The Kitchen Musician ~ December 2019

Hello friends,

This month I share a 17th century Burgundian Christmas carol. I hope that it will inspire us to think about ourselves in relation to the old Christmas story. “How many oxen and donkeys you know, would say a prayer and close the door?” Step into the kitchen and I will sing it for you with the help of my talented friend, Seth Connelly.


Index
  NEWS:
  THIS MONTH’S MUSIC: “Carol of the Beasts”
  UPCOMING SHOWS
  FEATURED NON-PROFIT: Sloop Clearwater

Photo © 2019 Dan Tappan


NEWS: New Album Coming!

As announced last month, I am working on a new album. This project is going very well, and I am beginning to realize that it will actually come to life! I have completed recording my vocals and guitar. I am also pumped that Sean Staples has agreed to work with me as producer and engineer. Sean is a well known folk musician in New England and beyond. He has also produced some stellar albums by others, most recently “How We Want to Live“, the acclaimed new album by Lisa Bastoni. Sean will also contribute musically, as will my talented friend Seth Connelly and several others.

As we anticipate a very important national election, this project will feature twelve of my original topical songs. A few of the songs speak directly to the politics of today, but this album is not single-dimensioned in that way. Several songs are more subtle, using metaphor and poetic lyrics to communicate important contemporary issues. And of course, there are several songs of encouragement as we work together to make the world a better place. I can’t wait to share it with you! We are targeting an early 2020 release. Stay tuned for more information on how you can join me to support the release of this new project.

I offer all of my studio recordings for free download (or pay what you want) via my online Store. And all of my informal “unofficial” recordings can be found on my Jukebox page (or in every “Kitchen Musician” blog post.)


THIS MONTH’S MUSIC
Carol of the Beasts

Traditional 17th century Burgundian Christmas Carol
Translated into English by Oscar Brand
Additional verse and refrains © 2012 Tom Smith (ASCAP)
Lyrics in the comments below


In the words of the famous topical folksinger Woody Guthrie, “It’s a folksinger’s job to comfort the disturbed, and to disturb the comfortable.” Of course that can also apply to poetry, visual art and other creative endeavors. As I wrote above, I am deep into the process of recording a topical song album, and so I have been consumed with topical songs lately (even more than usual). Everywhere I turn and without intentionally looking, I hear topical songs, I read topical poems, and I see visual art that makes me think about contemporary issues. These topical songs, poems and visual art simultaneously disturb and comfort me. They disturb me because they raise my frustration level and my sense that we are losing the battle to make the world a better place, and yet they also give me comfort and hope when I realize that I am not alone in this important struggle.

On this, the month Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, I share a topical song that speaks to me through a great distance and four centuries of time. This Christmas carol is said to have originated in 17th century Burgandy, a region of eastern France. It was translated by Oscar Brand. I first became aware of it from Pete Seeger‘s 1967 album, Traditional Christmas Carols. As Pete sings it, there are only two verses and refrains. Perhaps it is presumptuous of me but I took the liberty to add a third verse and two more refrains.

This past Monday I attended a local open mike where my good friend Seth Connelly was performing a feature set with harmonica legend Hatrack Gallagher. I told Seth that I intended to sing this song, and he remarked that he didn’t know it. In the back room, I showed him a lyric sheet with chords, played it through a couple of times and he was ready to join me on stage. Thanks to the kindness of King Yee (video) and Steve Friedman (audio), I can share that performance with you.

“How many oxen and donkeys now
If they could help the sick and poor
How many oxen and donkeys you know
Would say a prayer and close the door?”

Working for better things in 2020. We can get there if we sing it right!

Tom

(If so inclined, I invite you to leave a comment by scrolling to the end of this page.)


UPCOMING SHOWS:
Click this link to view upcoming shows


Featured Non-profit: Sloop Clearwater

Sloop-Clearwater“For over 45 years, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc. has been at the forefront of the environmental movement as champion of the Hudson River, working to pass landmark legislation like the Clean Water Act, and providing innovative educational programs, environmental advocacy, and musical celebrations, including the renowned annual Clearwater Festival, to inspire, educate, and activate millions of people.

Today, Clearwater is carrying forward Pete Seeger’s legacy, partnering with schools and community leaders to raise the bar of environmental education, realizing that this time the health of the Hudson River must go hand in hand with creating a sustainable world of green jobs in a green economy. Clearwater’s unique approach to public outreach has made the sloop Clearwater a symbol of grassroots action through hands-on learning, music and celebration.”

Please join me in supporting the important work of Sloop Clearwater.

What do you think?

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3 Comments
  • Tom
    December 11, 2019

    Carol of the Beasts
    A 17th century Burgundian Christmas carol
    Translated by Oscar Brand
    Traditional with new verse and refrains © 2012 Tom Smith (ASCAP)

    And on that night it has been told
    These humble beasts so rough and rude
    Throughout the night of holy birth
    Drank no water, ate no food

         How many oxen and donkeys now
         Dressed in ermin silk and such
         How many oxen and donkeys you know
         At such a time would do as much?

    As soon as to these humble beasts
    Appeared our lord so mild and sweet
    With joy they knealt before his grace
    And gently kissed his tiny feet

         How many oxen and donkeys now
         If they were there when first he came
         How many oxen and donkeys you know
         At such a time would do the same?

    This babe was wrapped in tattered cloth
    Against the cold and raging storm
    These humble beasts with only breath
    And stable straw did keep him warm

         How many oxen and donkeys now
         If they could help the sick and poor
         How many oxen and donkeys you know
         Would say a prayer and close the door?

         How many oxen and donkeys now
         With gold and silver in their store
         How many oxen and donkeys you know
         At such a time would ask for more?

  • Ken Hasselbrack
    December 11, 2019

    Nice job

  • Elaine
    January 9, 2020

    Tom,
    Thank you , lovely! And you know me… I have a tear in my eye !
    Keeping Hope, for this coming year.
    Elaine