Deep Roots Magazine

Deep Roots Magazine

Roots Music and Meaningful Matters

 
 

 

The Anti-Slavery Roots of ‘O Holy Night’

Attacked for his opposition to inequality, slavery, injustice and other kinds of oppression, French poet PLACIDE CAPPEAU insinuated his unpopular thoughts into an 1847 poem that became 'O Holy Night'
by David McGee
 

 
 

‘A Humble Offering to Keep the Flame Alive’

‘Music has the power to transcend boundaries, just as Gandhi’s message did…’ Multi-Grammy winner RICKY KEJ and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate KAILASH SATYARTHI honor GANDHI's 'Mantras of Compassion'
by David McGee
 

 

 

Christmas Stocking Stuffers 2023

Yuletide bluegrass from CRANDALL CREEK, TROY ENGLE and THE KODY NORRIS SHOW.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The ‘Circular Music’ of Pellingmans’ Saraband

On its new album, TWENTY WAIES UPON THE BELS, PELLINGMANS' SARABAND explores 'circular music' from the 16th and 17th centuries, including a tune with verses written by imprisoned Anne Boylen.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That String!

Canada's THE SULTANS OF STRING and their guests put a new spin on the spirit of the season, but it's is still the spirit we’ve known for bringing good tidings of great joy. Dig the best Christmas album of the 2017 Yuletide se...
by David McGee
 

 
 

Collapsing Star Gives Birth to a Black Hole

‘If future observations confirm this team’s findings, this would be the first birth of a black hole ever witnessed and the first failed supernova ever discovered’
by David McGee
 

 

 

When Tonality Means a Journey

Bernard Hughes music is both satisfying and challenging to sing, as well as being rewarding for both singer and audience. PRECIOUS THINGS, by the EPIPHONI CONSORT, is a case in point.
by David McGee
 

 
 

What Christmas Is As We Grow Older

In his 1851 essay, 'What Christmas Is As We Grow Older,' CHARLES DICKENS emerged from despair to summon his youthful optimism about the future course of human events.
by David McGee