Across The Blue Ridge - Episode 1 (Breaking Up Christmas)

Across the Blue Ridge returns to WFDD with a fun-filled tour of the Breaking Up Christmas holiday party tradition in northwest North Carolina and southwest Virginia.  Host Paul Brown draws from his well-loved 1996 NPR music documentary including fascinating field interviews and intense music from Christmas dance parties. We also hear some new insights into the history of square dance calling from dance leader and researcher Phil Jamison, the author of Hoedowns, Reels & Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance.  Also on the show this week … gospel music and its connections to blues and country … women performers in bluegrass and country music … and bluegrass and traditional music today in California, far across the Blue Ridge!

Episode 1 Playlist

1. On the Move – Jason Carter
   Album – Jason Carter On the Move

2. Breaking Up Christmas – Benny Jarrell
   Album – Lady of the Lake

3. Breaking Up Christmas – Tommy Jarrell
   Album – June Apple

4. Breaking Up Christmas – Benton Flippen
   Album – Benton Flippen, Old Time New Times

5. Breaking Up Christmas – Paul Brown
   Field Recording

6. Tom and Jerry – Uncle Dave Macon
   Album – Uncle Dave Macon, Go Long Mule

7. Old Corn Liquor – Joe Thompson
   Album – Family Tradition
   BREAK 1

8. These Bones Gonna Rise Again – Larry Sigmon & Barbara Poole
   Album – Unique Sound of the Mountains #10 These Bones Gonna Rise Again

9. I Believe in the Old Time Way – True Life Travelers
   Source – Across the Blue Ridge field recording

10. God Is Great – The RC Gospel Singers
    Source – Across the Blue Ridge field recording

11. Move It On Over – Hank Williams
    Album – I Ain't Got Nothin' But Time

12. Ocean of Diamonds – Jimmy Martin & the Sunny Mountain Boys
    Album – You Don't Know My Mind

13. Foggy Mountain Special – Earl Scruggs
    Album – Flatt & Scruggs Foggy Mountain Jamboree
    BREAK 2

14. Frankie Silvers – The Happy Valley Pals
    Album – Happy Valley Pals

15. The Cyclone of Rye Cove – Carol Elizabeth Jones & Laurel Bliss
    Album – Ridin' Along

16. Tall Pines – Laurie Lewis
    Album – Laurie Lewis & Her Bluegrass Pals

17. Legend of the Johnson Boys – Loafer's Glory
    Album – Loafer's Glory

18. Brushy Run – Art Stamper
    Album – Goodbye Girls, I'm Going to Boston