May 23, 2008

The folk-music world, the labor movement, indeed, all people of good will who strive to create and maintain community and cherish traditions, lost a towering figure in Bruce "U. Utah" Phillips.

As I reorient personally and creatively after/in-process-of some serious personal struggles, I find that my individual values regarding relationships and community are reflected in the stories I hear Utah tell in video and audio clips I discover.

I also find a gentle, quiet beauty in the simple, yet poetic songs he shared. There's great value to me in remembering that the accompaniment to a good lyric need not be a competition-grade exercise in instrumental chops.

As a folksinger living in the U.S., I also resonate powerfully with the unwavering pro-union message of one of the great Wobblies of history.

What remembrances do you have of Utah? :)