Speaking of the recording unit that was restored and used for the 'American Epic Sessions', Wired just posted an article focusing on that aspect of the documentary. Unfortunately it seems mostly to be about promoting the documentary and does that pretty poorly. There are a few details though on how the recording gear they used was restored, you can skip to the end for that.
Thanks Stuart, having that all in one place is helpful and I look forward to reading the pdf you attached. I've had 'Recording the 'Twenties' on my list of books to acquire and read but had to stop pursuing that list after acquiring too many other books and not reading nearly enough.
Also, for anyone unable to catch the first episode in the American Epic series last night it looks like PBS has added it to their site for streaming.
« Last Edit: May 17, 2017, 12:47:50 PM by TenBrook »
Lindy, if you go to youtube and expand the details it states "Guitar: Joe Calicott", but still, seems like including him in the artist credit might have been more appropriate.
I'm listening now on Spotify, sounds great. I have all of these songs so many times over, even in this better sound, I'm not likely to purchase it unless at a reduced price.
Thanks for the track listing, Al--and for the YouTube link, Lew.
Yeah, there are many old favorites there, but like CF says, for some of us buying what we already own just doesn't make a lot of sense and will be difficult to justify.
Hopefully, American Epic--the TV show, book and CD releases--will bring awareness of American roots music to a wider audience and add a few more converts to the fold.
I normally don't care much for modern interpretations of old folk/blues songs -- I'd prefer to listen to the original. But in episode 1 of American Epic, I though the hip-hopified version of "On the Road Again" by Nas with Jack White was pretty cool.
« Last Edit: May 19, 2017, 10:00:40 AM by outfidel »
I got the book from the library yesterday and have been flipping through it. There are a lot of great photos and excerpts from interviews with the musicians, etc. I'd definitely recommend that you take a look.
I enjoyed the 1st episode of American Epic but last night's was even better. Mainly, I think, because they dove deeply into some musicians I knew of but knew almost nothing about, including Elder J.E. Burch and Dick Justice. I especially loved the revelation that Dizzy Gillespie used to sit in the back and listen to the sanctified singing of Elder Burch's church and claimed it impacted his own music. Listening to "My Heart Keeps Singing" I never would have imagined the influence of the man (and women) who recorded it stretched so far forward and far out.
Anyone who missed the 2nd episode can catch it here (in the US at least, I believe the BBC is also posting the episodes for those in the UK and hopefully other countries as well). http://www.pbs.org/video/3001151407/