Folk Songs for Far Out Folk cover

Folk Songs for Far Out Folk

Fred Katz · 1959

40 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A unique blend of jazz sensibilities and folk traditions, creating an evocative soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child — Katz's rendition transforms this traditional spiritual by integrating improvisational elements, highlighting emotional depth through its haunting cello melody.
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    Mate'Ka — The track showcases a vibrant interplay between jazz rhythms and folk melodies, illustrating Katz's skill in blending genres while maintaining cultural authenticity.
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    Foggy, Foggy Dew — This version brings a fresh perspective to a classic ballad, featuring inventive arrangements that enhance its narrative quality and emotional weight.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child

    The arrangement shifts from somber cello phrases to a more dynamic expression, reflecting the emotional turmoil inherent in the song’s theme.

    This transition not only highlights Katz's arrangement skills but also deepens the listener's engagement with the song's emotional landscape.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Mate'Ka 6:35
  • 2 Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child 4:12
  • 3 Been in the Pen So Long 3:09
  • 4 Chili'Lo (Lament) 3:56
  • 5 Rav's Nigun 3:00
  • 6 Old Paint 4:55
  • 7 Manthi-Ki 5:09
  • 8 Baal Shem Tov 4:01
  • 9 Foggy, Foggy Dew 5:21

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata