Topic starter
02/12/2011 10:33 pm
http://www.jecohio.org/media/music_on_the_ohio.mov
Here's a new historical production about music on the boats especially on the Ohio River, loaded with pictures and music. Two of the stars are .orgers:
Riverlorian Travis Vasconcelos and Musician Pat Carr!
03/12/2011 2:07 am
I'm sorry to be negative about this, the information contained is a good primer on the subject of river music. However, the problem - which this video exemplifies and which I've come across all too often in my own research - is how it's being presented to the public. Shoddy video production values, shameless pandering or "dumbing-down," and the absence of fact-checking do a great disservice to the field. This is the reason that there's a generally low level of respect for this research, as well as why there's so little awareness among people these days regarding river music.
I will say that William Howland Kenney's book on the subject is one of the shining gems in musicology of the Western Rivers, as is any interview given by Travis, Doc, or any of you folks. Thank you all for keeping it alive and being true assets to what we all love and cherish.
I'm almost never negative on this board, and I'm truly sorry to act this way - it's not usually in my nature. However, it gets to a point where I can't stand the field being disrespected anymore. If someone's going to represent river music to the general public, they had d***ed well do it right!
Topic starter
03/12/2011 5:47 am
Sorry I mentioned it
Sorry I mentioned it......................
03/12/2011 2:12 pm
I thought it was pretty good. The facts might not all be correct and the video quality not excellent, but it was entertaining and informative. I, for one , appreciate you bringing it to our attention.
Working with Cureator Keith at the Howard Museum, we are continually trying to update our displays to make them more interesting to the general public...I mean there is only so much interest in seeing a cabin arch....this video got me to thinking that we could make a nice exhibit perhaps themed "steamboats (some of which were built by Howards) bring jazz to the nation". Let's face it the most people could care less that the Howards built the JS...but they would be fascinated that boats like the JS brought Louis Armstrong and his music to their town.
Topic starter
03/12/2011 4:58 pm
Music exhibit
Good idea Jim. You could use pix of various orchestras, broadsides for the boats which list the bands, and postcard-size advertising cards with the musical info thereon, for example - and even a map showing the river system and the spread northward of jazz via the river. Most people wouldn't be able to identify the Illinois River as being a means of reaching Chicago (at least near the southern environs), and this was a familiar excursion boat route. Ironically today in New Orleans, which touts itself as the Birthplace of Jazz, there is a dearth of places to find jazz bands - the longest lasting and most famous group, the Dukes of Dixieland, are to be found on a riverboat: the Steamer NATCHEZ. They've been the 'house' or 'boat' band since 1994. So here we are, almost 100 years after jazz headed north on the steamboat out of NOLA, and you can still hear it on the river in NOLA!
03/12/2011 5:51 pm
Judy, I'm sorry if this seemed like a personal attack for posting the video. On the contrary, thank you for bringing it to our attention! If nothing else, it serves as another reminder of why I'm working on the research that I'm doing. While I do lament the general ignorance of the American people regarding river music, it's not their fault, and it's up to myself and others who are passionate about the field to correct misinformation and spread awareness.
One thing I can applaud is that I've heard that the producer(s) of the video want to truly represent river music, since this is intended for music educators, and is freely available for anyone to see. Maybe next time, simply double-check the facts prior to releasing it in such a public way. There's certainly a wealth of information and sources - has anyone ever known a river musician or historian who wouldn't like to grant an interview or be consulted on such matters? 🙂
In short, thanks for posting the link, Judy. And thanks to the video folks for wanting to get it right.
03/12/2011 7:12 pm
Rhythm on the River
Yes, on my lengthy and seemingly unending list of ideas for exhibits and events at the Howard Steamboat Museum, is a "Rhythm on the River" display. I have already collected a pile of river themed sheet music and Capt. Bill Ray has donated an 1890's banjo.
So MUCH to do, so LITTLE time!