Resurfacing Avalon Rossignol-Tassonyi

This episode centres around the life and music of legendary folk guitarist Elizabeth 'Libba' Cotten. Born in North Carolina before the turn of the century, Cotten was self-taught on her brother's upside down banjo, and wrote her most famous song, 'Freight Train', as a child. Decades later, chance led her into the home of the iconic Seeger family as a maid, and from there –after shyly displaying her immense talents on the guitar one fateful evening– she was launched into a career that led her well into her old age, and the hearts and minds of the American people. Through a critical lens we explore Cotten's legacy as an emblem of 'authenticity' in the American folk music tradition, within the context of Jim Crow. Doing so, we touch on the history of music technology, as well as the cultural development from songsters and medicine shows during the reconstruction era to the emergence of youth culture and '60s folk revival. 

Featuring music by Elizabeth Cotten. Intro theme song, credits music and narration by Avalon Rossignol-Tassonyi. Music copyright © the respective artists.

In this episode we explore the life and career of genre-defying artist/musician, Beverly Glenn-Copeland. From jazz-folk to new-age to children's music, Glenn-Copeland's diverse catalogue is grounded in a decades-long Buddhist practice and his black, indigenous, and trans identities. More than 40 years after his debut album, Glenn-Copeland –who is now in his 70s– found international success in the second half of the 2010's after being rediscovered by a boutique Japanese label, and subsequently was introduced to a new generation of listeners. 

We also take a look at some of the artists he worked with over the years (such as jazz guitarist Lenny Breau, and songwriting legend Bruce Cockburn), and his newly assembled live band, Indigo Rising, consisting of musicians from a new generation (Bianca Palmer, Nick Dourado, Jeremy Costello, Kurt Inder & Carlie Howell). As always, deep cuts, anecdotes & the narrator's personal reflections are front and centre in painting a portrait of this highly unique artist.

Featuring music by Beverly Glenn-Copeland, as well as Lenny Breau and Bruce Cockburn. Intro theme song, credits music and narration by Avalon Rossignol-Tassonyi. Music copyright © the respective artists.

In this episode we take a deep dive into the prolific, often underappreciated career of legendary bedroom pop artist, Linda Smith. As a pioneer of the home recording movement, the Baltimore-based artist released more than 8 albums and numerous EP’s and singles with a number of independent labels, from the late 80’s into the early 2000’s. The episode features an interview with Linda Smith –who now works primarily as a painter– as well as excerpts from across her discography illustrating the natural growth of her sound.

Featuring music by Linda Smith. Intro theme song, credits music and monologue by Avalon Rossignol-Tassonyi. Music copyright © the respective artists.

In this episode we explore the mysterious case of Connie Converse; from her traditional upbringing to her prolific years as a New York City-based songwriter in the 1950’s, her unsolved disappearance, and finally the resurgence of her music more than 40 years after the fact.

Featuring music by Connie Converse, as well as John Lee Hooker, Samuel "Sammy" Lerner, Frankie Cosmos and Anna McClellan. Intro theme song, credits music and monologue by Avalon Rossignol-Tassonyi. Music copyright © the respective artists.