Otis Redding Try A Little Tenderness Live 1967 RochesFan 2020-08-19 | Cleveland December 9, 1967His last performance.
Beowulf, read in Anglo-Saxon, Part 11 RochesFan 2018-07-18 | Read by Trevor Eaton, 199600:00 - Line 2845 - Cowards emerge from wood; Gaze on Wiglaf; Wiglaf rebukes them; They have disgraced their armour; Beowulf killed dragon; Wiglaf helped him; Cowards will be disinherited; Wiglaf tells one of the company to report Beowulf's death to the stronghold; He does so; Beowulf and the dragon are dead; Wiglaf keeping watch; Messenger fears dynastic trouble when Beowulf's death is known03:30 - Line 2922 - Episode of Ravenswood06:54 - Line 2999 - This episode prompts messenger to expect attack from Swedes when they learn of Beowulf's death07:15 - Line 3007 - Messenger tells them to look their last on Beowulf and then bear him to the funeral pyre; Treasures to be burnt with Beowulf; The company mourn when they see Beowulf dead; they view the hateful dragon; God allowed Beowulf to break the spell which encompassed the treasures; The outcome of human endeavours is always uncertain; Wiglaf bewails the misfortune which has befallen the people; He remembers Beowulf's dying words; The barrow Beowulf ordered them to build as a memorial; Have a look at the treasures, he says; Then make a bier quickly11:41 - Line 3110 - WIglaf has wood fetched for Beowulf's funeral pyre; Seven thegns selected to remove treasures from the cavern; They first heave dragon over cliff into the sea; They load wagon with treasure; Body of Beowulf borne to Hronesness; They make a funeral pyre; Beowulf's body destroyed by the flames; The onlookers mourn13:36 - Line 3156 - They construct the memorial barrow; They put riches in it; Twelve chieftans ride about barrow lamenting and praising Beowulf
Beowulf, read in Anglo-Saxon, Part 10 RochesFan 2018-07-18 | Read by Trevor Eaton, 199600:00 - Line 2538 - Beowulf goes to the cave; The dragon's breath; Beowulf strikes the dragon with his sword more weakly than he would have wished; Dragon belches more fire; Beowulf's sword fails; Though they see Beowulf is in danger, his companions flee to a wood; But one, Wiglaf, remember's Beowulf's generosity and resolves to join him; The story behind Wiglaf's sword; Never before had Wiglaf fought at Beowulf's side; Wiglaf rebukes his comrades; he will help Beowulf; Wiglaf spurs Beowulf on; Dragon turns on Wiglaf; Beowulf sticks Naegling in dragon's head; the sword snaps; Dragon bites Beowulf in neck; Wiglaf wounds and weakens dragon; Beowulf cuts dragon asunder; Wiglaf bathes Beowulf's mortal wound; Beowulf wishes he had a son; Beowulf comforts himself with the thought of his upright life09:26 - Line 2743 - Beowulf tells Wiglaf to fetch some treasure from the barrow; Wiglaf enters the cave and sees the treasure; Vault lit by a banner; Wiglaf carries off banner, cups and dishes; He hurries back to Beowulf; Wiglaf finds Beowulf dying; Sprinkes him with water; Beowulf speaks; he offers thanks to God12:07 - Line 2802 - Suggests his own memorial - 'Beowulf's Barrow;' Gives Wiglaf his collar; WIglaf will be last of the Waegmunding family alive when Beowulf dies; Beowulf dies; Wiglaf sad; Dragon is dead; But Beowulf is also dead
Beowulf, read in Anglo-Saxon, Part 9 RochesFan 2018-07-18 | Read by Trevor Eaton, 199600:00 - Line 2200 - After Hygelac dies, Beowulf reigns for 50 years; Then the dragon came; An outlaw found the hoard which the dragon had claimed; The finder was amazed; Many years earlier, the hider of the jewels had lamented his loneliness; The hider then died; The dragon found the hoard and began to guard it; The finder steals a goblet from the dragon; Then the hoard is raided; The dragon wakes and discovers the theft; He waits for the evening, then ravages the country with fire; Even Beowulf's home is afire; Beowulf is afraid he has upset God; He has an iron shield made, fireproof against the dragon's breath; he will fight the monster single-handed06:31 - Line 2354 - Poet mentions the death of Hygelac; Beowulf swam to safety; When Beowulf returned, he refused Queen's offer of throne; So Heardred was made king, with Beowulf's support; Eanmund and Eadgils, nephews of the Swedish king Onela are sheltered by Heardred; Onela therefor kills Heardred, but permits Beowulf to become king; Beowulf avenges Heardred's death by supporting Eadgils, who kills Onela08:22 - Line 2397 - Beowulf goes with 12 others to see the dragon's barrow; On a headland, Beowulf says a sad farewell to his companions; He recalls his youth at king Hrethel's court; Haethcyn, Hrethel's son, killed his own brother Herebeald; Beowulf recalls the sorrow of Hrethel for the death of Herebeald; Hrethel pines and dies, leaving all to his sons; Then strife between the Swedes and the Geats; Swedes attack Geats, kill Haethcyn; Eofor kills, in revenge, Swedish king Ongentheow; Hygelac gave Beowulf land; Beowulf repaid him with loyal service; Hygelac never needed mercenaries; Beowulf killed Daeghrefn; Beowulf says he will wear armour to fight dragon; His friends should watch from the barrow
Beowulf, read in Anglo-Saxon, Part 8 RochesFan 2018-07-18 | Read by Trevor Eaton, 199600:00 - Line 1963 - Beowulf walks to Hygelac's stronghold; Hygelac is informed and welcome is prepared; Beowulf sits with Hygelac; mead cup is passed round; Hygelac asks about Beowulf's mission to Hrothgar; Beowulf says many know of his victory over Grendel; He says he was first welcomed by Hrothgar; Then by Queen and her daughter Freawaru02:37 - Line 2024 - Episode of Feawaru04:42 - Line 2069 - Beowulf tells about Grendel; after the fight with Beowulf, the monster fled dying; Hrothgar rewarded Beowulf; Then came Grendel's mother; She killed Aeschere, dragging his body off to the mere; Beowulf killed Grendel's mother in the mere; Hrothgar rewarded Beowulf; Beowulf gives his presents to Hygelac and Hygd; _Scop_ resumes; tells of further presents; Beowulf praised - he was long under-estimated by Geats; Hygelac's gifts to Beowulf
Beowulf, read in Anglo-Saxon, Part 7 RochesFan 2018-07-18 | Read by Trevor Eaton, 199600:00 - Line 1644 - Beowulf greets Hrothgar; the company gasze at Grendel's head; Beowulf tells Hrothgar his adventures; Now Danes are avenged; Hrothgar may sleep without fear; The gold hilt is admired by Hrothgar; Hrothgar praises Beowulf; Hrothgar will keep his promises to Beowulf; Hrothgar contrasts Beowulf with Heremod; Moral of Heremod: God sometimes deserts a man who becomes arrogant; Hrothgar warns Beowulf not to become arrogant like Heremod; death is certain in the end; Hrothgar himself had 50 prosperous years - then Grendel; But now Grendel is dead; Hrothgar tells Beowulf to enjoy the feast; Finally they go to bed7:26 - Line 1799 - But soon Beowulf yearns to return home; Beowulf gives Hrunting back to Unferth; Beowulf tells Hrothgar he will depart; he thanks Hrothgar and offers to help him again if need be; Beowulf says Hrothgar's son Hrethric will be welcome at Geatish Courts; Hrothgar praises Beowulf and says he would make a fine successor to Hygelac; Beowulf has reconciled Geats and Danes; Hrothgar will strive to maintain the peace; Hrothgar gifts to Beowulf; Hrothgar grieves to see Beowulf leave; Beowulf sets off; Geats praise Hrothgar's generosity - Geats move to shore; Beowulf gives boatward a sword11:59 - Line 1903 - Geats have an easy return voyage; Watchman greets Beowulf; Treasure carried to Hygelac; Hygelac's fine building13:12 - Line 1931 - Thryth episode: Modthryth is treacherous and is contrasted with Hygelac's wife Hygd
Beowulf, read in Anglo-Saxon, Part 6 RochesFan 2018-07-18 | Read by Trevor Eaton, 199600:00 - Line 1441 - Beowulf arms himself and takes Unferth's sword 'Hrunting;' Unferth lent Beowulf the sword but did not himself brave the mere; Beowulf's farewell to Hrothgar02:24 - Line 1492 - Beowulf dives, swims downwards and Grendel's dam sees him; She grasps him - but his armour protects him; She drags him into her cavern; The lair is untouched by the surrounding water; Beowulf's sword fails; Beowulf throws it aside and relies on his grip; Beowulf takes Grendel's mother by the shoulder; She seizes her dagger; But she cannot pierce his armour; Beowulf sees and old sword made by giants; He strikes Grendel's mother with it and kills her; He looks round the vault and cuts off Grendel's head07:04 - Line 1591 - Watchers by mere see blood; At 3 p.m., Hrothgar's party returns home, but Beowulf's party stays07:48 - Line 1605 - Beowulf, meanwhile, takes Grendel's head and the hilt of the giant-made sword, its blade having been dissolved by the monster's noxious blood; Beowulf swims back up09:03 - Line 1629 - The Geats remove his armour and return to Heorot carrying Grendel's spear
Beowulf, read in Anglo-Saxon, Part 5 RochesFan 2018-07-18 | Read by Trevor Eaton, 199600:00 - Line 1159 - Mirth resumes when minstrel ceases; Wealhtheow offers cup to Hrothgar; She says 'Be kind to Beowulf - but your own descendants should inherit the kingdom;' She then goes to Beowulf, who is sitting with her own songs Hrethric and Hrothmund; Beowulf drinks and is given presents, including a necklace; The history of the necklace; Wealhtheow wishes Beowulf prosperity; Hrothgar leaves, hall is rearranged as dormitory04:38 - Line 1251 - They sleep, but one pays dearly - Aeschere; Grendel's mother; She determines to go to Heorot; She is terrible - though less so than Grendel06:21 - Line 1288 - When she enters Heorot, warriors grasp their swords; Grendel's mother seizes Aeschere; Beowulf not present07:00 - Line 1302 - Grief; Hrothgar tells Beowulf of Aeschere's death by Grendel's mother; Hrothgar describes haunt of monsters - a fearful mere; Hrothgar asks for Beowulf's help - promises him rich gifts; Beowulf comforts Hrothgar; We must die: best die in fame; Beowulf vows there will be no refuge for the monster11:36 - Line 1399 - Hrothgar follows Grendel's tracks. Beowulf accompanies him; They find Aeschere's head on a cliff by the mere; The troop watch the water monsters in the mere; Beowulf shoots one with an arrow; it is then killed with boar-spears and dragged from the mere
Beowulf, read in Anglo-Saxon, Part 4 RochesFan 2018-07-18 | Read by Trevor Eaton, 199600:00 - Line 916 - They ride home, many of them racing; Hrothgar's gratitude to Beowulf; The banquet: Beowulf and the Geats richly rewarded; The song of Hrothgar's minstrel07:03 - Line 1071 - Finn episode
Beowulf, read in Anglo-Saxon, Part 3 RochesFan 2018-07-18 | Read by Trevor Eaton, 199600:00 - Line 611 - The feast; Wealhtheow offers cup to Hrothgar...; ...then to Beowulf; Happiness again; Late: Hrothgar will retire to bed02:23 - Line 662 - The watch for Grendel; Beowulf takes armour off; Beowulf boasts; They sleep04:42 - Line 710 - Grendel comes; Grendel's raid; Grendel eats a Geat; Grendel assails Beowulf; Grendel attempts to escape; Grendel and Beowulf fight; Grendel shrieks in defeat; Beowulf tears off Grendel's shoulder; Grendel flees dying; Even so did Beowulf triumph; Grendel's limb is hung on Heorot; Warriors go to the mere, racing their horses12:25 - Line 874 - Episode of Sigemund
Beowulf, read in Anglo-Saxon, Part 2 RochesFan 2018-07-18 | Read by Trevor Eaton, 199600:00 - Line 331 - Beowulf and Wulfgar; Hrothgar's delight; Beowulf's strength02:39 - Line 389 - Wulfgar tells Geats they may meet Hrothgar; Beowulf enters Heorot; Beowulf will fight Grendel...; ...unarmed; If Beowulf dies his coat of mail should go to Hygelac; Hrothgar tells of Grendel; Often has Heorot's floor been stained with blood; The ale-cup is passed around07:52 - Line 499 - Unferth sneers at Beowulf: the Breca incident; Beowulf's version; Beowulf taunts Unferth
Beowulf, read in Anglo-Saxon, Part 1 RochesFan 2018-07-18 | Read by Trevor Eaton, 199600:00 - Line 1 - Scyld's final voyage02:20 - Line 53 - Heorot, the splendid hall03:55 - Line 86 - Grendel's visits to Heorot08:54 - Line 194 - Beowulf's mission10:24 - Line 229 - Beowulf tells coastguard they are friendly13:30 - Line 301 - Beowulf proceeds to Heorot
Purna Chandra Das and Party - Baul Song 2 RochesFan 2018-04-26 | This song advises the listener to concentrate their thoughts."Only those whose mind is concentrated can reach the fair-limbed Gauranga (Sri Chaitanya). Those who trade things without realizing their value do not know how to recognize true love. They are like a jeweler who does not know the value of gems or a confectioner who does not know the taste of sugar. Only those who have understood the nature of true love can experience it because they are worthy of it."From the UNESCO Collection of Traditional Music of the World, Bengal. 1972.
Purna Chandra Das and Party - Baul Song 1 RochesFan 2018-04-26 | The song tells of the strange union of Uma with Siva. Uma is the very beautiful daughter of the Himalayas and his queen Menaka; Siva is a wandering God who lives on Mount Kailasa with demons and ghosts as companions. The poem is addressed to Menaka. asking her how she could accept such a husband for her daughter. In this poem, the poem expresses, by allusion, the renunciation of Uma, who prefers the poverty of the wandering saints, whom Shiva symbolizes, to the riches of this world.From the UNESCO Collection of Traditional Music of the World, Bengal. 1972.
Juilliard String Quartet - Beethoven, Quartet No. 10 Harp, 4th Movement RochesFan 2017-09-29 | Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)10th String Quartet, Op. 74 "Harp", 4th Movement - Allegretto con variazioniwritten in 1809, dedicated to Prince LobkowitzJuilliard String Quartet:Robert Mann (1920- )- 1st ViolinIsidore Cohen (1922-2005) - 2nd ViolinRaphael Hillyer (1914-2010) - ViolaClaus Adam (1917-1983) - Cellorecorded January 5, 6, 1965
Juilliard String Quartet - Beethoven, Quartet No. 10 Harp, 3rd Movement RochesFan 2017-09-29 | Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)10th String Quartet, Op. 74 "Harp", 3rd Movement - Prestowritten in 1809, dedicated to Prince LobkowitzJuilliard String Quartet:Robert Mann (1920- )- 1st ViolinIsidore Cohen (1922-2005) - 2nd ViolinRaphael Hillyer (1914-2010) - ViolaClaus Adam (1917-1983) - Cellorecorded January 5, 6, 1965
Juilliard String Quartet - Beethoven, Quartet No. 10 Harp, 2nd Movement RochesFan 2017-09-29 | Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)10th String Quartet, Op. 74 "Harp", 2nd Movement - Adagio ma non troppowritten in 1809, dedicated to Prince LobkowitzJuilliard String Quartet:Robert Mann (1920- )- 1st ViolinIsidore Cohen (1922-2005) - 2nd ViolinRaphael Hillyer (1914-2010) - ViolaClaus Adam (1917-1983) - Cellorecorded January 5, 6, 1965
Juilliard String Quartet - Beethoven, Quartet No. 10 Harp, 1st Movement RochesFan 2017-09-29 | Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)10th String Quartet, Op. 74 "Harp", 1st Movement - Poco adagio - Allegrowritten in 1809, dedicated to Prince LobkowitzJuilliard String Quartet:Robert Mann (1920- )- 1st ViolinIsidore Cohen (1922-2005) - 2nd ViolinRaphael Hillyer (1914-2010) - ViolaClaus Adam (1917-1983) - Cellorecorded January 5, 6, 1965
Juilliard String Quartet - Beethoven, Quartet No. 9, 4th Movement RochesFan 2017-08-22 | Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)9th String Quartet, Op. 59 "Razumovsky" No. 3, 4th Movement - Allegro moltowritten in 1806, as a commission from the Russian ambassador to Vienna, Count Andreas Razumovsky (1752-1836)Juilliard String Quartet:Robert Mann (1920- )- 1st ViolinIsidore Cohen (1922-2005) - 2nd ViolinRaphael Hillyer (1914-2010) - ViolaClaus Adam (1917-1983) - Cellorecorded May 19-21, 1964
Juilliard String Quartet - Beethoven, Quartet No. 9, 3rd Movement RochesFan 2017-08-22 | Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)9th String Quartet, Op. 59 "Razumovsky" No. 3, 3rd Movement - Menuetto. Graziosowritten in 1806, as a commission from the Russian ambassador to Vienna, Count Andreas Razumovsky (1752-1836)Juilliard String Quartet:Robert Mann (1920- )- 1st ViolinIsidore Cohen (1922-2005) - 2nd ViolinRaphael Hillyer (1914-2010) - ViolaClaus Adam (1917-1983) - Cellorecorded May 19-21, 1964
Juilliard String Quartet - Beethoven, Quartet No. 9, 2nd Movement RochesFan 2017-08-22 | Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)9th String Quartet, Op. 59 "Razumovsky" No. 3, 2nd Movement - Andante con moto quasi allegrettowritten in 1806, as a commission from the Russian ambassador to Vienna, Count Andreas Razumovsky (1752-1836)Juilliard String Quartet:Robert Mann (1920- )- 1st ViolinIsidore Cohen (1922-2005) - 2nd ViolinRaphael Hillyer (1914-2010) - ViolaClaus Adam (1917-1983) - Cellorecorded May 19-21, 1964
Juilliard String Quartet - Beethoven, Quartet No. 9, 1st Movement RochesFan 2017-08-22 | Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)9th String Quartet, Op. 59 "Razumovsky" No. 3, 1st Movement - Introduzione. Andante con moto - Allegro vivacewritten in 1806, as a commission from the Russian ambassador to Vienna, Count Andreas Razumovsky (1752-1836)Juilliard String Quartet:Robert Mann (1920- )- 1st ViolinIsidore Cohen (1922-2005) - 2nd ViolinRaphael Hillyer (1914-2010) - ViolaClaus Adam (1917-1983) - Cellorecorded May 19-21, 1964
Juilliard String Quartet - Beethoven, Quartet No. 8, 4th Movement RochesFan 2017-08-21 | Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) - 8th String Quartet, Op. 59 "Razumovsky" No. 2, 4th Movementwritten in 1806, as a commission from the Russian ambassador to Vienna, Count Andreas Razumovsky (1752-1836)Juilliard String Quartet:Robert Mann (1920- )- 1st ViolinIsidore Cohen (1922-2005) - 2nd ViolinRaphael Hillyer (1914-2010) - ViolaClaus Adam (1917-1983) - Cellorecorded May 4-6, 1964
Juilliard String Quartet - Beethoven, Quartet No. 8, 3rd Movement RochesFan 2017-08-21 | Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)8th String Quartet, Op. 59 "Razumovsky" No. 2, 3rd Movement - Allegrettowritten in 1806, as a commission from the Russian ambassador to Vienna, Count Andreas Razumovsky (1752-1836)Juilliard String Quartet:Robert Mann (1920- )- 1st ViolinIsidore Cohen (1922-2005) - 2nd ViolinRaphael Hillyer (1914-2010) - ViolaClaus Adam (1917-1983) - Cellorecorded May 4-6, 1964
Juilliard String Quartet - Beethoven, Quartet No. 8, 2nd Movement RochesFan 2017-08-21 | Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)8th String Quartet, Op. 59 "Razumovsky" No. 2, 2nd Movement - Molto adagiowritten in 1806, as a commission from the Russian ambassador to Vienna, Count Andreas Razumovsky (1752-1836)Juilliard String Quartet:Robert Mann (1920- )- 1st ViolinIsidore Cohen (1922-2005) - 2nd ViolinRaphael Hillyer (1914-2010) - ViolaClaus Adam (1917-1983) - Cellorecorded May 4-6, 1964
Juilliard String Quartet - Beethoven, Quartet No. 8, 1st Movement RochesFan 2017-08-21 | Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)8th String Quartet, Op. 59 "Razumovsky" No. 2, 1st Movement - Allegrowritten in 1806, as a commission from the Russian ambassador to Vienna, Count Andreas Razumovsky (1752-1836)Juilliard String Quartet:Robert Mann (1920- )- 1st ViolinIsidore Cohen (1922-2005) - 2nd ViolinRaphael Hillyer (1914-2010) - ViolaClaus Adam (1917-1983) - Cellorecorded May 4-6, 1964
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 2 - Aint No Grave Gonna Hold Gods Body Down RochesFan 2017-08-13 | performed by Edith Pinder, Geneva Pinder, Raymond Pinder, and Joseph Spencerecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody Stecher"Ain't No Grave Gonna Keep God's Body Down" is a well-known song done in every imaginable style throughout the American South and beyond.
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 2 - Captain Go Ashore RochesFan 2017-08-13 | performed by Frederick McQueenrecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody StecherWith his expressive hands and penetrating hands and penetrating voice, Frederick McQueen usually sang spirituals and "ant'ems," but in "The Captain Go Ashore" he is heard in another kind of song. Sponging in "the mud" on the west side of (supposedly haunted) Andros gave rise to many Bahamian songs, including this McQueen original. I suspect "The Garden of Old England" is the name of the boat.
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 2 - The Great Coronation RochesFan 2017-08-13 | performed by Shelton Swain, Stanley Swain, Ronald Swain, and George McKenzierecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody Stecher
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 2 - That Great Reunion Day RochesFan 2017-08-13 | performed by Joseph Spencerecorded in May, 1965 in New York City by Peter K. SiegelJospeh Spence first learned guitar from an uncle on Andros. Spence's guitar style seems to have further evolved after he spent time among his wife Louise's relatives on Cat Island. They exposed him to the music published in several popular hymnals. "That Glad Reunion Day," composed by Adger M. Pace, is from Crowning Harmony (1941, Vaughan; Lawrenceburg, Tennessee). For many years, the song was used as a processional hymn in Spence's church. In his playing, Spence has captured the nuances of a Bahamian choir.
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 2 - When the Leaves Turn Red RochesFan 2017-08-13 | performed by Bruce Green, Tweedie Gibson, and Clifton Greenrecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody Stecher
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 2 - Take Me over the Tide RochesFan 2017-08-13 | performed by Edith, Geneva, and Raymond Pinderrecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody StecherFollowing his sister's advice in "I Bid You Goodnight," Joseph Spence took a rest late in our enchanted back yard recording session, and we hear the Pinder family unaccompanied in "Take Me Over the Tide."
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 2 - Jesus Your Name So Sweet RochesFan 2017-08-13 | performed by Bruce Green, Tweedie Gibson, and Clifton Greenrecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody StecherWhen we recorded Bruce Green singing "Jesus Your Name So Sweet," he was 62, employed as a constable on Moores Island, and very much respected. His younger vocal accompanists Clifton Green and Tweedie Gibson, tremendous singers in their own right, were deferential and obviously pleased to be singing with this unusual man.
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 2 - Kneeling Down Inside the Gate RochesFan 2017-08-13 | performed by Edith Pinder, Geneva Pinder, Raymond Pinder, and Joseph Spencerecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody StecherSome of the verses Spence sings in "Mary and Joseph" are heard in "Kneeling Down Inside the Gate" as well. There are many songs in the Bahamas about death: the "ant'ems" are traditionally sung all night at the home of a dying person.
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 2 - Troublesome Water RochesFan 2017-08-13 | performed by Tweedie Gibson, Clifton Green, and Bruce Greenrecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody StecherTweedie Gibson takes the lead in "Troublesome Water" and the others switch parts. The performance is rich in unusual harmonies and suspensions. Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs recorded a fine bluegrass version in 1953 for Columbia titled "Mother Prays Loud in Her Sleep."
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 2 - Jesus Promised Me a Home over There RochesFan 2017-08-13 | performed by Shelton Swain, Stanley Swain, Ronald Swain, and George McKenzierecorded by in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody StecherThe Swains crossed arms and held hands while they hummed out the introduction to "Jesus Promised Me a Home over There." The room grew still, then the first words emerged, then the rhythm.
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 2 - Peter, You Need the Lord RochesFan 2017-08-13 | performed by Bruce Green, Tweedie Gibson, and Clifton Greenrecorded by in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody Stecher"Peter, You Need the Lord" is a wonderful song from Bruce Green's trio from Moores Island. In 1965 this island had the reputation as the home of the best singers in the Bahamas.
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 2 - Mary and Joseph RochesFan 2017-08-13 | performed by Joseph Spence, Edith Pinder, Geneva Pinder, and Raymond Pinderrecorded by in June, 1965, in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody StecherThe theme of bribing Death in vain, found here in "Mary and Joseph," is a universal one. Spence's couplets appear elsewhere, but he has a longer version than most. (Similar texts can be found in the recordings of "O Death" by Dock Boggs from Virginia and "Death Have Mercy" by Vera Hall from Alabama.)
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 1 - I Bid You Goodnight RochesFan 2017-08-06 | performed by Edith Pinder, Geneva Pinder, Raymond Pinder, and Joseph Spencerecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody Stecher"I Bid You Goodnight," a traditional wake song, is one of the most beautiful songs in the English language - if not in the world.
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 1 - I Aint Got Long RochesFan 2017-08-06 | performed by Sam Green and Grouprecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody Stecher"I Ain't Got Long" was composed in prison by Peter Elliot, a renowned old-time Bahamian rhymer. He had received a death sentence on a murder charge and, while awaiting execution, was overheard singing this song - his farewell to the world - by a warden. Deeply moved, the officer arranged a stay of execution and Elliot's eventual release. Elliot died after falling out an open window in the Seaman's Club in Nassau, landing in the very alley where, years later, we recorded Sam Green singing this song. The gruff-voiced Elliot was long remembered in the Bahamas as the greatest rhymer, while Sam Green's father, Bruce Green, was regarded as the best singer.
The Real Bahamas, Vol.1 - Numberless as The Sands on The Seashore RochesFan 2017-08-06 | performed by Shelton Swain, Stanley Swain, Ronald Swain, George McKenzie, and the Rev. W.G. McPheerecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody Stecher"Numberless as the Sands on the Seashore," which begins slow and calm, is built by Shelton Swain into an almost savage, but controlled, release of energy, mounting continually in intensity to the end. The subject is Ezekiel in the Valley, but the singer becomes so involved in the music that past the middle of the song the words are hard to distinguish. The other singers are George McKenzie, Rev. McPhee, Shelton's son Ronald Swain, and his cousin Stanley Swain, who sings the treble part.
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 1 - My Lord Help Me To Pray RochesFan 2017-08-06 | performed by Bruce Green, Tweedie Gibson, and Clifton Greenrecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody Stecher"My Lord Help Me to Pray" is the most complex of the Bruce Green songs. The bass singing of Clifton Green is incredible. In the sponging days, Bruce Green had the reputation of being the best singer in all the Bahamas. The rhyming text here is the Lord's Prayer.
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 1 - Great Dream From Heaven RochesFan 2017-08-06 | performed by Edith Pinder, Geneva Pinder, Raymond Pinder, and Joseph Spencerecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody StecherWhile we were recording "Great Dream from Heaven," a crowd of little children gathered around us in the Pinders' back yard. Geneva, who was rocking her baby to sleep throughout, sang all her high vocal parts as lullabies.
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 1 - God Locked The Lions Jaw RochesFan 2017-08-06 | performed by Frederick McQueen, Shelton Swain, and Stanley Thompsonrecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody Stecher"God Locked the Lion's Jaw" was recorded a few days after the U.S.A. had sent up some astronauts. This event works its way into a sermon on Noah's Ark which is, in turn, superimposed on a song about Daniel in the Lion's Den. This is actually more of a singing sermon than an example of rhyming. Singing sermons in the United States follow the same pattern as heard here: intense drawn-out sung notes between half spoken, half-chanted phrases. McQueen and Swain are joined here by Stanley Thompson on bass.
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 1 - Come For Your Dinner RochesFan 2017-08-06 | performed by Frederick McQueenrecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody Stecher"Come for Your Dinner" is possibly a song from a story, Bahamian folk tales sometimes contain songs. "Boy Nansi" must be Anansi the Spider, the fabled West African trickster. Frederick McQueen is 60 years old, yet there is an aura of agelessness about him that affected me profoundly. He is very tall and has enormous hands that he moves in such a way when singing as to enhance a sense of impending doom that is somehow implied in many of his songs. A few hours after we had recorded him, I made a list of the titles of the songs of the Pinder family, recorded several nights before - one of which was "A Little Talk with Jesus." A week later, I looked at the list and discovered I had written "A Little Talk with McQueen."
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 1 - I Am So Glad RochesFan 2017-08-06 | performed by Bruce Green, Tweedie Gibson, and Clifton Greenrecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody StecherLike the others sung by Bruce Green's group, "I Am So Glad" begins slowly, without a definite meter or rhythm. The rhyming begins to develop as the rhythm emerges, and vice versa. In the Carolina Sea Islands as well, a song is often first sung in a free unmetered way, taking on a definite rhythmic shape as the clapping begins. (Check out "Been in the Storm So Long" by the Moving Star Hall Singers for an example of this.)
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 1 - Out On The Rolling Sea RochesFan 2017-08-06 | performed by Frederick McQueen, Shelton Swain, and George McKenzierecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody Stecher"Out on the Roling Sea" is used here as a rhyming story of an accident at sea between two boats, the James and the Roberts (usually the rhyming is concerned with Jonah and the Whale). This is one the the most widely known "ant'ems" in the Bahamas. Frederick McQueen, from Andros, had a great reputation as a singer in the sponging days of the '30s, when men from Andros, Eleuthera and Abaco would sing in large groups, each getting his turn to rhyme if he was able. A fungus has since killed the sponge, and group singing takes place today mostly at wakes where the whole population of a settlement will gather around the bed or the house of a dying person to sing all night, sometimes rhyming all the way through the Bible when the wake lasts several days. McQueen is joined by George McKenzie and Shelton Swain from Abaco, on bass and treble.
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 1 - Wont That Be A Happy Time RochesFan 2017-08-06 | performed by Louise and Joseph Spencerecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody Stecher"Won't That Be a Happy Time" is not a Bahamian song at all. Spence and his wife Louise learned it from a shaped-note hymnal, Harmony Heaven, published by James D. Vaughan, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Several American books of this type are to be found in the Bahamas in great abundance."Can you read music, Spence?" (Everyone calls him "Spence" - even his wife, even his sister.)"No, I cannot read music.""How did you learn this song?""From this book, mon. There's a lot of funny songs in this book. Lot of funny songs.""But if you can't read notes, how did you learn the melody to this song?""I's talented."
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 1 - Up In The Heaven Shouting RochesFan 2017-08-06 | performed by Bruce Green, Tweedie Gibson, and Clifton Greenrecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody Stecher"Up in the Heaven Shouting" is sung by a group from Moores Island, whose members sing together often and know each other's vocal mannerisms. Their songs are rhythmically the most complicated on this record. Bruce Green (Sam's father) sings lead, Tweedie Gibson and Gibson Green (a cousin) sing treble and bass respectively.
The Real Bahamas, Vol. 1 - Sailboat Malarkey RochesFan 2017-08-06 | performed by Frederick McQueenrecorded in June, 1965 in the Bahamas by Peter K. Siegel and Jody Stecher"Sailboat Malarkey," one of the two secular songs on this album, is a call-and-response launching song similar to mainland African-American work songs. All parts are sung by Frederick McQueen.
