Hardcore Americana

Toads, a super-special favorite today. I present to you, direct from Amherst, Massachusetts, the hardcore Americana of TIM ERIKSEN.

"Tim Eriksen is acclaimed for transforming American tradition with his startling interpretations of old ballads, love songs, shape-note gospel and dance tunes from New England and Southern Appalachia. He combines hair-raising vocals with inventive accompaniment on banjo, fiddle, guitar and bajo sexto - a twelve string Mexican acoustic bass - creating a distinctive hardcore Americana sound...

"Eriksen's own compositions have been described as 'strange and original works,' have been featured in films like the Billy Bob Thornton vehicle Chrystal, the upcoming documentary Behold the Earth, and extensive contributions to Anthony Minghella's 2004 Oscar-winning film Cold Mountain.

"Tim Eriksen's work as an ethnomusicologist and teacher has included extensive research on shape-note music in New England and the venerable Sacred Harp four-part harmony tradition. He is a founder of what is currently the world's largest Sacred Harp singing convention, in Northampton, MA. In the words of Paste Magazine editor Josh Jackson, 'no one has done more to help revive Sacred Harp singing among a younger generation.'"

(Quoted text above excerpted from Tim Eriksen’s bio at his website.)

I share with you an original song by Tim Eriksen, one of the most beautiful songs ever written, in my view. This song derives from an old tale about a woman who is buried alive, only to be awakened when gravediggers cut her finger off to steal her wedding ring. The story’s much better when Tim Eriksen tells it; the song has universal and romantic appeal.

I also thought my dear Toads would enjoy a special Western Mass version of “Amazing Grace.” It seems particularly apt to share it this week, as Tim Eriksen is sitting with the same view behind him that Emily Dickinson saw from her window--Emily’s poetic landscape. Enjoy, Susie and Kerry and Shay and the rest of you.

Friends, if you are intrigued at all, PLEASE go listen to Tim Eriksen’s music on his YouTube page, because it’s extremely varied and all truly wonderful. And visit his website, and follow his Facebook page. A more interesting performer and person you will not find. And then write me a NEW poem inspired in any way by all of this, and link it up here! Can’t wait to read.