World-renowned African American traditional fiddler and singer Joe Thompson entertained the Patchwork CD project organizers and their campus friends Nov. 21 in the Burbridge Atrium of the Koury Business Center.
Thompson, a resident of Mebane, N.C., and the recipient of virtually every traditional music award in the nation, was on campus for the release of the new compact disc, “Patchwork,” an Elon student-recording project.
“Patchwork” is an anthology of spiritual and spiritually related music featuring campus and community artists, subtitled “Elon and Alamance County sewn together with spirituality.” Thompson contributed a song for the project, working in Elon’s recording studio with senior audio producer Bryan Baker and members of the roots-music ensemble, Mebanesville.
Thompson’s jubilation gospel piece, “Oil in My Vessel,” is his first studio project in more than 15 years.
Thompson will be the subject of a special National Public Radio feature celebrating his 90th birthday in December.
Also appearing with Thompson – as well as contributing pieces for the CD – were campus community members Jacob Danieley, ’11; Robin Riggins, director of the campus welcome center; Scott Donaldson, ’11; Sunny Smith, ’10; and the Catholic Campus Ministry Student Choir.
Proceeds from the sale of “Patchwork” benefit the work of Elon’s Catholic Campus Ministry. For more information about “Patchwork,“ contact Fr. Gerry Waterman, OFM, GWaterman@elon.edu or call x7355.