OLD-TIME CONVERSATIONS
"Tradition is not to preserve the ashes, but to pass on the flame." Gustav Mahler
Three Ongoing Documentary Series Dedicated to Preserving Stories, Music and the Community Surrounding Old-time Music.
“History books/the internet can report the facts of one's life. But meeting and filming the real person, face-to-face in the context of their lives, hearing and seeing their passion in describing their life’s adventure can tell you more about their heart and soul (the 'fire') than any printed biography.” - Craig Evans
Conversations with
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Conversations with
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Old-time
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"One of the greatest joys of my life has been to recognize the performers, teachers, instrument builders and historians dedicating their lives to 'continuing the flame' of Traditional Music.
Franco-American music performer, teacher and historian, Donna Hebert.
In keeping it present, dynamic and alive, their personal efforts make enormous contributions to society, culture and the individuals in front of them. I'm humbled to record their precious stories for posterity and to personally thank them for their amazing musical/artistic contribution... one that genuinely makes the world a better place." - Craig Evans
Brad Leftwich - Conversations with Old-time Performers - Volume 3
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“I’ve been inspired by the beauty and history captured in the films of William Ferris and John and Alan Lomax.
William Ferris - Film-maker
And like most musicians, I've been deeply influenced by the love and passion of Harry Smith, present in every part of his seminal anthology. I wish to continue the documentation of this precious musical tradition and community... especially during this dynamic time!” - Craig Evans
Anthology of American Folk Music
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About "Conversations" - The Documentaries
Craig Frailin Evans -
Steve Griffin Photography - 2012
Bill Rickard - Conversations with North American Banjo Builders - Volume 1
Jeff Place - Old-time Conversations - Volume 6
Walt Koken - Conversations with Old-time Performers - Volume 1
Dom Flemons talks about his Black Cowboys CD for Smithsonian Folkways (excerpt from Upcoming Old-time Conversations - Volume 7).
Dr. Alan Jabbour - Conversations with Old-time Performers - Volume 4
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My name is Craig Evans. I'm a banjo-playing film-maker in love with Old-time music and the Community that surrounds it. There are many passionate "artist" souls in this Community, dedicated to preserving the artform. Some play the music, some make the instruments upon which it's played, some write new music while others publish historic tunes and songs from long ago. Like me, all of them fell in love with this Tradition and deeply recognize its significance. All of them have stories of how it happened... and why they've dedicated their lives to carrying the flame.
These people fascinate me! I want to learn more about them and their passion. Early on, I decided not to set out to record an academically-vetted timeline of people's history. Most of that is available on the web. Instead, I opted to discover more about how these people think and feel. What role has this music played in their lives? Clearly, a "conversation" about such things would be in order. And what an adventure gathering those conversations would be! How cool to actually be sitting with that person, meeting them face-to-face! Hearing and watching them in the comfort and safety of their private spaces, surrounded by mementoes and reminders of their own life's history, I could better learn and understand what makes them “tick.” But there’s an added benefit: As mammals, we’re wired to learn from stories, accordingly, 25% by what we hear and 75% by what we see (i.e. the pictures… the story-teller, the surroundings). “Conversations” became my ideal format. They could be described as 'plein air documentaries.' As with plein air paintings, interviews are recorded in-the-field, observing and capturing the subject in the context of their environment (ie: home, studio or shop). And since they’re done 'on-the-spot', the 'tool marks' necessary to film can show (ie. lights, cameras, headphones). But through this technique, viewers are there, in person, basking in the light of the individual telling their life stories. The individual programs reflect as much relevant info as I can gather in the 90-minute to 2-hour ‘live' window I typically spend with each person. As ‘conversations,' the final 25-35 minute shows are often presented (edited) in the order they were recorded... sometimes out of sequence (i.e. an 'after-thought' is added later), as conversations usually run. These are not television shows. They're 'snapshots in time.' So they’re spontaneous by design (i.e. some thoughts are even captured during staging/set up). Pretty, formal or neat doesn’t always facilitate reality. Conversations are 'real life.' As a documentarian, I also choose to include what stories/features/elements are most important to help define my subject (i.e. wall pictures, mementoes). A few years ago, while discussing this content choice with a respected video colleague, he told me 'you didn’t realize it, but your authenticity is showing.' So 'conversations' are not polished, they're real... like the person. That’s my goal."- Craig Evans One more benefit: Videos of conversations, where a person in the context of their home or work space presents their own narrative, demonstrate passion.
Passion - what Gustav calls “fire” - evidenced by body animation, voice dynamics, eye contact and more is something mammals see, hear and intuitively understand. This emotion, primarily expressed as joy is not only evident, it’s infectious. An academic history written on such a life can be more thorough, but it clearly lacks in-the-moment sincerity and encouragement found in a conversation that invites a viewer to share in the joy of the arts. My goal has never been to capture the jot and tittle of one’s life’s facts. I chose to share the content and presentation of my subject's individual blessings. Witnessing messages of passion (fire), hope and love inspires others… hopefully to participate in the joy of Traditional Music and Community. Every individual in my series has been blessed with these gifts. In conversationally capturing their messages - inspiring viewers to share the fire and joy - I’m passing along the blessing. That is the goal. Four minutes from the film maker...
Click on pic! 
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The Clifftop Reels
2015-2019
2015Here’s an excerpt from an “extra” included in Volume 3 of the “Conversations with Old-time Performers” documentary series. To some, Clifftop is a yearly highlight... a not-to-be-topped, exuberant event. To others, it’s a spiritual retreat among like minds and hearts. To all that attend, it’s a major lifetime event… self included. Here’s just a small sample of my first experiences at Clifftop.
2017My third trip to Clifftop. Love how this community celebrates the music and tradition.
2019Fifth trip to Clifftop. The music was exceptional this year! I tried to condense 4+ hours of footage into a 12 minute "highlight reel" but failed miserably. So here's a 39 minute sampling of the sounds of Clifftop 2019. Enjoy! Oh, turn it up loud and play full screen. :)
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2016My second year at Clifftop. Ended up with way more jam footage than I could include here (so... highlights only).
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2022
Sixth trip to Clifftop. WAY past due... lost 2 years to Covid Cancellations. Here’s my first film of Clifftop 2022. I arrived early this year to experience the people and the night before the “land grab.” Got some fun memories of that event. Figured out it's a great way to meet new friends that can steer you to jams and such once the regular crowd arrives.
The Road to Malvern.
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2022
The Fo Da Fun Folks, named for a section of the campground (Fo Da is short for Fort Davis) had such an incredible jam, it warranted its own post! Don’t just watch this once, watch it a couple of times. There’s lots of “Traditional Music Community“ good happenin' here.
First, they’re all circled up and smiling. They’re anticipating a good time. This group especially enjoys playing with each other, not just because they’re good at it, but because they all love fun. Then they’re playing an old, Old-time chestnut, Sail Away Ladies. They all know the tune and they respect it’s history. But with this group, you never know what’s gonna happen. Notice how Edwin starts singing the traditional lyrics, but a couple of times around and he’s making up his own lyrics… first dissing on the weather, then himself, then Richard. Its not just one-way, Richard gives it back to him. The whole crowd shares the moment and the humor. Then toward the end, Richard circles back and sings one of the traditional verses. It ends on a high note. Now, what’s with the magic hollow tree? All of you will wonder what they’re talking about… the magic hollow tree. Edward had a couple of travel mishaps on his way to Clifftop. He arrived without clothes and more importantly without instruments. He was able to stop by a Goodwill store to get his body covered, and his friends covered for his instruments. The magic hollow tree actually did produce a tent stake for Edwin when he expressed his need. And no, he did not get his three wishes (folklore total), but he did get a second wish which was for money so he could afford a potato or two. Earlier in the day, Richard and Caitlin had stash some spare cash in an envelope and placed it in the tree. They were waiting for Edwin to discover the second gift. It wasn’t exactly a potato but as Richard points out, Edwin could buy many potatoes with the community-donated cash. It’s just more of the Fo Da community taking care of each other. In addition to talent, there’s a lot of kindness in this group. These folks represent the best of Clifftop as well as the Traditional Music Community. 
Clifftop 2022 - Photo courtesy of Sandra Parks
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Clifftop 2016
(L-R): Craig Evans with Mac Benford, John Grimm and Beverly Smith
Photo courtesy of Chloris W. Noelke-Olson
(L-R): Craig Evans with Mac Benford, John Grimm and Beverly Smith
Photo courtesy of Chloris W. Noelke-Olson
Contact: craigrevans@mac.com
Copyright 2011-2023
All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2011-2023
All Rights Reserved