For me one of the most interesting tracks was the recording done by the Sacred Harp Singing Group, with their unique style of singing and performing that has to be heard to be really appreciated. Their style of syncopated rhythms counted out by a chopping motion of the arm and replicated by voice is as elaborate as any choreographed dance.
What became obvious to me after listening to all four discs is the amount of care that was taken assembling the tracks to ensure as broad a representation of styles, voices, and people as possible. The decision to include some of the before and after dialogue on most of the tracks helps increase the sense of them being performed by folk playing the music they either learned at their parent's or grand patent's knees.
Equally as impressive is the dedication shown by Art Rosenbaum when it came to meeting and recording the various folk included on this disc. Some folks might not leave home without their American Express cards, but he doesn't leave home without a tape recorder and a microphone. For of those of you looking to start your collection of traditional folk music in America Art Of Field Recording Volume 1 would be a great place to start.
For those of you who have already started to establish a collection, Volume 1 can only enrich your experience. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm already looking forward to the release of Art Of Field Recording Volume 2 , who knows what great surprise awaits us there?
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