Holiday Gift Ideas for Folkies
You’ve probably already thought of a Cd from their favorite artist or if they play, a tuner or capo or a new set of strings. Here some suggestions for something a little different a couple of movies, a few books and a Cd just for good measure. The links below are affilate links, if you buy any of these items through them your purchase also benifits Back Porch News.
Festival! - The Newport Folk Festival
Murray Lerner
DVD - $14.98
As I mentioned in an earlier post Murry Lerner’s Festival! languished for a number of years until this fall’s “No Direction Home” revived interest. It provides a unique look at the Newport Folk Festival in the early sixties. Some reviewers on Amazon were disappointed that the performances shown aren’t full length but I thought he footage quoted in ‘No Direction’ was pretty compelling and at a street price of under $10.00 its almost a shame not to own it.
Bob Dylan - No Direction Home
Martin Scorsese
DVD- 29.95
Lots of great music and great interviews with Dave Van Ronk, Joan Baez, Liam Clancey and more. A must have to fans of Dylan and an interesting insight into the times that spawned him.
Ramblin’ Man: The Life and Times of Woody Guthrie
Ed Cray
Hardcover - $29.95
Published last year this is perhaps the most definitive biography of Woody to date. Written with the blessings of the Guthrie family Cray had unprecedented access to Woody’s papers and letters. The book presents Woody as the complex far from perfect human being he was.
The Mayor Of Macdougal Street: A Memoir
Dave Van Ronk with Elijah Wald
Hardcover - $26.00
By all accounts this is a great book, it ought to be Dave was a great raconteur and Elijah Wald’s previous books on Robert Johnson and Josh White are highly regarded. It pains me to say I haven’t read it yet since Mr Van Ronk was one of my musical heroes.
…And the Tin Pan Bended and the Story Ended…
Dave Van Ronk
CD - 19.95
While we’re on the subject of Dave Van Ronk I should mention this fabulous CD. Recorded live at his last concert in October 2001 and released in 2004 it includes much of Dave’s concert patter as well as his music. It’s as close as you can get to hearing him live.
Which Side Are You On?: An Inside History of the Folk Music Revival in America
Dick Weissman
Hardcover - $24.95
I haven’t heard much about this but it looks quite interesting and the reviews are good. Dick Weissman’s long career as a musician (he was a member of the Journeymen ) song writer, record producer and author gives him a unique perspective.
If none of the above suits your fancy using this link to CDBaby or this one to Amazon
If you enjoyed this article, get free updates by email or RSS.
