Timo Andres’s “Work Songs” is a captivating musical exploration into the habits and routines of artists, transforming the traditional concept of work songs into a reflection on the creative process itself. This unique composition, born from an interest in the daily lives of creators like Matisse and Munro, offers listeners a thoughtful and engaging experience.
The Genesis of Artistic Work Songs
The inspiration for “Work Songs” took root in the spring of 2011, stemming from Andres’s fascination with American song traditions. A key early influence was the Fireside Book of Folk Songs, a childhood anthology filled with work songs depicting various forms of manual labor. This sparked the idea to create a set of “work songs” centered around the artist’s experience, utilizing concise and insightful texts. These songs delve into the spectrum of the artistic journey, from the challenges and frustrations to moments of solace, understanding, and potential breakthroughs. At their core, they grapple with fundamental questions: What is the essence of an artist’s work, and how do artists navigate the world?
The Fireside Book of Folk Songs, a childhood musical score inspiration for Timo Andres' Work Songs
A Collaborative and Personal Project
Unlike typical commissioned pieces, “Work Songs” was a deeply personal project for Timo Andres, written specifically for a group of close friends and collaborators: Becca Stevens, Gabriel Kahane, Ted Hearne, and Nathan Koci. These talented musicians, each bringing their unique strengths, contribute vocals and instrumental versatility, playing guitars, keyboards, accordion, and piano alongside Andres. Guitarist Taylor Levine later became an integral part of this ensemble. This collaborative spirit is woven into the fabric of “Work Songs,” with each song tailored to the individual talents of these artists. Andres emphasizes that these fellow artists not only inspire his work but also contribute to his own ongoing exploration of the existential questions posed within the music.
Exploring the Songs: A Journey Through the Artist’s Psyche
The collection of songs within “Work Songs” provides a multifaceted view of the artistic experience:
- “Art”: Drawing from Herman Melville, this song acknowledges the inherent contradictions in the creative act, offering comfort in the shared frustrations of artistic creation. It’s a reminder that even literary giants like Melville wrestled with similar challenges.
- “Unemployment”: This piece portrays a musician experiencing burnout – artistically, emotionally, and financially – to the point of losing his ability to connect with music. It’s a poignant reflection on the struggles of maintaining artistic passion amidst life’s pressures.
- “To Whom it May Concern”: With a touch of playfulness, this song captures the common feeling ofenvy, imagining that artistic life might be more idyllic and supported in places like Scandinavia. It’s a lighthearted take on the perennial “grass is greener” sentiment.
- “Poet’s Work”: This song is about distillation and essence, mirroring a poem being refined to its core aphorism. Musically, this is represented by a gradually contracting process, symbolizing the paring down of artistic expression.
- Woody Guthrie’s “Rulin’s”: Inspired by Woody Guthrie’s New Year’s resolutions, or “Rulin’s”, this song embraces simple yet profound advice for life and creative practice: “Write a song a day. Learn people better. Change bedclothes often.” These practical and insightful guidelines serve as a fitting conclusion to the collection.
Woody Guthrie's New Year's Rulin's, simple advice and inspiration for Timo Andres' Work Songs
Experience “Work Songs”
“Work Songs” is more than just a collection of songs; it’s an immersive experience. You can delve deeper into this work through various mediums:
Listen:
Timo Andres: Work Songs: 3. To Whom it May Concern offers a glimpse into the album, recorded at National Sawdust in March 2017, featuring the core ensemble of Becca Stevens, Gabriel Kahane, Ted Hearne, Nathan Koci, and Taylor Levine, alongside Timo Andres.
Watch:
Explore a visual dimension of “Work Songs” through video performances and insights, providing a richer understanding of the composition and its performance.
Watch Timo Andres' Work Songs performance on YouTube
Purchase and Explore Further:
For those wanting to fully immerse themselves in “Work Songs,” the album and score are available for purchase, allowing for repeated listening and deeper study of the music.
- Work Songs album, CD: add to cart | $17.00
- Work Songs album, digital EP: add to cart | $9.00
- Work Songs score & parts, print edition: add to cart | $95.00
- Work Songs score & parts, PDF edition: add to cart | $50.00
- To Whom it May Concern score, print edition: add to cart | $25.00
- To Whom it May Concern score, PDF edition: add to cart | $15.00
Work Songs musical score preview page 1 by Timo Andres
Work Songs musical score preview page 2 by Timo Andres
Work Songs musical score preview page 3 by Timo Andres
Work Songs musical score preview page 4 by Timo Andres
Timo Andres’s “Work Songs” stands as a testament to the power of musical exploration, offering a unique lens through which to view the lives and labors of artists. It’s an invitation to reflect on the creative process and find resonance in the rhythms of artistic work.
