Lomax Project and Jayme Stone to Perform for Concert Series
JONESBORO – Arkansas State University's Lecture-Concert Series will feature the Lomax Project with banjo player Jayme Stone Sunday, Nov. 9, at 3 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center (GPS 2412 Quapaw Way).
Admission is free to all events in the Lecture-Concert Series. The concert is presented with funding support from the A-State Department of Music, the College of Fine Arts, and the Student Composers Incorporated chapter.
Focusing on songs collected by folklorist and field recording pioneer Alan Lomax, the Lomax Project brings together some of North America’s most distinctive and creative roots musicians to revive, recycle and re-imagine traditional music.
"Ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax's pioneering field recordings in the 30s, 40s and 50s are tremendously valuable as they document Appalachian folksongs, Bahamian sea chanties, Georgia Sea Islands songs and other music in their pure, authentic form, before that music was influenced by external sources," according to Dr. Tim Crist, professor of music and chair of the Lecture-Concert Committee.
"The recordings provide a window into the past where we are allowed to hear music preserved in all its authenticity. Hearing the Lomax Project revive and re-imagine these musically diverse and unique recordings in live performance will be a very special treat for all."
Stone, two-time Juno-winning banjoist and composer, makes music inspired by sounds from around the world, bridging folk, jazz and chamber music. His award-winning albums both defy and honor the banjo’s long role in the world’s music, turning historical connections into compelling music.
"Those interested in folk music of the early 20th century will certainly not want to miss Jayme Stone, Margaret Glaspy, and Eli West as they sing in harmony and perform on banjo and guitar," Crist added.
His most recent album, The Other Side of the Air (2013) is a travelogue of imaginary landscapes and faraway lands. The album traverses the Cinnamon Route through Persia and India, revisits and reinvents melodies Stone collected in West Africa, and includes a Concerto for Banjo and Chamber Symphony.
Also a passionate educator, Stone and the Lomax Project will perform at the Visual & Performing Arts Magnet School in Jonesboro on Monday, Nov. 10.
The Lecture-Concert Series brings notable guest speakers and performers of diverse backgrounds and wide appeal to the campus, according to Crist. For more details, individuals may visit the series website, AState.edu/lectureconcert, or contact Crist, tcrist@astate.edu, (870 972‑2094.
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