Wayne Heard, front, performs with Matt Downer. Heard, Downer’s grandfather, is one of four musicians Downer recorded for an upcoming album of music performed by traditional artists.IF YOU GOWhat: CD release party for “Slowtime Field Recordings: Volume 1, Alabama.”When: July 15, 7-9 p.m.Where: CreateHere, 55 E. Main St., Suite 105.Admission: Free.Phone: 648-2195.Click here to go to Slowtime Recordings website.Q&AQ&A with Matt Downer
When Matt Downer began compiling the songs and stories of traditional, old-time musicians 13 years ago, releasing his recordings was the last thing on his mind.
Downer, then 24, had been playing old-time music since he was 16. At first, he said, his only goal was to study the technique of guitarist Stanley Baker, who visited the Sand Mountain, Ala., home of his grandfather, Wayne Heard, now 87.
“It was very, very laid-back and informal,” said Downer, 36. “They’d be playing, and I would stick (a recorder) between them. They never even talked about it.”
Baker died shortly after these recording sessions began. Downer said Baker’s family contacted him expressing interest in the tapes, which were the only ones ever made of him performing.