Artist Profiles

Gr 9 Up—Sudying ethnic American music in hotspots in the mid-Atlantic area, Gulf States, Midwest, and West, this film was produced over a five-year span. It features adept musicians ranging in age from their teens to the elderly. The narrator discusses the background of each musical style and, on occasion, interviews the musicians. For the most part, the musicians speak on their own and demonstrate their musical prowess in natural settings—outdoors at regional gatherings, in dance halls, and in a school that awards credits to teens who learn and perfect their traditional music skills. A guitar craftsman shows his workshop while explaining interesting aspects of building the instruments. Mountain, Cajun, jazz, Gullah spirituals, barbershop quartet, cowboy, and Grand Ole Opry are among the music styles covered. A musicologist explains the ethnic background of some of the musical styles. Featuring good quality visuals and sound, teachers will find this excellent, comprehensive music odyssey ideal for American music, sociology, and history units—and students will be drawn in by the talent of the various grassroots musicians.—Jennifer Ward, Albany Public Library, NY