ones done by Paul Robeson, Kris Kistofferson as well as her own compositions.

It has to be said that every now and again an artist comes down the proverbial pike that one has to perk one's ears up and say that one has just come into contact with a new force. Kate is such a force.

A final thought on Kate and her great talent. There is a piece on her album ---Monuments--Joe Louis' Furniture. If you ever want to hear a piece that, in just a few minutes, can encapsulate a dream and a life this is the one. As I said to her, in conversation, "...you and Harry Chapin have a lot in common---aside from the beat".

So---as I also said to her once---"does the name Kate have significance for great talent and insights since you and Kate Wolf share that first name".

One last thought. Her CDs are great but if you can ever see Kate on a stage it is something not to be missed. It has to be added, however, that she is one of the few artists who's recordings can make you feel, as you sit in your room listening, that you are in her presence.

A Few Program Updates

SUNDAY SIMCHA: The program airs on WFDU at 10 A M (Eastern Time) on Sundays. On April 1 a very special Passover Program has been prepared just as your Passover meals have been prepared---with love, sincerity and, hopefully, insights.

It will be a joyous celebration of the holiday and explore, through music and conversation the community Jews, African Americans, and all people share in our existences.

In the picture you see from left to right Rabbi Kligler, Reggie Harris, Kim Harris. My picture you see all the time on the right side of the page---for a more current one-- Kim and I at the WFDU Studios a few months back.
Hopefully you will be there and celebrate what Kim, herself, says---A Joyous Passover. She will also explain the origins of the song "O Mary Don't You Weep"---after all "Pharaohs army got drownded".

We celebrate the community and we will not break bread---just matzo.

TRADITIONS: On April 1 my co-host, Ron Olesko will welcome as guests Danny Bakan---truly electric performer and the ever popular and long lived duo of Aztec Two Step.

TABLETALK: On April 8 we commemorate ---a week late---April Fools Day. We do this with a brilliant group that will take the air for the entire time---

THE CAPITOL STEPS The group will have you laughing ---well, I suppose it might be to the bathroom. Who knows. Topical, Fresh, and any other superlatives I can add I would. WFDU and TABLETALK are delighted that we are one of the few station in this area that are priviliged to air their great humor. If you can see them live do not miss it.

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.

Springtime Snowy Night Notes

As you can see it has been quite a day here at the old home place.

It continues.

Spring storms are always the biggest but they also melt rapidly. I hope. Rather than sitting around and plowing or shoveling it is easier to sit here and share a few thoughts and mention some things that I think will be of interest on the upcoming programs---and perhaps a few other things.


This Sunday I hope you tune in to the TABLETALK program (as well as all the others). My chat with Rabbi Jonathan Kligler and our conversation about Reconstructionism will, I believe, be of great interest. Toward the end you will also get a bit of a musical treat.

I also hope that you will tune in later for SUNDAY SIMCHA where you will find some very moving pieces---and a great archival Comedy Corner which will feature the likes of Jack E Leonard, Jackie Vernon, and Don Rickles from a rare Friar's Roast. And it was said it could not be done on the air---check it out.

Let me also urge you to tune in and support (all the shows) TRADITIONS.

Ron Olesko has a wonderful interview with an artist that really should not be missed. If you like good music and great commitment then a chat with
Iian Campbell Smith is something you do not want to miss. Yes---that is how it is spelled.

On some other thoughts now. Good time to tune out unless you want to make a comment and either agree or disagree.

There is so much volunteerism in this world. We volunteer for many things---be it radio (in my case) , heading a library (in my case), or being an "auxiliary policeman" .

Honesty first. I am happy that there are people that volunteer to do this sort of thing. They bear no arms, are not supplied with bulletproof vests, they are supposed to be the eyes and ears of the PD. Yet, they wear a uniform that is identical to the PD uniform--save for the badge.

Happily, until yesterday, no one has been hurt in decades. Years back one was wounded and he had a registered gun---which is not part of the equipment they are allowed to carry. Yesterday, sadly, two perished. Unarmed and pursuing their mission of informing the PD. My heart goes out to their families and to them.

What I am wondering is that if Aux. Police are allowed then a few things have to addressed.

1: What is the psychological make-up that makes them want to do this.

2: If they are mentally equipped and dedicated should they be armed?

3:Is their motive in volunteering a hope for PD appointment or just the thrill of a uniform and a commanding presence?

I have not used the term NYPD because I do think that this situation is prevalent in many communities. Mine included.

A CD Recommendations And Some Other Random Thoughts

The Random Thoughts first. Please do check the side-bar for the quote of the day. Some are quite meaningful. Some---hey, you never know. Al Bundy can be deep in his own way. Einstein is brilliant and yet the quotes of Carlin have meaning as well. As does Lenny Bruce. Of course, Shakespeare covered all the bases---and those he missed I am sure Groucho Marx took care of.
Think about it.

Now to the meaningful material---as related to this "blog". We will speak of "blogging" vis a vis journalism later.






Appleseed Recordings has released an album that is truly a marvel. Peggy Seeger celebrated her 70th birthday in 2005 and a wonderful event was held at Queen Elizabeth Hall in London ("Bravo to the Queen"--Black Adder via Hugh Laurie---now think House --amazing). I digress---and have called my doctor for help about digression.


This album is a wonderful and joyous celebration of her life, her music, and her family . Attending and performing were--Pete, Mike, and Peggy Seeger. Also, Martin Carthy, Billy Bragg, Norma Watetrson, and her children (adults now).

The title--appropriately---Three Score and Ten.


Rather than my adding more to this commentary let me direct you to the Appleseed website. You can read all about the CD and Peggy Seeger there. It was an honor and a privilege to have her as a guest with Ron Olesko on Traditions a while back.

This is a 2 CD set and one that I am sure you would love to hear over and over again---chat, music, and having great company in your home. Better company than some of the slugs on TV.


Now for the comments about "blogs" vs "journalism".

Progress is a wonderful thing. Freedom of speech. Great. Is it something that the founding fathers never envisioned? Internet, TV, and loudmouthed orators?
Tom, George--and Button (you must know Quinnet) did not figure on this I am certain.

"Honest" is the word (as Stephen Colbert says--for "The Word") here. Think about this. The constitution gave us the First Amendment. A wonderful thing. Newspapers gave us people who reported responsibly---we hope. TV gave us reporters who reported responsibly---and sensationally--read--murder and mayhem. The Internet now gives us "Blogs".

Opinions are one thing. News is another. Just some food for thought. Think, as well, about the nonsense in some of the tabloids as opposed to the other papers.

If you ever want a history of what the NY Post was about prior to the Murdoch incarnation I will fill you in. Trust me ---equal to the NY Times. Now--equal to The Star. Go to your local supermarket to see what I mean.

This blog has now become something that I bemoaned earlier. Yet, I hope, a point was made. Trust real journalists and not the pontificating, pompous and personality needing ones that seem to inhabit the Internet to obfuscate what real news is about.