Alan Lomax - Cinematek
Alan Lomax was not only a ‘songhunter’ but also a talented photographer. Between 1987 and 1985 he made 5 documentaries as well, under the title ‘American Patchwork’. That's why AB sought a suitable partner in Brussels for the cinematographic aspect of its Alan Lomax project. We were welcomed with open arms by Cinematek, the renewed Royal Belgian Film Archive.
In autumn 2009, the AB will be organising a tribute to the American ethno-musicologist Alan Lomax (1915-2002). It is thanks to his pioneering work that anyone can now acquaint themselves with the earliest folksong recordings. Together with his father, he was responsible for the discovery of blues legend Lead Belly and folk icon Woody Guthrie. Lomax was later the most important staff member of the Archive of Folk Song or to the Library of Congress in Washington.
VIEWING SPACE
Lomax' complete PATCHWORK SERIES shall be available for viewing in this living-room cinema – that is inextricably bound to Cinematek's exhibition space – from 1 September up to and including 27 October 2009. Alan Lomax travelled with a camera team through the South-West of America from 1978 until 1985 . His goal was to extensively document the regional folklore. The result was bundled into this five-part series.
Jazz Parades: Feet Don’t Fail Me Now
From piano-bars and dusky taverns to colourful brass bands and wild street parades. ‘Feet Don’t Fail Me Now’ deals with New Orleans’ most unique and precious heritage: jazz. In this powerful documentary, Lomax allows the images to speak. With performances by The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Danny Barker and even a real funeral parade, Lomax shows us the origins of the New Orleans jazz. A genre in which 'community' takes on a prominent role.
Dreams & Songs Of The Noble Old
Alan Lomax honours the talent and knowledge of the older generation. The musicians, storytellers and singers shown don't perform for money or fame. They're focused on the preservation and propagation of culture, just like Lomax. In this documentary tales are told and songs sung by the workers Janie Hunter (80), Nimrod Workman (91) and Tommy Jarrell (83).
Appalachian Journey
Alan Lomax travels through the Appalachian Mountains. He investigates the songs, dance and religious rituals of the Irish-Scottish descendants who have been living there for centuries. Preachers, fiddle players, alcohol smugglers and square-dancers describe the hard life in the region. You can see performances from the likes of Tommy Jarrell, Janette Carter and the world’s fastest banjo player, Ray Fairchild.
Cajun Country
Alan Lomax goes in search of the source of Cajun music in the South of Louisiana. Louisiana has always been a medley of diverse cultures. This amalgam creates a unique musical climate. Lomax visits cattle stations, horse races and local dances in the Louisiana countryside. Listen to the tall stories and common songs of white, black and Indian origin. This documentary contains authentic recordings of Canray Fontenot, Bois Sec Ardoin, Michael Doucet, Octa Clark, Dewey Balfa and Dennis McGee.
The Land Where The Blues Began
Alan Lomax, John Bishop and Worth Long headed up the Mississippi Delta in search of the origins of the blues. They met charismatic storytellers who take you back to the origin of this Afro-American genre. Ex-detainees, railway workers and dock workers sing their hearts out. Become familiar with the authentic work songs, the heartbeat of hard labour. This documentary contains performances by oldies like R.L. Burnside and Jack Owens.
CINEMATEK PROGRAMMA
Aside from his own documentaries, there is also an entire series of interesting films that have immortalised the work of Lomax or his kindred spirits. In the months September and October, AB and Cinematek will present you with a substantial selection from the genre.
Lomax - The Songhunter
Filmmaker Rogier Kappers paid a visit to Alan Lomax one year prior to the legendary folklorist's passing. The viewer is witness to a touching encounter; A brain haemorrhage has affected Lomax’ brain and so he can no longer speak. In this documentary Kappers follows in the footsteps of his hero. Assisted by an old Volkswagen and his recording material, Kappers travels through Europe himself in search of the singers that Lomax recorded. His passion leads him to desolate Scottish Islands, the dry interior of Spain and isolated Italian mountains. The tracing of the people and their music soon appears to be a true mission. Yet every now and then he discovers musical gems: aged farmers, workers, housewives and herders make up the most beautiful songs. Aside from this expedition, together with Lomax’ colleagues and friends, Kappers sketches an image of The Songhunter. We frequently come into contact with a weakened but satisfied 86-year-old Lomax throughout the documentary. This intense, musical roadmovie slowly gives us an insight into the mysterious character of folk music and also Lomax’ passion and life's work.
M for Mississippi: A Road Trip through the Birthplace of the Blues
In the Spring of 2008, Roger Stolle and Jeff Konkel scour the state of Mississippi in order to meet the most fascinating blues figures. The result is a dead honest documentary that exposes the origins of the Mississippi blues. The past and the future of this genre is sketched based upon interviews with contemporary performers like Bill Abel, Terry Bean, Robert Belfour, R.I. Boyce, Jimmy Holmes, Wesley Jefferson and T-Model Ford. Aside from interviews and extensive live performances, M for Mississippi mirrors the soul of the performers and their homebase, a state that was essential for the creation of this music and also lifestyle.
Awake, My Soul: The Story of the Sacred Harp
Awake, My Soul is about the history of The Sacred Harp. This is a 19th century songbook in which America's first songs have been preserved. The oral tradition of passing on song is central to this Sacred Harp Singing. It is partly thanks to this tradition that the choir songs have exceeded the age of 200 years. In the documentary you get to see images of the Lost Tonal Tribe, a group that still sings these very old songs. Aside from history, Awake, My Soul shows the musical vitality of a musical genre. A genre that remains unfamiliar territory for many. Filmmakers Matt and Erica Hinton worked on this documentary for seven years.
CINEMATEK
http://www.cinematek.be/
Baron Hortastraat 9
1000 Brussels
