Singing Silvy
In June 2024 Harper’s Back Porch Revue played at Harper College for the Harper College Foundation’s Inspire fundraising campaign. It was a hot night (around 95 degrees) so what was scheduled as an outdoor concert was moved indoors, to the delight of the band and the patrons. During the night I had the opportunity to sing what I really consider my signature song (Bring a Little Water) Silvy. I picked that one up at least 40 years ago by listening to a Leadbelly record. Really, for 40 years I’ve immersed myself in Leadbelly’s recordings and I like to include a song from his repertoire in every concert I do. Well, I guess on this particular night I did it pretty well. As it turns out it wasn’t just me feeling good about it. Once in a blue moon you get some feedback that reminds you that what you are doing is worthwhile after all. I’m going to share mine from that night.
Hear a recording of Dr. Scott’s Moonshine Band playing Silvie on YouTube.
Reflections on Dr. Scott singing (Bring a Little Water) Silvie by Lai Nguyen
“Just want to tell you that Nobody can sing this song better than You! Honestly. I’ve gone through YouTube, but nope, I like yours better! You’ve expressed it so well. Here are “desperate cries of human suffering,
And oh yes, there’s hope…
Hope is coming! It’s coming!
Oh… but is it Hope or is it just an Illusion?
Or just a Mirage?
Is it? ….”
You’re the ONLY ONE that has such a voice expressing exactly the pain. In Vietnamese the ONLY term to describe it is “Kêu gào” to express exactly the cries of despair!“
Lai Nguyen, Harper’s Back Porch Revue, July 2, 2024
The Origin of Harper’s Back Porch Revue
In the spring of 2017, I was sitting in a rehearsal of Harper College’s World Music Ensemble. I was loving the experience of playing the African ashiko drum (a cousin of the more well-known djembe). The rhythms could be complex and challenging but the camaraderie with the other players was energizing, and frankly, fun. As I played, I started thinking, why don’t we have an ensemble like this for playing the American forms of folk music? And so, Harper’s Back Porch Revue was born. From the World Music Ensemble, I recruited the wonderful banjo player Bekr Ali to join me as a co-leader of the Revue. The ensemble was popular the very first fall we organized it, getting about 18 players. Eventually we split into two sections of the Revue because we were well over 20 members! We made it through the pandemic and by 2024 we are playing more gigs than ever in northern Illinois. In fact, we are now The Award Winning Harper’s Back Porch Revue! We were on the Palatine Library’s 100th Anniversary float in the 4th of July Parade in Palatine this year and won “Best Overall Float”! You can follow us on Facebook.
Discover Harper’s Back Porch Revue
We accept new member in August and January. We look for string instruments and percussionists but will entertain other instruments as well. All skill levels accepted as long as you have a basic knowledge of your instrument.
Dr. Scott's Moonshine Band 