The Face of Folk Music

Subject: The Face of Folk Music
From: Mudjack
Date: 30 Jul 99 - 05:35 PM

The Sing Out discussion brought me to mind about the greatest Folk Music Book I've ever encountered. So desperate for it, that in 1990, I ran an ad in Sing Out magazine WANTED.... I got a response from a man named Sonny from Winston-Salem NC who was generous enough to send me the book for the cost of handling and shipping. I'm forever grateful to him for it.Now those that have this book must know it's value as a "who's who" in the folk scene of the sixties and seventies. A photo journel of David Gahr photography and some text by Robert Shelton. David Gahr did more album cover photography for the folk hero's of the sixties than anyone else. Most at festivals or candid, unposed photos. How many M'cat folks out there are fortunate enough to posess this great book? But the real question is, What is your favorite Folk music subject book?
Mudjack

Subject: RE: The Face of Folk Music
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 30 Jul 99 - 06:13 PM

I discovered that book 25+ years ago in the Sir George Williams University library in Montreal. Sir George is now part of Concordia University and the book is still there. Every couple of years I go in, spread it out on a table (it's a big book) and spend a couple of hours looking through it.

When I met David Gahr in the late-'70s, I asked him about getting a copy and he said he didn't know of any sources for it.

Mike Regenstreif

Subject: RE: The Face of Folk Music
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 30 Jul 99 - 06:41 PM

This was on "Bibliofind."

(Gahr, David) Shelton, Robert: THE FACE OF FOLK MUSIC ; New York: Citadel Press, 1968. 1st, Cloth, Very good in dust jacket, 500+ black and white photographs. Includes gospel and blues, Photography folk music black history americana songs (UR#:BOOKS009500I) Offered for sale by David Morrison Books at US$125.00

Jeez! For that, I'd be tempted to sell my own copy, but then, what would keep Rick Fielding entertained during his next visit? Besides, it's the only photo I have of me with Horton Barker, A. L. Lloyd, and Willis James! I cherish that one.

Sandy

Subject: RE: The Face of Folk Music
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 30 Jul 99 - 06:58 PM

Ahh yes. Sandy is right. Of course I do find that having to wear reading glasses now is a bit of a drag, but knowing that I ruined my eyesight at Paton Place is a badge of honour. Not to worry however, there are enough things in the house on the magic mountain to keep me entertained for two lifetimes. The record collection for one.
Rick (thankful to still be invited)

Subject: RE: The Face of Folk Music
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Jul 99 - 08:09 PM

And can't you just see it...25 years from now, somebody will be talking about the Faces Of Mudder Phoakers, the first album of real phoakies in cyberspace.

Subject: RE: The Face of Folk Music
From: Jeremiah McCaw
Date: 31 Jul 99 - 02:03 AM

"After the Gold Rush". An overview of Canadian music (rock, folk & folk-rock) in the 60's, particularly centering on the Yorkville (Toronto) scene. I was a teen in high school, and hung out in the village (only outsiders, pardon me, "straights" called it Yorkville) on weekends. Dug the Paupers and the Ugly Ducklings, but folk was my first love. "Three's a Crowd", Lightfoot at the Riverboat (with Ian Tyson and Bernie Finklestein sitting in a back corner just listening). Joni at the same (I was there the night she tripped over a guide dog while leaving a darkened stage). Sonny & Brownie, Tim Hardin. Jackie Washington at the Mousehole. Murray MacLachlan doing the hootenanny night (open stage) at the "Boat", and thinking "this one's not going anywhere" (I am SUCH an idiot). That book brought so much of it flooding back.

Subject: RE: The Face of Folk Music
From: Peter T.
Date: 31 Jul 99 - 10:18 AM

There is a nice collection of interviews from Guitar Player (I think) that was a book some years ago. Interviews from the 70's of all sorts of people -- Pete Seeger, Jean Ritchie, Arlo Guthrie, etc., with a focus on their playing and equipment. Will look around for it. I remember it as being far superior to most of the folk book dreck, since it was focussed on their work.
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: The Face of Folk Music
From: Mudjack
Date: 31 Jul 99 - 03:15 PM

Another fine book that is dedicated to Folk Music musicians, "FOLK MUSIC, More Than a Song" Baggelaar and Milton. It's a pretty reliable source book for folk artist and pop artist who had folk backgrounds.340 entrties, 110 illustrations and hundreds of interviews. This book dates to 1978. A good book but not my favorite.
Mudjack

Subject: RE: The Face of Folk Music
From: Rockaday Johnny
Date: 01 Aug 99 - 03:18 AM

I Was given "The Face of Folk Music" in 1968 -still love it and think it's the greatest collection of photos from that time period. My favorite history book (written) is Eric Von Schmidts "Baby Let Me Follow You Down" and "Unwritten" - I'm still waitin' for Art to do the history of the Chicago Folkscene with all those slides he has... (ah..I can dream...)

Subject: RE: The Face of Folk Music
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 01 Aug 99 - 09:18 AM

Just to give credit where it's due, the book "Baby Let Me Follow You Down" was co-written by Eric Von Schmidt and Jim Rooney.

Mike Regenstreif