With Global Music Awards under their belt, Father Ron and Friends bring The Great American Folk Song Singalong to introduce a new generation to the rich history of folk/Americana — the kind of music that often takes place on back porches and around campfires. And now fresh from a West Coast tour – including Hollywood’s fabled Viper Room – the band continues to celebrate The Great American Songbook with the release of their album Forever the Seasons.
Also known as a folk DJ on the beloved New Orleans radio station WWOZ, Father Ron Clingenpeel served as priest at Chapel of the Holy Spirit across from Tulane University in New Orleans. His band’s journey was kick-started by a one-time tribute to Pete Seeger in 2014. The core band consists of Robert Eustis on guitar; David Schwartz on keyboards; Barbara Smith-Davis on vocals; and Max Valentino on bass.
Guest musicians on the album are Louisiana greats Jack Craft on cello and Gina Forsyth on fiddle, and the chorus includes New Orleans vocal divas Debbie Davis (Smith-Davis’ daughter), and Cole Williams. The album was produced by Andre Bohren and recorded at studios including Marigny in New Orleans.
Forever the Seasons features the New Orleans timeless standard “Saint James Infirmary,” as well as originals such as the comedic “Damned Roaches” and the poignant “The Promise Land.” Father Ron wrote the latter to represent the issues that pervade society, as a clarion call for people to wake up from the American Dream by highlighting the contrast between the haves and have-nots. “Some people want milk and honey/ Some people want a lot of money. Some people want a bit to eat/ Some people want a place to sleep.” A slow dance in the dark under make-believe stars, “The Promise Land” echoes in haunting refrain – plaintive yet soothing like a favorite Gordon Lightfoot song.
He tells American Blues Scene:
Whether it is a political difference, gender issues, economic issues, class issues, issues of race or whatever divides us, we all think we know what is best because of our expectation of a land of promise. We all believe there is a land of promise, a place where our dreams can come true, but the reality is that every place of promise means something different for each person.
My dream may not be your dream, and our dreams might even conflict. In the end, we all have to show up. We all have to be counted, one way or the other. We all matter, even if we don’t agree.
In keeping with the singalong tradition, they’ll be hosting a porch concert the Wednesday between Jazz Fest weekends on DeSoto street, and playing historic Louisiana venue Longue View Gardens on March 27.
2024 Tour:
March 27 – Longue View Gardens – Metairie, LA
April 3 – Madame Vic’s – New Orleans, LA
May 1 – Porch Concert, DeSoto St.[Rendon] – New Orleans, LA
June 7 – The Grand Opera House – St. Charles, MO – [House of Bishops Zydeco Show and Blues Revue]
June 20 – Grill & Grocery – Hattiesburg, MS
