Funding for Down Home Radio is provided in part by The Puffin Foundation and by Interview with Frank Fairfield
(photos E. Smith)
On today’s show I speak with Frank Fairfield. I was knocked out by his new album on the Tompkins Square label and was glad to finally catch up with Frank at his home in Los Angeles, CA when I was out there back in January. Frank plays banjo, fiddle and guitar in an old time style and is a really great singer. We talk about his music and his ideas about music in general, Frank plays some tunes live on the show and also plays several favorite 78rpm records from his own collection. Frank Fairfield has a rare gift for interpreting what he calls “the American repertoire.” He gives the music an authentic presence that is very exciting. Frank has embodied the music he plays. Although his repertoire is from a different landscape then we see around us today he has found a way inside and expresses it with emotional depth and energy that is very enjoyable to see live as well as listen to on the record.
Frank plays at Tommy’s Loft in downtown LA.
March 18th, 2010 at 11:58 am
Great interview! Really great perspectives on this recent perception of a surge in this kind of music.
March 18th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Great interview. Fairfield sounds like he’s stuck on the Harry Smith anthology. Very insightful as well. Thanks.
March 18th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
What a brilliant show. Truly enjoyed every minute. Really looking forward to this project Frank has going with Tompkins Square. I bet some of the releases they come up with are going to be mind blowing.
Much love from the UK.
Craig.
March 25th, 2010 at 12:52 am
That was a really great show – as well as being an amazing performer I think he had some unique insight on the music. Remarkable.
J.