Pre-order the four reissued LPs HERE
2023 marks 75 years since the iconic independent label Folkways Records was founded by Moses Asch and Marian Distler in New York City, and, to honor this anniversary, Smithsonian Folkways will be reissuing four classic albums from their storied catalog. From the powerful poetic expressions of Black joy and unity of Sarah Webster Fabio to the ecstatic old-time and bluegrass of New Lost City Ramblers & Cousin Emmy and the croaks and ribbits on Sounds of North American Frogs, these reissues reach into exciting, disparate corners of the Folkways universe. Folkways has also released limited-edition items based on classic Folkways Records designs.
The four albums being reissued and re-pressed on vinyl in 2023 - each for the first time in many years - will be:
New Lost City Ramblers & Cousin Emmy - New Lost City Ramblers & Cousin Emmy - 9/1
Sarah Webster Fabio - Jujus/Alchemy of the Blues - 9/15
Sarah Webster Fabio - Together to the Tune of Coltrane’s Equinox - 9/15
Charles Bogert - Sounds of North American Frogs - 11/3
Folkways is also rolling out programming and events, merch, and a special subscription service throughout the year in celebration of the anniversary. Earlier this month, Folkways partnered with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival for a special one-day performance, “Folkways at 75,” featuring Jake Blount and No-No Boy, and in November, the label will be partnering with the Brooklyn Folk Festival for an expansive weekend of programming, November 10–12 featuring performances by Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Dom Flemons, Alice Gerrard, and more.
More information on the albums being reissued, and on the merch, is below. And keep an eye out for that subscription service, called Friends of Folkways, which will allow supporters to stream the entire collection for a minimum monthly donation of $5. More details coming soon.
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SMITHSONIAN FOLKWAYS FALL 2023 REISSUES:
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Sept. 1, 2023: The New Lost City Ramblers with Cousin Emmy
The New Lost City Ramblers with Cousin Emmy (Reissue)
Pre-Order HERE
During the folk music revival of the 1950s and ‘60s, New Lost City Ramblers with Cousin Emmy rekindled traditions of southern mountain music, introducing them to wider audiences and leaving a profound legacy as country music pioneers. This album contains some of Cousin Emmy’s only recorded material, including several of her own compositions along with selections of old-time and bluegrass repertoire.
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Sept. 15, 2023: Sarah Webster Fabio
Jujus/Alchemy of the Blues (Reissue)
Pre-Order HERE
Jujus/Alchemy of the Blues is Sarah Webster Fabio’s third album for Folkways. Funky riffs and jazz arrangements written and performed by her children underpin Fabio’s poetry, giving her words gravity. "I feel that these [poems] represent the epitome of my experimenting with the integration of music and poetry in a Black idiom taken from the rich source of inspiration welling from the Black experience here in America,” explains Fabio in the album’s liner notes.
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Sept. 15, 2023: Sarah Webster Fabio
Together to the Tune of Coltrane’s “Equinox” (Reissue)
Pre-Order HERE
Known for her contributions to the Black Arts Movement of the 1970s, Sarah Webster Fabio published a plethora of poetry collections and works of cultural criticism. Together to the Tune of Coltrane’s “Equinox” is her fourth and final record for Folkways, and sees her vivid language and distinctive voice becoming enmeshed with a dynamic backdrop of exploratory jazz.
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Nov. 3, 2023: Charles Bogert
Sounds of North American Frogs (Reissue)
Pre-Order HERE
This classic of both biological fieldwork and natural sound recordings, compiled and narrated by renowned herpetologist Charles M. Bogert, was originally released by Folkways in 1958, and presents sounds of 57 species of frogs and toads from all over North America. As Frog and Toad species become endangered, this recording reminds us of the remarkable diversity and beautiful sounds we are in danger of losing.
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Smithsonian Folkways 75th Anniversary Special Merch:
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Shirt
Inspired by original Folkways Records letterhead from the 1970s, the Smithsonian Folkways 75th anniversary shirt is an ode to the label’s illustrious history. Designed by Darryl Norsen and printed on a soft, sturdy 100% preshrunk cotton jersey t-shirt.
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Stickers
Show your love for amphibians and their voices with this set of three frog themed bumper stickers designed by Darryl Norsen. The set will be released in conjunction with the reissue of the 1958 Folkways LP Sounds of North American Frogs, which was originally compiled by renowned herpetologist Charles M. Bogert.
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Mugs
75 titles for 75 years. This 12 oz. ceramic mug is a nod to the Folkways Records catalogs that were once included alongside Folkways LP liner notes. From Elizabeth Cotten to Langston Hughes, discover hidden gems and familiar favorites from our extensive collection with this design by Darryl Norsen.
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Bandana
Adorned with hand-drawn instruments from across the world and the Folkways catalog, this bandana is a music collection of its own. Designed by Sophie Sachar and printed on navy blue fabric with lilac ink.
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