“New Harmony” is indeed one of Craig Johnson’s wonderful songs that evoke a sense of place. I first heard it as the title song on Sandy and Caroline Paton’s 1987 recording (on vinyl, but I got mine on cassette). I later heard Art Theime do it often - he had a deep love of Craig’s songs, performed them often.

A few years back, I had the delightful experience of hanging out with Caroline Peyton at Old Songs, where she introduced me to Dillon Bustin (Who I described it at that point as “middle-aged eye candy” - though he was as charming as he was good to look at) - I think I have a picture of the two of them from that day. While Caroline was doing her usual “do you know this person…you must meet so and so…” thing, she gifted me with a CD of Craig Johnson doing his own songs, trad songs & tunes. I think this may be the only solo album of his. I assured her yes I knew very well who he was and was grateful for the album. I had a snapshot memory of him, in overalls walking hand-in-hand with a toddler down the hill at Augusta heritage one year when I was teaching crafts there. This spring I had the album on repeat in my car. I was particularly tickled with his bawdier version of “Little Brown Bull” than what I’ve been accustomed to.

I think my first exposure to a Craig Johnson song dated to before I went to Illinois. My memory is creaky on this so I’m not sure exactly when, but I’m pretty sure the first time I heard “damned old Piney mountains” it was Dick Swain here in Cleveland. I think many of us first heard “Keweenaw light“ from Sally Rogers.

As I write this, it strikes me that perhaps my repeated exposure to Caroline Paton in contexts full of other trad folkies (Folk Alliance, Old Songs, Getaway) may be part of the reason I do some of what I do in making connections. Judy Cook was explaining to someone I’d brought into her orbit, that introducing people I think might enjoy each other was something I’m known for. I certainly know it makes me happy & I’m really grateful for all the people that Judy and Dennis have brought into my life.

Joanne in Cleveland