The 78 Project is a documentary and recording journey inspired by Alan Lomax and his quest to capture music where it lived throughout the early 20th century. Their object is to bring the spirit of his work into the present by pairing breakthrough musicians with the songs and recording technology of the past.

(click on image to see the making of video)

The 78 Project’s most recent exploit are two artists I have done a lot of work with (and one happens to be my wife), Kara Suzanne and The Reverend John DeLore. Their performance was captured in one take using one mic and recorded straight to a lacquer disc using a 1930’s Presto direct-to-disc recorder. Kara and John chose to sing an American classic murder ballad that tells the sad story of Omie Wise. An early 19th century murder victim who was strangled by her beloved and drowned in a river.

To make the song a bit more up-to-date, Suzanne cleverly arranged the melody and wrote an outstanding harmony (the end kills me every time) while DeLore rewrote the lyrics to fit a murder trial from our lifetime….It’s hard for me to not give it away, so I’ll give you a clue. It’s got something to do with a leather glove and a white Bronco.

6 months ago  /  1 note