Hazel Dickens:  Black Lung

Hazel Dickens: Black Lung

The path “We Shall Overcome” took from a Philadelphia minister’s hymnal in 1900 to become a universally recognizable anthem of our hopes for a more just society, led us to the Highlander Center, the behind the scenes hub of US social movements, their strategists and...
We Shall Overcome

We Shall Overcome

So, how do we get from the austere and atonal grandeur of Ruth Crawford’s lament “Sacco and Vanzetti,” to the uplifting hymn tune and civil rights anthem of “We Shall Overcome.” First, shout-out to composer Nate May for making the connection. In 1932 Ruth Crawford...
Ruth Crawford: Sacco and Vanzetti

Ruth Crawford: Sacco and Vanzetti

The process of making music with Steve Blier and NYFOS is always an exploration that demands equal parts intellectual and emotional integrity. I’ve been back in the studio with Steve this month as we gear up for the upcoming Protest concert at Merkin Hall,...
Verdi:  Solenne in quest’ora

Verdi: Solenne in quest’ora

We’ve made it… IT’S FRIDAY!!!! So, what genres do I have left on my phone to explore? Well, frankly too many… so I’m going to avoid making you listen to a bunch of Jazz, Pop, Musicals, etc;. And no matter how tempting it is to tell you...
Iron Maiden: The Number of the Beast

Iron Maiden: The Number of the Beast

Welcome to Thorsday! On this day we give thanks to the Norse God of thunder, lightening… and METAL!!!! Yes, I know Thor isn’t REALLY the God of Metal… but just imagine if that hammer had some strings and frets… it would be magnificent! But,...