Background
Thanks to a generous grant from the Alabama Humanities Foundation, a state partner with the National Endowment for the Humanities, we released IMC Volume One in early 2020. This limited-run LP is a vinyl-only compilation featuring live recordings from the first ten years of the IMC Concert Series at Satori Coffee House, including performances by Ray Bonneville, Richard Buckner, Ryan Culwell, Sam Doores, Tim Easton, Malcolm Holcombe, Will Johnson, Marie/Lepanto, Ramsay Midwood, Gurf Morlix, and Charlie Parr.
More on the LP
Alabama has a long and vibrant history as one of the country’s premiere historical sites for roots music (including blues, folk, and country traditions). In the contemporary media environment, however, many of these participatory musical folkways – from the jamboree to the hootenanny to the house party – are disappearing. One twenty-first-century vestige of this vibrant roots tradition is the listening room, a singer/songwriter performance model that not only extends the democratic mission of various forms of folk music but also offers audience members an interactive experience by allowing them to engage with the artists and one another in a variety of ways – from singalongs to Q&A sessions.
IMC Volume One is an effort to preserve a tiny part of this tradition, to help to capture and promote the discursive folkways of American roots music. In our increasingly digital world, face-to-face interaction and the in-person exchange of ideas often receive short shrift. This project promotes analog democracy – engagement in forms and modes with proven track records. As a result, we’ve chosen to make this compilation a vinyl-only release: not only do LPs provide a tangible, tactile experience but large-format packaging can also offer context for music in ways that digital delivery systems often struggle to replicate.
This record is an excellent reminder of how individuals have the power to work together and create a vibrant music and arts scene in any community.
American Songwriter
SIDE A
(1) Charlie Parr w/ “Ain’t No Grave” from IMC 28 on October 18, 2014; (2) Ryan Culwell w/ “I Think I’ll Be Their God” from IMC 34 on January 22, 2016; (3) Richard Buckner w/ “Ed’s Song” from IMC 08 on October 4, 2011; (4) Malcolm Holcombe w/ “Savannah Blues” from IMC 33 on November 12, 2015; (5) Tim Easton w/ “Lexington Jail” from IMC 25 on March 21, 2014; and (6) The Tumbleweeds w/ “Drifter’s Wife” from IMC 10 on November 2, 2011.
All songs recorded live at Satori Coffee House and used with permission. Live sound by Will Tyson (1), (3), (5), and (6); Justin St. Clair (2); and Kennon Barton (4). Mixed and mastered by Will Tyson. Additional production on (4) by Travis Moore.
SIDE B
(1) Ramsay Midwood w/ “Jonah” from IMC 15 on September 27, 2012; (2) Will Johnson w/ “Alabama Crusade” from IMC 29 on February 13, 2015; (3) Gurf Morlix w/ “Deeper Down” from IMC 47 on March 2, 2018; (4) Ray Bonneville w/ “Mississippi” from IMC 45 on October 28, 2017; and (5) Marie/Lepanto w/ “Tenkiller” from IMC 49 on April 25, 2018.
All songs recorded live at Satori Coffee House and used with permission. Live sound by Will Tyson (1) and (2); Justin St. Clair (3) and (4); and Kennon Barton (5). Mixed and mastered by Will Tyson. Additional production on (3) by Justin St. Clair.
How to Get a Copy
If you missed the symposium and would like a copy of the LP, try Mobile Records (140 S Sage Ave), Satori Coffee House (5460 Old Shell Rd), or Discogs. Or feel free to drop us a line – we might have an extra copy stashed away somewhere.