Episode 123: Songs Of Cruelty and Death

January 12, 2011

Host Joe Kendrick and new panelist Renee Denton are joined by Carol Rifkin and Fred Mills in this conversation about themes of the afterlife, murder ballads and more as they brood and plot their way through the dark side of music.

download audio

Torrential rains flooded the Albino Skunk Festival immediately before its spring event, but luckily abated just in time for performances to begin after a slight delay, including the debut set from Margo Cilker. **Her episode is here**.
photo: John Gillespie

We’re proud to be on public radio WNCW as well as the Osiris podcast network. Osiris is a growing community of music and culture podcasts, connecting music fans with conversation, commentary and music. Osiris works in partnership with JamBase, — We’re proud to be on public radio WNCW as well as the **Osiris** **podcast network**. Osiris is a growing community of music and culture podcasts, connecting music fans with conversation, commentary and music. Osiris works in partnership with **JamBase**,

WNCW host and producer Jaclyn Anthony, who creates the condensed versions of *Southern Songs and Stories* podcasts for broadcast

Tony Trischka addresses the audience at Remembering Earl in Shelby NC 01/13/24

Marquee at the Reeves Theater in Elkin, NC, for Cristina Vane’s performance 08-04-23

Joe Kendrick and Eilen Jewell at the Albino Skunk Music Festival 05-13-23
photo: Martin Anderson

Video version of our episode on Bela Fleck

A bottle of “lizard liquor” from Singapore pictured on the porch of “Club Met”. This is the same bottle referenced in our Green Acres Music Hall, Revisited **episode here**.

Album art for Justin Golden's debut Hard Times and a Woman. Check out **his episode here**.

Sarah Shook & the Disarmers performing in Black Mountain, NC 08/24/19
Sarah’s episode is **linked here**.

Video of the Peter Holsapple interview which is the foundation for the podcast episode We Thought You Wanted To Know, Too: Peter Holsapple and the dB’s which you can find here

album art for *Back Down Home* by Tony Kamel

Mary Huff of Southern Culture on the Skids performs in Spindale, NC 09-11-21. Photo: Brenda Craig.
Our episode on **SCOTS is linked here**.

Video version of The Shelton Laurel Massacre podcast episode, part one.

Watchhouse performs live in WNCW’s Studio B 07-13-21. Photo: Brenda CraigTheir podcast episode is linked here. — Watchhouse performs live in WNCW’s Studio B 07-13-21. Photo: Brenda Craig
Their podcast episode is linked here.

The Jerry Douglas Band performing in Asheville, NC 06-03-21Listen to our episode on Jerry here. — The Jerry Douglas Band performing in Asheville, NC 06-03-21
Listen to our **episode on Jerry here**.

Olivia Ellen Lloyd photo by Stefania Orru Hear Olivia’s episode here and on podcast platforms everywhere. — Olivia Ellen Lloyd photo by Stefania Orru
**Hear Olivia’s episode here** and on podcast platforms everywhere.

Full interview with Esther Rose on video. Her podcast episode is linked here.

Tyler Ramsey (right) goes over his set list backstage at the Warren Haynes XMas Pre-Jam, December 2018. Check out Tyler’s episode here. — Tyler Ramsey (right) goes over his set list backstage at the Warren Haynes XMas Pre-Jam, December 2018. Check out **Tyler’s episode here.**

Amythyst Kiah from the No Contact Concert Series 08/22/20

Lucero. You can hear their podcast episode here. — Lucero. You can hear their podcast **episode here**.

Dom Flemons performs 09-05-20 in Spindale, NC at WNCW’s Outback Opry drive-in concert. Photo: Daniel Coston

Darin & Brooke Aldridge. Their podcast episode is linked here. — Darin & Brooke Aldridge. Their podcast episode is **linked here**.

(l to r) Mike Guggino and Barrett Smith of Steep Canyon Rangers at Isis Music Hall in Asheville, NC in 2017

The full version of Wood & Wire's Tony Kamel and Billy Bright joining host Joe Kendrick on this video interview.

Jason Isbell live in Studio B at WNCW, 2011Photo: Dennis Jones — Jason Isbell live in Studio B at WNCW, 2011
Photo: Dennis Jones

Dom Flemons sound checks at the Outback Opry in Spindale, NC 9-5-20

The Allman Betts Band playing in Greely, CO — The Allman Betts Band **playing in Greely, CO**

Charley Crockett. His episode Running Horses and Reinventing Country is linked here. — Charley Crockett. His episode Running Horses and Reinventing Country is **linked here**.

BJ Barham sitting and strumming. Check out the first of two episodes on his band American Aquarium here. — BJ Barham sitting and strumming. **Check out the first of two episodes on his band American Aquarium here**.

Joe Kendrick and Paul Thorn talk in Shelby, NC 03/06/20. Paul’s episode is linked here. — Joe Kendrick and Paul Thorn talk in Shelby, NC 03/06/20. **Paul’s episode is linked here**.

Paul Thorn plays his Mississippi Telecaster at the Don Gibson Theatre 03/06/20. March 27th is Paul Thorn Day in his home state.

Elonzo Wesley performing on WNCW 03/11/20 Photo: Vicki DameronListen to their podcast episode here. — Elonzo Wesley performing on WNCW 03/11/20 Photo: Vicki Dameron
**Listen to their podcast episode here**.

Taylor Winchester of Elonzo Wesley live in WNCW’s Studio B 03/11/20 Photo: Vicki Dameron — Taylor Winchester of Elonzo Wesley live in WNCW’s Studio B 03/11/20
Photo: Vicki Dameron

Chatham County Line performs alongside The Steel Wheels at the Don Gibson Theatre in Shelby, NC in November 2018. The Steel Wheels are also profiled on Southern Songs and stories in their episode here. — Chatham County Line performs alongside The Steel Wheels at the Don Gibson Theatre in Shelby, NC in November 2018. The Steel Wheels are also profiled on Southern Songs and stories in **their episode here**.

Velton Ray Bunch conducting the orchestra for Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings. Velton is featured in the episode A Soundtrack To An Enduring Icon: Dolly Parton. — Velton Ray Bunch conducting the orchestra for *Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings.* Velton is featured in the episode ***A Soundtrack To An Enduring Icon: Dolly Parton***.

Mark Leggett in session for Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings — Mark Leggett in session for *Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings*

Thanksgiving feast at casa Kendrick, 2018. From the episode Pass The Biscuits, Please: Thanksgiving History And Food From The Pilgrims To Today — Thanksgiving feast at casa Kendrick, 2018. From the episode ***Pass The Biscuits, Please: Thanksgiving History And Food From The Pilgrims To Today***

Excerpt from the podcast episode Beautiful Intentional Communities With Hiss Golden Messenger

Marcus King with Joe Kendrick at the Marcus King Band Family Reunion in Black Mtn, NC 9-28-19. From the episode When Music Is More Than Music, And Becomes Family: Marcus King — Marcus King with Joe Kendrick at the Marcus King Band Family Reunion in Black Mtn, NC 9-28-19. From the episode ***When Music Is More Than Music, And Becomes Family: Marcus King***

The Deer on stage at the Albino Skunk Music Festival 4-13-19. From the episode Defining A Sound As Elusive As Their Name: The Deer. Photo: John Gillespie — The Deer on stage at the Albino Skunk Music Festival 4-13-19. From the episode ***Defining A Sound As Elusive As Their Name: The Deer***. Photo: John Gillespie

Excerpt from the podcast episode When Bluegrass Gets Weird And Psychedelia Goes Acoustic: Yonder Mountain String Band

Phil Cook and MC Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger in Asheville, NC 7-11-19. Phil and Mike are both interviewed in our podcast episode here, which features live music from Hiss Golden Messenger as well as Phil Cook’s solo work. — Phil Cook and MC Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger in Asheville, NC 7-11-19. Phil and Mike are both interviewed in our **podcast episode here**, which features live music from Hiss Golden Messenger as well as Phil Cook’s solo work.

Mimi Naja of the band Fruition sings “White Rabbit” as Allie Krall of Yonder Mountain String Band plays fiddle at Cold Mountain Music Festival 6-1-19

Yonder Mountain String Band’s Dave Johnston on banjo and Jacob Jolliff on mandolin 6-1-19

Excerpt from the podcast episode On The Road With Southern Songs And Stories: From Colorado To Carolina

Dangermuffin performs at the Albino Skunk Music Festival 4-11-19. From the episode Reaching Into A Mythical Past And Rocking A Modern Jam: Dangermuffin. Photo: John Gillespie — Dangermuffin performs at the Albino Skunk Music Festival 4-11-19. From the episode ***Reaching Into A Mythical Past And Rocking A Modern Jam: Dangermuffin***. Photo: John Gillespie

Michael and Tanya Trotter sing a capella as The War and Treaty band mates look on. Check out their episode Blowing The Roof Off And Loving Without Limits: The War & Treaty. Photo: John Gillespie — Michael and Tanya Trotter sing a capella as The War and Treaty band mates look on. Check out their episode ***Blowing The Roof Off And Loving Without Limits: The War & Treaty***. Photo: John Gillespie

Zach Smith, Jesse Langlais and Phil Barker of Town Mountain during their interview in Asheville NC on 1-26-19. Their episode is here: Town Mountain: There’s Never A Last Ride In The Van. — Zach Smith, Jesse Langlais and Phil Barker of Town Mountain during their interview in Asheville NC on 1-26-19. Their episode is here: ***Town Mountain: There’s Never A Last Ride In The Van***.

Lisa Stubbs of the duo Mourning Dove at the Velo Fellow in Greenville SC. Lisa’s interview and her music is part of our February 2019 episode on artists from Upstate SC. — Lisa Stubbs of the duo **Mourning Dove** at the Velo Fellow in Greenville SC. Lisa’s interview and her music is part of our February 2019 episode on artists from Upstate SC.

Mac Arnold at Studio 101 in Woodruff, SC for a live performance 12-4-18

Plate Full O’ Blues plays at Studio 101. Pictured: Scotty Hawkins (drums), Austin Brashier (guitar), Mac Arnold (bass)

The Steel Wheels perform in Wilkesboro, NC 9-21-18

The Steel Wheels mandolin and guitar player Jay Lapp’s pedal rig.

Jed Willis and Aaron Ballance talk about old time and bluegrass evolving with its Blues base intact. From our podcast on Tellico.

Elizabeth Cook performs at the Albino Skunk Music Festival 10-6-18. Check out our three part podcast series on the spring 2017 Skunk Fest here and on podcast platforms everywhere. — **Elizabeth Cook** performs at the **Albino Skunk Music Festival** 10-6-18. Check out our three part podcast series on the spring 2017 Skunk Fest here and on podcast platforms everywhere.

Joe Kendrick and Jim Lauderdale at Carolina In The Fall in Wilkesboro NC 9-21-18

Rorey Carroll and Todd Snider at Reevestock in Elkin, NC 8-3-18

Eric Krasno Band closes out Reevestock 2018

Jim Lauderdale performs on WNCW 7-13-18. Photo: Vicki Dameron — **Jim Lauderdale** performs on WNCW 7-13-18. Photo: Vicki Dameron

Time Sawyer is the subject of our June 2018 podcast. They are pictured here from their Burlington, NC performance 6-8-18 (L to R) Luke Mears, Sam Tayloe, Houston Norris — **Time Sawyer** is the subject of our June 2018 podcast. They are pictured here from their Burlington, NC performance 6-8-18 (L to R) Luke Mears, Sam Tayloe, Houston Norris

Jordan Nelson (L) and Court Wynter (R) of Time Sawyer 6-8-18 — Jordan Nelson (L) and Court Wynter (R) of **Time Sawyer** 6-8-18

The hood of the band Time Sawyer's van, named appropriately the Time Machine

Brushy Creek plays at Green Acres in the late 1970s.

Courtney Johnson and Eddie Adcock at Green Acres Music Hall. Photo: Alice Taylor

Buck dancing from Arthur Grimes with Town Mountain at Merlefest 2018

The Sam Bush Band at Merlefest 2018. Sam gave a shout out to Steve Metcalf on his 70th birthday during this show.

Laura Veirs during a live broadcast on WNCW from the Orange Peel in Asheville NC 4-17-18

Cassettes of Green Acres Music Hall shows dating back to 1984

Courtney Marie Andrews sound checks at The Mothlight in Asheville NC on 3-20-18

This John Hartford poster was one of the most frequently taken by patrons as an unofficial souvenir from Green Acres Music Hall.We are profiling the unlikely success story of this venue in a podcast including interviews of artists who headlined it l… — This John Hartford poster was one of the most frequently taken by patrons as an unofficial souvenir from Green Acres Music Hall.
We are profiling the unlikely success story of this venue in a podcast including interviews of artists who headlined it like Bela Fleck, John Cowan and many others, as well as proprietor Steve Metcalf and people who frequented there.

Posters of bands that played at Green Acres Music Hall in rural Bostic, NC decades ago.

Yellow Feather plays at the Mountain Gateway Museum for NPR's Night Owl series 2-15-18 — **Yellow Feather** plays at the Mountain Gateway Museum for NPR's Night Owl series 2-15-18

Casey Kristofferson and Hunter Begley of Yellow Feather during filming of their song "Lost All Direction"

Our podcasts are now on Bluegrass Planet Radio at 4PM Thursdays and 1AM Mondays Eastern time! — Our podcasts are now on **Bluegrass Planet Radio** at 4PM Thursdays and 1AM Mondays Eastern time!

Recently Joe Kendrick was interviewed on roots radio station WMOT. Craig Havighurst's program The String profiled Joe's work at Southern Songs and Stories and WNCW. Check out the article and interview here.

Craig Havighurst of WMOT and Music City Roots — Craig Havighurst of WMOT and **Music City Roots**

Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver in Spindale NC 1-12-18 for Goin' Across The Mountain Live

David Childers' painting "Face At The Window"

Blue Highway in Spindale, NC 1-12-18 for Goin' Across The Mountain Live

(L to R) Joe Kendrick, David Childers and Dolph Ramseur at David's house in Mt. Holly NC

David and Robert Childers play at the Purple Onion in Saluda NC

Kevin Kinney of Drivin N Cyrin, at Sierra Nevada Brewery in Mills River, NC 11-9-17. The band played live on WNCW ahead of their inaugural show that night at Sierra's High Gravity Room. Check out the inlay on the neck of Kevin's 12-string -- he boug… — Kevin Kinney of Drivin N Cyrin, at Sierra Nevada Brewery in Mills River, NC 11-9-17. The band played live on WNCW ahead of their inaugural show that night at Sierra's High Gravity Room. Check out the inlay on the neck of Kevin's 12-string -- he bought it from the band Rancid!

Nickolai from NPR films Chicano Batman at LEAF for the Night Owl series 10-20-17 — Nickolai from NPR films Chicano Batman at **LEAF** for the Night Owl series 10-20-17

Chicano Batman at LEAF for the Night Owl series from NPR with WNCW 10-20-17 — **Chicano Batman** at LEAF for the **Night Owl** series from NPR with WNCW 10-20-17

Halli Anderson of River Whyless at the film shoot for the Night Owl series from NPR as they partner with WNCW for videos from artists in western NC. — Halli Anderson of **River Whyless** at the film shoot for the Night Owl series from NPR as they partner with WNCW for videos from artists in western NC.

River Whyless at the Night Owl film shoot at Dynamite Roasting in Black Mountain NC 10-19-17 — River Whyless at the **Night Owl** film shoot at **Dynamite Roasting** in Black Mountain NC 10-19-17

Balsam Range plays in Greer SC at the Skunk Farm 10-7-17 — **Balsam Range** plays in Greer SC at the Skunk Farm 10-7-17

Jeff Austin Band closes out Albino Skunk Music Fest — **Jeff Austin Band** closes out **Albino Skunk Music Fest**

Fireside Collective at Albino Skunk Music Festival 10-7-17 — **Fireside Collective** at Albino Skunk Music Festival 10-7-17

Marcus King with Travers Brothership and the Empire Strikes Brass horns 10-5-17

Travers Brothership at Marcus King Band Family Reunion — **Travers Brothership** at **Marcus King Band** Family Reunion

Marcus King at Pisgah Brewing in Black Mountain NC 10-5-17

Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys play Carolina In The Fall 2017 — **Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys** play Carolina In The Fall 2017

The Black Lillies go over their stage plot with Blue Ridge Sound ahead of their set at Carolina In The Fall 2017

Warming up behind the scenes for the late jam at Carolina In The Fall 2017

Emceeing at Carolina In The Fall 2017 (Darren and Brooke Aldridge getting set for their show in the background)

Late Jam at Pisgah Brewing: Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen with Peter Rowan, Jim Lauderdale and members of Front Country

Jeremy Saunders rejoins Acoustic Syndicate 8-26-17

Ken Tizzard and Melody Walker of Front County at Jam In The Trees 2017

Ty Gilpin of Unspoken Tradition and Organic Records with Steve McMurry of Acoustic Syndicate at Pisgah Brewing for Jam In The Trees 8-26-17

Acoustic Syndicate at Jam In The Trees 2017: Fitz (drums), Bryon (banjo) and Jay (bass)

Tim O'Brien and Jan Fabricus at Pisgah Brewing for Jam In The Trees 8-26-17

The Little King, Steve Metcalf, at his home in Forest City, NC, after being interviewed for our podcast on Acoustic Syndicate. He's looking dapper in the hat that Jerry Douglas gave him at this year's MerleFest.

Acoustic Syndicate playing beneath the water tower on the American Tobacco Campus in Durham, NC, 8-17-17

Fresh off of their festival Red Wing, The Steel Wheels visit WNCW

The Steel Wheels playing live on WNCW 7-20-17

Loamlands, from Durham, NC, play in Charlotte NC 7-20-17

The light show evoking Dark Side Of The Moon imagery at the end of the Roger Waters concert 7-18-17

Roger Waters at the Greensboro Coliseum 7-18-17

Tellico perform at the Grey Eagle 6-30-17 — **Tellico** perform at the Grey Eagle 6-30-17

Anya Hinkle of Tellico and Jane Kramer performing in Asheville. Jane sang with Anya on her 2016 solo release Forsaken Wind.

The companion video to our audio documentary of the 2017 SpringSkunk Music Fest in Greer, SC, including photos from the weekend, interviews, commentary and music excerpts

Amanda Anne Platt and the Honeycutters performing at The Grey Eagle 6-9-17

Amanda Anne Platt and the Honeycutters just before their album release show at The Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC 6-9-17

Stray Birds crowd around an old school ribbon microphone at SpringSkunk Music Fest

Aaron Burdett at his album release show at Isis Restaurant & Music Hall 5-12-17. Refuge is available on Organic Records. — **Aaron Burdett** at his album release show at Isis Restaurant & Music Hall 5-12-17. Refuge is available on Organic Records.

(L to R) Jackson Dulaney, James Kylen, Aaron Burdett and Jeff Hinkle 5-12-17

A gorgeous, crisp spring day at the Skunk Farm

Blair Crimmins & the Hookers at SpringSkunk — **Blair Crimmins & the Hookers** at SpringSkunk

Erin Scholze of Dreamspider Publicity and WNCW's Richard Beard behind Hillside Stage at MerleFest — Erin Scholze of **Dreamspider Publicity** and WNCW's Richard Beard behind Hillside Stage at MerleFest

Donna the Buffalo's gear backstage at MerleFest. The DI on top costs just a smidge more than the amps below it. Okay, a big smidge.

Jeff Williams and Joe Kendrick with the Earls of Leicester wrapping up their set in the background at MerleFest

Nice duds! Seen backstage at Watson Stage at MerleFest

Joe Kendrick before emceeing at Hillside Stage

Kev Russell of Shinyribs closing out SpringSkunk Music Fest

Zig in the preacher's robe that he used to great effect during the Shinyribs' set. Remember the bit James Brown did on stage with a similar robe? It was just as good.

Set list from one of the Jon Stickley Trio's two performances at SpringSkunk. Stay tuned for our concert videos and a lively interview with the band.

The van that serves as one of the "green rooms" at the Skunk Farm, also where artists warm up before going on stage.

Vintage tube radio with an alligator skull and wasp nest to keep it company.

Aaron Morrell sets up to take the photo seen directly below.

Back stage at the Albino Skunk Music Fest

Become a Patron!

In between sets backstage at Carolina In The Fall 2016

Jacob from Front Country's "Faux-bro" resonator guitar backstage at Carolina In The Fall 2016

Jed Willis at the old Dallas, NC courthouse 3-11-16

Anya Hinkle performs at Moonlight Mile studio 1-17-16Photo: Tom Watts — Anya Hinkle performs at Moonlight Mile studio 1-17-16
Photo: Tom Watts

Joe Kendrick in WNCW's Studio B. Photo: Dennis Jones

We're happy to share Joe Kendrick's interview with Ellen Pfirrmann, a location scout for HBO and former WNCW host, about her take on Southern Songs and Stories as well as her experience behind the camera in Studio South, a 2007 series profiling western NC artists at Echo Mountain Recording Studio in Asheville. Here is the podcast of their conversation, enjoy!

Tellico makes acoustic music that is both true to tradition and uniquely their own. It's music that has appeal for die-hard Americana and roots music fans, while it offers something to folks who never liked songs that even came close to a pair of ov… — Tellico makes acoustic music that is both true to tradition and uniquely their own. It's music that has appeal for die-hard Americana and roots music fans, while it offers something to folks who never liked songs that even came close to a pair of overalls. Tellico threads the needle of top-notch musicianship and compelling songwriting while simultaneously honoring their forebears and making music that is fresh and new.

Amanda Anne Platt of The Honeycutters at Moonlight Mile studio for our film session to make the pitch video for our crowd funding campaign.

Joe Kendrick and Aaron Burdett at Moonlight Mile Productions in Arden, NC

Artist stereotypes do not apply

How many times have parents cringed when their children fell in love with a musician? Let's be honest, the world has looked askance at artists of all stripes (with notable exceptions) for most of our history. Musicians tend to be thought of as people who may be great at their art but who are nonetheless pretty bad at life skills like paying bills, getting to work on time, and sticking with the missus.

Aaron turns all those stereotypes on their head; he is not only a fantastic songwriter and musician, but he also runs his own construction business and is a devoted family man living a stone's throw from where he grew up in the western NC mountains. He is as meticulous and intense about his guitar and ballads as he is about his green built homes and raising his two girls.

As you'll see in our pilot episode, Aaron does both life and art exceptionally well. The folks around him are a big part of that.