http://notlobmusic.blogspot.com reports and reflects on news that affects the traditional / revival / labor / social justice folk, old-time, bluegrass and Celtic music communities in the greater Boston area.
"In this era of pop-driven acoustic music, notloB is keeping the folk tradition alive."
~ Jack Hardy
What is it they say about the family that plays together?
Well, even if they don't all live under the same roof, this family makes terrific music and has a rip-roarin' good time while they're at it. The Jay Ungar & Molly Mason Family Band features Jay, Molly, Jay's daughter Ruth Ungar, and her husband Mike Merenda. And Mike & Ruthy's two children Will, born January 2008, and Opal born June 2012 also join them on the road, though rarely onstage.
With exceptional musicianship and a vast knowledge of numerous musical styles, Jay & Molly are one of the most celebrated duos in American acoustic music. They achieved international acclaim in 1990 when their performance of Jay's composition Ashokan Farewell became the musical hallmark of Ken Burns' The Civil War on PBS.
You may know Mike & Ruthy from The Mammals. Ruthy cut her teeth on traditional music, and grew up to be a top-flight performer. She brings fiddle, ukulele, guitar and deeply moving vocal performances to the Family Band. Mike Merenda favored rock and ska before being drawn into the world of acoustic music and brings those sensibilities to his playing on old-time banjo, guitar, percussion and his own compelling vocals.
Four terrific musicians. Put them together and the sum really is greater than its parts. Double fiddles, sweet vocal harmonies and rhythmic energy abound as two generations collaborate to entertain you with music from the heart and soul of America.
notloB Folk Concerts shared Jay Ungar and Molly Mason's photo.
notloB Parlour Concerts presents Darol Anger and Emy Phelps w/ special guest Sharon Gilchrist, March 2, 2012
and
Anger, Phelps and Gilchrist Up Close, September 5, 2012.
A Thanksgiving Post that Ain't No Turkey
“Cherokee Shuffle” is one of the most popular fiddle tunes in bluegrass. This week at www.secondcousincurly.com we try to untangle its interesting musical lineage with help of a tasty rendition of the tune by Darol Anger, Sharon Gilchrist and Emy Phelps from their concert last spring at the Loring-Greeenough House. Coming on the cusp of Thanksgiving, you can view this post as
a) a maladroit tribute to the central role of Native Americans in the founding of the nation;
b) a pathetic attempt to populate folksy listservs and online forums with 50 centime words like “maladroit;”
c) an inspiration to play this and other old favorites as you gather with friends and family;
d) a brief respite from all the cooking and socializing;
e) all of the above.Happy Thanksgiving!Yer Pal-- Curly
