The 78 Project is the brainchild of Alex Steyermark (Director/Editor/Producer) and Lavinia Jones Wright (Writer/Producer). Inspired by the likes of Alan Lomax Alex and Lavinia set out on a journey to record artists today using just one microphone and a 1930′s PRESTO direct-to-disc recorder. Only one blank lacquer disk is used per session and musicians are given the freedom to record that session anywhere they chose. “We found ourselves in churches, hotels, apartments, gardens, bars and even a fishing club.”
Whilst the idea was borne out of a passion for those archives the results were extraordinary, as they so beautifully put it ‘living music inspired by ghosts’.
When the Presto clicks on and the platter starts to spin, there is a moment where the whole room focuses in and everything becomes a part of the music; the radiator’s hiss is a harmony and the sounds of traffic below tune to a G so perfect you can check your strings against it.
Dawn Landes
Richard Thompson
Lisa Hannigan & Joe Henry
Arborea
