Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Country Music Pride

Country Music Pride

Folkies At The Front: Smithsonian Folkways Reissues “Songs of the Spanish Civil War”

Posted: 24 Nov 2014 09:45 PM PST

Readers of a site that proudly proclaims "This Website Kills Fascists" (a reference to Woody Guthrie's guitar, which bore the slogan "This Machine Kills Fascists") should welcome Smithsonian Folkways' re-release of The Songs of the Spanish Civil War. After all, the American volunteers of the Lincoln Bridge spent the war doing just that – killing fascists.

Originally issued as two albums, Volume I (1961) and Volume II (1962), on Moses Asch's legendary Folkways Records, the album features tracks by many of the biggest names of old-school folk: Pete Seeger, Tom Glazer, Butch and Bess Hawes—and Woody Guthrie himself—as well as by Spaniards and international volunteers who were actual combatants during the war.

For those of us who may not have been paying careful attention in history class, a short primer on the Spanish Civil War, and why it is so intimately connected with America's folk movement, may be useful. The war, which raged across the Iberian Peninsula from 1936 to 1939, pitted a democratically elected socialist government ("The Republicans") against a fascist faction ("The Nationalists") led by prominent army generals and backed by Nazi Germany and Mussolini's Italy. The Republicans had their own international backers: the Soviet Union, Mexico and France as well as 40,000 international volunteers who were inspired by the Republicans' democratic and socialist ideals. Among those volunteers, none were more celebrated than the Lincoln Brigade, a fighting unit of more than 2,000 Americans, many of whom were strongly rooted in the leftist and populist American folk scene of the 1930s.

This is, admittedly, a very superficial description of the war—providing only what is necessary to place this album and its music in context. For those interested in a more comprehensive treatment of the Spanish Civil War, numerous online and print resources are, of course, available.

The original 1960s Folkways release was itself a compilation of five other recordings. The first, "Songs of the Lincoln Brigade," was recorded in 1944 by four artists who continue to epitomize politically-driven American folk: Pete Seeger, Tom Glazer, Butch Hawes and Bess Hawes. Five years after the end of the Spanish Civil War, these artists sat down to celebrate and preserve the music of the Lincoln Brigade—creating a priceless historical record in the process.

When the American volunteers came to Spain, they brought with them not only their ideals and fighting skills but also their music — which was rapidly adapted to the conditions and events of the war. Following a time-honored practice of folk and traditional music, many songs developed during the war simply added new lyrics to traditional tunes. For example, the music of "Jarama Valley" is instantly recognizable as "Red River Valley." The lyrics, however, have been replaced by a graphic account of the losses and sacrifices of the international bridges during the Battle of Jarma, during which the recently arrived volunteers were besieged by experienced army units under General Franco.

The English-language tracks of The Songs of the Spanish Civil War hail from a time when folk and country were only recently divorced from their common ancestor. Indeed, at the time, content was often the only useful guide to classifying a song as one or the other. As a result many of the album's tracks have a distinctive "cowboy" sound, as much Gene Autry as Woody Guthrie, which will please county fans as well as folkies.

One of the defining characteristics of American folk music, even measured against cousins such as county and blues, is its willingness to speak unapologetically and frankly about life's hardships. Even by the standards of contemporary folk music, the tracks of Songs of the Spanish Civil War are remarkable, even shocking, in this regard. They graphically and unabashedly chronicle the horrors of civil war as well as the hardships of wartime life in an impoverished and bitterly divided land. For this reason, Songs of the Spanish Civil War may not be an accessible or enjoyable album for all listeners.

While keeping faith with their ideals, many of the American volunteers quickly became almost as cynical regarding their own side as about their fascist opponents. As a result, the Republicans themselves are not exempted from the harsh light shed by Songs of the Spanish Civil War. For example, "The Quartermaster Song" expresses the almost universally held lament that those in charge of Republican logistics were, at best, incompetent and, at worst, corrupt — describing them as "rats in bowler hats and spats." The song also notes the irony that, in a force fighting for socialist ideals, luxury items such as tea (which, itself, gives an idea of how dire conditions were) were usually reserved for the privileged few.

Many volunteers also felt that the Lincoln Brigade was called on to do more than its fair share of fighting and often put in harm's way by Republican generals in preference to local units. This sentiment is referenced in several songs, including "Cookhouse/The Young Man from Alcala" which laments that the brigade "held down the line for months at a time."

As a result of these open discussions of problems on the Republican side, while clearly partisan in nature, the album is, at moments, a remarkably even-handed observer of events and of the universal tragedy of war.

Listeners with an international bent to their musical taste will also enjoy the album's numerous Spanish-language tracks, music strongly grounded in Spanish folk and traditional music. Many of these songs chronicle and celebrate the achievements of particular Republican units: "Viva la Quince Brigade (Long Live the 15th Brigade)" or "El Quinto Regiment (The Fifth Regiment)." With their haunting minor chords, intricate Spanish guitar work and vocals possessing the uncanny sound of a sensual dirge, these songs are a true delight for listening. Given the strong influence of Latin music on today's global musical trends, some listeners may even find these tracks more familiar and accessible than the album's old-school American folk.

The second section of the album, "Six Songs for Democracy" includes lead vocals by German singer and left-wing political activist Ernst Busch. It also comes with a dramatic back story: its six tracks were recorded in 1938 Barcelona in the midst of a Nationalist air raid on the city.

Several songs from this section are in German. In addition to supporters and sympathizers such as Busch, thousands of Germans defied their government's official position on the war and volunteered for the Republicans. Busch's songs celebrate this group, which came to be known as The Thaelmann Column, as well as one of their prominent leaders, Hans Beimler, who had previously been a deputy in the Reichstag for the German Communist Party. Musically, the album's German-language songs are noteworthy: combining elements of traditional German folk music (including liberal use of the accordion) with more contemporaneous orchestration and choral arrangements. These German tracks also possess a distinctly martial feel which is generally lacking in the album's English and Spanish pieces.

What really sets the German tracks apart, however, is their long lifespan and wide impact. "Lied der Internationalen Brigaden (Song of the International Brigades)" was quickly translated and adopted as an anthem by the Republicans' international volunteers, whatever their country of origin. The lyrics of "Das Lied von der Einheitsfront (Song of the United Front)," were written by no less a personage than the influential 20th century German poet Berthold Brecht. When those lyrics were translated into other languages, the song became a worldwide socialist anthem. Consider:

As man is only human,
He must eat before he can think.
Fine words are only empty air
And not his meat and drink.

Then, Left! Right! Left!
Then, Left! Right! Left!
There`s a place, Comrade for you,
March with us in the workers` united front;
For you are a worker too.

"Die Moorsoldaten (The Peat Bog Soldiers)" went on to be adopted by various resistance movements during the Second World War, was sung at the Fall of the Berlin Wall and, in Europe, continues in widespread use as a protest song to this day.

The third part of the album was recorded specially for the 1962 original release of Volume II of The Songs of the Spanish Civil War. Recorded in New York City, it brings together Woody Guthrie with a much older Ernest Busch and adds more expansive instrumental and vocal backing. Its music is very similar to that offered on Volume I. Unsurprisingly, the production values here are much higher. At the same time, the music lacks some of the passion evident on Volume I, which features recordings made much sooner after the events being chronicled.

The three tracts of part four, "Songs We Remember" are, from a musicology perspective, perhaps the most interesting on the album. Recorded during the war, there are no big names here. Instead, these tracks offer authentic Spanish compositions performed by popular (in the sense of "of the people") orchestral and choral groups from Catalonia, Seville and Asturias—three of the Republicans' main strongholds. The instrumental "Santa Espina" is one the most impassioned and beautiful songs on the album. "Sevillanos" has a strong Flamenco sound. "The Road to Aviles" is a heart-wrenching blend of the martial and the mournful.

The final section of the album is taken from "Behind Barbed Wire," a 1938 New York recording by Bart van der Shelling and The Exiles Chorus. Van der Shelling was Dutch-born American volunteer who had been a circus clown, political agitator and opera singer before finding himself an officer in the Lincoln Brigade. Putting his musical training to good use, he also served as band leader of The Exiles Chorus.

More than any other segment of The Songs of the Spanish Civil War, the recordings of van der Shelling and his chorus capture the transnational nature of the Republicans' struggle against fascism, recording four songs in as many languages. The titular "Wie Hinterm Draht (Behind Barbed Wire)" was another German offering. La Joven Guardia (The Youthful Guardsmen) was a Spanish piece. "La Guardia Rossa (The Red Guard)" and "Au Devant de la Vie (Toward the New Life)" were in Italian and French, respectively.

Perhaps the Republicans were doomed from the start. By 1939, the ideals and pluck of the Republicans and their international volunteers were simply overwhelmed by the military training of the Nationalists and the modern weapons flowing from their German and Italian allies. Among the defeated Republicans, those who fled or were exiled were the lucky ones. For Spain, Nationalist victory ushered in nearly four decades of reactionary dictatorship under Franco, who outlived his backers Hitler and Mussolini by 30 years.

But, like the Light Brigade or the defenders of the Alamo, in defeat the Republicans and their volunteers achieved an immortality they likely could never have found in victory. The romance and tragedy of the Spanish Republicans has made them one of history's great "lost causes." From Picasso to Orwell to Guthrie, the Spanish Civil War was the touchstone for some of the 20th century's greatest art. Nearly 80 years later, the Republicans' struggle remains a source of inspiration to those fighting for democracy – especially those from the left of the political spectrum. The re-release of The Songs of the Spanish Civil War both gets some high-quality and historically significant music back into circulation as well as serving as a reminder that the causes for which the Republicans fought are still being fought for in the second decade of the 21st century.

The Songs of the Spanish Civil War is a remarkable collection, even by the high standards of Smithsonian Folkways. That having been said, it is not an album for everyone. Not every modern ear is well tuned for the sounds of old-school folk, foreign language recordings often struggle to find an audience and many contemporary listeners will likely find the subject matter too arcane or disturbing. But, for fans of old-school folk, those with a broad appreciation of global folk styles or music fans who also possess a keen in interest in history—this is the "must have" album of the year, possibly of the decade.

Sid Griffen’s New Video “Everywhere” Premiers on CountryMusicPride.com

Posted: 24 Nov 2014 06:09 PM PST

County Music Pride is proud to host the world premier of Sid Griffin's new video "Everywhere," from his recently released album The Trick is to Breathe.

Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Griffin is widely known for his work with 1980s alt-country/cowpunk sensation The Long Ryders as well as noted bluegrass act The Coal Porters. While both bands are currently active, Griffin has also maintained an active solo career. The Trick is to Breathe, released on Prima Records, is his fourth solo album.

Griffin feels a strong personal connection with "Everywhere," not least of all as the song's co-writer. "Written with my pal Greg Trooper, this song is near and dear to my heart. I remember Greg bringing a half-written song over to my Hollywood home and us dotting the i's and crossing the t's." Folk and Americana fans may recognize Trooper's name as a songwriter whose compositions have been recorded by Billy Bragg, Steve Earle and Vince Gill, among others, as well as credible performer in his own right.

In the most basic analysis, "Everywhere" tells the story of an American GI fighting for his life in the Pacific Theatre during the Second World War. Midway through, the narrative takes an unexpected turn as the GI begins reminiscing about his childhood best friend, Lee, a Japanese-American and the two boys' shared desire to fight Germans in Europe. He then notes the irony that, once America actually became involved in the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he went to fight while the equally patriotic Lee was hauled away to an internment camp.

Musically, "Everywhere" is a delightful blend of the genres with which Griffin is associated. It delivers measured, well crafted Americana/county guitar work, with just a hint of Mountain sound hinting at his Coal Porters pedigree. Its lyrical and narrative conventions are deeply rooted in American folk. The mournful and melodic twang of Griffin's vocals provides a perfect medium for the song's somber narrative and themes.

The imagery of Griffin's video parallels the narrative offered by the lyrics of "Everywhere." Its series of still-images conveys, in stark simplicity, the reality of daily life at the frontlines as well as the indignities and oppression suffered by patriotic American citizens—who simply happened to be of Japanese origin.

The narrative and imagery of "Everywhere," both the song and the video, are clearly rooted in the Second World War, as well as the US government's deplorable treatment of Japanese-Americans during the course of that war. At the same time, the song also obviously stands as a commentary on war in general—in fact, Griffin recounts that he and Trooper wrote the song "at least partly in response to the first Gulf War."

At its heart, "Everywhere" is a song in the finest traditions of American folk—treating war unromantically and with a stark, often graphic, realism. It should be noted that there is similarly strong, if often overlooked, tradition of such songs in country music. "Everywhere" raises many of the same issues and touches on many of the same themes as songs such as Pete Seeger's "Waste Deep in the Big Muddy," Buffalo Springfield's "For What it's Worth," Johnny Cash's "Man in Black," Loretta Lynn's "Dear Uncle Sam" or Tom T. Hall's "Gimmie Peace."

It is not often one hears an artist cite someone else's version of a song he or she has recorded as the definitive version. While confident in his own version of "Everywhere," Griffin is effusive in his praise of urban folk-rocker Billy Bragg's interpretation. "The best version," Griffin says through gritted teeth, "may well be Billy Bragg's take on the song which appeared on Billy's Don't Try This at Home album many moons ago."

It should be noted that "Everywhere" is just one of several exceptional tracks on a very strong album. The Trick is to Breathe blends original material as well as songs previously written for The Long Ryders and Coal Porters. The original material is incredibly eclectic in its range and showcases Griffin's abilities not only as a musician but also as a songwriter and a poet. The twelve tracks are so diverse that favorites will largely be a matter of listener taste, but this writer will give a nod to several of his favorites:

"Blue Yodel No. 12 & 35" is a fascinating exercise in channeling the music of Jimmie Rodgers through the style of Bob Dylan (which, Griffin correctly notes, somehow yields a sound remarkably reminiscent of Willie Nelson). "Between the General & The Grave," is a slow bluegrass piece inspired by Griffin's reading of First World War poetry and presents a perfect compliment for "Everywhere." The words of the deliciously esoteric "Punk Rock Club" are based largely on found-dialogue overheard at a SoCal punk show. The tuning on "Who's got a Broken Heart" shows what a musician can do when he or she knows the rules well enough to deliberately break them. "Ode to Bobby Gentry" reflects on the life of one of the most enigmatic figures in the history of country music.

Among the album's tracks, Griffin believes that "Everywhere" is especially timeless, a conclusion he finds decidedly bittersweet. "Lucinda Williams once told me heartache songs and anti-war songs will never go of style because there will always be romantic loss and their will always be a war," he explains. "Sad to say, she was correct."

(Jon Black is an Austin-based music journalist who shares the stories of musicians and their music from country, blues, roots, rock, Cajun, zydeco, and even punk. Follow him on Twitter @BlackonBlues)

“Let It Be Christmas” all over again with Alan Jackson’s holiday re-release

Posted: 24 Nov 2014 01:22 PM PST

I dropped the proverbial needle on the record of Alan Jackson's re-release of "Let It Be Christmas", and from the very first word uttered a reassuring sigh of relief permeated my spirit. If that sounds a bit profound, well, we are talking about a true legend in his own time.

There is something warm and comfortable about an experienced vocal when it comes to holiday songs. Like dad's voice over his coffee cup on Christmas morning, or grandpa saying the blessing before dinner. You lose yourself in Alan's distinct tone on this record. He keeps the arrangements traditional, adding some small parts here and there to the original tracks. This is not a "country" Christmas album. This is Alan Jackson singing Christmas songs, I mean, really singing.

The 25 year industry veteran belts out a collection of classic holiday standards with the exception of title track "Let It Be Christmas" which he penned himself for the original 2002 release. In this song we get to hear Jackson being Jackson. It sounds a bit more country and features his particular vocal stylings.

"White Christmas", is a hard tune to impress me on. It takes a special brand of soul and emotion for a singer to bring themselves to par with Bing. AJ's rendition does that remarkably. The strings and keys, along with soft back-up vocals, accompany Alan's cradling sound. A flood of nostalgia washes over me as he sings "Silver Bells". It hearkens me to being a small child in upstate New York riding in the backseat of my mother's car. People walking on snow peppered sidewalks and silver bell decorations adorning the street lights and power poles. The school, the hardware store, video store, library, all dressed up for santa.

The re-release of "Let It Be Christmas" comes on the heels of Jackson announcing his 25 Years of Keepin' it Country Tour. The celebration also entails a dedicated exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum along with a slew of other exciting events and guest spots. The album is brought to us via ACR and EMI records and is available at all digital retailers.

At the risk of being weird, (which is not that much of a risk for me), I have to conclude by saying this album is like a welcoming hug from an old friend. Alan Jackson is just as timeless as the songs he sings on this record. So many artists put out country versions of holiday staples, some really good and some a bit campy, and that is what distinguishes Jackson.  Keeping it traditional was the perfect way to go. So everyone raise your eggnog (spiked with Blue Chair Bay Rum I hope), turn the speakers up a little too loud for seasonal music, and join me in saluting a true icon. Here's to another 25 Christmases of Alan Jackson music.
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