Well, I thought I knew Pete Seeger. Was I ever wrong.
This was a pleasant surprise on so many levels.
Far more than a conversation with a great American musical innovator, this is a gorgeously produced treat for the ears…and the space between.
In addition to the priceless interview with Seeger, himself, this program artfully weaves together analysis from Seeger biographer Alec Wilkinson plus several classic interpretations of Seeger’s contributions to the musical canon (such as the Byrds’ rendition of “Turn, Turn, Turn”, the Kingston Trio’s “Where Have all the Flowers Gone?”, and Springsteen’s “Eyes on the Prize”, to name a few). Engaging, entertaining, educational.
From the subject per se, to the excellent hosting by Rita Houston, to the first-class production values-- it is hard to think of a music special more in sync with the core values of public radio. This is the kind of thoughtful music special that touches both head and heart; the kind of special that listeners appreciate. Perfect for weekend programming.
(If I had any complaint, it’s that the billboard doesn’t do the program justice. In my opinion, it’s far too modest.)
This is an hour of great storytelling. Great narrative arc. Great music. Great radio.
Congrats to all involved.
Comment for
"Billy Taylor - Fats Waller" (deleted)
Wow. I just love this first-hand narrative approach to music journalism. Better yet: this piece is elegantly produced, chockablock with music and ambience. The producer has done a wonderful job of making the two voices--the narrators-- work together to give us a feel for another place and time. A polished, professional feature. I can't wait to hear the rest in the series.
Wouldn't it be great if more public radio stations found room for these luciously produced, lovingly crafted pieces? This would be a marvelous, sophisticated compliment to any serious jazz or sophisticated urban music show.
This is a really super introduction to the story of 'The Band' and its leading light-- an interesting, initimate, first-hand presentation that gives the listener a sense of how (arguably) the 'Americana' music thang got started. This program is, at its core, two very compelling interviews with Robbie Robertson sparsely narrated and sweetened with bursts of musical illustrations.
To be totally candid, I yearned for more music (whole songs would have been nice)--and, perhaps, someone broadcasting this special would be well served framing this hour with lots of great music from The Band, Dylan, et al. All in all, an hour well spent for those of us who love The Band and the musical movement it spawned.
Comments by David Brown
Comment for "The Protest Singer: An Intimate Portrait of Pete Seeger"
David Brown
Posted on April 29, 2009 at 12:02 PM | Permalink
A really engaging hour of musical (re-) discovery.
Well, I thought I knew Pete Seeger. Was I ever wrong.
This was a pleasant surprise on so many levels.
Far more than a conversation with a great American musical innovator, this is a gorgeously produced treat for the ears…and the space between.
In addition to the priceless interview with Seeger, himself, this program artfully weaves together analysis from Seeger biographer Alec Wilkinson plus several classic interpretations of Seeger’s contributions to the musical canon (such as the Byrds’ rendition of “Turn, Turn, Turn”, the Kingston Trio’s “Where Have all the Flowers Gone?”, and Springsteen’s “Eyes on the Prize”, to name a few). Engaging, entertaining, educational.
From the subject per se, to the excellent hosting by Rita Houston, to the first-class production values-- it is hard to think of a music special more in sync with the core values of public radio. This is the kind of thoughtful music special that touches both head and heart; the kind of special that listeners appreciate. Perfect for weekend programming.
(If I had any complaint, it’s that the billboard doesn’t do the program justice. In my opinion, it’s far too modest.)
This is an hour of great storytelling. Great narrative arc. Great music. Great radio.
Congrats to all involved.
Comment for "Billy Taylor - Fats Waller" (deleted)
David Brown
Posted on July 03, 2007 at 07:40 AM
Review of Billy Taylor - Fats Waller (deleted)
Wow. I just love this first-hand narrative approach to music journalism. Better yet: this piece is elegantly produced, chockablock with music and ambience. The producer has done a wonderful job of making the two voices--the narrators-- work together to give us a feel for another place and time. A polished, professional feature. I can't wait to hear the rest in the series.
Wouldn't it be great if more public radio stations found room for these luciously produced, lovingly crafted pieces? This would be a marvelous, sophisticated compliment to any serious jazz or sophisticated urban music show.
Comment for "Robbie Robertson"
David Brown
Posted on July 05, 2006 at 01:31 PM | Permalink
Review of Robbie Robertson
This is a really super introduction to the story of 'The Band' and its leading light-- an interesting, initimate, first-hand presentation that gives the listener a sense of how (arguably) the 'Americana' music thang got started. This program is, at its core, two very compelling interviews with Robbie Robertson sparsely narrated and sweetened with bursts of musical illustrations.
To be totally candid, I yearned for more music (whole songs would have been nice)--and, perhaps, someone broadcasting this special would be well served framing this hour with lots of great music from The Band, Dylan, et al. All in all, an hour well spent for those of us who love The Band and the musical movement it spawned.