16 September 2022 — 0957 mdt

Morning music: Banks of the Ohio Slovenian style

By James Conner

One of many American murder ballads, Banks of the Ohio’s immense and international popularity derives as much from its haunting yet pleasant, easy to sing, melody, as from its lyrics. Two groups, Okustični, which translates as Acoustic, and the New Swing Quartet, combined to deliver this sophisticated, lively, yet relaxed performance.

Unlike most contemporary folk arrangements, this one features neither an instrumental solo nor traditional folk and bluegrass instruments such as the fiddle or mandolin. And an American folk group likely would costume the singer in a long sleeved, floor length dress. But those a cultural differences, not criticisms. This performance meets the high musical standards of the Grand Ole Opry. I enjoyed it so much that I looped the playback and let the music sing me to sleep.