Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Catherine Walts American Folk Musician

Alexandria Bay:

At the time these video's were made, Catherine was 87 years old.  She would not tell me how long she had been playing the spoons but she did tell me that the spoons she was using were over 31 years old.  These spoons had the scars and dents of many years of rhythmic  thumping  on her thighs and the heel of her hand.

I know of several Alex Bay natives that were tutored in their youth by Catherine in the art of playing the spoons.  If you  have never seen anyone play the spoons, Catherine was the Grand Master. Catherine passed away at the age of 89 on 3.4.14.

Spoon playing has historical roots in various cultures: Greek, British, Russian and American Folk Music....





Grand Master Playing the Spoons from Jim Cummings on Vimeo.

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