The Harry Smith Project - Live DVD

This is a DVD that can be loved by fans of Harry Smith and alternative music in general alike. While I was unfamiliar with a number of these artists (including Geoff Muldaur, Richard Thompson, and Kate and Anna McGarrigle), there are a few individuals here that individuals might have heard of (David Johansen, ex-New York Dolls member), Sonic Youth, and Lou Reed. While Smith was tied to the folk movement in general, eir fame goes well beyond that. The fact that the folk movement was tapped by Smith seemed to be much more of a decision to move beyond what was popular and into what would be popular, and in that sense it can be seen that Smith was a visionary.

By pushing forth this style of music, Smith became an icon to those alternative acts that contributed to this DVD (and to the longer 2 CD, 2 DVD set that is the more affluent alternative to this DVD). For those individuals that are on the short side of money, purchasing this DVD may just be one of the easiest music fixes that one can find. This is a long DVD; with over 20 performances lasting 150 minutes, The Harry Smith Project has all the benefits of a compilation without any of the detriment (bands that should be on here, poor recordings, et cetera) that is usually associated with that style of album. While the prior generation of individuals in the music industry (those that have sadly passed on and those that are still clinging on) seemed to be dour at best, the presentation of The Harry Smith Project's DVD shows that there is a little bit of humor left in their hearts. Remember A Mighty Wind? Well, a band from that movie, The Folksmen, makes their way onto this DVD, providing both smiles and a very strong brand of instrumentation and arrangement to anyone that may be listening in.

Even if Harry Smith has passed on, I can see the same type of compilations that carry on his spirit being released. To do this would be to introduce new listeners to a bevy of acts that may be amazing, but have not reached the level of fame enjoyed by other acts. This DVD shows that an individual like Hal Willner can faithfully produce the aura and energy of a Harry Smith without introducing anything in the way of chaff or excess baggage. You may need to go and special order this DVD, but chances are good that you will not be disappointed by the performances and interview segments that fill this DVD to the brim with music-related goodness. If one has the money, pick up the 2 CD and 2 DVD set related to this release, but d o not feel as if this is a less-frills version that the full set. The fact that this DVD is chock full of songs and other material will ensure that a night is well spent watching performances that are vibrant and full, despite being over 5 years old.

Rating: 7.0/10