A Few Reviews, Comments, and Updates

As to the reviews. Three recordings that I have to tell you about. One came in this week and two others from a week or so ago. First, the brilliant new arrival this week---sort of like announcing a baby--is the the wonderful work of James Gordon and his sons. James, it may be recalled, was my guest on TRADITIONS a while back and has had (better--is having ) a wonderfully varied career. He once did weekly topical material for CBC (Canadian equivalent to NPR).

An inhabitant of Guelph, Canada, James tours, does workshops, and school programs.

Over 40 recordings under his, still slim, belt the latest one with his sons--NINE GREEN BOTTLES--has got to be one of his best. The musicianship of all of them falls into the category of great collaboration. That said, the pieces on it are topical, meaningful and touching. Pieces such as Another Silver Maple Comes Down, Levee's Broken, and others really hit a topical mark wonderfully in the best musical sense. Then there are songs like Inukshuk and Manitoulin that invoke James Gordon's (and sons) wonderful feelings of place and time. To me the topical centerpiece is the topical anthem---CASEY SHEEHAN DIDN'T DIE FOR NOTHING.

Let no one wonder where are the protest and political singers this day. They are here in the person of people like James Gordon and Sons.

Emily Kurn. A few brief words now about Emily and her wonderful new CD.

Things Change. That is the name of her newest recording. From the beautiful melodies to the wonderful lyrics I was just taken by this piece of work and asked to hear her older material. Whitebird is her other recording and is as wonderful and lyrical as the latest one.

Emily was going to be my guest on TRADITIONS but, unfortunately, scheduling in her travels precluded it. She had left NERFA--more later on that---and was on her way to Boston. She wanted to make a U turn and come down here but I discouraged that and we had a great chat on the phone which I can relay as an interview---a California resident who moved to Anchorage, Alaska a number of years ago. She is a graduate of Brandeis but is finding her life and meaning in doing music. Wonderful music it is.

For a comparison. Think of Iris DeMent's voice in a songwriter many years her junior with a whole new outlook on things. Emily Kurn.

It is hoped that in the spring she will be doing a few concerts in the NY/NJ area and will join me on TRADITIONS.

Now we come to Carey Creed .

PEACE OF WILD THINGS is the name of her new CD. A interpretation of some of the most wonderful material composed by so many people along with some wonderful traditional material. Two pieces truly stand out to me--even though it must be said that one cannot pick one over any other on this work.

Grateful is one of the two that stood out to me. Composed by John Bucchino, her interpretation of this wonderful metaphorical piece is inspiring. John Bucchino, who, among other things is Holly Near's accompanist and was my guest on TABLETALK a while ago. He now has a new musical coming to NY ---A Catered Affair.

Carey also does a wonderful version of Psalm 62:5 (Alone in God be in silence, my soul). That was played on my SUNDAY SIMCHA program.

Carey Creed is truly an artist that can interpret so many works in such musically wonderful ways. The album is PEACE OF WILD THINGS. Great for your collection---if you have one. If not---hey--start one with this.

As to updates. If you live in the NY/NJ area near Rockland County, NY you had best call The Orangeburg Library if you want to get a seat for the Dec. 16 FREE concert given by MODERN MAN that day at 2 PM. Seating is limited ---approx. 100---and 70% seats are spoken for. The Tel. number for reservations --- 845 359-2244

This Sunday's TRADITIONS will be my contribution to presenting some Thanksgiving thoughts and music for your enjoyment. In addition to our wonderful guest--SPOOK HANDY. Hopefully you will be with us. If not let me wish you all a most meaningful and happy Thanksgiving---the only holiday on our calendar that we all can celebrate without thinking of differences. Hopefully! Though, for me, hopefully, the rest of the family can stay away from the TV and some football game. Ah Joy. You may recall what Loudon Wainwright III said on the subject of Thanksgiving Dinner. I won't be playing it this Sunday---happier things should be thought of.

Earlier I noted that one of the artists above was at NERFA. Not showcased since she did not apply. Emily Kurn. Would she have been selected? I know not. So just a final thought or two on that event.

I have been at it for some 7 or 8 years and this was the first year I did not attend and have serious doubts of any future attendance. It has occurred to me, as noted much earlier, that the organization is quite insular. As many are. That is their prerogative. Recurring panelists, judges (for showcases), etc; are the norm along with---which is what I also felt strongly about---the cost for the artists and all the attendees while select people are having their expenses paid.

Shades of DC.

I do applaud them for organizing a wonderful event that creates opportunities for artists. The artists selected for showcasing, it is hoped, receive a benefit from all this. Judging, being subjective, one would hope for rotation of them.

The venue--Kutshers--frankly, is probably a good place for this event. In all honesty. It is run-down, tacky, and moldy. I mean this in the most positive way---a place where one can be informal. Something this community needs as opposed to a formal venue as, say, a Hyatt Hotel.

On a personal note---Kutshers---great for this but if you like mold--best purchase a slice of good cheese. Or---think of this---they have walkways between buildings--they could advertise on the ubiquitous signs on Rte 17---Go To The Country---BUT Never Be In It.

Oh well, since I was not there I could not get to do some "shtick" as that on the stage which I once did and seemed to have not been too well received by the "powers that be" only by some attendee a year later who asked how come I was not on the stage since it is "Da Catskills and we like "shtick"".

Sunday Simcha awaits you with some "shtick" and some wonderful artists on Traditions.

It must be said that any program has to entertain and involve the audience. Presenting new artists is, of course, wonderful and has to be encouraged. But, the bottom line, a program has to stand as an entertainment program and the host has to make the audience enjoy it and come back---and bring in others. The artists then can flourish and perform in many venues. We all have our place in the food chain. You have to decide our place.

Some Upcoming Appearances and A Few Other Bits of Minutae

Here is hoping that you will be joining me on November 18 a day full of programming on our favorite radio station---you know the Right Place on The Left Side of The Dial--way on the left---89.1 On the web as well --so that you world wide listeners can tune in.

TRADITIONS will be commemorating Thanksgiving in some surprising ways as we always do. Some brilliant new recordings have arrived in the weeks that I have not been with you and will present them and in addition my guest will be the fellow on the far left---SPOOK HANDY. He has a great new CD out there and is a wonderful artist with what so many lack today---a purpose. A purpose to make this world of ours a better place through his music and his work. Still---his music is enjoyable and involving. Stick around for him. You will love this guy. Oh---the fellow on the right---a mentor of Spook's--some kid by the name of Seeger. Hope he makes a go of it.

It is hoped that you tuned in earlier to TABLETALK. A wonderful chat with the authors of RADIO AND THE JEWS. Scroll down for more info on that.

Not to neglect SUNDAY SIMCHA if you tuned in you heard some Thanksgiving material since it is the universal holiday causing no problems for our multi ethnic and religious nation. Lets hear it for the Pilgrims. They were bigoted iin their own way---that is another topic. Thanks to blinding our eyes to that we can all enjoy it. The Turkeys are the only ones that should--had they a thinking process on our level--to abhor and try to escape this holiday. By the way, a Turkey is always presented to the President of the U S. Do you think the Turkey thinks it an honor (if he could think) or is the bird in the majority in regard to this Pres.?

You also heard a brilliant artist who I met a week ago thanks to Christine Lavin. See below for more info on Ray Jessel.

I hope you click over to THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER. Some interesting videos await and some thoughts having nothing to do with folk music---I don't even know if this had to do with that. For that best go to the fellow who wants to sit on the front porch and insists that we listen to it in its original form. After that feel free to doze off. Time moves on, culture moves on, and music moves on. We move on.

SOME ODDS AND ENDS

Have I got your attention with this picture---that is Ray Jessel. More about him in a moment.

Some news about some additions to the blog that you may have overlooked. There are some new links up on the right that will lead you to some wonderful artists. One link in particular--Rik Palieri--will really amaze you when you visit it. Give it a shot .

The videos are always being updated to let you see some current material and what shall we call the rest---say, "some blasts from the past". All three pages have videos that are representative of what that is about. Jewish material is usually on THE PLAYLISTS page, PROGRAM NOTES has most of the folk material, and THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER has the sometimes topical material. The new one on THE PLAYLISTS page is a real "blast from the past" by an artist played much on Sunday Simcha.


Now--RAY JESSEL. This past Saturday I attended a wonderful concert ---ONE MEATBALL --THE CONCERT put together by my favorite Cheerleader and Baton Twirler--

The concert was held at the beautiful Ciccone Theater on the grounds of Bergen Community College and was to be a stage version--sort of--of the album One Meatball. Featuring Christine, The Accidentals---that truly brilliant accapella group--, and my dear dear acquaintance---dare I say friend---Julie Gold. Prior to the concert I was introduced to that charming fellow pictured at the top. He was the surprise that Christine--who seems to know most people in the near universe---got to join the program as a surprise guest. The surprise guest brought down the house with his comedy songs. A former writer for variety programs such as The Smothers Bros. and more. He now is a cabaret and concert performer in the mode of Tom Lehrer, Anna Russell, Flanders and Swan, and that brilliant ilk. For the month of November he will be appearing in NYC at Don't Tell Mama. Truly a performer not to be missed.

He will, if we can work out the schedule, be my guest on TABLETALK in December. Then he returns to his roost in L A to regale those lucky laugh seekers in that happy home of the weather report that runs from Sunny Today to Sunny Today (with a breather for the forest fires---but that is a whole other topic of building homes in those areas and why do they do it).

Finally, the tale of the article in the New York Times--that eminent Gray Lady must be told.

On November 4th an article by Peter Applebome appeared commenting on the return of Don Imus. Best you read the article for yourselves.

Suffice it to say he thought it the best thing to come back to radio--AM (amplitude modulation---not mornings---though---who knows) and cited the only other thing worthwhile in this world of radio today to be (whisper this now) wfuv for its sterling presentation of music. WNYC was put in the position of being ---my words---"esoteric". WFDU---well---therein is the rub. In all honesty this station presents what can be, truly, called an eclectic and free-form mix that is missing on radio. SO---below you will see what I have sent to Mr. Applebome. To his credit he replied to my e mail and will be doing --at some time---a piece on what is, hopefully, the station you "love".

For a tower as high as the historic Armstrong tower, from which WFDU transmits, WFDU truly stays under the NY Times radar.

Whether I agree with your endorsement of Don Imus or not I have to say that there is a lot more quality radio out there than the --basically--two things you mentioned. You talked of Imus and WFUV. You seemed to negate the WNYC offerings.

Apparently you have never heard the eclectic free form radio you find on WFDU. All brought to you by experts in whatever genre they are presenting. It is a great variety.

I would be happy to sit down for an interview or have you publish this note in the paper of record since it does not see fit to even list our radio listings.

It might be noted that besides the mix of Country, Bluegrass, Folk, Blues, Jazz, and Pop the writers and artists that have been here for interviews have been myriad. Personally, I have had authors from Michael Oren (who writes for your Op Ed page) to Elizabeth Swados and Christine Lavin to Daniel Silva and Larry Hochman (Spamalot).

Thank you.

Bill Hahn

Producer/HostTraditions & Tabletalk & Sunday Simcha

WFDU 89.1 FM

Teaneck, NJ

A Look Back Showing the Way Forward

While the video you will see on the right has been on THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER for a time now I have moved it here since more people will view it.

As was announced in an earlier commentary the TABLETALK program on November 18 (Airtime 8 AM Eastern--and on the web http://www.wfdu.fm/ ) my guests will be the Siegels and they will be talking about their book "RADIO AND THE JEWS". Among the many things we will be talking about will be about the person pictured here. Gertrude Berg. Creator and star of the 2d longest running radio program of all time. Amos and Andy were #1.

On the right is a wonderful video that I hope you will view. You will have 12 minutes of historical radio and television significance. You will find that the besides presenting a wonderful portrait of a Jewish family on radio over the years. Something unknown over the country. The television version was truly the origination of "sit-coms". All done live.

You will also find out, in this video, about the supporting cast with special attention paid to Philip Loeb, the co-star who was later blacklisted but who was in the front of the Actors Union getting paid for rehearsal time and other things that were never paid for before him.

Rather than telling you more---watch the video. Those too young to know of the "Golden Age" of radio will be impressed and those of the right age will have a wonderful trip back to that time. The time when Edward R Murrow was the prime source of news and later--as you will see here (much against his will) --host of a TV program that visits the homes of stars. Gertrude Berg in her 5th Avenue apartment being one.

Having seen the video I think you will appreciate the chat I have with the Siegels about radio in their most readable and fascinating book. The book comes with a CD that has clips from many programs and also of the anti-Semitic tirades of Father Coughlin. It also has a wonderful piece by Edward R Murrow that listeners to SUNDAY SIMCHA (Sundays 10-11 AM Eastern--and on the web-- http://www.wfdu.fm/ ) will be hearing on Holocaust Remembrance Day in 2008.

While this page usually is for items about my 3 programs---TRADITIONS / SUNDAY SIMCHA / TABLETALK it also is about giving you some updates about upcoming events and memorable moments; if you will.

Upcoming events:

Modern Man will be at Bodles Opera House on 11/10. Chester NY and at Temple Emanuel in New Hyde Park on 11/17. On 12/16 the will be at the Orangeburg Library (Orangeburg NY tel:845 359-2244) for a FREE concert but seating is limited. Call the number to reserve a seat. If you were born with a seat of your own---park it wherever you like.

DAVID MALLETT / JOE JENCKS at HURDY GURDY FOLK MUSIC CLUB on 11/3

CHRISTINE LAVIN / JULIE GOLD at BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The memorable moments that this time of year of long and colder nights brings along are reminiscences of some of the wonderful people that have been part of doing the various programs---so--- a little history. This time only one brief story more to come if they are welcome. TABLETALK and how it came about.

Elizabeth Swados was going to appear at the BOTTOM LINE (now, sadly, defunct) and I asked the owner if there was a way I might get to interview this wonderful writer and performer. Her musicals range from the one at left (Runaways) to Dispatches, Haggadah, and more. He arranged for us to meet at her most eclectic abode.

A digression here. RUNAWAYS was the only of her musicals ever recorded for distribution on LP or CD. As she told me that it was truly a shame because, in my opinion, they were all gems we do not see much of anymore.

Now the problem---where to air this interview. WFDU, being the eclectic and all encompassing station that it is the Program Director allowed me a "one-shot" on Radio Omnibus when there was an open slot. It was well received and so TABLETALK was born and the guests over the years have been a veritable roll call of great artists, writers, and---as I say---="...people of interest". Authors of books ranging from the Israeli 1967 War, Katherine Hepburn to a producer of a film about a true spy story and the musical director of Spamalot (0n how one creates for a Bway musical). That is only the tip of the ice-berg---and not the one that sunk the Titanic--the one that holds the treasure of the talent that has graced TABLETALK.

So for that one does have to thank WFDU and its management for the open mind that allows for creativity. Which, finally, brings us to the other video on this site. Check on the right and enjoy what you ---the listeners--have wrought and what Gertrude Berg was all about

Halloween Referrals for Some Frights

Brother Theodore (left)(more about him below in TABLETALK)

It is Trick or Treat time once again. So a referral for a frightening trick--

THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER or you can click on the right side to get to the same spot. No treat there---just a scary trick.

Program Notes to mention briefly here now:

TABLETALK: A reminder that November 11 you can hear the quarterly installment of The Capitol Steps and the following week join David and Susan Siegel as they walk with me about their book---pictured below---Radio and The Jews. We will also touch on some of the great old radio programs of years past---Life Can Be Beautiful, The Goldbergs, Rudy Vallee, and much more.

TABLETALK airs at 8 AM on Sundays. Get your coffee and wake up to some interesting talk.

TO MY GREAT CHAGRIN--that is the name of the a documentary that will shortly be presented at MOMA at the Fortnight of Documentaries. TO MY GREAT CHAGRIN is a film about the late and great THEODORE. The film maker will be my guest in December---or at the latest in January. Stay tuned for this because the subject of this film is about a lost treasure that I had the delight of meeting and chatting with on TRADITIONS some 8 years ago---at age 92. He passed away shortly thereafter. I don't blame myself---though I do know how to clear a room.

TRADITIONS: On November 18 I will be joined by SPOOK HANDY for some live music and also to talk about and listen work from his newest CD--"Watcha Gonna Do?". I guess the thing to do is to listen to it and the add it to your collection. Meaningful Music from a Meaningful Musician.

SUNDAY SIMCHA: The program now has a following on the web in Israel and material has been received from the land that made the desert bloom which we shall be presenting in the next few weeks--starting November 18.

The Continuing Sock Shortage

Those of you who have been listening to TRADITIONS know about the sock shortage. Lately I have had my socks knocked off by much of the material that has arrived to present to you. This week there were two that I want to tell you about now---it was my last pair of socks so I was in the studio barefoot.

We start with EMMA'S REVOLUTION . The group consists of Pat Humphries (left) and Sandy O (right).

Those of you who have heard me on the program over the years know that I refer to Pat as my favorite and best anthem writer to visit this planet in many a moon. Now she is multiplied by two. The latest CD moves them onto even richer and more nuanced material presented with some great feeling for a studio recording. While it is not a "live" concert recording you get the feeling of that on many of the tracks---"Choir" comes to mind. Their take on "If I Had A Hammer" shows you can that wonderful anthem by Pete Seeger/Lee Hays and put it into a whole new feeling---a Southwestern or South of the Border feeling. Unlike the Peter Paul and Mary version or, even, The Weavers now we have a melody with instrumentation that includes accordion (no bad jokes now!) and Latin instrumentation.

Suffice it to say that this is a recording you can listen to many a time and get a great feeling for the music and the messages it sends to you.

Since EMMA'S REVOLUTION is more than just about recordings one should visit their web-site to find out where they can be seen live and what you might learn from their appearances. In addition for you clothes conscious people--as I am---check this out:

On their web-site you can get this tee-shirt (or sweatshirts) inscribed thus---designed by these talents.

I look forward to sporting one of these myself.

Would that this world had more talents that made music that was singable, listenable and also have meaning and substance. EMMA'S REVOLUTION has that.

The socks are still off since there were two to the pair. The other one was blown off by SPOOK HANDY :

The latest effort by this meaningful and talented artist's "Whatcha Gonna Do?" So--watcha gonna do. Hopefully listen to this work and say you have to add it to your collection.

It may well be that all roads lead to Pete Seeger since so many artists have been influenced by him and credit him with those influences. Yet, they all have beaten their own path and their work stands on its own. Spook is no exception.

The title of the recording is quite apt. My take on it, given all the subject matter, it really fits. Watcha Gonna Do. Watcha Gonna Do with the world we live in which each of this tracks presents in a unique and interesting way.

The booklet that comes with the CD explains the thought behind each song. That always seems like a wonderful insight into the artist's thought process. An example---September 11 (which Rudy Giuliani is mayor of) and the invasion of Iraq prompted Spook Handy to to an interpretation of John Prine's "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore"---thinking, of course, of the ribbons and bumper stickers. "Mom and Pop's Small Townne Corner Hardware Store" is a gem in bringing, musically, to us the sad homogenization of our society.

Since, it seems all roads lead to Pete Seeger "Waist Deep In The Big Muddy" is interpreted by Spook on this CD. A Holly Near composition that has been done by her, The Klezmatics, and now Spook is included along with so many other tracks---12 in all--one cannot single out a best one. They are all good and make such valid musical points.