All times listed are Eastern Time
*denotes part of our Roots and Branches series
*American Routes – Recordmen: Collector, Producer, DJ
We’re hauling out the vinyl and giving it a spin this week on American Routes. First we’ll revisit our 2005 interview with the late Jerry Wexler, who produced many soul and R&B hits on Atlantic Records. Then we’ll go down into Maryland record connoisseur Joe Bussard’s basement to sample his wall to wall collection of rare blues and country 78s and massive sound system to play them. Also, a visit in Shreveport, Louisiana with record producer Stan Lewis to learn about his days producing pop, blues and R&B on the Jewel and Paula labels. Plus Bird Brain, the legendary Shreveport DJ who “broke” the records in the local black community…and nationally.
Banks of the Ohio (a rebroadcast)
n the third half hour, you’ll hear the Country Gentlemen, Bill Monroe, Mac Wiseman, Don Reno, Benny Martin and Carlton Haney at the second Fincastle Bluegrass Festival; a song from Carter Stanley’s last show (at Bean Blossom); and more cool stuff from 1966. Other highlights include Jethro Burns and Red Rector’s wry “’Cept Old Bill;” first recordings by Russell Moore, Scott Vestal, Wayne Benson, and the Lonesome River Band; and Aoife O’Donovan’s innovative remake of “Rank Stranger.” A production of the International Bluegrass Music Museum, hosted by Fred Bartenstein.
Bluegrass Breakdown – David Parmley & Continental Divide Live
We’ll be paying homage to one of Bluegrassland’s most revered institutions—David Parmley & Continental Divide will be ganging around the microphones helping to give their new gospel CD, “Church House Hymns,” its just due. We’ll also be giving new projects from Beth Stevens, Cadillac Sky, Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands, Tom Goleski and Terry Comer & the Best in Town their just due.
Bluegrass Review
On the Gem of Bluegrass, we spend some time reflecting on the career of the late Benny Martin, singer, songwriter, and one of the greatest fiddlers of his generation. Then we talk to Dirk Powell. He’s had a career as an Appalachian fiddler, but since he has married into the famed Cajun music, he’s started to play Cajun fiddle. He plays examples of both and talks about the differences between the two styles.
Bluegrass Signal Classic Bluegrass Collection, Part 2
Music from a new 3-CD box set, “Classic Bluegrass Collection” (Time-Life) that has an accurate title. 60 tracks encompassing nearly 60 years: most of the hits and a few of the misses. Part two of a twp-part Bluegrass Signal overview features second- and third-generation bluegrassers, mostly from the 1970s.
*The Dick Spottswood Show
Lester & Earl are highlighted this week, as are their stellar comic sidemen Uncle Josh and Cousin Jake. Molly and Polly both put the kettle on, Sonny Boy Wiliamson gives us his unique take on a genuine Child ballad, and the other Sonny Boy makes a cameo appearance too. Songs of childhood by Hank Thompson, Rose Maddox and Homer Brierhopper are followed by gospel harmonies by the Stanleys, Country Gentlemen and Hank Williams. Obsolete Music—it gets older every week!
*etown – LIVE at the DNC 2
Join us for Part II of this special Etown event, taped at the Temple Buell Theater in downtown Denver in conjunction with the Democratic National Convention. Nick & Helen Forster host this two-part celebratory revue featuring musical performances by David Crosby & Graham Nash, Ani DiFranco, James Taylor, Irma Thomas, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, and the Etones. Part II features performances from Ani DiFranco, James Taylor, more from David Crosby & Graham Nash, and Etown’s one of a kind musical finale featuring all the performers. Plus, you’ll hear the inspiring E-Chievement Award presentation and interview with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Friday Night Free for All Friday 8 p.m. ET
Foster’s Corner Sunday 3 a.m. (10/12)
The Bill Miller Show Tuesday 12 p.m., Thursday 12 a.m., Sunday 3 a.m. (10/19)
The Gary Henderson Show Saturday 8-11 a.m. LIVE, Monday 12 p.m., Friday 12 a.m.
The Katy Daley Show Monday-Friday 7-10 a.m. ET LIVE
The Lee Michael Demsey Show Saturday 11a.m.-2p.m., Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. ET LIVE,
Lonesome Pine RFD with Carol Beaugard, Mon. 12 a.m., Wed. 9 p.m.
*Mountain Stage
Featuring Carlene Carter, Del McCoury Band, Eric Church, Mike Farris, Ed Snodderly. Playlist.
Music from Foggy Hollow
This week, Mike Kear features a great new CD from Kenny and Amanda Smith Band – called “Live and Learn” – talks about the band and plays several cuts from the album. Also on the show, Mike interviews Geoff Morris, a blind bluegrass dj with a fascinating story, and plays new music from Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, Crowe Brothers, Beth Stevens & Edge, and a fine Australian group called Heather Mandich & Southern Alliance. As always it’s a packed show with plenty of variety and fun. So don’t miss it!
Open Mic - Rebroadcast from IBMA 2008
Donna Ulisse and Keith Sewell
Leadership Bluegrass
Buddy Mason & Jeff Cates from Out and Runnin’
Wayne Southard from Williams & Clark Expedition plays live
G2 Bluegrass Band plays live
Woody Platt & Mike Guggino from the Steep Canyon Rangers
Old Time Jam
Hubie King hosts a variety show of dance tunes and sentimental songs from the era before bluegrass. To name only a few, the up-beat tunes include Katy Hill, Dubuque, Stillhouse, Throw the Old Cow over the Fence, and Boys, the Buzzards Are Flying, while the songs range from the 1876 love song, Are You Tired of Me My Darling? to the 1972 release, Things in Life, by Don Stover.
The Ray Davis Show Mon-Fri 3-6p.m., Sunday 10am-1pm
Special Programming
As we celebrate the World of Bluegrass in Nashville, we’re reminded that in 2006, Red Shipley, host of “Stained Glass Bluegrass” on WAMU 88.5 and BluegrassCountry.org, was named Broadcaster of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Red touched many lives in his 25-year tenure as host of “Stained Glass Bluegrass,” and on October 6, 2007, he left this worldly Earth. Hear a radio tribute to Red’s life and career.
LIVE Stained Glass Bluegrass Hosted by Bob Webster
*Thistle and Shamrock – Road of Tears
From broadsheet ballads to music hall choruses, songs have served to document true-life immigrant experiences through time. Today Battlefield Band, Mick Moloney and Mary Black continue in that tradition.
LIVE *Traditions with Mary Cliff, Saturday 2-6 p.m.
