Folk is not dead

Folk is not dead.\nJust ask Grey Larsen, local keeper of the Irish and folk music flame. After studying classical music at Oberlin Conservatory of Music at Oberlin University in Oberlin, Ohio, Larsen discovered that folk was his true calling.\nAlthough he earned a degree in composition, something he had been doing since the age of 12, Larsen couldn't find classical music completely satisfying. \n"You'd work for six weeks, hear the thing played once," says Larsen of his experience at Oberlin. He felt classical music was feeding his mind, but not his heart. This is where the friendlier atmosphere of folk music comes in. \nClassical music was too lonely, with composing an activity in solitude. Folk music thrives on participation, through jam sessions and learning by ear. A folk musician with a decent amount of experience can take his instrument to a jam session in Ireland or Bloomington, sit down and play. Classical musicians have to rely more on scores and set rehearsals.\n The local folk/Irish music scene features musicians from under 10 to over 60. There are two folk music jams free and open to the public locally. On the first and third Friday of each month at Borders Books and Music, 2634 E. Third St., from about 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Larsen hosts a jam session. New musicians are invited to attend the slow sessions at the Banneker Community Center, 930 W. 7th St, from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturdays. These sessions feature traditional tunes at a slower pace so that they are easier to pick up by ear. \nAlthough not as structured as classical music, Larsen says folk music maintains sophistication. Complexity comes through its melodies and embellishment. Top folk musicians take a simple two strain melody and add embellishment and style to make it their own. Larsen says he finds all the depth he wants in Irish music.\nLarsen's Irish instrument of choice is usually the traditional flute or pennywhistle, although he also plays concertina, fiddle, cello and guitar. As a pianist, Larsen first picked out the melody to "Home on the Range" at age 3. Music has been his way of life. \n"I washed dishes for two weeks one time," Larsen says of his work experience. Otherwise he has been teaching, recording, performing, editing and producing music since graduation. With a 43-year musical history, Larsen has an extensive resume.\nHe has both performed on and produced a number of albums, and is esteemed worldwide. Larsen also developed his own teaching style, which is under a steady demand that justifies his $40 per 50 minutes charge. Growing up with classical and folk music in the house, this somewhat alternative musicianship came naturally to Larsen. He always dreamed of a life in music and came into the folk tradition as a teenager.\nLarsen's true love is Irish music. Lately, the pop market has tasted a variance of this love in the "Titanic" soundtrack and "Riverdance", yet not purely. The Celtic music that has emerged in the broader markets recently, Larsen says, can be divided into seven different traditions, Irish being one. Also apparent is the effect of folk music on modern rock, such as John Mellencamp employing a fiddler. \nFor the Bloomington audience, Larsen says he figures there are about 40 folk musicians in the area, with about six or seven he considers "world-class."\nOn a personal front, 2001 features the birth of two musical projects for Larsen. March brings the release of Larsen's newest album, The Green House, a collaboration with musician Paddy League. Larsen and League will have a CD release party March 8, at the Unitarian Church, 2120 N. Fee Ln., of the self-produced project. Also that week, the duo will perform March 6 at Borders. Larsen will also lecture and perform prior to "Translations", a play at the IU Theatre, March 7. After the release, the CD will be available at most local music stores.\nThis spring also brings the release of a book delving into the intricacies of whistle and flute-playing by Larsen, published by Mel Bay. With his experience and love of the tunes, it is easy to say Grey Larsen is a local musical treasure, who keeps the spirit alive.