x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

American Songcatcher

Nicholas Edward Williams

Tracing the roots of American music from its cultured past to artists playing it forward, folk musician, musicologist and host Nicholas Edward Williams takes listeners on a unique documentary-style podcast experience. Dive into the stories of centuries-old Traditional songs and migrants who carried their musical heritage here, and uncover the lives of pioneers and integral musicians who created and shaped styles such as Bluegrass, Ragtime, Jazz and Swing, Country, Gospel, Blues, Old-Time, and the

music music history

All Episodes

00:18:27

BONUS: Sitting In // Cristina Vane and Her New (Old)...

American Songcatcher ·

2021/07/29

For the final collaboration of the “Sitting In” miniseries, I’m excited to share a fantastic multi-instrumentalist, fluent in clawhammer banjo and slide blues guitar, named Cristina Vane. Born in Italy, and living many places overseas before arriving in America at 18 years old, Cristina accumulated a wealth of culture and a diverse range of songs before discovering her love for pre-war blues and the likes of the pioneers Skip James, Robert Johnson, Blind Willie Johnson and Rory Block who have all

en

00:19:40

BONUS: Sitting In // Jody Carroll and the Newport...

American Songcatcher ·

2021/07/21

Today on the program will be my sixth guest for the “Sitting In” mini-series, Jody Carroll. Jody is a performer and songwriter who effortlessly creates bold interpretations of old Blues and American Folk music, and makes them his own improvisational musical journeys.He’s a finger-style and slide guitar master, and a soulful singer blending flavors of Blues, Folk, Mountain music, Jazz and Rock all together into a true power- packed gumbo. Raised on Willie Nelson and AM Country Radio in the late 60’s,

en

00:23:31

BONUS: Sitting In // Dylan Walshe and Ramblin' Jack...

American Songcatcher ·

2021/07/14

The fifth edition of the “Sitting In” miniseries features a new project by international touring Irish musician Dylan Walshe. Steeped in the traditions of folk, Irish, Blues, Singer-songwriter and roots music, Dylan has received wide acclaim from all over, including Dave King of Flogging Molly who has said that “The future of songwriting is safe in the hands of this man.” This episode features Dylan’s new music podcast, The Stirring Foot, and the first 20 minutes of a conversation he had with none

en

00:12:44

BONUS: Sitting In // Lon Eldridge and the Hawaiian...

American Songcatcher ·

2021/07/07

Good people! I'm so pleased to share my fourth guest to embark on this “Sitting In” mini-series, a local legend in my neck of the woods, Chattanooga’s own Lon Eldridge. Harboring a unique blend of traditional pre-war blues, ragtime, jazz and swing, Lon has spent the last two decades evoking the styles of those who laid the framework of these genres, from the likes of Mississippi John Hurt to Robert Johnson to Blind Blake and countless other musical masters. He’s an avid collector of 78rpm records

en

00:11:34

BONUS: Sitting In // Willi Carlisle, Ozark Folksinger

American Songcatcher ·

2021/06/30

Hey Folks! I’m so pleased to share the 3rd act of this “Sitting In” miniseries with you, none other than the inimitable Willi Carlisle. A multi-faceted writer, performer, and instrumentalist, Willi has spent the last severalyears collecting folklore, playing or calling square dances, and working in the avant-garde. He’s a folksinger with a style forged in the fire of Ozark old-time, and has a masters degree in Poetry. He’s spent years in the woods with poets and old folk singers and he’s a

en

00:18:34

BONUS: Sitting In // Sparrow and The John C. Campbell...

American Songcatcher ·

2021/06/23

Hey Folks! I’m thrilled to share the second part of the “Sitting In” mini-series, where I hand over the podcast reins to some of my folky friends, so that they can share a story that ties into music preservation and play a few songs in line with their story. My guest today is Sparrow, who along with her partner Keith, leads the Asheville, NC group The Resonant Rogues, who seamlessly weave the threads of old time, country, swing, folk and more into a beautiful tapestry that simultaneously showcases

en

00:26:47

BONUS: Sitting In // Matthew Sabatella & “We Shall...

American Songcatcher ·

2021/06/16

Today, I’m delighted to share the first “Sitting In” mini-series episode with you, where I’ve handed the podcast reins over to a music preservationist and performer. First up, is a story of the African American spiritual turned protest song called “We Shall Not Be Moved”, written and spoken by Matthew Sabatella. Matthew’s mission is to “connect people with music that is woven into the fabric of the United States”. He’s a singer, writer, multi-instrumentalist and award-winning old-time banjo player,

en

01:15:37

Talkin' Blues // Fruition's Jay Cobb Anderson

American Songcatcher ·

2021/06/05

Today I have the pleasure of sharing a conversation I had with multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Jay Cobb Anderson, co-founder of the group Fruition, who has been making big waves in the major festival circuit during the last decade with blends of traditional sounds, contemporary folk and bluegrass, and most recently the roots of rock and roll. We talked about Jay’s busking journey, how he reached the other members of Fruition, how they developed their sound, about Bob Dylan and the wake

en

00:56:29

Talkin' Blues // Sierra Hull

American Songcatcher ·

2021/05/29

Today, I’m delighted to share a talk I had with mandolin prodigy and Grammy nominated multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Sierra Hull. Accomplishing more in her first 28 years of life than most could over a few lifetimes, Sierra made her Grand Ole Opry debut at the age of 10, played Carnegie Hall at age 12, then landed a deal with Rounder Records at 13. Sierra was mentored by Alison Krauss and Chris Thile, she’s collaborated with all the big hitters in bluegrass from Ricky Skaggs, to Bela

en

01:09:42

Talkin' Blues // Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers

American Songcatcher ·

2021/05/22

Today, I have the pleasure of sharing a conversation I had with Oliver Wood. Since 2004, Oliver has been the frontman of The Wood Brothers, blurring the boundaries between folk, gospel, country-soul, and blues, earning an international audience and a Grammy Award-nomination along the way. Alongside his brother Chris Wood, of Medeski Martin and Wood, as well as percussionist Jano Rix, The Wood Brothers have embodied the future of roots music, while at the same time turning it on its head. Released

en

00:54:29

Talkin' Blues // David Holt

American Songcatcher ·

2021/05/13

When I first set out with this podcast there were a few people in particular that I wanted to talk to, and today's guest is at the top of that list. David Holt is a four-time Grammy winner, multi-instrumentalist, and for 14 years performed as a duo on banjo with the legendary Doc Watson. He’s spent his life learning, performing and telling stories of traditional American music as the host of numerous radio and television shows including: Riverwalk Jazz, Folkways, Great Scenic Railway Journeys, Fire

en

01:25:11

S1:E10 // She Warbles When She Flies (SEASON FINALE)

American Songcatcher ·

2021/04/24

Season 1, Episode 10 // She Warbles When She Flies (SEASON FINALE) Featured in this Episode: Traditional - “The Cuckoo” (:27) Willie Nelson - “Lucky Old Sun’” (13:30) Jerry Garcia - “Walkin’ Boss” (31:40) Blaze Foley - “Oval Room” (52:50) Jontavious Willis - “Pistol Slappin’ Blues” (1:12:38) Teaser: This traditional tune is based off of England’s oldest known documented song, dating back to the 13th century, centered around a bird who calls in spring. He’s one of America’s most well known

en

01:14:21

Talkin' Blues // Leah Song of Rising Appalachia

American Songcatcher ·

2021/04/16

Today on the program, I have the distinct pleasure of sharing a wonderful conversation I had with Leah Song, one half of the world folk fusion group Rising Appalachia. Over the last decade, Rising Appalachia has reimagined a huge body of traditional songs to a massive audience over the seven records they’ve released since forging their musical path. We talked about how she and her sister Chloe grew up, how they will continue unpacking the musicology lessons they’ve received from their fiddle

en

01:30:02

S1:E9 // Twas in the Merry Month of May

American Songcatcher ·

2021/03/13

Season 1, Episode 9 // Twas in the Merry Month of May Featured in this Episode: Traditional - “Barbara Allen” (:27) Lead Belly - “Goodnight, Irene’” (11:39) Joan Baez - “Silver Dagger” (37:50) Tony Rice - “New River Train” (59:35) Colter Wall- “Diamond Joe” (1:13:14) Teaser: For the last 400 years, the most widely collected ballad from the British Isles is still being recorded today, born out of a unique and puzzling story. A larger than life figure, rumored to have been released from prison due

en

01:07:16

Talkin' Blues // Dom Flemons

American Songcatcher ·

2021/02/26

Today on the program, I’m delighted to share a conversation I had with the Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist and preservationist Dom Flemons. Branded The American Songster from his diverse catalogue of tunes, Dom’s not just a songwriter, he’s a multi-instrumentalist, producer, actor, music scholar, historian, and record collector who is proficient on banjo, guitar, harmonica, jug, percussion, quills, fife and rhythm bones.⁠ We talked about his early life, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, music

en

01:17:36

S1:E8 // Shine That Ever Loving Light On Me

American Songcatcher ·

2021/02/10

Season 1, Episode 8 // Shine That Ever Loving Light On Me Featured in this Episode: Traditional - “Midnight Special” (:39) Memphis Jug Band - “Stealin’, Stealin’” (13:30) Etta Baker - “Railroad Bill” (26:13) Big Bill Broonzy - “Glory of Love” (40:55) Charley Pride - “Roll on Mississippi” (1:01:32) Teaser: When the light of the train hits the cell windows of inmates at Mississippi’s infamous Parchman Farm prison, they feel a release and comfort from their captors. Find out what made jug bands so

en

01:14:52

S1:E7 // She's Gone With The Gypsy Davy

American Songcatcher ·

2021/01/06

Season 1, Episode 7 // She's Gone With The Gypsy Davy Featured in this Episode: Traditional - “Gypsy Davy” (:20) Son House - “Grinnin’ in your Face” (9:02) Merle Travis - “Nine Pound Hammer” (24:07) Dolly Parton - “Jolene” (40:30) Sierra Ferrell - “Elk River Blues” (59:60) Teaser: Who were the original gypsies, and why are so many songs sung about them? Hear the man who inspired Robert Johnson and set the standard for the Delta blues slide guitar. A boy born out of the Kentucky coal mines and

en

01:21:47

S1:E6 // I'll Die With That Hammer In My Hand

American Songcatcher ·

2020/12/02

Season 1, Episode 6 // I'll Die With That Hammer In My Hand Featured in this Episode: Traditional - “The Ballad of John Henry” (:25) The Mississippi Sheiks - “Sittin On Top of the World” (11:09) Pete Seeger - “If I Had a Hammer” (22:05) Hank Williams - “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” (44:32) Tyler Childers - “Rocks, Salt and Nails” (1:05:35) Teaser: Was the greatest African American folklore hero based on a true story? The most popular old time and blues string band in the 30's that all started with

en

01:23:05

S1:E5 // I'm Just Going Over Home

American Songcatcher ·

2020/11/02

Season 1, Episode 5 // I'm Just Going Over Home Featured in this Episode: Traditional - “Wayfaring Stranger” (:30) Burl Ives - “Streets of Laredo” (11:45) Sister Rosetta Tharpe - “Up Above My Head” (28:50) John Prine - “In Spite of Ourselves” (44:27) Charley Crockett- “That’s How I Got To Memphis” (1:06:40) Teaser: Did it come from a hymn? An old ballad? Was it born in Scotland, or America? Navigate these questions with me for one of the most enduring and well known traditional songs in Bluegrass,

en

01:26:59

S1:E4 // Hang Your Head and Cry

American Songcatcher ·

2020/10/05

Season 1, Episode 4 // Hang Your Head and Cry Featured in this Episode: Traditional - “Tom Dooley” (:27) Blind Blake - “Diddie Wa Diddie” (12:23) Woody Guthrie - “Ramblin Around” (23:46) Doc Watson - “Blue Railroad Train” (49:00) Justin Townes Earle - “Lone Pine Hill”(1:08:23) Teaser: A North Carolina murder ballad turned folk tale withstands the tests of time, the true story is still up for debate today. The most distinct blind guitar player to take sounds from ragtime piano and transfer it to

en

65 results

Similar Podcasts

Pasquale Maassen Soundcloud

Pasquale Maassen

Marian Klose

Marian Klose

sevenism

sevenism

Goldfinger

Goldfinger

Fairground Sounds

Mechanical Music Radio