Traveling Internet Duo Uses Technology to Preserve Americas Musical Heritage
A new electronic publication is preserving a part of American heritage once only passed down through stories and songs- a part of American heritage that until now was slowly slipping away. The Down Neck Gazette, captures the music, experiences and advice of American acoustic musicians on CD-ROM and sends them to subscribers on a quarterly basis. But just as the subject matter is nostalgic and unique, so is the manner in which the periodicals publishers get their stories.
There are places in America where theyre playing music most folks have never heard before, says Patrick Costello, President of Funkyseagull.com. Every town in Americas got someone with a guitar, banjo or fiddle, but you have to go out and find them. And thats just what Costello and his father and business partner, Pat Costello, are doingin a mint-condition 1966 Plymouth Satellite convertible.
We drive around in a classic car with a banjo, a guitar, and a Cannon XL1 camera, says Costello. He and his father travel the U.S., stopping in at towns large and small along the way to see if they can find some master musicians. And find them they do.
Every musician has a story. And were getting some good ones, Costello reports. The Costellos film the musicians as they offer advice, talk about their lives, and play their blues, bluegrass or old-time country music. The video is then loaded onto a CD-ROM and sent to subscribers as The Down Neck Gazette, a quarterly publication focusing on all aspects of acoustic music.
For more information on this worthy effort to bring the music of the people to the people, please visit this link and be sure to check out the demo of their product.
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Frank's Picks (WKZE) - Reviews, and articles by eclectic music host Frank Matheis, and links to the work of photographer Bibiana Huang Matheis.
Idiot's Delight - Vin Scelsa's show is easily the most eclectic radio show in New York!
WCUW 91.3 FM - Richard H. Fox's excellent New Traditions show. Community radio from Worcester, MA, featuring interviews with many of your favorite artists.
The National Civil Rights Museum - Neal and Leandra mention a trip to this museum as the inspiration for their stunning song "Ready For Memphis" in Issue 11 of The Music Matters Review.
Fiddles Of The World - (FOTW) is the First Ever International Conference and Reunion for Traditional Fiddlers. Visit the FOTW Web Site for more information.
The Sonwriter's Spotlight - A quarterly online magazine for and about Long Island songwriters, including articles, interviews and sound clipsin depth and well presented!
Village Records - This is a wonderful place to buy "Music Matters Music." Not only do they sell CD's, but they seek out the hard to find items to make available. If you give them a call you will speak to the folks who run the place! 12156 W 63 St, Shawnee Mission, KS 66216. Answering Machine or Fax: 913-631-6369, 1-800-327-5264 (USA & Canada). Human Contact: 1-913-631-4199