25 episodes
Sounds to Grow On Smithsonian Folkways
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- Music
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4.4 • 30 Ratings
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The CKUA Radio Network presents Smithsonian Folkways: Sounds to Grow On, a new 26-part series featuring the original recordings of the Folkways Collection, now a cornerstone of Smithsonian Folkways Records' vast catalogue. Hosted by Michael Asch, the only child of Folkways Records' founder Moses Asch, the weekly one-hour program debuted Sunday, January 18th, 2009. This series, researched by Robert Wiznura, is a co-production of The Smithsonian Women's Committee, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, folkwaysAlive! at the University of Alberta, and the CKUA Radio Network.
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Love (Program #25)
In this program, the theme is simple: love. Love songs, courting songs, fertility songs, bridal and wedding songs. Start in North Africa with the Berbers who live in Algeria and move around the world, geographically and emotionally. ** Discretion Advised: This podcast includes language some listeners may find objectionable. The program host and Smithsonian Folkways chose not to exclude it in order to preserve the historical context of the recording.**
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Struggle and Protest (Program #24)
Moses Asch was a steadfast and passionate advocate for underdogs who spoke up for themselves. He cared deeply about unions, civil rights, fights for freedom, and fights against oppression. On this show, his son Michael Asch explores the catalogue looking for songs that exemplify this commitment. Smithsonian Folkways: Sounds to Grow On is a 26-part series hosted by Michael Asch that features the original recordings of Folkways Records.
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Piano (Program #23)
On this show I feature piano recordings on Folkways Records. Piano is my favourite instrument, and there is no doubt that my father’s three record companies, Asch, Disc and then Folkways, recorded some of the very best jazz and blues pianists of the 30’s 40’s and 1950’s. Smithsonian Folkways: Sounds to Grow On is a 26-part series hosted by Michael Asch that features the original recordings of Folkways Records.
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Rainbow (Program #22)
What is a rainbow? Why are we so fascinated by them? Why do we associate things to them: hope, beginnings, security, riches, and so on? Rainbows have been a constant in western culture and song. This program asks “what means a rainbow”? Music comes from around the world in our search for an answer.
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Children's Music (Program #21)
In this program, we focus on children’s music. My father, Moe Asch, produced a huge collection of children’s recordings, but, as I hope you’ll hear, they were unique in many ways. We’ll play music from around the world, music for and from children at play, at school and even some in the workplace. Smithsonian Folkways: Sounds to Grow On is a 26-part series hosted by Michael Asch that features the original recordings of Folkways Records.
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It Came from Canada (Program #19)
I am originally from New York City, though Canada has been my home since 1969. But that wasn’t my first time in Canada. In 1963, through a quirk, I got a ride to Toronto and attended the Mariposa folk festival. I fell in love with Canada on that trip. At that time I had no idea that Folkways had the largest collection of Canadian music available in the world. I don’t think it is still true, but there are well over a hundred Folkways records that feature Canada and Canadians. In this show we explore them. Smithsonian Folkways: Sounds to Grow On is a 26-part series hosted by Michael Asch that features the original recordings of Folkways Records.
Customer Reviews
Tom Schwartz
Tom's episode #10 is remarkable. NYC in the 50's... Out in the streets. It doesn't get any better than this. Real Life for a change.
Not the Obvious Show
There's no two ways about it, there's a smattering of good shows here (Broadsides, Bluegrass, The Unfortunate Rake). Unfortunately more often than not the host tells you about the show he COULD have made, then does something else instead - something not as obvious, but also invariably deadly dull (I've heard more clips of musicians mumbling under their breath and checking the tuning on their instruments...). Invariably the show he COULD have done would have been riveting and educational; the show he DID make is deadly dull. This is most particularly noteworthy on the JAZZ show, where the host talks about all the great musicians and the music they created recorded by Smithsonian Folkways, then fills the show up NOT with that music, but instead with their warm-ups or between numbers cross-talk. The show is always slapdash and lazy and the JAZZ show alone will kill more jazz fans than it ever creates.
I'm not sure what the purpose of this show is, but if it's anything other than the half-hearted hobby of a host obsessed with not making the "obvious" show, it's an epic failure. Don't waste your time here, this show is more frustrating than rewarding and if the host's ennui is an indication, will only get worse, not better.
Smithonian Folkways
Wonderful