Old Jolly Farm

I grew up with these pictures of my father's, the 'Missing' drawing and magnificent silver leaf photorealist painting, and the Sherriff Rainey 'Hey Let's Have Some Red Man'. Over the years my father kept returning to the story; all told he created 6 works of art, all of them in museums and private collections around the US. When I wrote the song 'Old Jolly Farm', I wanted to honor these American heros; also I wanted to pay homage to my father. I asked filmmaker Dave Davidson to create a short film that would incorporate those images as a visual accompaniment to the song; partly because I knew him to be an expert documentarian, partly because I knew the story would speak to him, and partly because I knew he was an ardent rock and roll fan. But what Dave (working with Dimon Gapon) created is breathtaking. Weaving my father's pictures into a tapestry of archival photographs (including the original FBI Missing poster), beautiful original footage of a fateful drive beneath moonswept skies, with ingenious transitions and dissolves, Dave has given me a profound work of art in its own right. It is surprisingly cinematic...surprising given that the primary sources are still pictures. Most importantly, the film captures the tenderness and rage of my father's images and gives back to Michael Schwerner, James Cheney and Andrew Goodman the humanity their murderers tried, but failed, to erase.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Rob Morsberger Old Jolly Farm
• Schwerner Goodman and Chaney
• Mississippi Burning

[TAZMPictures]

Was transfixed at your show in Vienna, VA and even more impressed when I got home and heard the CD. Bought the 2 others on napster. Great stuff and best of luck to someone who seems, oddly, underappreciated...

[AVOLITE]

Nice to now have access to this film and its song after enjoying it at the World Cafe Live show. Thanxs Rob.

- Randell (lighting director)

[lfhconcerts]

Powerful song and pictures! Looking forward to seeing you sing it live in April...

[jpsoto111]

Amazing song!!!!! Saw you at the Livingroom last week. Great show! Hope to see you and your band again soon. 

[NorfolkRoby]

Passionate. Well done!