Alan Lomax: Selected Writings, 1934-1997

by Alan Lomax (Editor), Ronald D. Cohen

Alan Lomax is a legendary figure in American folk music circles. Although he published many books, hundreds of recordings and dozens of films, his contributions to popular and academic journals have never been collected. This collection of writings, introduced by Lomax's daughter Anna, reintroduces these essential writings. Drawing on the Lomax Archives in New York, this book brings together articles from the 30s onwards. It is divided into four sections, each capturing a distinct period in the development of Lomax's life and career: the original years as a collector and promoter; the period from 1950-58 when Lomax was recording thorughout Europe; the folk music revival years; and finally his work in academia.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

376 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2003

About the author

Alan Lomax was an American ethnomusicologist, best known for his numerous field recordings of folk music of the 20th century. He was also a musician himself, as well as a folklorist, archivist, writer, scholar, political activist, oral historian, and film-maker.

Reviews

[Simon Goldenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lomax writes very well, tells great stories and has some interesting insights derived from his experience but the massive indigestible middle chapters on cantometrics, choreometrics and recording equipment could have been better selected/partially left out

[Holly]

Great mix of Lomax's own writing and outside analysis