So the synergy gets going here....still in the midst of a national attack on the press through pipe bombs. And four songwriters with different voices, styles, points of view, and genres....we found unity through music. 

The day after 11 souls were lost in the biggest hate crime against Jewish Americans in US history- in a synagogue.

Three days after a man with a gun killed two-- trying to break into an African American church.

This is part two. 

Jamma Wun, Baltimore-based spoken word artist, producer, and rapper, brought powerful word and rhythm. 

Chuck Maddox, Baltimore beat boxer and poet, laid down beautiful beats and told riveting stories. 

Eli Lev, neo folk songwriter, brought beautiful songwriting and Native American Flute. 

And myself, Caroline Ferrante, in the mix with a few tracks from my upcoming EP "Empathy Project" mixed in.

We started with Eli Lev's "Treason". We all joined in, adding our unique flavors. And created some live, unrehearsed musical gumbo. 

Here's the breakdown:

Feels like Holiday- Caroline Ferrante (SKY)

 

Treason- Eli Lev (live on Native American flute & guitar) with Chuck Maddox on the beat, Jamma Wun with the rap, and myself on some vocals

Freddie's Song- Caroline Ferrante (live)

Pestilence- Chuck Maddox (live)

One Road- Eli Lev (live)

Ties that Bind- Caroline Ferrante (single prerelease- Empathy Project)

Around the Way- Chuck Maddox (live) with Caroline on guitar & Eli on flute

Water- Eli Lev with Megan Leigh (what a voice on this lady!)

What a Day- Caroline Ferrante (Empathy Project)

Troubles- Caroline Ferrante (Empathy Project)

Feels Like a Holiday- Caroline Ferrante (SKY)

And if you are interested in pre-ordering my new release for $9.99 scheduled for February 2019 (you'll get yours in January), please take a look here: The Empathy Project

The fact that so many of you keep following us and listening proves to me that we can have Americana music with open arms. Thanks for joining us on this journey. And Happy New Year to you!

XOXO

Caroline

carolineferrante.com

We were in the midst of a national attack on the press through pipe bombs.

The day before 11 souls were lost in the biggest hate crime against Jewish Americans in US history- in a synagogue.

Three days before a man with a gun killed two-- trying to break into an African American church.

So with that backdrop, four musicians with different styles and perspectives shared 90 minutes & an old style ribbon microphone. And the different strains of our genres started to blend, and we experienced a musical kind of unity. It was healing. It was powerful. We actually closed the doors and went with the flow. It was that sweet. We knew something beautiful was happening.

This is part one. 

Jamma Wun, Baltimore-based spoken word artist, producer, and rapper, brought powerful word and rhythm. 

Chuck Maddox, Baltimore beat boxer and poet, laid down beautiful beats and told riveting stories. 

Eli Lev, neo folk songwriter, brought beautiful songwriting and Native American Flute. 

And I tried to keep it together, and add my vocals here and there. There was a lot of love.

Be sure to listen through to the last jam- on Eli Lev's "Treason". We all joined in, adding our unique flavors. And created some live, unrehearsed musical gumbo. 

Here's the breakdown:

Feels Like a Holiday- Caroline Ferrante (SKY)

Brighter Day- Caroline Ferrante with Chuck Maddox (live)

Slums- Jamma Wun with Chuck Maddox (live)

Hometown- Eli Lev (live)

River Flow- Caroline Ferrante (Beyond)

Slam on the Brakes- Caroline Ferrante with Chuck Maddox (live)

Headphones- Chuck Maddox (live)

It is Well- Caroline Ferrante (sneak peek- Empathy Project)

Great Big Beautiful World- Caroline Ferrante (SKY)

Treason- Eli Lev with Jamma Wun, Chuck Maddox, and Caroline Ferrante (live)

Peace Be Still- Caroline Ferrante (Beyond)

Better Angels- Caroline Ferrante (SKY)

Feels Like a Holiday- Caroline Ferrante (SKY)

And if you are interested in pre-ordering my new release for $9.99 scheduled for February 2019 (you'll get yours in January), please take a look here: The Empathy Project

Thank you for listening. Thanks for supporting Americana with empathy. Americana with open arms. Together we are united. Together we have hope for brighter days.  

XOXO

Caroline

carolineferrante.com

I started doing the Radio Show at O Mansion 5 years ago when a radio station from the UK wanted to broadcast my Americana Jams live. And over the years it's evolved into this once a month gathering of songwriters and artists- both regional and national (heck- international too!). It is a labor of love, and to see that 100 of you fine folks download our podcasts every DAY is just stunning to me! Thanks for listening and supporting the diverse, myriad voices that make Americana music a beautiful celebration of this melting pot we call home. 

I am not a DJ or a radio host. But I try. I'm just a fellow songwriter and musician. I wear a lot of hats.

This show, recorded 4/22, is a delight. Have I used that word about a podcast before? I'll have to check. But honestly, what a tremendous time we had last Sunday at O Street Mansion with our full house of listeners. 

I met these artists through Zach Parkman, the most excellent organizer of the Takoma Porch Festival. We'll be performing together across Takoma Park MD on May 12th, 2018. This is an incredible grass roots festival- a national movement really- that is building steam across the US. 

Here's the songlist--

1. Caroline Ferrante- Feels Like a Holiday (pre-show track)

2. Caroline Ferrante- Great Big Beautiful World

3. Zia Hassan- Lever (with Tom on lead guitar)

4. Sara Ghebremichael- Play Them Strings

5. Tom Lieberman- Devil I Know

6. Caroline Ferrante- Freddie's Song

7. Zia Hassan- Something New (with Tom on lead guitar)

8. Sara Ghebremichael- Angeline the Banjo

9. Tom Lieberman- Common Denominator

10. Caroline Ferrante- Symphony

11. Zia Hassan- Soul Breathing (with Caroline doing some unauthorized harmony)

12. Sara Ghebremichael- Side by Side

13. Tom Lieberman- That's Why I Love You Most

________________

Thanks again for following us and downloading our podcasts! We are so very honored that you listen!

XOXO

Caroline Ferrante

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

carolineferrante.com

Instagram & FB:@carolineferrantemusic

Twitter: @cferrantemusic

Meeting Leni Stern was a game changer for me. She has been named Gibson's Best Female Guitarist 5 years- and her liltling German accent reminds me of my German ancestors. This woman is one of my heroes. Last year we happened to be playing the same night at Silvana, Harlem. 

She opened my eyes to the African origins of the blues. Her songs on the NGoni (the Banjo's African Grandfather) as beguiling- and her tunes weave beautiful connections between what we term "World Music" and "Americana"- which is really an evolution or amalgam of African music. 

We start with a jam on my song "Flowers", with Leni on guitar and backing vocals. Next you'll hear her original "Show me your Face" with my backing vocals. 

This month we also feature the music of Mark Rogers- who is just releasing his EP "Rearranged". One to watch!

Here's the playlist:

Flowers- Caroline Ferrante

Show me Your Face- Leni Stern

Great Big Beautiful World- Caroline Ferrante

Like a Thief- Leni Stern

Right Here- Mark Rogers

Better Angels- Caroline Ferrante

Slow Parade- Mark Rogers

Wade in the Water (trad)- Caroline Ferrante & Leni Stern

Symphony- Caroline Ferrante

Jimmie Cone- Caroline Ferrante

_________________________________

Hope you enjoy!

Caroline

www.carolineferrante.com

At gigs people often ask me who has signed my guitar- two of my heroes: Paul Williams & Mark Bryan. Mark walked into the Mediterranean room for our show in barefeet. Talk about real. Of course his room was just across the hall hidden behind some secret panel. He was literally drying his hair with a towel. 

Mark has a concert scheduled for the spring at O Mansion, so we thought we would pull out an old recording of a show from last year. Catch him in concert when you can--He is a MUST SEE. 

I was blessed to have Teporah Bilezikian on keys & Gary Cole on bass that night. Sweet trio. Mark was magic. Let me know what you think!

________________________________________

We started with my original "Feels like a Holiday"

Mark shared "Oh Charlie" and talked about the collaboration of HBF. 

Next is my original, "Great Big Beautiful World."

Then we got down and dirty into his songwriting practice, and we nerded out on the subject. 

Mark does a SWEET rendition of "Only Love Can Satisfy", talks about his influences, and closes his performance with "State Your Peace". 

Brooklyn based songwriter Dru Cutler is our musical feature and you'll hear three of his tunes: Familiar, Reason to Cry, and Dance Me to the End of Love. 

Mixed in with that is a jam recording with Gary and Teporah of the old trad. "Angel Band", my new release "Better Angels", and finally a tune from my Strand-(ed) CD, "Singalong with the Stars". 

________________________________________

Hope you enjoy!

XOXO

Caroline Ferrante

Carolineferrante.com

Happy 2018! For our first show of the year we had a little too much fun, and the snarkiness was thick. Yoav Schoss back again on ukulele- the musical rocket scientist. Jahnel Daliya graced us with her groundedness, sweet sound, and quick wit! DANG. Suzanne Brindamour showed off hew glorious songwriting, crafted composition, and fingerpicking.  

I started off with a rendition of Wayfaring Stranger, in honor of all those affected by the DACA- living in fear. My family came here as immigrants. My great-grandfather changed the family name to avoid the racism against the irish at the time. The more things change, the more they stay the same. This is a time for compassion. 

What are your thoughts? Message us on Facebook (@AmericanaRadioShow or @carolineferrantemusic). 

 

Thanks for listening!

Caroline Ferrante

carolineferrante.com

Legendary Songwriter Paul Williams has always been a hero to me- First, as a child seeing him on all my favorite 70's shows, then hearing his songs on radio and in movies. Now that I am full-time songwriter and open about my flaws and struggles- I am even more grateful for his authenticity and transparency. So against the grain for a multiple grammy and academy award winner, right? 

In this episode Paul and I discuss our journeys through recovery, healing, and his New York Times Bestseller "Gratitude & Trust" (cowritten with Tracy Jackson). He shares about his time with Oprah, teaching at the Omega Institute, the "Still Alive" documentary, and his 4th term as the President of ASCAP. 

My songs are interspersed with interview, since in a podcast we can only broadcast songs to which we have exclusive rights: 

Symphony (SKY)

Great Big Beautiful World (SKY)

Better Angels (SKY)

Happiness (Strand-ed)

Life's Short, Wear Heels (LIVE from the Belfry)

Singalong with the Stars (Strand-ed)

Feels like a Holiday (SKY)

My favorite part of our conversation is talking songwriting with Paul- his favorite collaborations with Roger Nichols, Kenny Asher, Karen Carpenter, and how his songwriting process has evolved over time. I especially love how he trusts the moment, lets his subconscious work, opens a book after a prayer to "The Great Amigo" and then experiences the opening song for "Muppet Christmas Carol" bubbling forth. 

After the interview I had Paul sign my guitar- "Love and Light" it says. Its a touchstone for me. 

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. This was one of those interviews that changed me. 

Love & Light-

Caroline

carolineferrante.com

This is Part 2 of our songwriter circle on 10/22 at DC's Mansion on O Street with Lilith Mariana, Teporah, Jacqueline Pie Francis, and Crys Matthews. We get more into our stories of harassment in the music industry. As it was also Domestic Violence month, and many of us are survivors of assault, we shared songs borne from of our experience.

There is such hope and beauty in these beautiful women. And what makes us stronger is that we are intentional about being allies for one another. So many times artists can be competitive or catty, but as each one of us has such unique style and expression, we have found the power of championing each other's artistry. I personally think the best artists are usually just really great human beings. These are my ALLIES, as you will hear...

#metoo

Caroline Ferrante

For those of us who have survived sexual assault, harassment, domestic violence, and/or intimate partner violence, the #metoo movement has been both beautiful and horrifying. The great thing about thinking you might be one of a few can help you see the world as a safer place. But we know the statistics. And now we read the stories. And we are validated at last-- what we have seen and others have ignored for decades. We know our personal stories intersect with so many other stories. But the world seems less safe. That can be frightening at worst, uncomfortable at best. 

Despite the discomfort, it is a beautiful time. It can be a time for change. There is hope. Its time to speak out and break silence. We can be allies for each other. 

Americana Music is not about one race or gender. It should and can reflect our diversity of experience, of culture, and points of view. It can advocate for change- even if the industry may not prefer these kinds of songs. You decide. Join the conversation on Facebook: Americana Radio Show. We would be honored to hear your stories. 

This show I invited four DC area/Northeast Regional Songwriters to talk about their experience: Crys Matthews, Lilith Mariana, Teporah, and Jacqueline Pie Francis. As women, as musicians, we share music about gender, body image, immigration, intimate partner violence, domestic violence, and sexual assault. 

Part two will follow next week. 

We are so grateful you listen!

#metoo

Caroline Ferrante

The monthly Americana Radio Show from O Street Mansion, DC with Artist in Residence Caroline Ferrante and Yoav Schoss. Join us live on fourth Sundays!