The Dawsons of Swamp Rd, Franklin, Tasmania

John Meredith folklore films:
In the late 1980s and early '90s John Meredith wanted to try a different approach to folklore field collecting. Instead of just an audio recording he thought it would be useful to have a visual record of the music being collected. He was working with very limited resources, but convinced the NFSA to support his work by supplying and paying for the developing costs of rolls of Super8 film. Working with Rob Willis, Chris Woodland and others over a few years he recorded and filmed the last generation of singers and old-time dance musicians in NSW and Victoria. These films are a very special glimpse into an era now past. Our thanks to Rob Willis, Parrot Pictures and the families of the musicians recorded for their support.

The Dawsons of Swamp Rd, Franklin, Tasmania: Edie, Paddy, Ivy and George
Recorded by John Meredith in March 1986, second camera Janine King
John Meredith heard a recording made by the Dawson's previous neighbours and he recognized their "unusual songs and unusual playing styles and lost no time in paying them a visit".
Note: Sound quality is variable
See more of the NFSA's work with sound http://nfsa.gov.au/collection/sound/

Also, listen to John Meredith's oral history recording with Jack Luscombe on australianscreen: http://aso.gov.au/titles/music/jack-luscombe-john-meredith/

Category:

Music

Tags:

• dawsons
• accordion
• australia
• australian
• polka
• harmonica
• mouth organ
• organ
• folk
• piano
• fiddle
• NFSA
• music
• Franklin
• Tasmania
• folk music
• John Meredith