I made you a mixtape

Commissioned by the Aeolus String Quartet
Composed by Steven Snowden

From the Aeolus Quartet's 2012 album *Many-Sided Music*
Digital release date: March 06, 2012


Program Notes:
Appalachian Polaroids was initially inspired by the controversial portrait photography of Shelby Lee Adams (b. 1950). Though sometimes criticized for perpetuating the hillbilly stereotype of rural Appalachia, I feel that his photographs often illuminate the quiet resilience of these remote mountain communities. As a native of the Ozark Mountain countryside, I have always felt a strong connection with my neighbors to the East. In Appalachian Polaroids, I chose to create my own musical portrait of the unique mix of hardship and joy that comes with living an isolated rural life. 

This piece begins with a 1976 field recording of Sheila Kay Adams (no relation to Shelby Lee) singing the popular folk song Black is the Color in Asheville, North Carolina. The quartet quietly enters as an integrated component of the recording, playing with the wood of their bows to create a slightly noisy effect, similar to the tape hiss present in the old equipment used to record Sheila's stunning voice. Their sound gradually becomes more brilliant until the group finally emerges with crowing figures reminiscent of Appalachian fiddle playing. However, they also carry with them remnants of Sheila's own unique singing style. These attributes, (which include sliding/scooping to and from certain pitches and a subtle yodeling effect at the ends of phrases) expand as the piece progresses and eventually exert their influence on large-scale aspects of melody, rhythm and even form.


Appalachian Polaroids

Left of the Dial - Solo Percussion and Electronics (demo)

Recorded by the Bel Cuore Quartet for their 2017 album Splashing The Canvas
Composed by Steven Snowden

Splashing The Canvas

Speed Studies

Speed Studies - Bel Cuore Sax Quartet

Recorded by Invoke for their "American Postcards" project.

Tent Revival

Remix 
Stems from Bent Knee's Shiny Eyed Babies
Courtney Swain - Vocals
Gavin Wallace Ailsworth - Drums

Oh my daughters, oh my sons

Schuyler Slack - Cello
Recorded on Oct 7, 2019 
In Your Ear Studios - Richmond, VA

Find out more about this piece here:
http://www.stevensnowden.com/portfolio/this-mortal-frame/

This Mortal Frame: Mvt. 2 - The Crossing at Aquia Creek

Composer, tinkerer, found sound enthusiast.
<a href="http://stevensnowden.com"></a>