For our 328th podcast, we celebrate the music of Bahamian guitarist Joseph Spence (1910-1984) and the forthcoming release of Encore: Unheard Recordings of Bahamian Guitar and Singing (out July 16, 2021 on Smithsonian Folkways). Recording engineer, musician and producer Peter K. Siegel joins us to talk about how he recorded these 13 tracks (both in NY and at Spence’s home in Nassau), the unlikely guitar that Spence used (it’s not what you think), and the music traditions of Andros that led to Spence’s singular sound. We also get some advice on other Bahamian music to check out, learn how a former member of the Baha Men (yes, the “Who Let the Dogs Out” band) is trying to keep Spence’s music alive, and hear about Siegel’s recording session with Doc Watson. It’s a great chat.

Listen to four songs from Encore here. Pre-order the album here or via Bandcamp.

Don’t forget, the FJ now hosts an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. 

Above photo: Ralph Rinzler archives