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Lincoln had a vision of the Union which encompassed all the seemingly irreconcilable elements of society. In musical terms I imagine this as several conflicting and uneven elements being heard in perfect interlocking harmony. This piece makes an attempt to do that, with four guitar parts, each one in a different meter (3/8, 5/8, and 7/8). A simple progression occurs, and each change is punctuated by a remarkable sample of Uncle Bob Ledbetter in perfect time with the music.
Image: Unknown sitter, Bell & Brother photographers, Washington D.C., 1860-1880. Library of Congress.
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The Lincoln Shuffle
Bryce Dessner is the guitarist for The National and Clogs. Bryce has performed/and or recorded with some of the world’s most creative musicians, including songwriters Antony Hegarty and Sufjan Stevens, Sonic Youth guitarist Lee Ranaldo, and composers Michael Gordon, Philip Glass, and Steve Reich. In addition to touring with The National, Bryce’s upcoming projects include a new commission for the Kronos Quartet and a new work for BAM”s Next Wave Festival in 2009.
Bryce offers up “The Lincoln Shuffle,” a series of short compositions inspired by Lincoln and the music of his era, featuring primarily brass instruments. Bryce hopes his work will be the seed of an archive that starts to grow, so we invite you to remix his music or create your own.
Composed by Bryce Dessner
Performed by:
Bryce Dessner – Guitar
Aaron Dessner - Guitar
Benjamin Lanz- Trombone
Kyle Resnick- Trumpet
Recorded and Mixed by Bryce Dessner
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