Coming to the AFP May 17-18, 2008

Tony Norris
 

 

Come out to the Arizona Folklore Preserve this weekend to see one of the best storytellers around. Tony Norris is more than a storyteller, though. He is also an excellent songwriter, singer, and guitarist.

Bring your children and grandchildren along, because Tony’s program is absolutely THE BEST for the kids. But you don’t have to be a child to enjoy Tony’s music and stories and poems. His appeal is strong for anyone who appreciates the slower pace of years gone by.

Tony’s credentials are the strongest. He is recognized as a scholar, and has served as the folklorist-in-residence at Northern Arizona University. During that gig, he helped ranchers and farmers to write their own stories. He has hosted a major radio program. He performs at cowboy gatherings throughout the West. He is even invited to the National Cowboy Gathering in Elko, Nevada, where he runs an open music program.

Dolan Ellis has tremendous admiration for Tony. He has been in the audience many times when Tony has woven his spell, making his characters come to life.

Tony co-wrote a very popular song at the Arizona Folklore Preserve, made famous by Phoenix folksinger Sue Harris. The song is “Quail Sisters,” and Tony’s contribution was the music. You can listen to “Quail Sisters” on Sue’s MySpace page, http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=312071186

Tony may be persuaded to sing a song from Sue’s first CD (“Where Have I Been All of My Life”). That song is “Canned Goods.” His introduction of the song is so believable that listeners are almost certain he wrote it himself. It’s a homespun song about gardens and canning and the love that goes into the whole process.

Tony has a fascinating Web site, www.tonynorris.com. Be sure to click on the News page, where you can read several of Tony’s stories. Also go to the Press Kit to read some impressive reviews, such as this one from fellow folklorist Katie Lee (a folksinger about whom Burl Ives once declared, “The best cowboy singer I know is a girl”):

Tony has a voice that sings like a real live river telling stories wherever it goes — gently like a ripple, or rowdy like a rapid — and always from his generous, forgiving heart.

— Katie Lee, singer, author, 10,000 Goddam Cattle, All My Rivers are Gone, Sandstone Seduction

There are several Tony Norris videos available on YouTube, that can give you an idea about his storytelling, singing, and guitar playing:

“Old Lee” (from the Northern Arizona University station): http://youtube.com/watch?v=b42d25Ewk64

“The Devil’s Instrument” (with Springfed Band, a vocal song written by Tony Norris): http://youtube.com/watch?v=R90byhv90TM

“God’s Bread” (a wonderful story): http://youtube.com/watch?v=UeVzGTbBDy8

“Ashokan Farewell” (an instrumental number—Tony plays guitar with the Springfed Band): http://youtube.com/watch?v=7WYl2j6v45g

“My Home’s Across the Blue Ridge Mountains” (another with Springfed Band, this one includes vocals by Tony and other band members):  http://youtube.com/watch?v=ecSTF3UGQk4

“Waterbound” (Springfed Band, about the hills of West Virginia, where Tony once lived): http://youtube.com/watch?v=Wp0I_YrwCLA

“Over the Waterfall” (Springfed Band): http://youtube.com/watch?v=kwnoCSea_88

“The Story of Spansil Hill” (Tony tells the story behind a traditional Irish song, written in 1870): http://youtube.com/watch?v=JU1yEuzq9z8

(And just so you can hear the song Tony told about):

“Spansil Hill” (sung a cappella by Megan Buchanan): http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ko9HD2e06Dg