2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!

Subject: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 29 Dec 08 - 07:15 PM

It is an absolute joy to announce the upcoming release of Singing Through the Hard Times - a Tribute to Utah Phillips, a double CD on Righteous Babe Records. Musicians include Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, Emmylou Harris and Mary Black, John McCutcheon, as well as several Mudcatters, including Kendall, Jean Ritchie, myself, Big Mick, Mark Ross, and more. The official release date is February 24, but it should be available from Righteous Babe a few weeks before that.

It all happened like this:

Last winter, when Utah Phillips was very ill, a number of folks were planning benefit concerts for him. At a gathering in Maine, I started talking with Kendall and Jacqui Morse about maybe putting together a benefit CD - a little CD-R, perhaps, of songs by and for Utah from various friends and admirers. The funds would go to defray the medical expenses.

Jacqui went into the kitchen, tapped Gordon Bok on the shoulder, and said, "Gordon, I wonder if I might have a word?" Two minutes later she came back and said, "Gordon says he'll do Goodnight Loving Trail." An hour later Will Brown and Cindy Kallet had agreed to do "Going Away," I'd put myself down for "Queen of the Rails," Kendall for "Phoebe Snow," Kat Logan for "The Faded Roses of December," and Jacqui and Kendall for "Miner's Lullaby."

Kendall wrote to Pete Seeger, and Tom Paxton, who both said "Yes." I talked to John McCutcheon, Si Kahn and Cathy Fink. Mark Ross joined us, and a slew of Rose Tattoo Folks. Mick Lane said yes. Rosalie Sorrels said yes. Magpie said yes. Jean Ritchie said yes. Art Thieme said yes. And Emmylou Harris and Mary Black agreed to donate a rare recording of the two of them singing "The Green Rolling Hills of West Virginia" as a duet. Utah suggested talking to Harry Tuft, who said yes. Ani DiFranco donated a fabulous instrumental version of "The Internationale" and offered to release the album on her label, Righteous Babe Records. Charlie Pilzer agreed to master. Everyone we asked said yes - in the end we completely filled two CDs with 39 tracks of amazing music.

Of the 39 tracks on the CD, all but 10 are brand new recordings - and many of the 10 are fairly rare. The title song, "Singing Through the Hard Times" is an ensemble piece with Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, Magpie, Emma's Revolution, myself and a host of others. Like a few songs on this compilation, it's never been recorded before. There's even a recording of Utah's son, Brendan, and his band Fast Rattler singing a never recorded Utah song from long ago.

All proceeds go to Joanna, Utah's wife, to help with the many remaining expenses, and anything she doesn't need will go to organizations that help musicians in need.

I can't even begin to express the amount of love, care and generosity from so many people that went into this recording - especially Kendall and Jacqui Morse, who worked very hard to turn this from a small project to a Big Deal. There were lots of folks, too, who heard about the project and offered to send recordings, but sadly, we'd already filled up. They too deserve thanks.

So that's the story. I'm heading out to California, and am planning to debut the CD in a KVMR - fm radio show this Friday or Saturday.

Here's the complete track list.

1. Magpie, Dan Schatz, Emma's Revolution, Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer and Friends - Singing through the Hard Times (3:26)
2. Will Brown, Cindy Kallet and Grey Larsen - Going Away (4:55)
3. Emmylou Harris and Mary Black - Green Rolling Hills of West Virginia (3:36)
4. Si Kahn - Dump the Bosses Off Your Back (1:39)
5. John McCutcheon - All Used Up (3:16)
6. Saul Broudy - Starlight on the Rails (4:18)
7. Lisa Null - All About Preachers (3:12)
8. Harry Tuft and Jack Stanesco - She'll Never Be Mine (3:01)
9. Larry Penn - The Popular Wobbly ( 2:44)
10. Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer - Room for the Poor (5:08)
11. Sparky and Rhonda Rucker - Reuben's Train (3:11)
12. Fast Rattler - Paddy Welcome Back (4:39)
13. Magpie - Michael (4:52)
14. Ed Trickett - The Telling Takes Me Home (3:36)
15. Kendall Morse - Phoebe Snow (3:18)
16. Faith Petric - If I Could Be the Rain (2:40)
17. Dan Schatz - Queen of the Rails (3:11)
18. Judy Cook - Kid's Liberation (2:23)
19: Pete Seeger - Or Else! (One-a These Days) (3:23)

Disc 2:

1. Gordon Bok - Goodnight Loving Trail (3:43)
2. Rosalie Sorrels - The Soldier's Return (2:38)
3. Tom Paxton - I Remember Loving You (4:17)
4. Elizabeth LaPrelle - Jesse's Corrido (3:37)
5. Bruce Brackney - Hood River, Roll On (2:40)
6. Pop and Bodie Wagner and Dakota Dave Hull - Old Buddy, Goodnight (3:19)
7. Mick Lane - Hallelujah I'm a Bum (2:44)
8. Ani DiFranco - The Internationale - instrumental (2:46)
9. Kat Logan - The Faded Roses of December (3:27)
10. Jay Peterson - Daddy, What's a Train? (3:36)
11. Ray Bierl - Bill McCarran (3:20)
12. Finest Kind - He Comes Like Rain (3:29)
13. Mark Ross - Look for Me in Butte (3:19)
14. Jacqui Morse - The Miner's Lullaby (3:28)
15. Rik Palieri - Larimer Street (3:19)
16. Jean Ritchie - Old George's Square (3:05)
17. Taylor Whiteside - Rock Salt and Nails (3:41)
18. Art Thieme - The Hobo's Last Ride (2:40)
19. Caroline Paton - Singing in the Country (3:00)
20. Emma's Revolution - Hymn Song (3:45)

The CD is listed by Righteous Babe at a VERY reasonable $15.98 and if you buy directly from Righteous Babe Records, all the proceeds will go to the benefit! They haven't gotten it up on their website yet, but you can call them at 1-800-ON-HER-OWN (716-852-7978 for international customers) and ask for the Utah tribute – item number RBR065-2-CD . Even better, you can e-mail them at [e-mail].

I can't wait until this is released – there's some amazing music on these CDs, and it is a real heartfelt tribute to Utah.

Dan Schatz

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: maeve
Date: 29 Dec 08 - 07:29 PM

At last! Congratulations to you all for this tribute. So many treasured friends have made this lovely gift. Thank you.

maeve

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Chris in Portland
Date: 29 Dec 08 - 07:54 PM

Rosalie is doing a Utah tribute as part of Portland Oregon's Winterfolk on Feb. 7. Would be great if some copies of the cd were available there. And Rosalie's own tribute cd is very good too.
Chris

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: MAG
Date: 29 Dec 08 - 08:02 PM

Is there a preferred place to buy this when it comes out? Should we order from Amazon through Mudcat, or will there bea place to order direct?

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 29 Dec 08 - 08:19 PM

Best to order direct from Righteous Babe - more of the proceeds go to the benefit that way. Or buy from one of the performers.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: kendall
Date: 29 Dec 08 - 08:22 PM

Dan, you are too modest. You have done the most work of all.
Your announcement is so welcome, it has been a long year.

By the way, not everyone said "Yes", Joan Baez didn't answer my letter.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 29 Dec 08 - 08:27 PM

Well, okay. Everyone whose letter didn't get lost in the boxes of mail they receive every day said "Yes." ;-)

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 29 Dec 08 - 09:24 PM

Actually, a better way of saying that is, nobody said "No."

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Micca
Date: 29 Dec 08 - 09:28 PM

SINSULL here. This is exciting news. I will order mine tomorrow. Well done all.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 30 Dec 08 - 01:10 AM

Chris - Rosalie's tribute CD is indeed excellent. And yes, if things work out, it'd be lovely to have CDs at Rosalie's tribute shows as well. We'd like to plan some events around the country this year to coordinate with this CD. More on that as it happens.

Warmly,
Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: freda underhill
Date: 30 Dec 08 - 05:49 AM

fantastic. Sandra has just put a link to this thread on the Ausworld folk email list - there'll be orders from Australia, including mine, soon.

freda

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 30 Dec 08 - 10:16 AM

I can't say enough good things about the folks at Righteous Babe - Ani, Scott, Susan, Mary, and of course all the folks I don't know but who are working hard on this CD. They're all taking a well-deserved New Years break, I believe, so if you write and don't hear back, wait until next week to worry. Then order your CDs by the case lot!

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: kendall
Date: 30 Dec 08 - 11:55 AM

I've heard this all the way through,and all I can say is, BUY it! It is top quality.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: astro
Date: 30 Dec 08 - 12:14 PM

We will order one right after the first...we were at a house concert with Rosalie in LA and bought hers and have enjoyed it greatly, we will do the same with this new compilation...thanks for your hard work!

Astro and Desert Dancer

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: karen k
Date: 30 Dec 08 - 09:40 PM

Great work, Dan and everyone involved. I can't wait to get one. I have many fond memories of Utah. I only wish that something from the late Kate Wolf could have been included. She was a close friend of Utah's. I wish you all the luck with this.

karen kobela

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 30 Dec 08 - 11:39 PM

Kate Wolf is there in spirit, Karen - and in eight bars of melody from "See Here, She Said" that Will Brown plays as a sort of coda to "Going Away."

That piece alone is worth the price of the CDs. It's stunningly beautiful. Kendall and Jacqui can back me up on that.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: astro
Date: 30 Dec 08 - 11:46 PM

I was just reading from a Sing Out magazine (I have it in LA and not here in Tucson, so I can't get the issue date) where Utah talks about Kate and her impact upon him and his music.

In the article he spoke of him singing in Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, taking her place as she was under treatment for her cancer. She was, at the time, responding well to the treatment and showed up for the concert. Utah was asked by audience members how she was doing and he said to them, why not ask her she is there! He said that she went at the break to the music table and sold all of his tapes for him. It was a wonderful article.

Again, thanks for doing this.

Astro

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 07:40 AM

That piece alone is worth the price of the CDs. It's stunningly beautiful. Kendall and Jacqui can back me up on that.

I sure can. With apologies to everyone else who took part, many of them my friends, if I had to choose just one track that would be the one.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 03:04 PM

The KVMR interview has been rescheduled - it will probably air on a Monday morning in about a week. I'll keep you all updated.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: open mike
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 03:36 PM

this sounds like a wonderful collection of songs and musicians
and a great way to keep Utah's music circling the globe!!

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Amos
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 04:01 PM

Wow!! What a tour de force!! Dan, well done, well done!! I am so proud this happened!! What a terrific gang you all are!


A

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: topical tom
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 07:38 PM

Great job, Dan! Be the good lord willing, I shall buy one as soon as possible.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: maeve
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 08:39 AM

Same here, Dan. I am so happy about this album coming to fruition. I remember when Jacqui and Kendall spoke to me about the project just under a year ago. Not only is this a treasure for its honoring of Utah, it's an amazing collection of musicians I so admire and in several cases, whose friendship I treasure. Thank you to you all!

I always love the music that emerges from Cindy, Grey, and Will.

I'll be buying this one for sure, somehow.

maeve

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Big Mick
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 10:12 AM

I must tell you that it is such an honor to be included in this project. Just take a stroll down through that track listing and you get what I am talking about. I am thrilled beyond description to be on this collection. And one day, soon I hope, I intend to get my big Irish arse out to see Mr. Ross and over to sing a tune by the ballfield where our friend, Mr. Phillips, is buried.

That price is an absolute bargain for the amount of music contained on this collection. It is a testament to the man and his life, that those performers honored him this way. And Ani gets a huge "Thank You" from this union organizer for offering her label for distribution.

Utah and I only became friends at the end, although I was a rabid fan for years. What I came to know of this smart assed hobo Wobblie organier is that he was one of the gentlest, and humblest, people I have ever known. The personna onstage was pretty close, but when you were talking with him one to one, he was genuine, gentle, humble, and amazed that folks cared so much. I will treasure all of our conversations, but one I will treasure most of all. It came just a few days before he died. I was talking to him about our mutual friend (and Mudcat Guru and punster) Art Thieme. I passed on a comment Art asked me to, thanking Bruce for teaching our Art how important humour was in getting a message across. Art asked me to let Utah know that it was Utah that taught him that. Utah was so happy and honored to hear that, because he loved Art's work. But then he launched into an impassioned lesson to me about how very important it was in my own work, to use humour to get these messages out. He went on for a very long time, making sure I understood that my work was important, my music was important to that work, and that humour is one of the tools that keeps folks from going bleary eyed and missing these important messages and ideas. I felt pretty honored that he shared this with me, and the next thing I knew, he was gone.

So ...... to be included on this tribute ..... to have had the honor of putting together a couple of fundraisers and singing with the likes of Garnet Rogers, Matt Watroba, Len Wallace, Claudia Schmidt, Eric Glatz, Madcat Ruth, Chris Buhalis, Steppin In It,Rachel Davis.... well, it is all pretty incredible.

So, see if you cannot rathole a little money, folks. Our good friend Utah left some medical bills and other final expenses. You will be helping Joanna retire these, and keep going. And you will get music from some of the finest musicians of our times (myself excluded from that lofty bunch).

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: GUEST,Dan Schatz in California
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 03:10 AM

I was in Nevada City today (or is it yesterday by now?) and recorded an interview with KVMR to be broadcast next Monday at 9 a.m. There will be lots of music, including the tracks by Tom Paxton, Elizabeth LaPrelle, Emmylou Harris and Mary Black, John McCutcheon and others. I believe it will be broadcast in streaming audio over the web. That will be your first chance to hear material from the new album.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Mark Ross
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 01:09 PM

I will be listening Dan.


Mark Ross

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Nancy King
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 01:52 PM

Is that 9 am Pacific time? If so, Eastern time (Mudcat time) would be noon, right?

I've heard the album (it's GREAT!) but I'd love to hear the interview as well.

Nancy

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Mark Ross
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 09:04 PM

9AM Pacific time, noon on the Eastern side.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 03:29 PM

Chris in Portland asked about having CDs at Winterfolk. I just spoke to the label manager at Righteous Babe, and they plan to have CDs there, even if they have to ship them overnight!

Which means they'll be available from Righteous Babe by February 7!

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 03:34 PM

Very exciting, Dan!

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: open mike
Date: 10 Jan 09 - 02:16 AM

so that interview will be on http://www.kvmr.org/
Mon.Jan. 12, 9 am pacific(10 am mountain, 11 am central, 12 pm eastern)

also just today i got Rosalie Sorrels' Utah tribute disc from Redhouse.
"Strangers in Another Country" www.redhouserecords.com
It starts out with a wonderful spoken intro to Starlight on the Rails.
She says she will be 75 years old when this disc comes out.
the liner notes state that the Folk Alliance has given Rosalie a grant
to archive all Utah's material...as she is planning on resurrecting as many as she can recall. see also www.rosaliesorrels.com

U. Utah Phillips, the Golden Voice of the Great Southwest:
UUP the GV of the GSW

the people on this project are Peggy Seeger, Jay Unger & Molly Mason,
Bryan Bowers, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Mitch Greenhill and Mayne Smith, The Sorry Muthas, Peter "Madcat" Ruth, Roma Baran, Dakota Dave Hull, Pop Wagner, and Rob Burger.

Should i start a new thread for this?

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 10 Jan 09 - 02:06 PM

Rosalie's tribute album came out in July, I think - just in time for the Kate Wolf Memorial Festival. It is an amazing collection, and Rosalie was extremely good-natured about our album coming out around the same time. (As it turns out, much later - which is probably better for both collections.) I have never heard so much love translated into a recorded medium as she manages to achieve in that album.

That - along with powerful performances - is the genius of Strangers in Another Country. Singing Through the Hard Times holds a lot of love and admiration, and some top-notch performances, but only Rosalie could get into the depths of Utah's life the way she did.

Obviously I'm biased, but I think the two collections are a nice compliment to each other. Only a handful of the songs are the same on the two albums, and even those are very different performances.

Rosalie also performs a song on Singing Through the Hard Times - The Soldier's Return - which is not included on Strangers in Another Country.

Buy both!

Incidentally, Strangers in Another Country received a 2008 Grammy nomination for the Best Traditional Folk Album.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Mark Ross
Date: 10 Jan 09 - 02:33 PM

Actually Dan, they didn't get the Redhouse album ready in time for Katestock. But it's out there and it's a good'un. Can't wait to hear the new one. When?

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 10 Jan 09 - 02:55 PM

February 24th nationally - and February 9 from Righteous Babe.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 11 Jan 09 - 08:00 PM

The KVMR interview will be broadcast tomorrow (Monday), January 12, at 9 a.m. Eastern time. I was a bit road weary, so I promise you, the most interesting part is the music - several songs from the new album.

You can listen in here.

And, to keep things interesting, here's a Jeopardy style quiz:

The ANSWER is:
Tino Chumlevich and Luigi Del Puppo.

What is the question?

Winner receives - well, my undying respect. It's good though.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Mark Ross
Date: 11 Jan 09 - 10:25 PM

Who wrote the original of I REMEMBER LOVING YOU. The original chorusbefore Utah got a hold of it was;

I remember loving you,
and I've had quite a few..........


Also, check out the parody on YouTube,

I DON'T REMEMBER YOU


Mark Ross

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 12 Jan 09 - 12:53 AM

Hey, no fair bringing in a ringer!

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Mark Ross
Date: 12 Jan 09 - 12:25 PM

I'm listening to the KVMR broadcast right now. It sounds great.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Nancy King
Date: 12 Jan 09 - 01:06 PM

Great job, Dan!

Mom

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: kendall
Date: 12 Jan 09 - 01:17 PM

Damn. my computer is down and I just got a lap top up and running.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 12 Jan 09 - 01:40 PM

Sorry Kendall. You've heard it before, anyway.

I hadn't realized that it had been an hour long interview. The time flew by - and we barely scratched the surface of what's on the CD.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: GUEST,Jay Peterson
Date: 17 Jan 09 - 06:05 PM

First, let me say that it's an honor to be a part of this project. With all the heavy hitters on this CD, I think too of all the people, especially those who slug it out in the little bars and squat-and -gobbles across the country who might also have been included. I don't see why another collection couldn't happen including the likes of Eddy Jeff Cahill, Jim Miller, Bob Bovee and Gail Heil, J.B. Freeman, Ron Miles, and a host of others. I don't think anyone should see the 39 song cutoff point of this project as some sort of exclusion of those not included.
Utie handed me and my late partner Jane Kopiska an incredible gift in 1982, when he felt he couldn't take the main stage at the Winnipeg Folk Festival due to his then-new trouble with his hands. When he approached Mitch Podolak and told him he wanted us to take his slot, and I heard the word an hour later, I could hardly believe it. I felt that we couldn't carry his case, let alone adequately fill those 25 minutes with anything resembling the quality that Utah embodied. He told us not to worry, to just go out there and do what we do better than we've ever done it. Unfortunately, due to problems with sound and rain-soaked equipment, we were only able to do four songs, and weren't able to close with our version of "North Star", which we were going to dedicate to Phillips. We got the hook, and I thought at the time that it was because we sucked, but it was just the stage manager doing a good job of keeping the schedule on time. Nevertheless, this gesture on Utah's part is something I'll never forget. This very act, more than any particular song he wrote, or any performance I was blessed to witness, inspired me, and continues to inspire me in that you have to pass this trade along to those younger and less traveled. I hope this lesson can continue to guide me.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 17 Jan 09 - 10:00 PM

... and Andy Cohen, and Bob and Diana Suckiel, and Greg Brown, and Laurie Lewis, and Sandy Paton, and Anne Feeney, and Kuddie, and... and....

There's so many good songs, and so many good singers. As related above, this project grew up organically, and at a certain point, we just hit the limit of what two CDs out for wide distribution could hold. (The collection has well over two hours of music on it.) I'd love to see another collection come out in a few years with different songs, different singers. There's a wealth of legacy and friendship out there.

Jay's piece on the CD is a wonderful version of Daddy What's a Train, sung for his daughter. For those who never heard him on A Prairie Home Companion or elsewhere - you're in for a treat. Jay's a top-notch guitar player and a fine singer.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 12:23 AM

Dan---and all,

Thanks so much for allowing me to be a part of this with you. Bruce meant so much to me throughout the 36 years I knew him---from those early days of '72 at Richard Harding's Quiet Knight--- and at Earl Pionke's Earl Of Old Town--both of those nightlife folk clubs in Chicago. Utah showed me how to use humor to get a room two-thirds full of drinking Republicans to sing enthusiastically on "Dump The Bosses Off Your Back" and other Wobbly anthems. I used that lesson for the following 3 decades to convince late 20th century people that historical songs and ballads of long ago were worth listening to and learning modern truths from.

As Utah said, "The past didn't go anywhere!" --- And either did Utah Phillips; he is still here with us----and our voices are the life support that keeps his many messages and tunes alive!

And thanks to all of you for the huge support you've been to Carol and me. No way can I say that with sufficient volume and enthusiasm!

Love to all,

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: kendall
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 08:43 AM

I've had so many blessings in my life, but if I had to name two of them they would be: Performing on stage with my dear friend, Utah Phillips, and seeing a man of mixed race go to the White House. Blacks have entered the mansion before, but this one gets to go in the FRONT door if he chooses!

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: GUEST,Dan's laptop
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 10:39 PM

The web page for direct ordering through Righteous Babe should be up in another week or so. The CD itself will be available from them a week after that.

For a sneak preview, I've posted my recording of "Queen of the Rails" on my Facebook page. (You don't need to be a Facebook member to access the page.) There's also a full track list.

For the very very enthusiastic, you can also see the album cover there.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 11:31 AM

You can now order copies of Singing Through the Hard Times directly through Righteous Babe records. This is the best way to order the CD, since it means the maximum benefit will go to Utah's family.

You can also hear three entire sample tracks - Hymn Song, performed by Emma's Revolution (Pat Humphries and Sandy O), All Used Up, performed by John McCutcheon, and Singing Through the Hard Times, performed by a cast of thousands, including Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, Magpie, Dan Schatz, Emma's Revolution, and a chorus including Lisa Null, Flawn Williams, Joe Hickerson, Julia Friend, Mary LaMarca, George Stephens and Dick Swain.

This was a labor of love, indeed. Enjoy!

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 12:14 PM

Definitely a labor of love, particularly on the Part of Dan, who was the main reason that this has come to fruition.

He has worked very hard, both in persuading people to help out and in organising all the necessary stuff that needed to be done to get it out.

We've heard the finished item - it's great!

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 03:57 PM

It also wouldn't have happened without Jacqui and Kendall.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: kendall
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 04:23 PM

I'm never one to be very effusive but I'm here to tell you that this is one of the best collections I have ever heard.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 04:52 PM

I'm chomping at the bit to hear this set. So many old friends are on it. I'm sure it'll feel like we're habnging out on a warm summer night again at some grand festival.---Winnipeg maybe. It's times like this I miss seeing you all regularly on the old folkie roads.

Art

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: kendall
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 07:22 PM

And we miss seeing you too old friend.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: kendall
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 07:27 PM

I didn't mean to imply that I've only had two blessings in my life. There are too many to list. It started with meeting and becoming close friends with Gordon Bok, then those angels at Folk Legacy.
Probably the most far reaching one is theMudcat.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 05:34 PM

No Kendall. Two blessings is all you get. There's a recession on, you know.

Maybe a Mudcat elf could mark this thread as updated?

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: johnadams
Date: 19 Feb 09 - 07:34 PM

The CD set has just plopped onto my UK doormat. What a wonderful compilation.

I've listened to and been stirred by Bruce's 'We Have Fed You All For A Thousand Years' album on and off since it came out. This tribute is a worthy one to someone who was obviously a fine man and a unionist after my own heart. I would like to have met him.

Thanks to Dan and everyone else who contributed to the project. It's much appreciated.

Johnny Adams

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Micca
Date: 19 Feb 09 - 08:12 PM

Mine landaded on the doormat yesterday morning just before I was due to leave to visit Yorkshire so I havent heard it yet, so thats a nice treat in store, A BIG thank you to jacqui for making a prezzie of them and then getting them here so promptly!!

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 19 Feb 09 - 08:36 PM

It's a fine couple of CDs and I'm proud to be on it. I do hope it helps Joanna. Kendall and Jacqui's tracks are stunning. And Haywire Brack (Bruce Brackney) deserves to have had several records out through the many crazy folk years. Brack, your voice and presentation is perfect for our music. And it's great to hear Saul Broudy again. --- Everyone is just wonderful.

Dan, thanks for all your work making it happen! Be sure to tell us when the website is up and functioning.

Affectionately,

Art

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 20 Feb 09 - 01:15 AM

I forgot to order mine when Righteous Babe records told me the link was up. I finally ordered it 2 nights ago & have to wait

sandra (waiting almost patiently)

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 20 Feb 09 - 11:52 AM

The Righteous Babe website is up, but it will be a bit longer before the artist bios are there. That all needs to be handled separately (it's a little complicated). But as far as ordering the CDs, and even hearing a few sample tracks, you can do that now.

Although Tuesday (the 24th) is the official release date through the major distributor, it is available from Righteous Babe and a few other outlets right now. It is also available, or will be, internationally - not only in the UK, but in Europe and Asia. I don't know about Australia. As much as I hope folks in the know will buy directly from Righteous Babe, so more benefit goes to Joanna, I certainly wouldn't blame anybody overseas who wanted to buy their CDs closer to home. It's a lot of shipping to send a CD halfway around the world.

Here is the link to Righteous Babe.

This project was a great deal of fun to work on, and it has been a real blessing in my life. I've made many new friends, reconnected with old ones, and made other friendships stronger. People have been kind and generous, and forgiving and loving. It says a lot about Bruce that so many people went to such lengths to give this gift to him and to his family.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 20 Feb 09 - 08:28 PM

I assume the folks who buy it from Australia will all be Utah fans & sympathisers & won't worry much about the extra for postage.

sandra

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 21 Feb 09 - 10:49 AM

Several of the websites now have 30 second samples of the songs up. Oddly, a few of those seem to have an error in the artist names toward the end. (Art, you're Emma's Revolution, now. OK? You may not look or sound like them, but that's just how it is. So is Taylor Whiteside for that matter. And Caroline Paton. I'll give a heads up to the label.)

Look for itn and listen! (But buy from http://www.righteousbabe.com/artists/utahphillips/tribute/index.asp .)

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 21 Feb 09 - 10:52 AM

Oops. The link came out wrong. Can an elf fix it? It should be Righteous Babe.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 21 Feb 09 - 02:44 PM

Actually,Dan,it'd be more accurate if I was Enema's Revolution!!!!

;-)

Art

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Nancy King
Date: 23 Feb 09 - 02:08 PM

Jeez, Art....

My copy just arrived! VERY fast service from Righteous Babe -- ordered on line Thursday 2/19, received in the mail Monday 2/23. Thanks, folks!

Nancy

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 24 Feb 09 - 10:17 AM

Today is the official release date! Thank you to Righteous Babe and all the performers, engineers, and others who helped make this gift to Utah and his family possible.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Feb 09 - 04:39 PM

..... and the artists bio's are up on the website, as well. Just go to the track listing page, and there is a button at the bottom. Great reading!!!

Folks, I hope you will embrace this one. We always talk about being community, and this is the chance to prove it. Susan at Righteous Babe said they had a fair pre-order, but we need to push it. Step right up. For a mere $15.00 US you get 39 tracks, and some of the great performers out there. By ordering through Righteous Babe the most proceeds go to the family, but use the other services if you prefer. The family still benefits. Please help us get this out there. Then we can say we truly take care of our own.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: MikeT
Date: 25 Feb 09 - 12:42 PM

My copy came yesterday. It is wonderful. I especially like Elizbethe LaPrelle's singing on Jesse's Corrido. thanks to Dan, Jacqui and Kendall for all the work. I'm very grateful that Bruce's legacy is so well recorded. Between this effort, Rosalies loving cd, his own Songbook, I'm confident his message and music will be around for a long long time.

Mike

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 25 Feb 09 - 07:52 PM

Dear Dan- and all your UP Record Collegues, We've been away, and without a computer too, so missed your announcement of the Utah Phillips CDs-coming-out on my birthday, Dec. 8th! First, I want to thank you for letting me be a part of this- it's an honor for ME to pay honor to UTAH in such a way!

So, Mudcat Friends, I offered to sing Utah's choice for me (remember, this project was begun while he was still in this life),- a favorite of mine of his lovesongs- what is that title? But I had one of my endless colds, voice only a whisper. Dan suggested my contribution be a song from one of my own recordings, and he himself chose, "Old George's Square," because he felt that it described a period in Utah' life and so would fit in. I hope it did! I haven't heard the recordings yet- I'll order one tomorrow. I know it must be a great achievement, Dan. You must be still reeling from all the work and time that went into it. From the comments here, everyone seems to love the finished product, and I can't wait.....and we hope it sells a million!   Love, to your crew, to Joanna, to you all,    Jean

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 25 Feb 09 - 07:56 PM

Check your mailbox Jean - you should have received some copies from Righteous Babe Records.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Big Mick
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 02:12 PM

I was sitting and thinking about this marvelous project, and realized that there is a person in the mix who got the thanks of those of us involved, but I believe needs more attention. That person is Jim Fleming. Jim is the owner/founder of Fleming Artists. He loved Utah as a friend, and represented him as his agent along with Ani Difranco and many others. Dan, who did amazing amounts of work on this project, and I were talking about finding distribution, and I told him I was working with Fleming on the fundraisers in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. I mentioned it to Jim, and he told me to put Dan in touch with him. Those two went to work and got Righteous Babe onboard. As I have said, it was Dan that provided the brainpower and determination to see this through, but I want to thank Jim for all he did behind the scenes to assist the Ark and Wealthy Theater concerts (all of our "name" acts came from his assistance), as well as on this CD. He is truly the unsung hero, and we are all grateful for everything he did.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 04:41 PM

It seems I left all mention of my own recordings out of the paragraph bio I concocted to go up on the website for these CDs. I'd not realized it could've been a longer piece of doggerel that was wanted. It's been a dozen years since I made music and thought in terms of trying to sell 'product' --- something I never ever did well enough.

To old friends Sandy and Caroline at Folk Legacy Records who made my earlier recordings for them available on CDs -- plus the new one; and to Andrew Calhoun at Waterbug Records---I am truly contrite and sorry.

Art

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 07:57 PM

Don't worry Art. The album and the Folk Legacy website are both listed in the CD notes, which far more people will see. I hope you sell many CDs because of the publicity.

Jim Fleming was a great help in this project, connecting us with Righteous Babe Records and providing a good deal of sage advice and support. He is one of countless folks without whom this just would never have come to be.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Mar 09 - 10:20 AM

I finally sat down and listened to the two cds. What an incredible collection of songs and artists. Why have I never heard Saul Brodie before?
For today "Starlight On The Rails" is my favorite cut. It will change.
This was Kendall's copy. I will be ordering my own this week.
SINS

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: bbc
Date: 07 Mar 09 - 09:09 AM

What a spectacular collection--of songs & of performers! I haven't listened to all of the songs yet, but they are blowing me & Duane D away! I would highly recommend this recording! Thanks to the many folks involved in making it happen. I know that there are stories behind the songs contributed that make them even more special & I'm really glad folks took the trouble to put this together. And thanks to Dan for putting the information up on Mudcat. I still drop in, now & then, & I wouldn't have learned about it, otherwise.

best to all,

Barbara

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 11 Mar 09 - 01:38 PM

There is a now a signed copy of the CD set up for Mudcat auction. Even if you already have a copy, or intend to buy one, this is a real collector's item.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Midchuck
Date: 11 Mar 09 - 01:48 PM

I got mine in this morning's mail. But I had to come in to the office.

I'm going to sneak out and go home and play it.

Peter.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Mar 09 - 06:07 PM

Mine arrived last week while I was on holidays & I've played it 2 or 3 times since i collected it.

I love it! It's great to hear a few more Mudcatters (gidday, jacqui!), & some other previously unknown performers. More CDs that I need are on my list for when I get my replacement card (I reported it lost after an incresingly frantic search then found it a few hours later in a place here I'd looked! mutter, mutter, mutter)

congratulations to all concerned.

sandra

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 12 Mar 09 - 12:05 AM

I just got my copy last week. It's wonderful.

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Mar 09 - 10:31 AM

Hiccup!
It is in the auction.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: C. Ham
Date: 12 Mar 09 - 02:26 PM

Why have I never heard Saul Brodie before

The first few times I ever saw Utah Phillips perform was at a Smithsonian program in 1971 at the American Pavillion at Man & His World (the old Expo '67 site) in Montreal.

Saul Broudy on harmonica was Utah's back-up musician.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: karen k
Date: 13 Mar 09 - 12:52 PM

WOW! Just got a copy. Listening to it right now. Bodie Wagner, a good friend of Utah's. Brilliant job, Dan, Jacqui and Kendall. Wonderful voices I've heard for years, and some wonderful voices I've never heard. Many good friends grace this set. The only thing missing for me would have been a something sung by Utah himself to end the set. Be very proud. This is wonderful.

karen kobela

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: karen k
Date: 13 Mar 09 - 01:02 PM

Me again. Just got to the song by Kat Logan. What a voice! Never heard her before. Can't wait to get these 2 cd's into my iPod. I'm pretty sure that I've heard Utah sing all of these at one time or another and that is what makes this collection so special for me. Love them.

k

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Nancy King
Date: 13 Mar 09 - 03:42 PM

I agree about Kat's voice, Karen. Simply beautiful. And believe it or not, she's even better in person. We'll need to see more of her!

Nancy

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: bbc
Date: 14 Mar 09 - 04:34 PM

Yes, Duane & I had the pleasure of hearing Kat at Chocolate Church in Bath, Maine. She has a lovely voice!

Barbara

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 21 Mar 09 - 11:39 PM

Dan, How are you doing with this? I hope well--or at least decently.

Folks. I hope we're thinking of picking up this set of CDs. Remember, the cash is going to Joanna Robinson, Utah's wife, to pay bills and for other pressing needs. Personally, I'm loving it. Mary Black's voice is just the best.

On we go.

Art

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 09:48 PM

I haven't asked recently how they're doing - I figured at this point it's mostly between Righteous Babe and Joanna. I do know that we've been getting a fair amount of airplay and attention on radio stations in the US and the UK, which is encouraging.
Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 12:02 AM

< For today "Starlight On The Rails" is my favorite cut. It will change.
This was Kendall's copy. I will be ordering my own this week.
SINS>>


So glad you liked it! Thrilled to be part of the tribute. I have many happy memories of Phillips, especially of my two years (70-71) on the road with him playing harmonica.

I'm still around, though I haven't been touring as widely as I did in the 1970's, 80'and 90s, when I used to do a lot of North American festivals and clubs as well as overseas gigs.

Cheers,

Saul Broudy
Philadelphia, PA USA

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 03:25 PM

I just got this CD in the mail and popped it into my Mac, loaded it into my iTunes, and am gonna take it out to the car and listen to it over and over and over--I kinda wish I were starting on a driving trip around the country--the miles would just fly by. What an absolute treasure! I know what each of the Monday Night at Sally's members are gonna get for their birthdays for the next year (all purchased, of course, from Righteous Babe).

Charles

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 27 Mar 09 - 11:50 AM

It's hard to believe it's only been a little over a month since the official release of this CD. We've had some very nice reviews, including one from the All Music Guide which highlighted our own Jacqui as an "AMG Track Pick." There's also a wonderful review from About.com, and two from the UK: NetRhythms and Fatea Records Magazine. There are others.... My current favorite, though, has to be from the Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange, not just for what it says about he CD, but for what it says about Utah. And because it uses the word "homagerie."

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 27 Mar 09 - 12:21 PM

It is so good to see that this set has been so favourably commented on, so soon after release. Hopefully that will engender sales, which will benefit Joanna. I feel priviledged to have played a small part in bringing this to fruition.

This is truly Folk at its best.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Mark Ross
Date: 27 Mar 09 - 04:17 PM

Good reviews. But that last one Dan, well, they credit the music to LOOK FOR ME IN BUTTE to Mark MOSS! Hope they don't send him the royalties(Yuk, yuk, yuk, as Curly used to say).


Mark Ross

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 27 Mar 09 - 04:26 PM

Well, yes, 10 out of 10 for prose style, but only 5 out of 10 for spelling. You should see the Dutch review. Still - "homagerie!"

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: topical tom
Date: 30 Mar 09 - 11:56 AM

I just purchased the cds from Righteous Babe and am looking forward to a treasury of music. It will bring back fond memories of seeing and hearing Utah's stories and songs live. Truly a master of story-telling and song and a great humanitarian as well.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Andrez
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 01:49 AM

So being so far away in Australia, I am curious as to why there wasnt any contribution by Jody Stecher and Kate Brislin? Was it an omission, something to do with "local" musicians politics or what?

I have a copy of Heart Songs, a great individual tribute to Utahs songs by Jody and Kate and from the distance of Australia I just fail to understand why their work was not included as part of the testimonial recording.

Please be clear though that I dont want to take away one thing from all the contributors to this album but for the life of me I just dont understand. Could someone please make this a little clearer?

Cheers,

Andrez

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 08:35 AM

I actually tried to contact Kate and Jody by email relatively early on in the process but got no reply from them. Having had success in contacting others, such as Finest Kind and Rosalie Sorrells in the same way, and in view of the fact that the CD quickly became over subscribed with those who wanted to take part, we didn't follow up on those who did not reply to the initial request.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Big Mick
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 08:54 AM

Andrez, it was nothing like that. The CD was less a planned project than it was a happening. It started out as a discussion between Dan Schatz and Kendall Morse and Jacqui Morse at a gathering in Maine. Gordon Bok was there and he said he would donate a track. Someone suggested they ask me for a track, which I, of course, said yes to. Kendall, Jacquie and Dan started asking around among friends and soon folks like Paxton jumped in. One thing led to another and folks like Seeger and Jean Ritchie hopped in, as well as Emmy Lou and Mary Black, and all the other great artists. Next thing Dan knows, his little producing project with 12 or 14 tracks among friends is now 39 tracks and a major project. And he did a phenomenal job.

There are any number of folks, in retrospect, that "should" have been on it (Anne Feeney, for example) but that isn't how this came about. It sort of took on a life of it's own.

I happened to be doing a couple of benefit concerts for Utah (one just before he died at The Ark and one after he passed in Grand Rapids, MI) when Dan mentioned he was looking for a label to handle distribution. I was working with Jim Fleming who represented Utah. Jim also represents Ani Difranco and got her involved which is how Righteous Babe    became involved. Dan would tell you that those folks have been invaluable.

So the answer to your question is that, no, there were no intrigues or purposeful exclusions. Dan, Kendall, and Jacqui just went to work and this is where it ended.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Big Mick
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 09:07 AM

Oops .... cross posted with jacqui. That's what happens when I type on the Iphone. Takes forever.

That little synopsis of mine is very much a fingernail sketch designed to let you know how it came about. In fact there was a lot more work than it shows by Dan, the Morses, and the folks at Righteous Babe. But you get the idea.

Mick

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 10:52 AM

As others have said, there were no politics involved, just circumstance.

There are a lot of folks who could have participated - Jody and Kate chief among them. They were, as Jacqui said, tough to get hold of - apparently our initial attempts at communication just never got through . By the time we finally did, the CD was already stuffed to the gills and the hour was late. They were nevertheless very generous in donating the songwriter's royalty from "Miner's Lullaby," which they co-wrote, to the cause. I'm glad to say they understood completely held no hard feelings about not having a song of their own on the CD. Everybody was SO gracious.

I have a fantasy that some time in the future there will be another CD, one of Utah Phillips songs that have never before been recorded, or that he never wrote melodies to and that some of the folks who didn't get back to us in time or who we didn't end up having space for will be on that one. But one thing at a time.

Andrez, I'm glad you like the CD. And I was sad too that we didn't get through to Jody and Kate in time - I love that Heart Songs CD.

Personally, I think Singing Through the Hard Times is as much a concept as a collection of performances. It's not about the individual musicians; it's about Utah and his legacy. As we start having some concerts associated with this CD, there's no reason at all why they should be limited exclusively to the musicians on the CD - especially when there are so many good folks singing and recording his songs - folks like Jody and Kate, Laurie Lewis, Kuddie, Anne Feeney, Bob and Diane Suckiel, and so many others.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Andrez
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 07:59 PM

Ok folks, I've just come back from our National Folk Festival in Canberra. Thanks very much for the info and feedback I can rest easy now that I know a little more about how the Singing Through the Hard Times CD came about and that the issues were about logistics of one kind or another, not politics.

I agree completely with Dans statement above that its about Utah and his legacy. I guess I'll just have to play Heart Songs at least as much as the double CD. That shouldnt be too hard to take although it might put my 15 year old on edge a little bit...... sod 'er, but I think she'll come to understand as she gets a little older!

You guys are so privilieged to have known Utah on such a personal basis!

Can you please make sure the concerts are videoed and recorded so that more of the magic of Utahs songs, as well as that of the individual singers, can be presented to the world at large?

Cheers,

Andrez

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Janie
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 08:07 PM

I went to Righteous Babe and received a warning that their certificate has expired and a caution that it could be a site mascarading as the Righteous Babe site. They probably just neglected to renew the certificate, but I am hesitant to enter credit card information, being of the paranoid persuasion.

Any suggestions?

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 08:17 PM

Both CAMSCO and Folk-Legacy are carrying it. Can't get any more upright than that.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Janie
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 08:18 PM

OK Dick. I'm headed for your website now.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 08:33 PM

You can also call Righteous Babe directly at 1-800-ON-HER-OWN (716-852-7978 for international customers). I've e-mailed and them know about your issue.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 15 Apr 09 - 01:40 PM

I just received an e-mail from the good folks at Righteous Babe - the problem with their website is all taken care of.

Remember that if you order directly from Righteous Babe, it means a greater benefit for Utah's family. Of course, CAMSCO and Folk Legacy are companies that deserve our commerce as well, so those are also wonderful ways to get hold of it. I haven't seen it on the Folk Legacy website, but that doesn't mean they don't have that. You can always call and find out, and enjoy a lovely talk with Caroline Paton while you're at it!

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 17 Apr 09 - 09:20 PM

I won the Mudcat Auction (do you win auctions????) - CD arrived today (thanks Dan) -- am on my third listening right now (Kendall singing Phoebe Snow).....wonderful cd....

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 18 Apr 09 - 12:26 PM

I just learned that Singing Through the Hard Times made the FolkRadio.org list (ranked at number 2) of the most played Folk albums of March 2009. This list is compiled from 148 DJs, and 14,924 airplays over the month. The most played songs from the album were "The Green Rolling Hills of West Virginia," sung by Emmylou Harris and Mary Black, "I Remember Loving You," sung by Tom Paxton, and "Phoebe Snow," sung by Kendall Morse.

"Green Rolling Hills" also ranks in the top ten most played tracks of the month.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 18 Apr 09 - 01:00 PM

WOW!

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 18 Apr 09 - 02:02 PM

I know. I mean, the Kendall Morse thing is predictable, but who is this Emmylou Harris person?

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: kendall
Date: 18 Apr 09 - 08:56 PM

Wow indeed! I'm honored and a bit humbled.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: kendall
Date: 19 Apr 09 - 08:45 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: topical tom
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 03:07 PM

Arguably the best cd that I have bought to date. I especially enjoyed "The Hobo's Last Ride","Look for me in Butte", "Phoebe Snow" and "All Used Up" but all numbers were well done. A great tribute to a great man.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Janie
Date: 02 May 09 - 08:19 PM

Got the CD from Camsco 1-2 weeks ago, and am just having time to listen.

All I can say is "Gawd!"

Wonderful CD. So many musicians with so many different styles playing Utah's music. Truly a poet and songwriter of the people in all of our aspects.

My heartfelt thanks to Dan, Kendall, Jacqui and all the many others who contributed to making this wonderful CD.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Severn
Date: 02 May 09 - 08:57 PM

While in the Johns Hopkins Bayview burn center during a period of recovery, I was given a copy as a gift. Aside from the title sentiment itself (I hope to be singing through mine), I found the set itself to be wonderful and extra nice to have so many mudcat friends, a number of whom I know personaly, all gathered in one place.

A worthwhile recording for anyone's collection. Every family should own one.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Janie
Date: 02 May 09 - 09:05 PM

**blush** I had no idea that Utah Phillips wrote "Rock Salt and Nails."

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: C. Ham
Date: 03 May 09 - 05:41 PM

**blush** I had no idea that Utah Phillips wrote "Rock Salt and Nails."

Utah once told me that he wrote the song to get it out of his system, sang it once for Rosalie Sorrels shortly after, and never ever sang it again.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 03 May 09 - 07:53 PM

As C.Ham said, Utah didn't like singing it for a few reasons. One was that the person it was written about was still alive, and while others might sing it, it felt wrong for him to. The other it that it is a bitter and angry song and he simply didn't feel that way anymore.

He told me that he wrote "Rock Salt and Nails" and "I Think of You" on the same day, or in the same two days - I can't remember which came first. Those two songs were the two very different sides of his feelings after receiving a Dear John letter when he was in Korea. I was surprised, because I'd never thought of "I Think of You" that way.

He didn't say, but I imagine the third song that probably came out of that event was "The Soldier's Return," which Rosalie sings on the double CD.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Mark Ross
Date: 04 May 09 - 09:19 AM

Actually, he sang RS&N twice, the second time to Jody Stecher and Kate Brislin so that they could learn it the right way for HEART SONGS.


Mark Ross

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 04 May 09 - 10:57 AM

Yes, well, he may not have liked singing it himself, but he knew a good song when he wrote one.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 04 May 09 - 12:23 PM

The April FolkRadio.org airplay list - compiled from a 145 DJs - is out, and I'm pleased to say Singing Through the Hard Times is at Number 1 for April - tied with Danny Schmidt. (This makes me want to go find and listen to Danny Schmidt - he was at number 1 last month.)

Standout tracks for this month were "Green Rolling Hills," sung by Emmylou Harris and Mary Black, "I Remember Loving You," sung by Tom Paxton, and "All Used Up," sung by John McCutcheon.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 04 May 09 - 01:45 PM

Hopefully this will mean better sales than might have been anticipated, which means more help for Joanna.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: GUEST,Dan's laptop
Date: 04 May 09 - 09:54 PM

Amen. It's a difficult market for any CD right now, and even with all that Righteous Babe is doing, this type of project largely gets promoted by word of mouth. Pass it on, by it for your friends - directly from Righteous Babe if possible, by any other means if not - and you'll be doing one last favor for Utah.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Janie
Date: 04 May 09 - 10:49 PM

I ordered another copy for my sister.

Thanks all for the history and ancedotes about Rock Salt and Nails.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 16 May 09 - 08:23 PM

Lisa Null, Saul Broudy and I will be appearing on WXPN's Folk Show with Gene Shay this Sunday night to talk about the CD. If you're in the Philadelphia area, I hope you're able to tune in. The show runs 8 to 11, and we think we'll be on at about 9. WXPN is 88.5 fm in Philadelphia.

If you're not in our area, you can listen live online: http://xpn.org/music-artist/xpn-stream .

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: GUEST,Dan Schatz
Date: 17 May 09 - 01:10 PM

One correction - it looks like we'll be on at 8:30.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 17 May 09 - 11:52 PM

I did try to listen in, but the stream was so halting with huge gaps that I finally had to give up. Such is my dial-up connection.

Onward...

Art

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 18 May 09 - 12:30 PM

Thanks Art, for listening in, or trying to. I felt it went well, and Saul and I had a good time playing together.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Big Mick
Date: 18 May 09 - 02:14 PM

If it is archived, I will try to make a cd for you, Art. I won't be home till the weekend, though, as I am FT 24/7 caregiving w/ Da

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 18 May 09 - 02:45 PM

I don't think it's archived, Mick. I can't get it, anyway. But you should know, if you don't already, that Gene made a special mention of "Hallelujah I'm a Bum" as one of his favorites.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Big Mick
Date: 18 May 09 - 03:31 PM

wow, that is very gratifying to hear, Dan. There are such wonderful singers on that project that I find myself wondering if the cut stands up. I wanted it to be kind of basic, just as it would be sung around a burner barrel on a picket line. But with all the "activity" in my life, I couldn't spend a lot of time. Thanks for sharing the comment. Made my day.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 18 May 09 - 08:55 PM

AT the risk of being totally repetitiou - I love the whole cd....

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 23 May 09 - 01:05 PM

Utah died a year ago today. It's good to know that his music is carrying on with all of these folks on the CD, and so many more that should have been.

I know Joanna could still use the help, so if you're planning on a Utah memorial workshop at any festival you're involved with this summer (last year some people didn't have time to plan), please be in touch with me [dan-AT-danschatz-DOT-com] or with Righteous Babe Records about the possibility of getting hold of some of these CDs to sell. We'll have them at the Washington Folk Festival. You don't need to have the particular performers who are on the album. It's not about us. It's about Utah and his musical legacy.

One year later, and we still miss you, Bruce.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 23 May 09 - 01:56 PM

Because of Utah, I am now an alcoholic!

Over the last year, every time I've thought of him, I drank a toast to the man -- and to all that his life meant to me through the decades. That can have consequences.

So be it!

Art

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Mark Ross
Date: 23 May 09 - 05:39 PM

Art,
Utah taught me how to drink whiskey instead of vodka, so that people would know that I was drunk & not stupid!

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 23 May 09 - 06:32 PM

I was once about to drink a straight shot of Vodka up at Richard Harding's great folk club in Chicago--the Quiet Knight. Utah pulled a bottle of PHILLIPS Milk Of Magnesia out of his pocket, (It seemed strangely apropos!) Then he grabbed my shot from in front o' me, poured it into a larger glass, and dumped some of the Milk of Magnesia into it and said, "There, now drink THAT!"

(Later he told me it was called a Phillips Screwdriver... ;-)

Art

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 23 May 09 - 06:41 PM

Utah anbd I were in a workshop and he was drinking whiskey and water becase it helped him to remember whiskey we were gonna play a song in, and also, water we going to sing.

Art

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 29 May 09 - 11:17 AM

We'll have lots of copies of the CD set at the Washignton Fok Festival in Glen Echo Park Maryland, this weekend.

It's always ideal to buy the CD either directly from Righteous Babe or from a performer at a live event. The performers all donated their tracks, studio time, editing and mixing, and on top of that they pay extra to buy these CDs to so more benefit goes to Utah's family. It's good to support them when we have the chance. Why go through distributors if you don't have to?

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: GUEST,Mike B.
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 12:33 AM

I couldn't find the "Singing Through the Hard Times" album at the Washington Folk Festival's HMT (House of Musical Traditions) booth - must have sold out before I got there.

Great tribute session on Saturday, however.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Nancy King
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 09:45 AM

Mike, sorry you didn't find the Utah CD at the Festival -- House of Musical Traditions did have them, unless you were there after 7 pm on Sunday, when I picked up the remainder from them. Anyway, you can order directly from Righteous Babe, and all the money goes to Utah's family. I hope you'll order it -- it's a wonderful CD.

Nancy

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 03 Jun 09 - 12:01 PM

Our third month in a row in the top 5 of the Folk airplay list - we were at number 4 for May. It is an incredible honor to have been involved with this CD.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 03:29 PM

Sing Out! printed a very nice review in their most recent issue. And the roots music website No Depression posted a review that seems to have understood exactly what we were going after when we made the collection. It was a joy and an affirmation to read.

Folks, there's only a four more month's shopping time until Christmas. Originally we'd hoped to have this out in time for the 2008 holiday, but that's no reason we can't spread Utah's music over this coming holiday - and bring some extra cheer to Utah's family while we're at it.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Mark Ross
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 12:46 AM

Just got a call from Dan Schatz; SINGING THROUGH THE HARD TIMES, A tribute to Utah Phillips, has been nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional Folk category. Utah may be chuckling over that wherever he is.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: GUEST,999
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 01:17 AM

Category 68

Best Traditional Folk Album
(Vocal or Instrumental.)

Cutting Loose
David Holt And Josh Goforth
[High Windy Audio]


Naked With Friends
Maura O'Connell
[Sugar Hill Records]


Polka Cola: Music That Refreshes
Jimmy Sturr And His Orchestra
[Starr Records]


Singing Through The Hard Times: A Tribute To Utah Phillips
(Various Artists)
Jacqui Morse, Kendall Morse & Dan Schatz, producers
[righteous babe records, inc.]


High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project
Loudon Wainwright III
[2nd Story Sound Records]

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Janie
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 01:56 AM

The nomination speaks volumes about Utah Phillips, and also about the wonderful work of the musicians who contributed to "Singing Through The Hard Times", and especially about the skillful and significant labor of love put forth by Dan, Kendall and Jacqui to produce the CD.

Good on all of you!

Janie

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 02:01 AM

Joanna suggested that we should wear clown noses to the awards ceremony. Now, I'm off to bed.

Dan (tired but happy)

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Janie
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 02:03 AM

We have parallel threads running now, with news of the Emmy nomination.      Should they be combined? Not sure myself. But if they stay separate, I would like my last post to be moved to the new thread.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 09:21 AM

Whoo Whoo!
This is so exciting.
Congratulations guys.

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: skarpi
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 04:00 AM

ja well , I need to get this cd somehow, but at the moment
Iceland is like a jail , no currency out of the country ???
still I will get some .

I listen to the four songs , and this is a cd I want to have in my collection , along with many others .

way to go ..... :>))

all the best Skarpi

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Jan 10 - 05:15 PM

We just got our CD's from Righteous Babes and it's very well done and fun to listen to.

We still think their website is screwed up but we managed to work around it. When you click the link "Order the CD" you are transported to an unrelated page with someone else's CD. It was quite a puzzle to finally get our shopping cart filled with the right order, which was two CDs.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Genie
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 01:54 AM

Charley, I had the same problem. Haven't yet figured out how to order the CDs via that website, even after going around in circles for quite some time.
I do want to order it. Mick's FB page makes it sound like a helluva deal, aside from the fact that the proceeds go to Utah's family.
Anyone have a shortcut to ordering it?

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 08:52 AM

Genie-

I'm not technically sophisticated enough to explain how my wife was able to order the CD from Righteous Babes. But it's also available from Folk Legacy and Camsco.

I certainly enjoyed listening to the tracks as I drove down to Mystic for the Chantey Blast. Very well done! It's a bargain price and the profits go to a good cause.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Nancy King
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 11:27 AM

To order the Utah Phillips CD set directly from Righteous Babe, try this link.

Hey, if I can figure it out, surely it can't be TOO difficult! You can listen to many, if not all, of the cuts from the album from this page, too.

Nancy

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 11:56 AM

You can also call 1-800-ON-HER-OWN and order by phone.

Dan

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: voyager
Date: 18 Feb 13 - 07:42 PM

The Utah Phillips tribute CD was on my drive time CD player today and
sounded just fine (and resonant with these chaotic times).

Thank you Dan Schatz and contributing artists for sounding Utah's immense song writing talents through Time.

voyager

Subject: RE: 2 CD tribute to Utah Phillips!
From: kendall
Date: 19 Feb 13 - 09:15 AM

Hey, Skarpi, give us your mailing address.