This month's Pastures of Plenty reminds us of the varied and assorted sources of what makes up what we call Folk music. Blues, Bluegrass, Country, Alternative and all the shades in between merge from one into the other.
This week's show (June 28, 2023) includes some tasty picking from the likes of Stefan Grossman, Doc Watson and the Dillards; timeless songwriting with covers by Neil Young and Jackson Browne; and hauntingly beautiful vocals from Eva Cassidy, Gregg Allman and Watchhouse.
In addition, we feature a track from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's new album, "Dirt Does Dylan". It's their latest offering in a career that has spanned more than 55 years. The tune offered here is "The Times They Are A-Changing" and features guest vocals from Steve Earle, Rosanne Cash, Jason Isbell and The War & Treaty. Hearing this protest song, written over 60 years ago, caused me to ponder the remarkable relevance these lyrics portend for our current political dilemma. Namely, that sitting on our butts is liable to allow us to end up with bad actors who will do anything to steal our freedom. With that cue, I rounded up three or four more songs which spell out the price of antipathy, and the symptoms to watch out for. They include Stephen Stills chilling "For What It's Worth" with the Buffalo Springfield, "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore" from John Prine's 1971 debut album, "Subterranean Homesick Blues" from Bob Dylan's 1965 album "Bringing It All Back Home", and finally, Steve Miller with the title track from his 1972 album "Recall the Beginning...A Journey from Eden", with the admonition "To the leaders, who are timeless, as they flaunt their war-like ways. Flying endlessly over the wasteland, seeking praise - seeking praise." If it sounds ominous, I submit to you that it is.
So tune in and check it out. (Wednesday, June 28th 5:30 am to 7:00 am on KBOO.FM and on the FM dial at 90.7). The show will be available to stream on the KBOO website after airing.
Thanks for checking us out and for listening to your community radio station. Steven
There's folk music every Monday through Friday morning from 5:30 till 7:00 on KBOO 90.7, followed by news Democracy Now. There's also folk music on KBOO Fridays from noon to 1:30 Movin' On.
Track Title Artist
1 A Salty Dog Rag Stefan Grossman
2 Streamline Cannonball Doc Watson
3 The Whole World 'Round The Dillards
4 Everything Is Alright Dirk Powell
5 Higher Ground The Waifs
6 Better Way Watchhouse
7 Cocoon Wes Collins
8 Heaven Milk Carton Kids
9 Songbird Eva Cassidy
10 Old Man The Wailin' Jennys
11 After the Goldrush Prelude
12 Tell Me Why Matthews Southern Comfort
13 Love Is A Rose Linda Ronstadt
14 Gypsy Moth Hoyt Axton
15 Jamaica Say You Will [live] Tom Rush
16 These Days Gregg Allman
17 Reason To Believe Tim Hardin
18 Hearts Overflowing Jonathan Edwards
19 Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms Doc Watson
20 Old Man At the Mill The Dillards
21 The Times They Are A-Changing Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Steve Earle, Rosanne Cash, Jason Isbell
22 For What It's Worth Buffalo Springfield
23 Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore John Prine
24 Subterranean Homesick Blues Bob Dylan
25 Journey From Eden Steve Miller Band
26 One Voice The Wailin' Jennys
27 Thinkin' Steve Forbert
28 Think Too Much Paul Simon
29 Spoonful Stefan Grossman
- KBOO