Ozark Highlands Radio

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OHR Presents: Taj Mahal Mar 23, 2019

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This week, world renowned three-time Grammy winning singer, songwriter, film composer, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, founding member of the band “Rising Sons,” and Blues legend Taj Mahal recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Henry St. Claire Fredericks Jr, better known as “Taj Mahal,” is an American blues musician, a singer-songwriter and film composer who plays the guitar, piano, banjo, harmonica, and many other instruments. Taj incorporates elements of world music into his works and has done much to reshape the definition and scope of blues music by fusing it with nontraditional forms including sounds from the Caribbean, Africa, and the South Pacific. Accompanied here by bassist Bill Rich and drummer Kester Smith, Taj Mahal takes us on a musical journey like no other. Raised between two very different musical traditions, the American gospel of his mother and the Caribbean jazz influences of his father, Taj takes his music into unique and interesting territory. This journey has taken him around the world with a career spanning over five decades. In addition to being one of America’s greatest cultural treasures, Taj Mahal has garnered three Grammy Awards, a Blues Music Award, an honorary doctorate, and the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. “What inspires me most about my career is that I’ve been able to make a living playing the music that I always loved and wanted to play since the early 50s,” Mahal says. “And the fact that I still am involved in enjoying an exciting career at this point in time is truly priceless. I’m doing this the old fashioned way and it ain’t easy. I work it and I earn it. My relationship with my audience has been fun, with great respect going both ways! I am extremely lucky to have fans who have listened to the music I choose to play and have stayed with me for 50 years. These fans have also introduced their children, grandchildren and in some cases great-grand children to this fabulous treasure of music that I am privileged to represent. It’s very exciting, to say the least. “Like ancient culture,” he adds, “the people are as much a part of the performance as the music. Live communication through music, oh yeah, it’s right up there with oxygen!” - http://www.tajblues.com In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1976 archival recording of another three time Grammy winner and Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, country folk icon John Prine performing his classic song “Paradise” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

OHR Presents: Dane Joneshill Mar 17, 2019

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OHR Presents: The Western Flyers Mar 10, 2019

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Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s historic 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, Texas based 2017 Ameripolitan 'Western Swing Group of the Year’ The Western Flyers recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with this talented Texas trio. The Texas trio The Western Flyers consists of Joey McKenzie on guitar and vocals, Katie Glassman on fiddle and vocals, and Gavin Kelso on upright bass and vocals. Both Joey and Katie being world class fiddlers along with Gavin’s mastery of swing & jazz bass, you won’t find better Western Swing music anywhere this side of the Pecos. “The Western Flyers are one of the most exciting new bands to glide onto the music scene in years. Their music is a distinctive cross section of the Great American Songbook: authentic Western swing, hot jazz and swing standards, cowboy songs, and electrifying old-time fiddle tunes. Internationally renowned guitar master Joey McKenzie drives the train with his powerful rhythm, while reigning National Swing Fiddle champion Katie Glassman and world-class upright bassist Gavin Kelso add fuel to the fire. A blending of tradition and innovation, The Western Flyers are a singular musical experience; a fresh take on a venerable American art form performed by three Western swing virtuosos.” - https://www.facebook.com/twflyers/ In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1976 archival recording of Ozark originals Bob Hayes & Bud Bell performing the traditional tune “I’ll Fly Away,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley speaks with author and herbalist Tina Marie Wilcox on the question “What’s Worth Keeping” from our past in the rapidly evolving culture of our present.

OHR Presents: Hannah Shira Naiman Mar 03, 2019

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Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s historic 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, Toronto singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and CFMA “Traditional Singer of the Year” Hannah Shira Naiman recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with this captivating Canadian. Performing with Hannah on this show is her father, famed Canadian banjoist Arnie Naiman. “Named ‘Traditional Singer of the Year' (2017) by the CFMAs, Hannah Shira Naiman’s banjo-grounded songs dance the listener into the Appalachian mountains and eras back in time, drawing on her roots in Toronto’s ‘old time’ folk music community to share powerful tales of hope and loss. “With a sound that’s been described as a cross between Gillian Welch and Sarah Harmer, Naiman crafts original songs that ring with influences of Ola Belle Reed, The Carter Family, American oldtime, and traditional English ballads. “Naiman grew up around folk music as her celebrated banjo-playing father, Arnie Naiman, and award-winning children’s musician mother, Kathy Reid-Naiman, brought her to numerous folk camps and festivals every year. But it wasn’t until she left home that Hannah began to explore her father’s instrument in a new way. Collaborating with vocalist Emily Adam as part of folk duo The Blackest Crow sparked a more serious interest in making music.” - http://www.hannahshiranaiman.com/bio-press In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1981 archival recording of his mom and sister, Ramona & Alisa Jones performing the Buck White tune “Down Home Waltz,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley speaks with author Tom Dillard on the question “What’s Worth Keeping” from our past in the rapidly evolving culture of our present.

OHR Presents: JT Trawick Feb 23, 2019

Show notes

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s historic 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, Portland, Oregon based singer-songwriter, square dance enthusiast, and Ozark original JT Trawick of the famed folk music family the Trawicks, recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with JT. JT is joined in this performance by champion fiddler Alex Sharps and bassist & multi-instrumentalist Bill Nesbitt. Being of the legendary Trawick folk music family of the Ozarks, JT Trawick grew up immersed in traditional music. Specializing in guitar, vocals and mandolin, JT has performed and worked with some of the premier musicians of our generation. Two-time Grand North American Fiddle Champion - Calvin Vollrath, seven-time World Champion Fiddler - Jim "Texas Shorty" Chancellor, National Flatpick Champion - Tyler Grant, world famous mandolinist - Evan Marshall, Grand National Champion - Dale Morris Jr., three-time Grand Master Fiddle Champion - Matthew Hartz, Canadian Fiddle Queen - April Verch, and World Champion Fiddler - Ricky Boen are just a few of the artists Jonathan has worked with. While calling Portland, Oregon his home base, JT Trawick remains involved with Fiddlin Arkansas, the Arkansas fiddle community outreach he started in 2010. Today, the organization remains a lighthouse for all things Arkansas fiddle. Continuing in the footsteps of his musical heroes, JT delivers authentic American roots music, traditional and original western swing, bluegrass and classic country to the people everywhere he goes. - https://www.jttrawick.com In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1981 archival recording of legendary Ozark balladeer Almeda Riddle, performing the traditional tune “From Jerusalem to Jericho,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this rare recording, Almeda, who normally performs a cappella, is accompanied by guitarist Jim Lansford. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley speaks with members of a nomadic recreational vehicle community on the question “What’s Worth Keeping” from our past in the rapidly evolving culture of our present.

OHR Presents: Mandolin Orange Feb 16, 2019

Show notes

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s historic 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, a very special episode. Ozark Highlands Radio partners with Oxford American Magazine to bring Chapel Hill, North Carolina based contemporary folk and Americana superstars “Mandolin Orange,” recorded live at South on Main in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. Also, an interview with Oxford American Literary Project executive director Ryan Harris. Mandolin Orange are joined in this performance by Eli West on guitar & banjo, Josh Oliver on electric guitar, Clint Mulligan on Bass, and Joe Westerlund on drums. “The Oxford American is a nonprofit organization with a mission to explore the complexity and vitality of the American South through excellent writing, visual art, and events programming. Our quarterly print magazine was founded in 1992, and, in addition to winning four National Magazine Awards, has helped launch the writing careers of such noted authors as Jesmyn Ward and John Jeremiah Sullivan, while publishing beloved writers like Charles Portis, Nikky Finney, Peter Guralnick, and many others. “Our concert series at South on Main in Little Rock is an extension of the magazine, creating meaningful opportunities for the community to experience the most culturally significant artists in our region. “The OA has a longstanding history of curating great music. Our Winter 2018 issue is dedicated to the music of North Carolina. It is our twentieth installment of the series, which the Houston Chronicle calls "the single best music-related magazine of any given year." Each music issue comes with a sought-after CD, curated by the editors to showcase the region's hugely varied musical legacy.” More information about Oxford American programming, the magazine, and their mission can be found at https://www.oxfordamerican.org “Mandolin Orange is an Americana/folk duo based out of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.The group was formed in 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and consists of the group's songwriter Andrew Marlin (vocals, mandolin, guitar, banjo) and Emily Frantz (vocals, violin, guitar). Mandolin Orange has produced five albums of Marlin's original works of American roots music. In the last three years, the group has toured throughout the U.S and Europe, including appearances at Austin City Limits, South-by-Southwest, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Newport Folk Festival, Pickathon, and Merlefest. They signed to Yep Roc Records in 2013 and have produced four albums under their umbrella, This Side of Jordan, Such Jubilee, Blindfaller and Tides of a Teardrop.” Learn more about Mandolin Orange at - http://www.mandolinorange.com/#home-section In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark originals Pat & Bob Momich performing the traditional tune “Soldier’s Joy,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

OHR Presents: Lula Wiles Feb 10, 2019

Show notes

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s historic 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, Smithsonian Folkways artists and award winning Boston, Massachusetts progressive folk trio “Lula Wiles” recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these bright Boston bards. Lula Wiles is a Boston based progressive folk trio consisting of Isa Burke, Eleanor Buckland, and Mali Obomsawin. Their blending of instrumental virtuosity, intricate three part harmony singing, and visionary songwriting has quickly ushered them to the forefront of modern American contemporary folk music. With the recent release of their Smithsonian Folkways album “What Will We Do,” the trio now joins the ranks of America’s most important folk artists. “Long before they were in a band together, the members of Lula Wiles were singing folk songs and trading fiddle tunes at camp in Maine. ‘All of us were lucky to have access to the folk music community at a young age,’ Burke says. “The music traditions that we’re drawing on are social, community-building traditions.” On those warm summer nights, playing music was just plain fun. But the members of Lula Wiles carry those early lessons of community and the meaning of shared art with them to this day, as they seek to create music that questions cultural virtues, soothes aching wounds, and envisions a better world. “Lula Wiles came of age in Boston, in the practice rooms of Berklee College of Music and the city’s lively roots scene. In 2016, the band self-released Lula Wiles, a sensitive, twang-tinged collection of originals. Since then, they have toured internationally, winning fans at the Newport Folk Festival and the Philadelphia Folk Festival, and sharing stages with the likes of Aoife O’Donovan, the Wood Brothers, and Tim O’Brien. “Now, the release of What Will We Do on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings places the group squarely in line with some of its deepest influences, from the protest anthems of Woody Guthrie to the trailblazing songs of Elizabeth Cotten and Hazel Dickens. (Even the band’s name is a twist on an old Carter Family song.)” - http://www.lulawiles.com/bio/ In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1983 archival recording of Ozark original fiddler, Roger Fountain, performing the traditional tune “Saint Anne’s Reel,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley speaks with environmentalist and author Richard Mason on the question “What’s Worth Keeping” from our past in the rapidly evolving culture of our present.

OHR Presents: John McEuen & The String Wizards Feb 02, 2019

Show notes

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, world renowned Grammy award winning musician, producer, writer, filmmaker, and founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John McEuen with his String Wizards recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this prolific creator and performer. “John McEuen has been a ‘professional performer’ since 1962, working as a magician in Disneyland’s Magic Shop as a teenager. Music soon came along, which led to his long and varied career first solo, then as a founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1966. Over 10,000 concerts and 300 television shows throughout more than 3 million miles - with the band and as a solo performer - John has pursued his passion for performing and recording. John left NGDB at the end of their 50th year touring to focus on the demand for his solo performing and projects. Beyond performing, he concurrenty has a rich history of creating, producing and preserving original and traditional folk and acoustic music, and taking it to new audiences. “He brings his guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin along with favorite NGDB songs and the stories behind them to the stage in a manner that earned the honored Best in the West Award from the Folk Alliance Organization. “McEuen has made over 40 albums (7 solo) that have earned four platinum and five gold recognition awards, Grammy nominations, CMA and ACM awards, an Emmy nomination, IBMA record of the year award, and performed on another 25 albums as guest artist. He's also produced another 7 albums, and 14 film scores (two Emmy nominated shows) and more than 300 concerts throughout his career - the first in 1965 in Long Beach Calif., with Bob Dylan. “His production of Steve Martin - The Crow won the 2010 Best Bluegrass Album Grammy. Prior to that, The Music of the Wild West CD- produced by McEuen, was honored with the Western Heritage Award. A Grammy nomination for String Wizards II preceded the1994 Uncle Dave Macon Award for his excellence in preservation and performance of historic music. On Sirius/XM's The Bridge, John's popular Acoustic Traveller show is now in its 9th year. McEuen produced and directed the 2006 documentary film The Dillards - A Night In the Ozarks, which captures his early mentors at their best. “In April of 2018 John officially became an author, with his first book The Life I’ve Picked being published (On Chicago Review Press). A memoire, a telling of incredible stories from raising 6 kids in the music business and the ins and outs of being an iconic band member to being a single father to his current full and varied career, his book takes the reader on his unusual journey. “In September of 2017 John was inducted in to the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame. McEuen's countless jams include street performers to Phish, Earl Scruggs, Levon Helm… and even on Sesame Street with a herd of goats and a cow! Arguably, McEuen's most important legacy may be his initiating what Rolling Stone called ‘The most important record to come out of Nashville’ and what the 2004 ZAGAT survey called ‘the most important record in country music’ - Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” http://www.johnmceuen.com/biography.html In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1973 archival recording of his father, country music icon Grandpa Jones performing the classic song “Mountain Dew,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

OHR Presents: Bonnie Montgomery Jan 27, 2019

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OHR Presents: The Seldom Scene Jan 19, 2019

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