Tom Smith, known as the World's Fastest Filker, has been making and sharing music at science fiction and fantasy conventions since 1985. He's written in many musical genres, including folk, rock, jazz, gospel, and showtunes; and can write incredibly funny political commentary just as easily as heart-felt eulogy. Today Tom shares with us a few of the songs that mean the most to him.
Song of the Soul
Song of the Soul invites you to a soul-level encounter. Music has the ability to proclaim the soul's language beyond what mere words can speak. That's what we seek as we invite our guests to share their Song of the Soul. You will hear the music that has charted the steps of their spiritual journey, that has provided a touchstone in the soul's dark night, and sung the hearts awe and joy when come to the Light. As you listen to Song of the Soul, you are both witness and companion to our guest's spiritual path and sacred testimony.
Song of the Soul guests provide 20-23 minutes of the music of their soul, and Mark Helpsmeet explores with them the relevance and meaning of this music to their experience. Most guests are musicians, usually sharing their own music, but some guests are simply sharing music they've been impacted by, written and performed by others.
The theme song for this program is by Cris Williamson and is called "Song of the Soul". Please check out the wealth of great music Cris has gifted to the world.
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Latingrass & Artivism – Joe Troop Delivers
Joe Troop introduced a new form of music called Latingrass, a combination of music from Joe's homeland, in the lower Appalachian mountains, with the tones and tunes of the Andes in South America. He also refers to himself by another new word, artivist, a combination of his musical art and his activist passions. Joe Troop was born with bones that resonated with music, grew into a banjophile, and found delicious riches of culture and humanity while living in Spain, Japan, and most recently, Argentina.
Sparkling Diamond from NC – Abigail Dowd
Abigail Dowd's songs are rich deeply connected to both folk/Americana music, and to spirit-tinged lyrics, making her the perfect Song of the Soul guest. You'll also immediately hear Abigail Dowd's North Carolina accent, and you'll hear the voice of an angel poet in the same moment.
Digging In The Ruins of Our Age With Michael R.J. Roth
Michael R. J. Roth writes his songs on the deep end of the meaning pool, and his tone has the same depth, so that some have called him a cool dark troubadour. His voice ranges, sometimes recalling the tones of a Gordon Lightfoot or a Johnny Cash, and sometimes a bit of John Prine. But what's especially wonderful is how after retirement from a number of professions, including that of a diplomat, Michael launched into full-time music production around 65, and he's put out more than 9 albums to date.
Roving Roots in Indiana, Oklahoma, & Scotland: Tim Grimm
Tim Grimm delivers moving music grown out of the soil of the Midwest, music that's flavored folk, country, and Americana, and by the end of this program you'll have songs lodged in your heart that you'll carry with you for the rest of your life.
With Roses, Snakes, Tigers, & The Divine Mother: Ana Egge
Ana Egge combines a beautiful voice with seriously deep lyrics to make transformative music. With 12 albums under her belt, and with a menagerie of creatures, like roses, snakes, tigers, & the Divine Mother, brought to life in her songs, there is both breadth & depth of vision channeled to us. With roots extending back to Saskatchewan, North Dakota, New Mexico, & Texas, Ana currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.
More Beauty, More Wonder: Meg Hutchinson
Since Meg Hutchinson last joined us in 2012, she obtained her Masters of Divinity as the only Buddhist in her class, and has added work including as Osal Doula Services, still continuing to produce the amazingly deep & moving music she is known for.
Bill Staines Sings One Last Time: Critter In The Choir
The incredible and influential folksinger, Bill Staines died this past week, bringing tears of fond memories to my eyes when I got the news. I've been singing his songs in our local song circles for 40 years now, so I decided to again share my 2015 Song of the Soul interview with you, today, in homage of a wonderful man and musician.
Looking Forward to the Backroads: Johnsmith
Our guest is Johnsmith, a talented, engaging, profound, & easy-going guy.
Spotlight On The Folkpodist: Cheryl Prashker
Cheryl Prashker is a talented musician with wide and deep skills, particularly on the drums, but she especially has a heart of gold and bestows endless blessings on all around her. Besides performing decades ago with a back called CC RailRoad, she performs currently with a Celtic-based band called Runa.