Worlds of Sound: The Story of Smithsonian Folkways

Carlin, Richard. Worlds of Sound: The Story of Smithsonian Folkways. Smithsonian: HarperCollins. Oct. 2008. c.304p. photogs. index. MUSIC~ Former Folkways Records producer Carlin provides the first intimate history of Folkways Records. All libraries seeking a well-rounded music collection need to own this lavishly illustrated portrait of an American institution. Background: Carlin splendidly captures the ambitious saga of Moe Asch and his emerging record label's efforts to record every sound from around the world to build an ""encyclopedia of sound."" Thanks to his indefatigable efforts, we can now hear the music of Pygmy leaf orchestras, Brazilian Indian singers, and hillbilly bluegrass bands, as well as the howls of metal subway wheels rubbing against the tracks, the whine of steam locomotives, the chirping of insects, and the hum and buzz of computers. Producing close to 2200 albums over 36 years, Asch's label introduced bluegrass musicians Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard, blues greats Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Elizabeth Cotten, Lightnin' Hopkins, and folk singer Lucinda Williams to the world.--Henry L. Carrigan Jr., Evanston, IL.