Ever heard of the Reel World String Band?

Subject: Ever heard of the Reel World String Band?
From: Terry
Date: 04 Jun 99 - 07:54 PM

In the early 1980s, I saw an all-woman folk group from West Virginia called the "Reel World String Band" at a women's festival in Maryland. One of the members told me that they were wives and daughters of coal miners and had formed their group to pass the lonely, anxious evenings. They sang mining songs, of course, and one of the members had written a wonderful song about the power of women working together. I've never heard of them since that festival. Can anyone tell me if the group is still together and if they've recorded anything?

Subject: RE: Ever heard of the Reel World String Band?
From: Susan A-R
Date: 04 Jun 99 - 10:25 PM

I don't know if they are still together, but I have an album of theirs. n Vetco records out of Cincinati Oh (was 5828 Vine St. 45231.) If they no longer exist, I'd be glad to tape it for you and send it along. Just put your snail mail in my box. Seems to me that Evergreen might have been the song, and it's on this one.

Susan

Subject: RE: Ever heard of the Reel World String Band?
From: rich r
Date: 04 Jun 99 - 10:50 PM

To my recollection, they recorded at least three albums, could have been more. They have appeared on Garrison Keillor' "Prairie Home Companion" radio show. The only album I have is called "Long Way to Harlan" (Vetco LP-521). That appears to be a different album than the one Susan mentioned because there is no song called "Evergreen" on it. The album I have shows them as a group of 5, but when I saw them live in the early 90's they were a trio (Karen Jones, Sue Massek & Bev Futrell). They were also a trio in some radio performances I have heard. I think in later years they dropped "String Band" from their name but I don't know if they still perform.

rich r

Subject: RE: Ever heard of the Reel World String Band?
From: sail
Date: 04 Jun 99 - 10:52 PM

I went to a concert once, in the late 80s or early 90s, where a group of women called Reel World performed. I got their tape called Appalachian Wind. They were NOT the wives of coal miners!

Subject: RE: Ever heard of the Reel World String Band?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 04 Jun 99 - 11:25 PM

I seem to recall an album by them called "Draglines" and I think Alice Gerard may have been tied up with them as well. I have an article in an old "Sing Out" about the band. But I'd never find it.

Don

Subject: RE: Ever heard of the Reel World String Band?
From: rich r
Date: 05 Jun 99 - 08:50 PM

The song "Draglines" by Deborah Silverstein is certainly one of Reel World's signature songs. It's a great song about the landscape devastation inflicted by massive open pit coal mining. I second the opinion that the group is not a collection of cal miners wives. The fiddle player, I remember is from someplace in the upper midwest, Wisconsin or Minnesota I think.

rich r

Subject: RE: Ever heard of the Reel World String Band?
From: Barry Finn
Date: 06 Jun 99 - 10:07 PM

The Real World String Band is also featured on Rounder LP #4012 called They'll Never Keep Us Down, Women's Coal Mining Songs (1984). On it they do Battle Of Jericol, What She Aims to be & Deborah's Draglines. Others on the LP are Hazel Dickens, Sarah Gunning, Florence Reece & more. The LP was dedicated to singer/writer Sarah Ogan Gunning, D. 10/14/83. There's not much said on the sleeve notes about the R.W. String Band. Deborah Silverstein also has a great LP out on Flying Fish #FF429 (1987) called Deborah Silverstein: Around The Next Bend, on that is also Draglines. Deborah been in the Boston are since the mid 80's & is presently singing with a group called Taproot. I don't know if Taproot has cut anything but if they have it shoud be a real cracker. Barry

Subject: RE: Ever heard of the Reel World String Band?
From: Terry
Date: 07 Jun 99 - 10:25 AM

Thanks one and all for your information. I'll try to track down the releases you mentioned.

Subject: RE: Ever heard of the Reel World String Band?
From: MAG (inactive)
Date: 10 Jun 99 - 01:49 PM

Hazel & Alice were also part of Strange Creek -- i think Mike was, too.

Subject: RE: Ever heard of the Reel World String Band?
From: Doctor John
Date: 10 Jun 99 - 04:42 PM

No I've never heard of them, but I have heard of The Old Rope String Band, and they are extremely funny and very talented people.

Subject: RE: Ever heard of the Reel World String Band?
From: GUEST,Bev F
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 02:52 PM

The Reel World is alive - 31 years of playing music - with the original 4 of Karen Jones, Bev Futrell, Sue Massek and Sharon Ruble. Keyboard player Elise Melrood joined many years ago. See www.reelworldstringband.com for more information.

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Subject: RE: Ever heard of the Reel World String Band?
From: Megan L
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 02:55 PM

Thanks Bev It is good to hear when a band is still active