This spring an influential music producers died. Chris Strachwitz was born in Germany towards the close of World War II and emigrated with his family to the United States, where he discovered the distinct blues and jazz sounds from his homeland. Its label Arhoolie Records, put artists such as Lightnin Hopkins, and Mississippi Fred McDowell in the spotlight and helped to develop the careers of major artists such as Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder.
In the case of Sitkan Suzanne Portello the death of Chris Strachwitz was an invitation to return towards in the Bay Area, and to Down Home Music, the record store in which Arhoolie was once was housed.
The KCAW’s Robert Woolsey suggested that Portello create an audio diary of her trip.
Listen:
Transcript:
Music Music “Amari Szi Amari” by Cskolom.
Portello: “Hi, Robert. I’m sending you the track that sparked my journey through the Arhoolie wormhole. It’s Suzanne Portello.”
KCAAW The Hungarian Gypsy group Cskolom playing “Amari Szi Amari.” It’s an excellent backdrop for a road excursion or, in this case the case of an excursion.
Portello (on the bus): I’m here in Half Moon Bay, starting my journey via of a string of trains and buses in order to reach Down Home Music in El Cerrito.
The KCAW Final leg in this pilgrimage like most journeys, is by the foot.
Portello (walking through San Pablo Ave.): So I’m passing by the Good Stuff Thrift Shop on my journey towards Down Home Music on San Pablo Avenue in El Cerrito, and it’s been quite a trip.
Portello (entering Down Home Music): “In the background, you’ll hear music throughout the day here. Then I’m back to look at the collection of records that were made by Arhoolie during the 1960s and 70s and 80s and 90s. It covers Cajun, Zydeco, Country, Folk, Norteno, Blues, Gospel, Jazz as well as World.”
The KCAW Down Home the perfect paradise for music lovers Portello and anyone else in particular. She was the daughter of an accordionist and accumulated an impressive collection of 78’s, an album on vinyl that rotated at 78 rpm that predated the singles with 45 rpm of the rock ‘n’ roll period, as well as the LPs or long-play records that were released following those.
And who do you think is on the other side of Music Heaven?
J.C. : “J.C.”
Portello: “J.C., right.”
J.C. : “Anything phonetically close I will be able to respond to. Do not confuse with J.C. J.C.”
Portello “But you don’t make any pretenses about divine awe?”
J.C. : “No. Not at all. In fact, I’m completely opposite.”
KCW: J.C. has been working for Down Home for the last 20 years, a lot of it as a co-manager.
Portello “So that’s why the shopfront was inaugurated in the year 76, and Chris founded the company in the year 1960?”
J.C. : “Yeah, that’s right. Records company.”
the KCAW Arhoolie could have been gone for a long time as an obscure record label that promoted undiscovered artists. However, it is the label not for Country Joe and the Fish. It could be an old-fashioned jug band however, Country Joe and the Fish was a psychedelic group led by Joe MacDonald and Barry “The Fish” Melton. Portello was a member.
Portello: “I have never met personally Joe however I did know about ‘The Fish..”When Barry Melton lived in San Francisco I was in the same house like he was in the Mission and we shared a house.”
“KCAW”: In the form of Country Joe’s record label Arhoolie had the rights for publishing his music. While nobody would have ever thought of this as a gold mine, however, as the fate would have it, Joe received an invitation to Woodstock in 1969. Yes that Woodstock on the 29th of September 1969 and performed “Rock and Soul Music.”
The KCAW album: “Rock and Soul Music” was included in the Woodstock film, on the soundtrack to the film and even into the pocket of the cash. That’s the reason Suzanne Portello can pick up an Arhoolie release of American classics such as Elizabeth Cotten or Earl Hooker as well as the Hungarian Gypsy group Cskolom which was formed 63 years ago. the label’s creation by the late Chris Strachwitz.
Portello: “Doesn’t it sometimes smack your face in the sand the history you are aware of, and share in this particular store?”
J.C. : “I guess it’s been too long …”
Portello “It’s very cool very cool. I appreciate you talking about me. I’m also allowing you to explore. I’m going to switch the (recorder) down.”
