perform several times, including
shows at The Main Point and
the Philadelphia Folk Festival,
Oates had an uncle who settled
in Fayetteville, Arkansas after
World War II. When that uncle
passed away, Oates was thrust
into the situation of dealing with
his estate. He says he made some
friends down there and this album
has been a return to some of his
earliest memories.
One of the best things about
performing these songs on tour
is introducing them to a new
generation of music fans. The core
of the songs are still intact, but
Oates has reimagined them with
a more modern sensibility and the
aid of a great cast of musicians.
Arkansas includes performances
by Sam Bush on mandolin, Russ
Pahl on pedal steel, Max Smith on
cello, Guthrie Trapp on electric
guitar, Josh Day on drums, and
Steve Mackey on bass.
“This is music that should never
be forgotten,” added Oates. “I
think it’s important to carry on
all of the great American music
Mississippi John Hurt plays “You Got To Walk That Lonesome Valley”
NJ STAGE - ISSUE 54
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