American Songcatcher

Latest Episodes:

BONUS: Sitting In // Matthew Sabatella & "We Shall Not Be Moved" Jun 16, 2021

Show notes

Today, I'm delighted to share the first "Sitting In" mini-series episode with you, where I've handed the podcast reins over to a music preservationist and performer. First up, is a story of the African American spiritual turned protest song called "We Shall Not Be Moved", written and spoken by Matthew Sabatella.

Matthew's mission is to "connect people with music that is woven into the fabric of the United States". He's a singer, writer, multi-instrumentalist and award-winning old-time banjo player, music historian, leader of the Rambling String Band, and serves on the board of directors for Southeast regional chapter of Folk Alliance International. He's also the founder of Ballad of America, an educational non-profit that not only provides and develops vital resources for preserving all of the songs and genres that have shaped America, but also travels to colleges and universities to give educational lectures and presentations to spread awareness of this important history directly down the generational ladder.

I can't wait to share all the "Sitting In" episodes with you over the next several weeks, they're all very different, entertaining and educational. Matt's also got a great radio voice, so enjoy!

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Links:

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Talkin' Blues // Fruition's Jay Cobb Anderson Jun 05, 2021

Show notes

Today I have the pleasure of sharing a conversation I had with multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Jay Cobb Anderson, co-founder of the group Fruition, who has been making big waves in the major festival circuit during the last decade with blends of traditional sounds, contemporary folk and bluegrass, and most recently the roots of rock and roll.

We talked about Jay's busking journey, how he reached the other members of Fruition, how they developed their sound, about Bob Dylan and the wake he left for so many to dive into old music, how traditional music fits into his life today and the music he creates, some interesting stories and a few artists that I hadn't heard of.

Follow on Instagram:

@JayCobbAnderson

@fruitionpdx

@tkandtheholyknownothings

Jay's Musical Projects:

Fruition - https://www.fruitionband.com/home

TK and the Holy Know-Nothings - https://www.tkandtheholyknownothings.com/

Jay Cobb Anderson - https://www.jaycobbanderson.com/

Talkin' Blues // Sierra Hull May 29, 2021

Show notes

Today, I'm delighted to share a talk I had with mandolin prodigy and Grammy nominated multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Sierra Hull. Accomplishing more in her first 28 years of life than most could over a few lifetimes, Sierra made her Grand Ole Opry debut at the age of 10, played Carnegie Hall at age 12, then landed a deal with Rounder Records at 13. Sierra was mentored by Alison Krauss and Chris Thile, she's collaborated with all the big hitters in bluegrass from Ricky Skaggs, to Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglass and Sturgill Simpson. Despite all those big names I threw out there, as you'll hear Sierra could not be more humble.

In early 2020, she released her fourth critically acclaimed record "25 Trips", an inventive piece of work revealing her profound warmth as a storyteller, building off Sierra's bluegrass roots and venturing into entirely new terrain.

We talked about her childhood, small town living, the broad palette of music and bottomless well of traditional music, we geeked out on Tony Rice and Doc Watson, and Sierra shared r a few in depth wild stories that led her down the path she's on.

More on Sierra Hull:

Official - https://www.sierrahull.com/

Sierra and Husband Justin Moses "Little Liza Jane" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Eg2TotshKs

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https://www.Patreon.com/AmericanSongcatcher

Talkin' Blues // Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers May 22, 2021

Show notes

Today, I have the pleasure of sharing a conversation I had with Oliver Wood. Since 2004, Oliver has been the frontman of The Wood Brothers, blurring the boundaries between folk, gospel, country-soul, and blues, earning an international audience and a Grammy Award-nomination along the way. Alongside his brother Chris Wood, of Medeski Martin and Wood, as well as percussionist Jano Rix, The Wood Brothers have embodied the future of roots music, while at the same time turning it on its head.

Released yesterday, Oliver's debut solo album, Always Smilin' reimagines his sharp songwriting, savvy guitar chops, and one-of-a-kind voice in a new light. He didn't do it alone, as Jano Rix, Susan Tedeschi, Hiss Golden Messenger's Phil Cook, John Medeski, and several others also make appearances. Embracing the full range of his musical heritage, Always Smilin' builds upon the blues and gospel sounds Oliver explored long before The Wood Brothers' formed, and galvanizes the roots music he's been making during the past two decades.

We talked about his long history before starting The Wood Brothers with Chris, their shared wealth of music education from their musical father, how traditional music has informed The Wood Brothers and his solo project, geek out on some unknown roots musicians and much more. Enjoy!

Listen to Oliver's new solo record Always Smilin' - https://oliverwoodmusic.bandcamp.com/album/always-smilin

Official Website - https://www.oliverwoodmusic.com

The Wood Brothers - https://www.thewoodbros.com

This interview was made possible by the community on Patreon. For as little as $3 a month, you can directly support the team behind American Songcatcher make this program all it can be.

Visit the Patreon site today and support if you have the means - https://www.Patreon.com/AmericanSongcatcher

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Talkin' Blues // David Holt May 13, 2021

Show notes

When I first set out with this podcast there were a few people in particular that I wanted to talk to, and today's guest is at the top of that list.

David Holt is a four-time Grammy winner, multi-instrumentalist, and for 14 years performed as a duo on banjo with the legendary Doc Watson. He's spent his life learning, performing and telling stories of traditional American music as the host of numerous radio and television shows including: Riverwalk Jazz, Folkways, Great Scenic Railway Journeys, Fire on the Mountain, and today, David Holt's State of Music. The PBS TV series features modern masters of American roots music who share their stories, talk music history, and collaborate with David on a few tunes. He's hosted the likes of Taj Mahal, Jerry Douglas, Keb Mo, Rhiannon Giddens, Steep Canyon Rangers, Dom Flemons, and Blind Boy Paxton.

We talked about his long history, how he got into storytelling and hosting, his mentors, the time he spent with Doc Watson and a few stories, how traditional music fits in today's culture, and what he's doing today with State of Music. There are some moments when David is showing me photographs while he talks, so if you'd like to see the video, it's available through Patreon.com/AmericanSongcatcher.

Links:

Legacy Album with Doc Watson

Official Website

PBS: David Holt's State of Music

Follow State of Music on Instagram

S1:E10 // She Warbles When She Flies (SEASON FINALE) Apr 24, 2021

Show notes

Season 1, Episode 10 // She Warbles When She Flies (SEASON FINALE)

Featured in this Episode: Traditional - "The Cuckoo" (:27)

Willie Nelson - "Lucky Old Sun'" (13:30)

Jerry Garcia - "Walkin' Boss" (31:40)

Blaze Foley - "Oval Room" (52:50)

Jontavious Willis - "Pistol Slappin' Blues" (1:12:38)

Teaser:

This traditional tune is based off of England's oldest known documented song, dating back to the 13th century, centered around a bird who calls in spring. He's one of America's most well known musicians, responsible for completely changing the face of country music, though originally, he didn't fit in because of his odd vocal phrasing. Most know him as the laid back lead guitarist of one of the most prolific jam bands, gone too soon, but he brought more traditional songs to the fold than most folk singers. The duct tape messiah, a living obscurity from the Austin singer-songwriter scene of the 70's and 80's, and one of the greatest poets to be hardly known. There aren't many young African Americans taking up pre-war blues and the original stylings of the acoustic guitar, but this infectious young man takes people back in time.

⁠

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Support Independent Programming:

Join the Patreon - https://www.Patreon.com/AmericanSongcatcher

"Shine A Light":

Club Passim - https://www.passim.org/

Source Credits:

#1: OldWeirdAmerica | Anthology of American Folk Music | MamaLisa.com | Mainly Norfolk | Duke.edu

#2: Willie nelson Museum | Biography | The Famous People | The Guardian | PBS

#3: Blacklisted Journal Levity.com | Aforum.com | Variety | Rolling Stone | Living Room Candidate

#4: Rolling Stone | Official Blaze Foley Site | Wide Open Country |

Blaze Foley Movie

#5: Official Website | The Kurland Agency | Handy Blues | The Country Blues

Talkin' Blues // Dom Flemons Feb 26, 2021

Show notes

Today on the program, I'm delighted to share a conversation I had with the Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist and preservationist Dom Flemons. Branded The American Songster from his diverse catalogue of tunes, Dom's not just a songwriter, he's a multi-instrumentalist, producer, actor, music scholar, historian, and record collector who is proficient on banjo, guitar, harmonica, jug, percussion, quills, fife and rhythm bones.⁠

We talked about his early life, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, music preservation and the journey to becoming a historian and musicologist. He also played a few tunes and shared some stories about a few essential folk and blues artists, and the current folk and blues revival.⁠

Dom's Links:

Official Website - https://www.theamericansongster.com

Instagram @DomFlemons - https://www.instagram.com/domflemons

Join the AS Patreon Community - https://www.Patreon.com/AmericanSongcatcher

S1:E6 // I'll Die With That Hammer In My Hand Dec 02, 2020

Show notes

Season 1, Episode 6 // I'll Die With That Hammer In My Hand

Featured in this Episode:

Traditional - "The Ballad of John Henry" (:25)

The Mississippi Sheiks - "Sittin On Top of the World" (11:09)

Pete Seeger - "If I Had a Hammer" (22:05)

Hank Williams - "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" (44:32)

Tyler Childers - "Rocks, Salt and Nails" (1:05:35)

Teaser:

Was the greatest African American folklore hero based on a true story? The most popular old time and blues string band in the 30's that all started with one insanely talented family. One of the hardest working advocates and activists who spent many years carrying old songs forward and getting audiences to sing together, banned from performing by the US government. The King of Country music, who lived perhaps one of the most paradoxically tragic and successful lives ever documented in American music. A Kentucky native born in the home of bluegrass revives and redefines country music today and reclaims its soul.

Follow:

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Support Independent Programming:

Join the Patreon community, or send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal

"Shine A Light":

History of Country Music

Source Credits:

#1: ABAA | National Park Service | LOC | Ibiblio

#2: Document Record Store | Old Time Party | Delta Blues Gospel

#3: Michael Hayes | Histclo | Folkways | LOC | ThoughtCo

#4: Hank Williams Story | Tennessean | Hankmuseum | Grunge

#5: (Written by Glen C Herbert) + Rolling Stone | Chicago Tribune | Official Website

S1:E5 // I'm Just Going Over Home Nov 02, 2020

Show notes

Season 1, Episode 5 // I'm Just Going Over Home

Featured in this Episode:

Traditional - "Wayfaring Stranger" (:30)

Burl Ives - "Streets of Laredo" (11:45)

Sister Rosetta Tharpe - "Up Above My Head" (28:50)

John Prine - "In Spite of Ourselves" (44:27)

Charley Crockett- "That's How I Got To Memphis" (1:06:40)

Teaser:

Did it come from a hymn? An old ballad? Was it born in Scotland, or America? Navigate these questions with me for one of the most enduring and well known traditional songs in Bluegrass, Folk, and Old Country music. Entrenched in the old ballads passed on to him before the age seven, a man becomes one of the most beloved preservationist folk singers. A queer evangelist and powerhouse vocalist and guitarist is named the "Godmother of Rock and Roll" influencing Chuck Berry, Elvis, and Eric Clapton. A Chicago mailman finds himself at the right place at the right time to share his timeless and instantly relatable songs, staying out of the mainstream, yet dubbed an American icon. From Texas, by way of New Orleans, a young man defines hard, transient living and grows into one of the finest true country musicians performing today.⁠

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Join the Patreon community, or send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal

Follow:

Instagram | Facebook

"Shine A Light":

Western AF

Source Credits:

#1: Jopie Bopie Blog | Manhattan Beach Music | Library of Congress

#2: Cultural Equity | Independent | Info Please | Cowboy's Lament

#3: NPR | Richmond Mag | Girlboss | Story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe

#4: Billboard.com | Rolling Stone | JP Shrine.org | NY Times | Blue Railroad

#5: Long Reads | Rolling Stone | The Guardian | Chron.com | The Boot

S1:E4 // Hang Your Head and Cry Oct 05, 2020

Show notes

Season 1, Episode 4 // Hang Your Head and Cry

Featured in this Episode: Traditional - "Tom Dooley" (:27)

Blind Blake - "Diddie Wa Diddie" (12:23)

Woody Guthrie - "Ramblin Around" (23:46)

Doc Watson - "Blue Railroad Train" (49:00)

Justin Townes Earle - "Lone Pine Hill" (1:08:23)

Teaser:

A North Carolina murder ballad turned folk tale withstands the tests of time, the true story is still up for debate today. The most distinct blind guitar player to take sounds from ragtime piano and transfer it to guitar, though his life was a short mystery. A folk singer from Oklahoma becomes the voice of social justice, poverty and failed politics for generations after him. A flat picking blind Appalachian turns the guitar from a background rhythm instrument into a lead in bluegrass, country and folk music during the 60's, and becomes a pioneer of country blues. Born in the shadow of his father, a young man rises into Americana stardom on his own from a lyrical conviction that many songwriters never acquire, another gone too soon.

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"Shine A Light": David Holt's State of Music on PBS

Source Credits:

#1: True West Magazine | NPR | Kronsell.net - Legend and Facts

#2: Oldies | All About Blues | Slim Pickens & Dr. Baz

#3: WoodyGuthrie.org | The New Yorker | Texas Observer

#4: Docs Guitar | NC History | NY Times

#5: Westword | First Avenue | Rolling Stone | GQ