The Coming Attractions

TABLETALK: Since this has to do with film why not have that title---Coming Attractions. Promise---no long trailers or commercials that you are subjected to when you pay your $10.00 at the local multiplex. Not even a grand movie palace of yesteryear.

The picture is of the two stars of the film "The Impossible Spy". Eli Wallach and John Shea. Harvey Chertok, the producer and creator of this film is my guest on Tabletalk on April 15.

The film is an unusually interesting and poignant story. A story that is still on going to this day as it relates to Eli Cohen---The Impossible Spy.

Harvey Chertok will be giving us all the details about Eli Cohen and how this film came into being some 20 years ago and is now getting a renewed life around the country and started at the Spy Museum in Washington DC.

Appropriately enough, this conversation takes place on April 15. Yom Hashoah. If you look at the earlier post you will see that Sunday Simcha will be spending the entire hour in the commemoration of that sad and tragic era.

TRADITIONS/SUNDAY SIMCHA/TABLETALK: Permit me a few comments about what I like to call "...the eclectic weekend sound of WFDU". You will note that I usually end the Simcha program that way. WFDU is one of the rare stations left on the dial that can present to you programs that are eclectic, live, and connect personally with their audience.

While the week is formatted and still connects with the listeners more than any station that I can think of the weekend has a truly eclectic mix of Poetry, Interviews (Tabletalk), Jewish programming, Gospel, Jazz, Traditions ( traditional music in all its incarnations and its evolution), and a visit to Doo Wop with Group Harmony Alley.I have to add here that on Fridays Ron Olesko hosts a program that was on the weekends for a time and is still as valid and eclectic as before--Sessions.

All the hosts of these programs are proficient and expert in their knowledge of the material they are presenting.

Finally, as you saw at the start it is one of the few places left on the dial with such eclecticism and audience connection. The key word is "left". The Left Side Of the Dial---The Right Place To Be. To paraphrase the slogan.

If you love radio and personal connection the best thing is to --as it is said---stay tuned. If you have a soldering gun you can fix 89.1 on your dial quite easily---if not---just tune in and---as I always say---stay in touch and stay well.

Program Notes for Future Reference

As the title suggests---Program Notes. While there are times that there are profiles and bios of artists and other material it is hoped that you are kept informed of upcoming things of interest on all the programs. So--Sunday Simcha.










April 15, 2007 is the date this year for Yom Hashoah. Holocaust Remembrance Day.

This program will commemorate the occasion with readings from a book put together by the father of Daniel Pearl ---read by Bill Hahn---music to mark the day. The music will not only address the Holocaust and its remembrance but also the bigger picture of Man's Inhumanity To Man. It will end on an uplifting note and also a piece that is performed by one of the greatest voices of all time and is used in the liturgy of Remembrance.

TRADITIONS: A week before this --April 8-- a confluence of two major holidays that are ever so meaningful in the Judeo / Christian Tradition. Easter and Passover.

That confluence will be celebrated on the April 8 edition of Traditions. We start with what I always start with ---a joyous piece from Croffut and Addis. The holidays will blend, through music, after that. From Bluegrass to liturgical you will get it all if you are tuned in.

New York residents can rest easy since their alternate parking rules have been suspended for more than one week due to the confluence of these holidays. Praise God. Don't praise the Parking Authority---we leave for them a later holiday that will encompass horrors and ghouls.

In addition a few new CDs of special interest will be aired and then a few thematic surprises having to do with the relationship of what I consider one of the best Bway musicals I have ever seen to sea chanties and how well it all blends. The year for this musical---1958. The show was New Girl In Town and was based on the story of Anna Christie. The Eugene O'Neil work. It featured an amazing cast---Thelma Ritter, Cameron Prudhomme, Gwenn Verdon, and so many more. Strangely, it is never revived. The music shows the perfect blend of Broadway takes on Sea Music and Traditional Sea Music. As you will see some music you think is traditional is not and some you think is not is "traditional".

For those interested the idea for this came about from a piece by a very interesting duo---Curtis and Loretta--and a traditional piece of theirs about "bugs". They will be featured on the program as well and their bio and background will be talked of then.

Back for a moment now to New Girl In Town.

The show was on Bway in 1958---seats were priced at about $10.00 for Orchestra. Thought you "boomers" might like that fond long ago memory.

As to the show. If you do not know of it let me give you some of the details---Harold Prince produced (who else) it and it featured a book by George Abbot, choreography by Fosse, and music by Bob Merrill (How Much Is That Doggie In The Window)(not Robert Merrill, Opera). The performers---Gwen Verdon, Thelma Ritter, Cameron Prud'homme, and George Wallace (no---not the lovable Alabama gov.) All this is based on a Eugene O'Neil tale---Anna Christie. Great material for a musical. Right?

It may well be the only musical that is akin to West Side Story and its Romeo and Juliet theme. You will not see its likes again. You have Lloyd Webber and the Disney productions on 42d St. now.

Perhaps one day it will be revived as others have been. It has only been done once, it seems, in an Encores presentation.

A last thought is to compare it to other productions that have been revived. Fiddler, Oklahoma, and Chicago. Just as touching, deep, and personal as all of them. Perhaps someday it will be revived. A timeless tale with great music.

West Side Story, as well, should be revived. Admittedly the subject matter is dated but the Shakespearean basis is timeless.

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.