Alan Lomax Lives Again in The 78 Project

I’ve said before that Alan Lomax is my hero. Today NPR reminded me that I’m not alone by featuring one of the coolest projects I’ve heard about in a long time: The 78 Project.

Inspired by Alan Lomax, the documentary and recording project pairs “breakthrough musicians with the songs and the fascinating recording technology of the past.”  Using the same equipment that Lomax used, musicians are given one take to cut a record anywhere they choose.

Earlier this month, The 78 Project: Volume One was released on vinyl and digitally with thirteen tracks all recorded in NYC, including performances by Richard Thompson, Loudon Wainwright III, The Wandering, Rosanne Cash, Marshall Crenshaw, Valerie June, Leah Siegel, Adam Arcuragi, The Reverend John DeLore & Kara Suzanne, Amy LaVere, Joe Henry & Lisa Hannigan, Vandaveer and Dawn Landes.

This is badass. For a taste, check out a few videos below. See more here.