Older Traditions Made New
"To Warm the Winter Hearth" (2024), and "of Hard Times & Harmony" (2022), by Windborne
Last week, I shared an album of songs that have been essential listening for our family for 30 years. This week, I got my copy of a new project from Windborne - a vocal group that keeps even older traditions alive with new recordings.
Just as the Wren Boys came a-wassailing last week, this week’s collection brings around cheer and celebration. Some familiar tunes, like the Boar’s Head carol, and an even more ancient surprise in “Satan Es Ben Estonat/Lo Paure Satan,” sung in the Occitan language.
Part of the appeal of supporting this project was discovering Windborne’s earlier work, including their 2022 collection, “of Hard Times & Harmony,” which focuses on songs of resistance and social justice. I’m looking forward to diving into gems like their arrangement of Phil Ochs “The Ballad of Medgar Evers (Too Many Martyrs)” and Ewan MacColl’s “The Terror Time.”
I’m fond of pointing out that there is more to protest music than punk rock - and here is another fine example of the quiet fury stirred up by injustice and bullying, but set in gorgeous 4-part harmonies.
As we gear up for what promises to be a difficult year, take care of yourself and maybe support the artists who bring you what you need to survive it.
Be excellent to each other, dudes!