Comments for Ricky, The Banjo, and Me

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Produced by David Barber-Callaghan

Other pieces by Blunt Youth Radio Project

Summary: David Barber-Callaghan grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, listening to his parents and their friends play old-time music on sticky summer nights. These days David is a reporter with the Blunt Youth Radio Project in Portland, Maine. And while there's plenty of live music in Portland, he still misses those cozy bluegrass jams.
 

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Review of Ricky, The Banjo, and Me

Great piece! I'm always happy to find stories from the great state of Alabama.

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Review of Surrounded by Music

I remember always seeing those VH1 commercials to "save the music," but I didn't really take them seriously. But after hearing your piece, I realized why it is so important to surround yourself with it.Your piece brilliantly emphasizes the fact that music brings people together and that it is way of passing on from older generations to younger generations. What makes this piece so excellent is that your own personal experiences with your fake-adopted granfather are sprinkled throughout.I myself am actually trying to learn to play the guitar. When I need inspiration and encouragment, I'll think of this story!!!

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Review of Surrounded by Music

I can still hear the sound seeping down through the floorboards, and the guitar playing in the background. This essay is light and personal and makes me wish I had music experiences like this. The narrators voice is extremely musical and the rich guitar gives the narration another dimension. Interesting techniques make the interview more raw and realistic, with transitions that seem as if it is being conducted live. While the guitar does contribute to the overall piece, at times it overpowers and takes away from the dialogue underneath. This piece sounds polished and other than the loud guitar, would a nice addition to a radio show.