Tag Archive for: Lauren Sheehan

Harry Smith’s One Kind Favor: An All Star Tribute

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In 1952, ethnomusicologist Harry Smith released the seminal recordings The Anthology of American Folk Music. The 84 songs collected on the original three 2-LP sets became some of the most influential numbers for the folk music revival of the late 1950s and early 1960s, with renowned musicians such as Bob Dylan and Joan Baez citing its impact of their songwriting. ” It is like looking back in time, sort of like the Hubble telescope, only we are looking at images from our own human heritage, and perhaps ourselves. a “genetic code” for modern music.”

Harry Smith was born in Portland, Oregon in May 1923, so in recognition of his birthdate the Mission Theater will be hosting a little hometown celebration on Saturday, May 18th. Emcee’d by Miz Kitty and following the artist direction of Joe McMurrian, the event will be an all-star extravaganza featuring artists from multiple genres proving that the recordings released back in 1952 still have an impact today.

Among those appearing will be several blues artists to note. Along with Joe McMurrian, they will include Alice Stuart, Mark Lemhouse, Lauren Sheehan, Tony Furtado, Tevis Hodge Jr, Anne Weiss, Thad Beckman and multitudes more.

The Mission Theater is located at 1624 NW Glisan. Showtime is 7:00 pm and tickets are available through www.cascadetickets.com, $15 advance and $20 day of show. This is a 21 & over event only.

Lauren Sheehan

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The Light Still Burns
Wilson River Records

This new CD by Lauren Sheehan is the companion piece to a book written by John Thomas titled, “Kalamazoo Gals: A Story of Extraordinary & Gibson’s ‘Banner’ Guitars of World War II.” Gibson Guitars have stated in the past that during the War production of their instruments had ceased. But in reality some 9000 guitars were made under the Banner label during those years, which is in fact manufactured by Gibson. The real story behind these creations, though, was that with many American men sent overseas to fight, the production was handled mostly by a group of women in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and many with no previous experience in building guitars.

Portland-based roots musician Lauren Sheehan was invited to come back to New Haven, Connecticut and to record an album using these classic guitars. She found herself surrounded by the instruments and the dozen tracks found on The Light Still Burns were all recorded with a different guitar on each number.

The song selections include many traditional Americana songs such as “Old Folk At Home,” “America The Beautiful” and “When Johnny comes Marching Home.” Songs that were probably well-known by the makers and players of these instruments. There are also a handful of period pieces that were originally recorded during this time frame, such as “I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate” and “In The Sweet Bye And Bye/Keep On The Sunny Side.” Many of her interpretations of the songs were influenced by artists who Lauren has had connections with over the years like John Jackson and Cephas & Wiggins. “C Medley” is a collection of songs by Etta Baker and Lauren does a remarkable job at recreating the famed guitarist’s work. The disc also includes a newer track written by Gillian Welch called “Hard Times.”

Overall, the sound quality of these guitars is amazing. Lauren’s playing is impeccable and her voice suits the numbers especially well. The Light Still Burns is a nice reflection of music from our country’s past that still can bear meaning. The story of the Kalamazoo Gals is also exceptional and this album will keep the sound and legend of their work alive.

Total Time: 37:28

I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate / Precious Lord / Old Folks At Home / Bearcat Blues / C Medley / In The Sweet Bye And Bye – Keep On The Sunny Side / Soldier’s Joy / When Johnny Comes Marching Home – Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya / America The Beautiful / Home On The Range / Hard Times / My Baby’s So Sweet