Ectopistes migratorius, watercolor by Louis Agassiz Fuertes

Will Call #2 — An Eclipse of Memory; It’s Just a Jump to the Left; Wildwood Bride

April 3, 2015
by
Ectopistes_migratoriusAAP042CA-1
Passenger Pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius; watercolor by Louis Agassiz Fuertes; 1910–1914

 

 

For this, our second episode of “Will Call,” we were extremely fortunate to have two special guests, as well as a single from a brand new music CD release.

First, co-host Tela Zasloff, editor and founder of the Greylock Independent intervews Edward Morris, co-founder of the Canary Project with Susannah Sayler.

With Sayler, Morris created “Eclipse,” which examines the demise of the whole of the species of passenger pigeon through images, motion, and sound at MASS MoCA until September 1, 2015. Once so numerous that a flock overhead could darken the sky, this victim of human cruelty and recklessness is less than a memory, the last member dying in captivity 100 years ago. This exhibit, as described on its MASS MoCA page, “consists of a massive 100-foot video projection, screens on the walls and ceiling of MASS MoCA’s four-story atrium. The video loop shows a flock of passenger pigeons in reverse-negative silhouette lifting out of a life-sized tree, accompanied by sound design consisting of layers of digitally processed human voices. The exhibition offers a space for reflection with a limited-edition artist publication that will include writings by Kolbert, original photography by Sayler/Morris, and archival images.”

A stroke of pure luck brought us through the time warp back to 2005 when I was hosting a different podcast and had just discovered the band Jaded Mandolin. While that group has since disbanded, the members are busy with solo projects. Molly Pinto Madigan, the silver-throated leading lady of the erstwhile folk/roots combo, has JUST released (like, last week) a new CD, “Wildwood Bride.” Molly invited me to share a track from this collection with you, and I had a tough time deciding between them all.

CD, "Wildwood Bride," by Molly Pinto Madigan
CD, “Wildwood Bride,” by Molly Pinto Madigan

At first listen, I find the scope of the work to be grand, soaring between epic, aggressive, and dramatic down to humble and vulnerable. I’ll listen a few more times and maybe update this note.

For now, why not go buy a copy of the CD or digital download at either CD Baby or through the Greylock Glass’s affiliate link with Amazon.com (wherein your purchase helps support this site).

Finally, we have a great free-form discussion with Doug Jones, Executive Director of Images Cinema in Williamstown, Mass. This indie movie house is a community-fueled, non-profit entity that has managed to find itself in a position of increasing relevance over the past several years. Doug discusses the films “Still Alice,” “What We Do in the Shadows,” and…wait for it…”The Rocky Horror Picture Show!” Yeah, it’s at 7 pm instead of midnight, but old guys like me can hold our eyes open much past 10, so…Doug also reminds audiences to check out the work of Carol Goodman in the gallery space in the lobby.

Great show, all in all. New microphone made things smoooth.

Leave your comments below, and don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter! Talk at you next week.

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