Category Archives: ballads

John Roberts & Tony Barrand – Dark Ships in the Forest: Ballads of the Supernatural

Posted on December 16, 2009 by grapewrath

As we approach the darkest time of the year, the sun goes to sleep and with it the sharp definition that it bestows upon the world. In the long, dark nights, more is possible because less is certain. Out of … Continue reading →

Posted in ballads, Folk, fruits | 7 Comments

The Philadelphia Folk Festival 1972 & 1977

Posted on October 9, 2009 by grapewrath

Following on the heels of Michael Cooney, here’s a festival he’s been very involved with throughout its 40-year history. It’s one of the top folk festivals in the country, or at least it seems so based on the talent they … Continue reading →

Posted in ballads, banjo, bluegrass, celtic, flying fish, Folk, folk blues, fruits, Guitar, live, old-time | 8 Comments

Sounds of the South, recorded by Alan Lomax

Posted on October 4, 2009 by grapewrath

Well I seem to be on a roll of 4-cd box sets featuring expired musicians from the roots of the great tree of American music. I see no reason to reverse that trend now… and in fact this is one … Continue reading →

Posted in alan lomax collection, ballads, Blues, Field Recording, Folk, old-time, Roots, spirituals | 6 Comments

Texas Gladden – Ballad Legacy

Posted on March 13, 2009 by grapewrath

“I don’t think that a person who sang operetta should toy with these mountain songs” – Texas Gladden Like most musics, I suppose, the more you listen to folk music the more you develop a taste for it. But part … Continue reading →

Posted in ballads, old-time, Roots, vocal | 7 Comments