LibGuides: American Folk Music: Media

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Accordions Rising (1:13:49) Accordions Rising offers entertaining, conversational style interviews, anecdotal commentary and both formal and informal music performances from celebrated accordionists, composers and bands working in America today. These musicians make up the colorful and thoughtful cast of characters who drive the story by tracing their uniquely personal attractions to the instrument and sharing their surprisingly divergent paths: from immigrant roots, Creole or Roma beginnings, for example, to a recognition of the very special niche this so-called 'low art' form provides for inspirations in jazz, classical, new music, pop, fusion forms, operatic styles and beyond. The film provides a tapestry of fascinating individuals, their attitudes, deep passions, and above of all else, profound dedication to the instrument. We learn that though still a rebellious lot, these music makers have an audience in some of the hippest hide-a-ways and most sought after mainstream venues. The film makes clear that the so-called 'accordion world' is actually a curious continuum that includes everything from whacky and kitsch to sophisticated, serious, meditative and post modern.
The Appalachians Series (3 Titles) An eye-opening journey through the cradle of Southern culture-and much of the American way of life in general-this three-part series illustrates the political, economic, musical, and spiritual history of the Appalachian region. Each episode presents a provocative chapter in the saga of the mountain people, examining their ties to the nation's cycles of boom and bust, war and peace, and hope and despair. Interweaving comments from historians, political leaders, and artists such as Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, and a host of others, the series shows viewers how the raw materials of America coalesced along its "first frontier." Viewable/printable instructor's guides are available online. 3-part series, 53 minutes each.
Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music (01:38:30) The legendary father of bluegrass, Bill Monroe, is joined here in memorable performances by Lester Flatt, Emmylou Harris, Paul McCartney, the Osborne Brothers, Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, John Hartford, and a once-in-a-lifetime Blue Grass Boys reunion featuring Del McCoury, Chubby Wise, and Bill Keith. The film also features archival footage and rare 1990s performances from Monroe's final years, including many of the greatest songs from his six decades of recording such as Uncle Pen and Muleskinner Blues. In addition, it offers exclusive access to Bill Monroe telling his story in his own words. Other interview subjects include the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia and country music legend Roy Acuff in one of his final film appearances. Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music is an intimate, compelling, and detailed portrait of this unique musical innovator.
Bob Dylan: Roads Rapidly Changing (02:05:10) his film tells the story of Dylan's entry into and departure from the Greenwich Village Folk Revival, featuring new interviews with many of the big players from the scene as it unfolded, as well as an abundance of timely footage, rare performances and numerous other features which all at once make for the finest program yet to emerge on this period Tof Bob Dylan's career.
Folk Around the World (21:12) An orally transmitted musical heritage of a culture, in the 1930s, enjoyed a resurgence during the Great Depression following stock market crash, droughts and dust storms encouraged farmers out of the dust bowl to California and New York State. The American folk music revival began with performers like Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Paul Robeson. Breakthrough act The Weavers sang traditional folk songs from around the world, as well as blues, labour songs, and American ballads and their style inspired the commercial folk boom that followed them into the 1960s, with Peter Paul and Mary, Gordon Lightfoot and The Seekers.
Go Down, Moses: Folk 'War Songs' (51:52) This film features the rise in popularity of folk music with controversial lyrics and traditional tunes. The following artists are featured: Joan Baez; Woody Guthrie; Arlo Guthrie; Leonard Cohen; Pete Seeger; Peter Paul and Mary; Country Joe McDonald.
Kentucky Music: Songs and Artists from the Bluegrass State Series (4 Titles) From old-time banjo and fiddle tunes to more contemporary works, this four-part series explores a variety of musical traditions from Kentucky and Virginia and showcases bands and artists dedicated to keeping beloved songs alive. Each episode features a tastefully recorded "concert" containing several numbers, highlighting the artistic sensibilities and fine-tuned skills of each musician. Hosted by Jesse Wells of the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music at Morehead State University. A Jeffrey Hill/Morehead State University production. 4-part series, 26 minutes each.
PBS: David Holt's State of Music Series (8 Titles) Grammy Award winning performer David Holt has spent his life learning and performing traditional American music. It has taken him from the most remote coves of southern Appalachia to the bright lights of TV studios, and the Grand Old Opry stage. In this show, David introduces viewers to modern masters of traditional music in the southern mountains and remembers the legends who taught him.
Pure Pete Seeger (60:00) The wit, wisdom, and song of one of America’s best-known bards comes to life in this program, which offers a rousing musical portrait of the beloved and often controversial folk singer, songwriter, storyteller, and activist. Throughout the program, Seeger’s guitar and banjo are never far from his hands, and he strums and sings his way through some of the songs that have meant the most to him in his life.
Transatlantic Sessions: Best of Folk (52:57) Recorded in the Scottish Highlands, Transatlantic Sessions brings together 28 artists from North America, Scotland and Ireland to perform these 12 folk favorites, old and new. Nashville's Jerry Douglas and Shetland's Aly Bain lead an array of the top vocal and instrumental artists in the Americana and Celtic traditions including Sam Bush, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Julie Fowlis, Alison Krauss, James Taylor, Dan Tyminski, and more!