A FEW PROGRAM UPDATES

As you are aware that WFDU is in the midst of its annual fund raising drive----a short 2 week stint. Your support is certainly welcome--and some of you have been very generous and that is what lets us keep doing some of the things we do and also make guests happy to be on the program due to the enthusiastic and interested---and interesting---audience. So---more about fund raising later.

FEBRUARY 22 will be the first Sunday after the drive ends and both SUNDAY SIMCHA and TRADITIONS will be having some truly interesting guests on the shows.

SUNDAY SIMCHA :

MIKE BURSTYN will be joining us to talk about his latest work---LANSKY. LANSKY is now playing at St. Luke's Theater in NYC and I can tell you it is a riveting one man show that shows all sides of Meyer Lansky ---the mob brains and also the only person denied entrance to Israel under the Law of Return.

Hope you will be listening for Mike's insights into the character and how he does this mesmerizing performance. You might want to visit Mike's Website and learn even more about the performance---and Mike. You can order tickets at 212 239-6200.

You may recall he was my guest a while back when he performed at the Folksbiene in On Second Avenue.

TRADITIONS : I cannot say more than these two words---



TOM PAXTON



Tom joins me that day in a pre-recorded interview with lots of music. We had a conversation---a better word for this than interview--prior to a concert he did in Paramus NJ at the end of January. Suffice it to say it was a sold out hall and Tom was in great form.

We spoke about his music--naturally--his collaboration with George Wurzbach and also his friends of yesteryear and now. Social issues were not left out of the conversation, I assure you.

Tom Paxton is, besides being a great performer, a prolific composer, also ---should have saved this for Sunday Simcha--a real "Mensch".

We have come to the end of this trailer for coming attractions and just want to urge you to call in the next few weeks with a pledge---whatever you can afford (believe me I know, personally, it is tough these days) and think of how we offer interesting radio without reimbursement. A commercial radio station pays but you don't get this---you get commercials and music you don't really want. You can e mail wfdutraditions@yahoo.com to make your pledge or sundaysimcha@yahoo.com for that program---just give me your name, address, and amount and the station will send you a pledge envelope---credit cards accepted---joyously.

INAUGURAL NOTES

This space is devoted to notes and updates on the various programs ---TRADITIONS and SUNDAY SIMCHA--along with news of events of interest relating to those programs. Let me then direct you to THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER which you can also reach via a link on the right side of this page---or by clicking above.

A few thoughts on the inaugural events of today which seemed more appropriate for that site and also, honesty now, to steer you to that page for some other topics.

Finally, I want to say how delighted I was to introduce Modern Man last weekend at the Acoustic Cafe and to meet many of the attendees who welcomed me back to the local airwaves. The Acoustic Cafe has a wonderful line-up planned and it is truly a great venue to visit. Check the website linked in the title.

NOW go over to THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER and see if you agree with me---if not, feel free to comment.

A SMALL PREVIEW ALONG WITH SOMETHING MEANINGFUL

Other than 2 weeks ago when I returned for the year end program with Ron Olesko it has been 2 months since last I had the pleasure of being with you on a Sunday afternoon. This Sunday I am back and before I give you a bit of a preview I would like to have you watch a very meaningful video.

You may recall that sometime back I played music by The Karma Farmers on TRADITIONS. Dave Shifflet (founder of the group) has composed a most meaningful piece of music and has added some touching pictures to it. I will be playing it this Sunday and urging the listeners to view this video---so---here is a preview of what you will hear this Sunday.

As for the rest of the program---quite a few new voices that I have not been able to play before and of course the features will be back. You know what they are and also some voices that have not been heard in a while on the program and one that I know I and a few of our listeners (especially one) truly like to hear. That listener has requested it many times and I also thank him for the nice call 2 weeks ago before the show even started to welcome me back.

We'll have a particular trivia query for a CD prize but you will have to e mail the answer to wfdutraditions@yahoo.com First response gets the prize.

I also will finally get to honor the request a listener asked for the last time I was with you---has to do with great guitar picking. If you have any requests just mail them to the address above and I will try to get to them

SOME OF THE MOST MEANINGFUL CDS OF 2008

On Dec. 28 Ron Olesko and I jointly hosted TRADITIONS and presented, among other things, our individual picks for "favorite" CDs for the year. Many would have been joint picks I am sure.

It has to be said that time constraints precluded presenting more than the 10 each we had time for. Here you will see my picks and some mention of those that there was not time enough to play.

I have to say that, while "favorites", "meaningful", "best of" are nice year end things to present it is certainly subjective and it is nice to present older recordings along with the new ones during the course of the year. Some of the artists we present are timeless and have thoughts and music that, like classical music, can be heard over and over again.

It was a delight to be back with the program after an almost 2 month absence and again my thanks for all the kind thoughts, messages, and all the "welcome back" calls on the 12/28/ program.

Now for the 10 that I chose for the show---and the "honorable mentions" that we did not have time to present:

KATE CAMPBELL Large River Music

From Southern History to meaningful insights into life and from light hearted Country to Gospel each album --and this is the latest of some 12 now--is never like another and always pleases and surprises. This album has plenty of surprises with some great guest artists including John Prine and Nanci Griffith

TOM PAXTON Appleseed Recordings

Just as Kate Campbell so many recordings over the years and none disappoints. I, personally, felt this the best one yet---insights and metaphors to be appreciated and can be personally related to. The closing track sums up in a most nostalgic way a long and on-going career.

ANDREW CALHOUN Waterbug Records

Andrew Calhoun was my guest earlier in the year and this recording is a true gem. Melodic and historical along with some great liner notes in a well produced booklet make this a "must have". The picture on the cover (on the left) alone is worth the price of admission---it should be framed.

ELLEN BUKSTEL

Daddy's Little Girl is the name of the CD and from a touching opening track about fatherhood and relationship to the last track of Tikun Olam you will be moved by the thoughts and musicianship

KATE LONG/ROBIN KESSINGER

Kate Long's voice is haunting and Robin Kessinger's musicianship is awesome.

You may recall her from an earlier album with two particular tracks that have haunted me for a few years---Corinthians and McNamara's Tear. This CD has a whole new dimension. It is a live performance and features that haunting voice in not only music but some wonderful story telling by Kate and both their interactions with a most enthused audience.

JENI AND BILLY

Jewell Ridge Coal tells some wonderful stories of life in Appalachia and done with such wonderful harmony you just want to listen to this work over and over

It is also a CD with such great cover art it should be on display on your coffee table with the music playing on your CD player.

HANK WILLIAMS

This 3 CD set which has been released through Time/Life is a set of unreleased recording that were being thrown out by WSM some time ago and now finally see the light of day. Hank Williams, as many of the other Grand Ole Opry performers had week-day radio shows which were more lucrative than the GOO and also allowed them to be more well known. Many of the programs were pre-recorded so the artists could tour during the week. WSM had not rights to re-air or distribute the recordings which was the reason for their disposal.

If you are Hank Williams aficionados you will revel in these recordings. Unlike the MGM recordings with their production values these are live un-enhanced performances of some popular songs and some you will not have heard on recordings before.

In all honesty it has to be added that if you are not a real aficionado you may not find this to your liking.

RICHARD BERMAN

Another piece of work from one of the great poets who can translate inner feelings about life and life stories into the most beautiful music. Taking some of the most simple thoughts and feelings we all have had this CD, as all the past ones, capture things we all have felt and could not express as lyrically as this artist.

JACK WILLIAMS Wind River Music

A number of years ago I interviewed Jack Williams and was in awe at his guitar fingering when he played just a few inches away from me. Now I am awe struck by his latest CD. He captures the feelings of "folk", "pop", "jazz" and any stops in between with great renditions of such pieces as ---The Heart of Saturday Night, Biloxi, That Lucky Old Sun, Lovesick Blues, and a lot more in this great mix of genres. The best description is---eclectic music by a master.

PAT WICTOR

Another winner from an artist that is making---actually has made a wonderful name for himself already. A master of many different guitar styles (and guitars) with a wonderful and versatile voice this CD has some really wonderful and thoughtful songs. Highly recommended are "Whiskey Vacation" and his interpretation of the Phil Ochs' classic "Changes".

PETE SEEGER Appleseed Recordings

Both Ron Olesko and I picked this as one of the CDs not to be missed this year. Produced by someone who is close to Pete Seeger (and a person I feel real kinship with) David Bernz (also a founder of Work O The Weavers) he has created a work that can be listened to from beginning to end as a story of a still on-going life with more tales and interests to come. It features appearances by The Sloop Singers, Work O The Weavers and more.

As I said on the air---"...Pete Seeger is someone who shows us all that doing what you believe in will create your following----or as the line in "Field of Dreams" says--''build it and they will come". They have come for Pete many times and this CD is a perfect example what "they" came for.

NOW for the names of a few CDs we did not have time for and a few comments:

RED ROCK RONDO It just came in too late to include on the air but you will be hearing it for certainty on Jan. 11. A wonderful piece of work that captures the feeling of Zion Canyon

GATHERING TIME --SONGS OF HOPE AND FREEDOM also late entry due to my not being available for a time and also one you will be hearing this year. Harmonies that are reminiscent of an early Peter Paul and Mary but transcend them in a later style.

EMILY KURN---I'm Just Like You Emily has a voice that will just grab you and you will not be able to turn off the music in your mind for quite some time

THE YELLOW ROOM GANG--Happy New Day This came in after the show was mapped out but I am sorry we were not able to play something from it. As said before---you will hear this nice piece of work. What a wonderful feeling to have the sense of sitting around with old friends and hearing some great songs---which is what this CD does. The Yellow Room Gang is a group of artists that we have played individually on the program and some that have been in for interviews---David Tamulevich, Michael Hough, Kitty Donahoe, Matt Watroba, Annie Capps, Jan Krist, David Barret, Jim Bizer.

NOT THAT YOU ASKED

But I'll tell you anyway.

TRADITIONS: I am planning on returning to the program for our year end program wherein Ron and I present the recordings of the past year that we found very meaningful. While we will also recall the people we lost this year I will offer my thanks for not being among them and also offer thanks to all of you have kept me in your thoughts and prayers. The letters and cards more were touching and meaningful. I do notice that with the poor auto sales none of you rushed out to buy a bargain gift for me.
In all honesty; your thoughts and cards were more meaningful. I was not able to drive for a time in any case.

SUNDAY SIMCHA: All of the above. You may have noted that since the end of Oct. the programs have been "encores"---fancy word for "repeats". Starting Dec. 14 the shows will once again be new. Don 't forget we have to have a Hannukah (spell it anyway you like) party. So get out the dreydls and lets place a few large wagers.

Finally, please look at the new videos on the right. My sincere sense of loss with the passing of Odetta. A few nice videos of Junior Brown brought to mind by one of our listeners to whom I promised more of him last time I was on in October

A PERSONAL UPDATE

First off, my sincerest thanks to my co-host, Ron Olesko for his caring and concern for my illness and for covering the program he created these many moons ago. Also my thanks to all of you for your kind thoughts and concerns--- as Julie Gold wrote to one of my doctors---"...he's got a good heart, no wonder he needed a brain adjustment"

I am in good company---thankfully, Reggie Harris is recovering, as is Odetta. Also, yours truly.

I expect to be back at WFDU in about a month. Meanwhile I will recuperate at my daughter's house, and spend quality time with my kids and grandkids.

Again, my thanks to all of you for your kind thoughts==especially my daughters who insisted on my going to the ER and finding out why I had this ongoing headache. Turns out it was more serious than I thought and my surgeon was an amazing artist-=--hell, I never played the piano before---and still don't (I guess my surgeon wasn't that good).

Seriously, this is a life changing experience and really puts life and its meaning into perspective. Luckily, I have no diminution (like that $5 word?) of motor skills and am counting my blessings. Now, I finally have something impressive to say at the thanksgiving dinner table.

See you on WFDU shortly.