Podcast: Mississippi Goddam

Yes, politics is in the news, and in our thoughts, and I can’t get away from it, so here is the fifth in my series on the music of struggle. At a time when fundamentalism (religious and political) is gaining strength, it seems important to listen to music which runs against those currents.

In this episode of American Highways, pianist Guy Livingston brings us songs of Nina Simone, and music of Donal Fox and John Adams.

Donal Fox, pianist and composer

AMERICAN HIGHWAYS #49: Mississippi Goddam

Playlist:

Theme Music :
Steve Reich. The Desert Music (1984) First Movement (Fast).
Chorus of the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Members of the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Michael Tilson Thomas & William Carlos Williams.
Nonesuch Records 79101

Donal Fox
The Scream
Guy Livingston, piano.
WERGO 6649 2

Donal Fox
T-Cell Countdown
Donal Fox, William Brown & John Lockwood
New World Records ‎– 80515-2

Donal Fox
Spirituals Re-imagined
Soloist, Albany Symphony
Carnegie Hall live, on WNYC, New York Public Radio (May 10, 2011)

John Adams
Nixon In China – This Is Prophetic
Dawn Upshaw; David Zinman, Orchestra Of St. Luke’s
Nonesuch 79458-2

Nina Simone
Mississippi Goddam
Nina Simone and band
Metro CD010

Frederick Rzewski
Whose side are you on?
Frederick Rzewski, piano
Vanguard ‎LP – VA 25001

Donal Fox
Peace Out, My Brother (Boston Premiere)
Louise Toppin, voice; John McDonald piano.
Recorded Live at Tufts University, Tribute Concert for Vivian Taylor, May 7, 2006

Donal Fox
Peace
Donal Fox
Live on WGBH Radio, Fraser Performance Studio, Boston 10/23/07