NEW PROGRAM FOR GROWNUPS: THE SONG SPINNERS
Our New Program of Classic American Roots Music
Multi-award winning New Orleans vocalist Johnette Downing and three-time GRAMMY winner Scott Billington are The Song Spinners, whose compelling new program presents songs first recorded by the pioneering folklorists Olive Dame Campbell, Zora Neale Hurston, John Lomax, and Alan Lomax.
Some of these songs, such as Vera Ward Hall’s “Trouble So Hard” and Lead Belly’s “Goodnight, Irene” became hit records for other artists, while “Jesus on the Mainline” is now regarded as a gospel standard. With origins that pre-date the era of modern recording, these songs provided the foundation for what we now call Americana music. Performed by The Song Spinners in their original versions, their clarity and stark beauty are both moving and entertaining.
Along with musical performances, each song is prefaced by a short history. For instance, Vera Ward Hall recorded her a cappella performances of “Another Man Done Gone” and “Trouble So Hard” in Alan Lomax’s New York City apartment in 1948. It was the only time she left her home state of Alabama. And, did you know that the children’s game song, “Little Sally Walker,” was part of the musical inspiration for the soul standard “Mustang Sally.”
The Song Spinners, who made their debut at Italy’s 2022 Porretta Soul Festival, bring together traditions that range from Appalachian balladry; to the joyous sounds of gospel music; to Woody Guthrie’s refashioning of folk tradition as protest music; to a minor key blues created by an inmate known only as Jimpson. Audiences are encouraged to sing along as they explore music that reaches to the very firmament of human musical expression. A video screen background of associated images enhances the experience.
Our Program for Children: Swamp Romp
A Louisiana dance party for families with renowned children’s author and musician Johnette Downing
and three-time Grammy® winner Scott Billington
“Swamp Romp succeeds on first listen as Downing and Billington serve up a feast of fun tunes… a terrific job of involving many of the city’s talented musicians to make this album sound magnificent.” — NAPPA Awards
“… a delightful collection of children’s songs that draws heavily from Louisiana and American roots traditions. Most noteworthy, perhaps, are the harmonies between Downing and New Orleans’ own Soul Queen, Irma Thomas, on the doo-wop ‘Poor Worry Anna.’”
— Roger Gatchet, Living Blues
Swamp Romp is available on Website Store | CD Baby | Amazon | iTunes | Spotify
2019 Parents’ Choice Silver Award!
2019 National Parenting Product Award (NAPPA)!
2019 Fids and Kamily Award!
A Louisiana dance party for children filled with songs that evoke a joie de vivre, a zest for life, this recording offers a mélange of many of the Louisiana roots music styles we love, from the Cajun, zydeco, and swamp pop of South Louisiana; to the rhythm & blues, gospel, jazz, brass band, and street music of New Orleans; to the rock’n’roll of North Louisiana; along with a small side trip to Mississippi. We asked our musician friends who represent the best in each genre to record with us. The result, we hope, is a record that will be enjoyed equally by children, parents, and educators, and maybe even music fans who simply enjoy a good Louisiana tune. From our food to our music to our diverse cultural heritage, we open our hearts, homes, and tables to friends, family, and visitors. So come on in and join the fun. Allons danser! Bailemos! Let’s dance!
Johnette Downing - Petit Pierre and His Wild Adventure
Join us for a special story time reading and signing with children's picture book author and musician Johnette Downing as we celebrate the release of her new book, Petit Pierre and His Wild Adventure....