Comments on: Musical Performance Finally Gets Its Due in Treme

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sun, 30 May 2010 16:26:35 +0000

One thing that really sets Treme apart is the its use of environment. A scene where two people are jamming on the street, sounds like two people jamming on the street. Bars sound like bars. A solo performance in a court yard is a solo performance in a court yard. Sometimes I watch shows like Glee and get nostalgic about the idea of seeing everything performed live with only the actors and musicians in the room present in the soundtrack.

By: Nick Marx

Nick Marx — Tue, 18 May 2010 21:22:26 +0000

Great thoughts, thanks Jeff. Part of the joy of having to be patient with this show is seeing how musical performances are tied to its central theme of “home,” i.e. we only come to learn what home means to varying characters largely through what and how they’re playing. Sunday’s episode, for example, really locked the conflict for Chief Lambreaux and Delmond (“…John Coltrane, ‘Giant Steps'”), but always in a way deferential to their performances. I think I’m finally starting to understand what Simon and company meant in the run up to the premiere when asking audiences to adjust their expectations from The Wire. The same conventional narrative catalysts (murder, theft, bureaucratic corruption) are there, they’re just not THERE. There.

By: Music Of Treme News Roundup – May 18, 2010

Music Of Treme News Roundup – May 18, 2010 — Tue, 18 May 2010 19:43:52 +0000

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