Producer Sara Wood follows city bus driver "Sturge" Whalen who is coping with his son ("Little Sturge") starting a 5 year stint in the Navy. As the story moves, Sturge gradually reveals more and more emotion about having to let his son go. Unlike most of the news coverage of the war which focuses on emotionless facts, offensives, and other abstractions, this kind of narrative is a compelling glimpse into the human side of war and its effect on families and friendships. Not overly sentimental, it is honest and thoughtful. Sara’s narration mixes well with the storyteller’s voice and helps move this piece along from point to point. The sounds of the bus are excellent throughout, and I like the tiny bits of silence that accent different “chapters” in the story, which give the listener a chance to reset. I really enjoyed this, and think it would make a great spot on All Things Considered.
Wonderful. Technically, this story is beautifully crafted. Yvonne's playing for the patients in the hospital compliments her storytelling perfectly, very intimate. Actually, it's almost as though the music and narrative are equally compelling parts, working together to tell the story.
I love the choice to have just Yvonne’s voice narrate the story. I could imagine this piece with an outside narrator, and it just wouldn't be as good, you just wouldn't achieve the same level of intimacy.
The most successful part of this story is that it doesn't try to do to much. There's no outside storyline forced on the narrative. It doesn't try to make Yvonne out to be some sort of missionary or heroine. Her insights about her music are simple but earnest, and that honesty is captured perfectly to give us an unembellished look at a real person.
As someone who is learning both radio and the violin at the moment, I found this piece very inspiring. Thank you.
Comments by Lou Blouin
Comment for "Measure, Measure, Measure"
Lou Blouin
Posted on January 19, 2005 at 01:38 PM | Permalink
Review of Measure, Measure, Measure
Producer Sara Wood follows city bus driver "Sturge" Whalen who is coping with his son ("Little Sturge") starting a 5 year stint in the Navy. As the story moves, Sturge gradually reveals more and more emotion about having to let his son go. Unlike most of the news coverage of the war which focuses on emotionless facts, offensives, and other abstractions, this kind of narrative is a compelling glimpse into the human side of war and its effect on families and friendships. Not overly sentimental, it is honest and thoughtful. Sara’s narration mixes well with the storyteller’s voice and helps move this piece along from point to point. The sounds of the bus are excellent throughout, and I like the tiny bits of silence that accent different “chapters” in the story, which give the listener a chance to reset. I really enjoyed this, and think it would make a great spot on All Things Considered.
Comment for "Music If You Want It"
Lou Blouin
Posted on January 12, 2005 at 11:51 AM | Permalink
Review of Music If You Want It
Wonderful. Technically, this story is beautifully crafted. Yvonne's playing for the patients in the hospital compliments her storytelling perfectly, very intimate. Actually, it's almost as though the music and narrative are equally compelling parts, working together to tell the story.
I love the choice to have just Yvonne’s voice narrate the story. I could imagine this piece with an outside narrator, and it just wouldn't be as good, you just wouldn't achieve the same level of intimacy.
The most successful part of this story is that it doesn't try to do to much. There's no outside storyline forced on the narrative. It doesn't try to make Yvonne out to be some sort of missionary or heroine. Her insights about her music are simple but earnest, and that honesty is captured perfectly to give us an unembellished look at a real person.
As someone who is learning both radio and the violin at the moment, I found this piece very inspiring. Thank you.