The Arsonists is a deep musical reflection on the Southern Gothic play, “The Arsonists” by Jacqueline Goldfinger, and is an independent companion album to the rolling world premiere productions which opened at Azuka Theatre Company (
www.azukatheatre.org/the-arsonists) in Philadelphia in May, 2017, continuing on to other theaters around the U.S. With a diverse all-star line-up of many of the finest musicians from across the broad spectrum of Philly’s new folk and creative music scenes, The Arsonists represents a new concept in music derived from storytelling. The album’s 17 tracks capture the eerie, desiccated beauty, swampy mysteriousness, and rutted path from heartbreak to illumination in “The Arsonists” play. Set deep in the swamp in Tate’s Hell, Florida, the play is about the unbreakable bonds between parent and child, and was inspired by the Greek tragedy, Electra.
The Arsonists includes original songs inspired by the play, engaging, twisted arrangements of traditional Appalachian folk tunes, and some surprising Southern Gothic takes on more contemporary songs.
Featured artists include:
Sarah Gliko
Hezekiah Jones
Dan Bruskewicz (TJ Kong and the Atomic Bomb)
Noggin Hill
Melanie Hsu
James Michael Baker (The Spinning Leaves, OOLALA, Johnny Showcase and the Mystic Ticket)
Ladybird
Dot Levine
Meaghan Kyle (No Good Sister)
Koofreh Umoren (West Philadelphia Orchestra, Wookiedelphia)
Howard Pardue
Jawbone Junction
…and others.
Official album release date: May 6, 2017
The Arsonists is available for digital download on this site, as well as iTunes, Amazon, Apple music, etc., as well as streaming on Spotify. The CD can also be ordered from
CDBaby.com.