46 - Interview with Kenneth Brungess: Gold Rush Brass Bands

The Early American Brass Band Podcast

Episode 46 is our conversation with Kenneth Brungess, author of Gold Rush Maestro: The Journal of August Wetterman, and researcher of California Gold Rush era brass bands. In the episode we discuss the history of gold rush bands, the music they played, occasions they played for, and much more. You can find out more about Kenneth by visiting http://californiagoldandbrassworks.com. Show notes for this episode can be found here: https://eabbpodcast.com/episode-46-interview-with-kenneth-brungess-gold-rush-brass-bands/

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Music in this episode comes from the Gold Rush Cornet Band, the El Dorado Brass Band, and The 8th GM Regiment Band.

Episode Structure:

• 3:22 - Kenneth's musical background

• 7:15 - Kenneth's interest in the California gold rush, recreating the Columbia Brass Band in image and music

• 14:44 - Musical landscape of the California gold rush

• 21:42 - Makeup of California gold rush bands, types of music played

• 27:20 - The people of the California gold rush bands

• 32:34 - Difference between Cowboy Bands and Gold Rush Bands, types of occasions for which these bands played

• 37:27 - Repertoire, repurposing popular music of the day

• 38:29 - Musical example "Oh Susanna!"

• 44:35 -Activities of California bands during the Civil War

• 49:42- El Dorado Brass Band

• 57:20 - The Gold Rush Cornet Band

• 1:04:16 - Kenneth's 19th century instruments

• 1:06:30 - Where you can find more about the bands Kenneth has researched, his book, and the Featured Album

• 1:10:00 - Featured Album: Motherload! Musical Nuggets from the 1850's, '60s & '70s