When the Taters Are All Dug

When the Taters Are All Dug - Vintage photos help tell this tale of an early 20th century potato harvest in Maine. Music by Jody Kruskal from his cd "Sing to me, concertina boy" http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jodykruskal4#

The lyrics are from Songs and Ballads of the Maine Lumberjacks, collected and edited by Roland Palmer Grey where he writes - "This broadside was contributed by Mr. Chadburne of Mattawamkeag, Maine, in 1916. He bought it from a young fellow who had finished work in the potato country and was without money. Mr. Chadburne thinks him the author of it, but is not certain. The young man thus paid his way."

Vocals and Anglo concertina - Jody Kruskal
Mandolin - Sam Zygmuntowicz
Guitar - Bill Peek

Photo credits:

Jack Delano
J.A. French
Lewis Wickes Hine
Dorothea Lange
Russell Lee
John Nelson
Mary E. Robbe
Steve Rosenthal
Daniel Sawyer
Charles J. Van Schaick
Ben Shahn
John Vachon
Marion Post Wolcott
Michele Stapleton
plus many anonymous photographers

http://jodykruskal.com

Category:

Music

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[JodysConcertina]

Thank you all for your kind comments about this "Taters" video project. From my first reading of the 1916 text in 1980, to my writing of the tune in 1990 to the recording of the mando and guitar parts in 1995 to the resurrection of that session for my "Concertina Boy" CD released in 2011, I have always loved this story, and I'm glad to add the amazing photography from so many astounding visual artists.

[tweedledumization]

added to favourites. Great ! Shared to facebook

Looking for the tabs or abc for my mando

[mikesamwild]

A very moving song and slide show. Thanks  Jodygreat playing.

[nonelson]

Modern photo at 1:58

[headbanginghostess]

I love it, Jody! Miss you! (Vanessa aka Audrey circa 2002)

[rharp111]

A fascinating video with visuals synched to the performance. A treat to hear this kind of "Americana" these days!

[NewYorkWandererPress]

Jody Kruskal has created yet another wonderful montage of heart-rending music and gorgeous historically authentic images. "When the Taters Are All Dug" brought tears to my eyes and choked my throat as I watched and listened has he enacted the miracle of raising the dead. They are reborn, these hardy souls of old, and their interaction with the earth and their courtships are brought to life in the sweetest of tales...Bravo, Jody, once again:-) The New York Wanderer

[TNASQZR]

A wonderful video very well performed and edited. Jody Kruskal is a master anglo concertina player (iseveral many other instruments) and here shows his abilities as one of the best, especially when it comes to arrangements for a little utilized genre of concertina playing. A very nostalgic look and listen at the folks who toiled long and hard in the fields of America to give us french fries and mashed 'taters. A very moving film. The tune comes from Jody's new CD "Sing to me, Concertina Boy'

[kissmekatey]

This is a great tune and the photo sequence is perfect for it. I love that free reed sound with Jody's masterful singing. 'Taters' is only one of many on 'Sing to me, concertina boy' which is well worth its price.