Interviews

"American Epic" Director, Creator, Writer Bernard McMahon Interviewed

Michael Fremer  |  May 12, 2017

AnalogPlanet editor Michael Fremer spoke by phone with "American Epic" director, creator and writer Bernard MacMahon about the making of what should be an indispensable American musical history movie.

Please listen to the conversation. I am 100% certain you will thoroughly enjoy it!

COMMENTS
Michael Fremer's picture
Submitted by Michael Fremer on Sun, 2017-05-14 10:51
No one's commented on this! Seriously?
thomoz's picture
Submitted by thomoz on Mon, 2017-05-15 07:44

Any other director/producer would have done a half or less of this work and stopped. That he is not a pre-established record collector or long-time working historian is a jaw-drop. The way he pieced together this particular narrative is absolutely breathtaking.
Who knew that the 90 year old folk and ethnic records were cut to beat radio at the game and get around "free music" on broadcast? No one until McMahon!!!

As for Rainbo pressing new records for this project, John R. T. Davies the mastering engineer (and horn player in the Temperance Seven) used to press up new 78s from vintage mint stamperswhen he did transfers to digital for JSP. All the work Columbia put into the Armstrong Hot Fives & Sevens box was ultimately less effective than JRTD's technique applied to the same material.

I eagerly look forward to the documentary and accompanying soundtrack.

Zardoz's picture
Submitted by Zardoz on Tue, 2017-05-16 05:44

interview. I just got to finish it yesterday, but I set up my DVR as soon as I saw your announcement. I'm really looking forward to watching it.

Zardoz's picture
Submitted by Zardoz on Thu, 2017-05-18 05:56

last night. What a great show. Can't wait for the next installment.

MrRom92's picture
Submitted by MrRom92 on Tue, 2017-05-23 07:50

I know I for one would LOVE a 78 album of the recordings produced for this show, as described mid-interview, just plated off the original lacquers… count me in if it happens

MrRom92's picture
Submitted by MrRom92 on Tue, 2017-05-23 07:51

I know I for one would LOVE a 78 album of the recordings produced for this show, as described mid-interview, just plated off the original lacquers… count me in if it happens

JohnG's picture
Submitted by JohnG on Fri, 2017-05-26 18:50

Watched the second episode yesterday. This is wonderful stuff if you love American music, and probably even if you don't. There's an acceptable amount of stock footage to exhibit this or that historical fact (muddy roads, old barns, etc) but when they start an authentic performance of old music, they play it through to the end.

And any opportunity to see and hear Taj Mahal is a great pleasure.

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