For "Fragments of a Faith Forgotten: The Art of Harry Smith" [link] at the Whitney Museum of American Art in NewYork through January of next year, for the section of the exhibition devoted to Smith's 1952 Anthology of American Folk Music I was asked to come up with something for the audio guide. This is what you'll hear if you go, but hearing how it came out, it doesn't strike me as worthless or redundant on its own, despite how much I've written about this over more than the last fifty years. I consulted on the show, but haven't seen it—I'll report after I have.
Thanks. This is wonderful, Particularly enjoyed the comments toward the end about the artists’ desire to play the songs; to try and make them their own in some way. “Seek and ye shall find” indeed!
Fascinating! I hadn't realized the extent of Smith's influence on the arts and culture. How huge and pervasive it's been, and how it's still evolving and sprouting new leaves and scattering seeds throughout the worlds of literature, music, film, fine arts, theatre, and life. You've done a great job introducing and guiding us into his very complex oeuvre. Thanks
I’ve read but a scintilla of your work but keep several volumes nearby. I bought “Folk Music” — along with 60 copies of AG “Howl” at City Lights last month — then gifted it to Steve Poltz.
Thanks. This is wonderful, Particularly enjoyed the comments toward the end about the artists’ desire to play the songs; to try and make them their own in some way. “Seek and ye shall find” indeed!
Moles are regarded as loathsome & disgusting? I’d never heard that; probably evidence of a sheltered life.
Fascinating! I hadn't realized the extent of Smith's influence on the arts and culture. How huge and pervasive it's been, and how it's still evolving and sprouting new leaves and scattering seeds throughout the worlds of literature, music, film, fine arts, theatre, and life. You've done a great job introducing and guiding us into his very complex oeuvre. Thanks
I’ve read but a scintilla of your work but keep several volumes nearby. I bought “Folk Music” — along with 60 copies of AG “Howl” at City Lights last month — then gifted it to Steve Poltz.
Nice to match the voice to the name.