I saw this performance and realized that—out of necessity—something is returning to shows like these: the single take; the single shot. In these days of quarantine, there are now countless videos of musicians performing songs in one take, with one camera—a phone on a tripod, or operated by a husband or wife.
They are simple. Not perfect. But they reveal what I love when we watch films like the classic Bob Dylan documentary by D.A. Pennebaker, Don’t Look Back, which contains performances that are captured in long, long takes, and we, the audience, are thrust into Dylan’s soul. It’s very personal; completely real … like we’ve been given something we never get enough of. The truth. There is no trickery for the artist to hide behind, and it is spellbinding.
I’m ashamed to say I’m not all that familiar with John Prine—but I should be. This is a remarkable song. He wrote it when he was only 24.
David, I too did not know much about John Prine. We (you and I) have talked in the past about people who inspire and drive those who we do know through their public fame but unfortunately their influences are not. John Prine was one of these people. When I listened to the attached video it is not surprising that he was recognized with the likes of Dylan. I can understand the connections that he was making now but not as a young man. I was not aware of his talent as a writer and musician.
Random Note: I posted a John Prine quote recently (about a month ago). The types of quotes I post in my machine shop are related to that world. I found it strange that a musician would have the quote “Never run a lathe with a tie on”. A true statement and one that is well respected. So I looked him up and I did not recognize his work. I did know those he connected with – all the big names.
OK, enough rambling. We need to seek out the doers, those steeped in excellence, those who improve the human condition and strive to celebrate them and their accomplishments. I am now tasked with this as a personal goal.