M O O N D

O G
LOUIS THOMAS HARDIN
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THE VIKING OF 6TH
AVENUE
P. M. (obviously a newspaper from New York) January 19, 1945
Natalie Davis
The Man with the 'Face of Christ'
everal weeks a!o, "urin! a business
visi# #o a P$il$armoni% re$earsal a#
&arne!ie $all, we no#i%e" an ama'in!
lookin! man si##in! in #$e 5. row of #$e
"arkene" au"i#orium. (e was lis#enin!
#o )r#ur *o"'inski, #$e %on"u%#or,
pu##in! #$e or%$es#ra #$rou!$ #$e
pa%es.
+$e soli#ary lis#ener mi!$# $ave s#eppe"
ou# of #$e pa!es of #$e ,ible. (is fa%e
was lon!, pale, as%e#i%, $is %$eek bones
were $i!$. +$e $airs of $is flowin!
brown bear" !lis#ene" in #$e weak
s#a!e li!$#. (is lon! #$i%k $air was #ie"
in a kno# a# #$e ba%k. (is eyeli"s were
sunken $ollows. (-a#er, we learne" $e
was %omple#ely blin".) (e was wearin!
a loose brown blouse, w$ose fol"s were
%omfor#ably se##le" abou# $im.
Mystery
.e aske" #$e P$il$armoni%/s press
a!en# w$o #$is man was. $e replie"
#$a# $e was 0a mys#erious musi% lover,0
befrien"e" by #$e *o"'inskis. $e
a""e" #$a# $is name was -ouie (ar"in,
#$a# $e never misse" a P$il$armoni% re$earsal, an"
#$a# we s$oul" see Mrs. *o"'inski if we wis$e" more
informa#ion abou# $im.
1n $er spa%ious, 2i%#orian $ome a# 3 4as# 54#$ #.,
%$armin!, !ray$aire" Mrs. *o"'inski #ol" us #$a# $er
$usban" $a" %ome $ome one "ay more #$an a year
a!o 0very impresse"0. 0+o"ay,0 $e #ol" $er, 01 $a" a
!rea# s$o%k. 1 saw a person wi#$ #$e fa%e of &$ris#.0
(e $a" no#i%e" -ouie (ar"in s#an"in! a# an en#ran%e #o &arne!ie (all, an" aske" $im .$o $e was
an" w$a# $e wis$e". -ouie sai" $e was a %omposer w$o $a" 6us# %ome #o New York. )ll $e wis$e"
was permission #o lis#en #o P$il$armoni% re$earsals. *o"'inski invi#e" $im #o a##en" #$em any #ime.
Raised Fund
4very "ay, af#er #$a#, -ouie woul" appear a# re$earsals. (e brou!$# $is lun%$ wi#$ $im an" sa#
lis#enin! for $ours a# a #ime. oon $e be%ame frien"ly wi#$ some of #$e men in #$e or%$es#ra. +$ey
saw #$a# $is lun%$ ba! was !e##in! smaller, an" #$ey raise" a fun" #o $elp $im.
Moon"o! &olle!e Yearbook P$o#o0(e makes a li##le money mo"elin! a# ar# s%$ools an" makin!
lea#$er bel#s,0 sai" Mrs. *o"'inski. 0,u# $e "oesn/# $ave mu%$. (e/s a $appy person. (e en6oys $is
way of life. )n" $e is no# %on7uere" by $is #ra!e"y. +$e o#$er "ay #$e boys of #$e or%$es#ra !ave a
surprise par#y for my $usban" $ere, a# our $ome. 1n #$e mi""le, -ouie walke" in. (e $a" %ome $ere
by $imself, remarkably enou!$0.
0(e likes lookin! like a be!!ar an" bein! #rea#e" like one. (e en6oys bein! pi%#ures7ue. .e !ave $im
a win#er over%oa# bu# $e won/# !o aroun" #$e s#ree#s lookin! like anyone else. (e insis#s upon
wearin! a lon! monk/s %ape an" $oo".0
+$e ne8# "ay 9re"eri%k :immermann, w$o plays "ouble;bass wi#$ #$e or%$es#ra, in#ro"u%e" us #o
-ouie af#er re$earsal. (e was wearin! #$e same flowin! brown s$ir# we $a" seen $im in before, an"
a brown ker%$ief kno##e" abou# $is ne%k was "e%ora#e" by a silver %$ain from w$i%$ $un! an 1n"ian
arrow$ea". (is pan#s were or"inary an" olive;%olore". (is s$oes were a normal #an lea#$er mo"el.
.e sai" we/" like #o #alk #o $im in #$e room w$ere $e live" an" $e s#oo" up an" s#ru!!le" #o !e# in#o
$is bla%k over%oa#. (e was #all ; a# leas# si8 fee# ; an" $is %oa# was bulky. No sooner "i" $e $ave i#
on #$an $e rea%$e" for $is brown monk/s %ape an"
"rape" #$a# over #$e %oa#. +$en $e fel# for $is walkin!
s#i%k, an" slippe" $is arm #$rou!$ ours. :immermann
e8%use" $imself, an" we walke" briskly off alon! #$e
si"ewalk. -ouie never $esi#a#e".
)f#er a few minu#es $e remarke" in $is sof#, slow
voi%e, in w$i%$ you %oul" "e#e%# a fain# sou#$ern
a%%en#, #$a# i# was %ol", an" $e lif#e" #$e $oo" of $is
monk/s %ape from $is s$oul"ers an" se##le" i# on $is
$ea". 4veryone we passe" alon! #$e s#ree# s#oppe" #o
s#are an" won"er w$a# su%$ a #all, %loake", $oo"e"
an" bear"e" an%$ori#e was "oin! on 5<. #.
Classic Dancer
(e s#oppe" a# a browns#one on 5<#$ be#ween 4i!$#$
an" Nin#$ )venues, an" $e opene" #$e "oor an"
boun"e" up #$e s#eps a$ea" of us, #wo a# a #ime. =n
#$e se%on" floor $e pause", an" kno%ke" a# a "oor.
01 wan# you #o mee# a frien" of mine, Miss )nna Naila,0
$e sai". 0$e/s a %lassi%al "an%er, an" s$e $as $elpe"
me a lo#. $e/s 7ui#e orien#al lookin!, #$ey #ell me.0
) small, sallow;fa%e" woman in sla%ks opene" #$e
"oor. (er lon! bla%k $air was nea#ly rolle" in#o a bun
a# $er ne%k, bu# $er small eyes were #ire". $e $a"
been si##in! a# a %ar" #able pains#akin!ly %opyin! a
%on%er#o of -ouie/s.
-ouie s#oo" 7uie#ly by #$e "oor w$ile we #urne" over #$e s$ee#s of musi%. 01#/s $ar" for $im #o wri#e
musi%,0 sai" Miss Naila. (e %an %ompose in ,raille, bu# $e mus# $ave someone #rans%ribe w$a# $e
$as wri##en. (e $as #o rea" ea%$ no#e #o me. (e $as #o say /$alf no#e
#$ir" line, full no#e firs#,/ an" so for#$. 1# #akes a lon! #ime.0
.e saw #$e wor"s 0by -ouie (ar"in0 a# #$e #op of #$e pa!e an" we
aske" w$y $e spells $is name -ouie ins#ea" of -ouis.
It's Louie
(e #ook off $is #wo %oa#s an" $un! #$em over a %$air. 0.ell,0 $e sai",
0people !e# -ouis mi8e" wi#$ -ewis. +$a#/s #$e only reason 1 %all
myself -ouie.0
(e fel# $is way abou# #$e room an" "ra!!e" ou# a spe%ial p$ono!rap$
an" an album of re%or"s. 0+$ese are +alkin! ,ooks,0 $e e8plaine".
0+$e bes# books in #$e worl" are a%#e" ou# on #$ese re%or"s by
prominen# a%#ors an" a%#resses. 1#/s easy an" a %omfor#able way #o
rea". *i!$# now 1 am rea"in! /Pri"e an" Pre6u"i%e/.0
(e $ea"e" for #$e "oor an" we followe" $im up #$ree more li!$#s of s#airs. (e wen# so fas# #$a# we
%oul" barely keep up #o $im. (alf way up $e s#oppe" an" wai#e" for us.
0+$a# #alkin! book e7uipmen#,0 $e #ol" us 0is one #$in! 1 !o# from #$e -i!$#;$ouse (New York )ssn.
for #$e ,lin"). .e/re enemies. +$ey "on/# approve of my way of life.0
=n #$e #op floor, $e opene" #$e "oor #o $is room. 01#/s %ol" in $ere,0 $e remarke", %asually. 01 keep
#$e skyli!$# open all #$e #ime.0
1# was %ol", an" i# was small, abou# #$e si'e of a lar!e %lose#. +$ere was a pa""e" sleepin! ba! on
#$e floor.
-ouie sense" #$a# we were lookin! a# #$e ba!. 01 #$rew ou# #$e be",0 $e #ol" us. 01 !o# some wool
an" ma"e #$is ba!. 1 wis$ 1 %oul" sleep on some roof in i#, really, i#/s !oo" #o sleep #$a# way.0
Composes on Organ
0+$is,0 $e wen# on, poin#in!, 0is my li##le or!an. 1#/s %overe" wi#$ %anvas be%ause of #$e "ir# #$a#
pours in #$rou!$ #$e skyli!$#. 1 use i# for %omposin!.0
+$e =r!an an" #$e sleepin! ba! %onsume" #wo;#$ir" of #$e room spa%e. +$e remain"er was %lu##ere"
wi#$ %ra#es an" ,raille books. ) #iny ele%#ri% s#ove an" a pa%ka!e of >leene8 res#e" on one %ra#e.
.e aske" $ow $e a#e. ?i" $e %ook on $is li##le s#ove@
0ome#imes 1 %ook porri"!e in #$e mornin!s,0 $e sai". 0Mos#ly, #$ou!$, 1 ea# raw ve!e#ables an"
frui# an" bla%k brea".0
.$a# par# of #$e %oun#ry "i" $e %ome from@ 01 was born in >ansas an" live" in many "ifferen#
s#a#es,0 $e answere". 0My fa#$er was an 4pis%opal minis#er.0
(e ran $is $an" alon! $is sleepin! ba! an" #urne" $is $ea" away. 01/m A5 now,0 $e sai", 01/ve been
blin" ever sin%e 1 was 1<. 1 was blin"e" on #$e 4#$ of July, #$ou!$ fire%ra%kers $a" no#$in! #o "o wi#$
i#. 1 pi%ke" up a "ynami#e %ap on a railroa" #ra%k af#er a floo" an" poun"e" on i#. 1# e8plo"e" in my
fa%e.0
0)# firs#,0 $e pause" an" #ook a "eep brea#$, 0a# firs# 1 "i"n/# wan# #o live. 4veryone pi#ie" me. +$a#/s
e8a%#ly w$a# #$ey s$oul"n/# $ave "one. More people are !oin! #o $ave #o learn no# #o pi#y #$e blin".
01# wasn/# #ill 1 wen# #o s%$ool for #$e ,lin" in 1owa #$a# 1 "is%overe" myself. 1 #ook musi% %ourses,
an" 1 be!an #o rea" an" #$ink. 1/ve been s#u"yin! an" rea"in! an" #$inkin! ever sin%e.0
01 $elpe" my fa#$er on $is farm in )rkansas for five years, af#er s%$ool, an" 1 rea" a lo# "urin! #$a#
perio". .$en 1 !o# a %$an%e #o !o #o Memp$is an" s#u"y musi% fur#$er, 1 !rabbe" i#.0
(e #$rou!$ ba%k $is $ea" an" lau!$e" bois#erously. 01n Memp$is,0 $e sai", 01 $a" a #ea%$er w$o
preferre" mo"ern musi% #o %lassi%al. 1 "i"n/#. o af#er five mon#$s or so 1 "e%i"e" #o %ome up #o New
York.0
0My sis#er in +e8as sen# me a li##le money an" a man in Memp$is $elpe" me. 1 se# ou# wi#$ <B "ollars
in my po%ke#. 1 wan#e" #o %ome unknown. 1# was more roman#i% #$a# way.0
Came in 1943
(e sa# 7uie#ly as $e #ol" $is s#ory. 4very so of#en $e move" $is $an" alon! #$e wall or #$e sleepin!
ba!, $e looke" s#rai!$# a# us, as #$ou!$ $e was wa#%$in! #$e way we respon"e" #o $is wor"s.
01 %ame in November, 194C,0 $e sai", 01 s#aye" a# a $o#el for a few "ays. ,u# i# %os# A "ollars a ni!$#
; i# was #oo e8pensive. 1 se# abou# fin"in! a room.0 .e sai" i# mus# be $ar" #o %ome #o a s#ran!e
%i#y, an" #o fin" your way aroun" w$en you were livin! in absolu#e "arkness. 0No,0 $e sai". 01# is no#
$ar". .$y 1 %ame up on a a#ur"ay, an" on un"ay 1 bou!$# a
#i%ke# #o a P$il$armoni% %on%er#. 1 sa# near #$e fron#, an"
remember #$a# #$ey playe" ,ee#$oven.0
0+$e ne8# 9ri"ay 1 wen# up #o #$e P$il$armoni% offi%es #o see if
#$ey/" le# me lis#en #o re$earsals. +$ey sai" no. =n #$e way ou# 1
me# one of #$e or%$es#ra boys. (e #ol" me #o %ome aroun". 1
%ame, an" #$a#/s w$en *o"'inski no#i%e" me.0
.e aske" w$a# $e "i" w$en #$e season was over an" #$e
P$il$arnioni% was on va%a#ion. 0)lmos# #$e same #$in!,0 $e sai",
01 walk an" !o #o %on%er#s an" %ompose. -as# summer one of my
frien"s #ook me up #o #$e -ewiso$n #a"ium %on%er#s 7ui#e a bi#.
=n%e 1 wen# #o #$e bea%$ a# &oney wi#$ Miss Naila. 1# was #$e
firs# #ime 1 $a" been in #$e sal# wa#er. 1 like" #$e buoan%y of i#.0
Going to Compose
?i" $e $ave many plans for #$e ne8# years@
(e s7ua##e" on #$e sleepin! ba! a!ain an" lau!$e". 01 am !oin! #o wri#e musi%,0 $e replie". 01/m
!on! #o wri#e my fool $ea" off.0 ?i" $e see many people@ ?i" $e $ave plen#y of frien"s@
0=$, yes, 1 mee# people all #$e #ime.0 (e #$rew ba%k $is $ea" a!ain an" lau!$e". 01/m somew$a# of a
wolf. 1 know many women. ,u# my life is lonely.0
.e s#oo" up #o !o, an" $e s#oo" up, #oo. )s we walke" "own #$e fli!$# of s#aurs we aske" w$a# $is
favouri#e pie%e of musi% was.
0Mo'ar#/s D minor ymp$ony,0 $e sai" imme"ia#ely.
.$y@
(e pause" on #$e s#eps. 01# seems #o me a perfe%# blen" of #$e %lassi% an" roman#i% i"eal.0
?i" $e wis$ some#imes $e $a" been born in an%ien# or me"ieval #imes w$ere $e %oul" fin" roman%e@
0No,0 $e sai" earnes#ly. 0You %an be yourself in any a!e. You "on/# $ave #o follow #$e $er".0
(unknown newspaper of 1949, al# -ake &i#y@)
Blind Songster Visits Salt Lake City Thursday
,lin" -ouis +. (ar"in, 0#$e man in #$e s7uare %lo#$es0 w$o arrive" in
al# -ake &i#y +$urs"ay, belon!s #o no spe%ial reli!ious !roup or %ul#.
(e is a son! wri#er.
Mr. (ar"in wears $is s7uare !armen#s an" !oes barefoo# be%ause $e
believes #$a# un"er #$e ri!$#s es#ablis$e" by our &ons#i#u#ion $e %an
"ress as $e pleases. (e fas$ions $is simple %lo#$es $imself, bu# #$ey
are all s7uare, in%lu"in! $is earrin!sE an" be%ause $e is blin", $e
fin"s i# %onvenien# #o make #$em as simply as possible.
Mr. (ar"in is a %omposer, in#eres#e" mainly in wri#in! %lassi%al musi%.
(e !o# $is #rainin! a# #$e 1owa %$ool for #$e ,lin", an" s%$ools in
)rkansas, +ennessee, an" New York.
#u"ie" &on"u%#in!
1n New York, as a !ues# of ?r. )r#$ur *o"'inski, $e a##en"e" all
re$earsals of #$e P$il$armoni% or%$es#ra, an" s#u"ie" %on"u%#in!
un"er -eopol" ,us%$, firs# violinis# of #$e or%$es#ra.
-a#es# work of #$e CC;year;ol" musi%ian is $is son! 0Moon"o!0, an"
of#en $e is ni%kname" 0Moon"o!0 $imself. Mr. (ar"in sells $is musi% on s#ree# %orners #$rou!$ou# #$e
%oun#ry, publis$in! $is musi% a# $is own e8pense.
&urren#ly, $e is workin! on a new "an%e r$y#$m %alle" 0-/)meri%ana0. ?es%ribe" by 4mily >elly,
no#e" New York "an%er, as 0snakey0, $e $as use" 0nake +ime0 as a sub#i#le for #$e musi%. Musi% in
snake #ime is ei#$er five or seven bea#s #o #$e bar, an" in #$ree spee"sF low snake, mo"era#e snake,
an" fas# snake, Mr. (ar"in e8plains.
Musi% in ,raille
01 %an wri#e any#$in! in ,raille musi% no#a#ion0, $e sai", 0bu# unless 1 $ave a well;#raine" %opyis#, 1
am sunk.0 Mu%$ of #$e %opy work for Mr. (ar"in is "one by ?r. *i%$ar" M. .illiams, %omposer,
arran!er, an" pianis#.
,orn in >ansas in 191<, Mr. (ar"in los# $is si!$# in a 9or#$ of July a%%i"en# w$en a "ynami#e %ap wi#$
w$i%$ $e was playin! e8plo"e". )lways in#eres#e" in musi%, $e "i" no# #urn #o i# e8%lusively un#il #$e
a%%i"en# preven#e" $im from lea"in! an avera!e life.
Mr. (ar"in sai" $e is %onsi"erin! openin! a "an%e s#u"io in al# -ake &i#y.
New ork Daily Mirror! "#$" %une ""
Sidney Fields&
'nly (u)an
(e %alls $imself 0Moon"o!0. ) si"ewalk "is% 6o%key, w$o s7ua#s every ni!$# in a 5An" s#ree# "oorway
be#ween ei!$# an" si8 o/%lo%k #$e ne8# mornin! sellin! $is own re%or"s, playin! $is own musi% in #$e
lon!, lonely ni!$# on s#ran!e "rums, like a $ollow lo! or !our". ) bi! youn! man of C5, wi#$ !rea#
"i!ni#y an" a s#ran!e name.
01#/s an 1n"ian name,0 $e says. 0.$en 1 #ook i#, i# 6us# mean# a "o! #$a# $owls a# #$e moon. -a#er 1
learne" i# mean# an ar%#i% rainbow.0
(e %an only $owl a# #$e moon or a# a rainbow. (e %an/# see #$em. (e/s been blin" sin%e $e was 1<.
Musi%ians of#en %on!re!a#e before $is "oorway #$ea#re an" %lap #$eir $an"s an" s#amp #$eir fee# #o
$is "rums. ?imi#ri Mi#ropolous was en#$ralle" by $is r$y#$ms, )r# 9or" $ear" #$em an" playe" $is
re%or"s on #$e air.
Self*Made (otel
)# < a.m. Moon"o! feels $is way #o #$e 51s# #. bus #erminal, %$e%ks $is "rums in a lo%ker, spen"s
A5 %en#s on a s$ower, an" #$en feels $is way ba%k #o $is frien"s, Dabriel an" 1ne', w$o run #$e
panis$ Musi% &en#er on i8#$ )ve. (e sleeps on #$e %ellar floor, #$en pra%#i%es an" %omposes.
0) room is e8pensive,0 $e says. 0.$a# money 1 make 1 use #o $ave my musi% %opie". ,esi"es, 1
"on/# like a be". 1 rea" #$a# #$e 4mperor Mar%us )urelius )n#onius preferre" a $ar" floor. 1#/s more
rela8in!. You/ll fin" "o%#ors %on%ur in #$a# opinion.0
)f#er #$e firs# win#er on #$e s#ree# Moon"o! save" G <BB, an" bou!$# #$ree a%res of New Jersey lan"
over #$e p$one. (e pu# a #en# on i#, an" every o#$er weeken" #ravels #wo $ours by bus an" #$ree
miles by fee# #o $is re#rea#.
01#/s %overe" wi#$ maple, oak an" "o!woo" #rees, an" #$ey say you %an see #$e ?elaware *iver from
i#. 1 wan#e" a sprin!, bu# you %an/# $ave every#$in!. 1#/s ni%e. 1 %an !e# %omple#ely "e#a%$e" an" lose
myself in my ar#.0
)r# is a s#ree#;walkin! va!ran#, Moon"o!, w$o always !ives you mu%$ less #$an w$a# you pay for.
(is real name is -ouis (ar"in. (is fa#$er was an 4pis%opalian minis#er. (is fa#$er an" mo#$er par#e"
w$en $e was a boy. )# 1< Moon"o! was playin! wi#$ a "ynami#e %ap. 1# e8plo"e", an" blin"e" bo#$
$is eyes. (e wen# #o s%$ools for #$e blin", !o# a s%$olars$ip #o #$e Memp$is &onserva#ory, w$ere $e
learne" $armony, %oun#erpoin#, or%$es#ra#ion, an" #$e or!an. ,u# $e 7ui# af#er ei!$# mon#$s an"
%ame #o N.Y. +$e firs# #$in! $e "i" $ere was buy $imself a fron# row #i%ke# for a P$il$armoni% %on%er#.
01 $aun#e" #$e s#a!e "oor an" #$e firs# %ellis# in#ro"u%e" me #o *o"'inski, w$o allowe" me in a# all
re$earsals. )f#er #$ree years of lis#enin! a# re$earsals #$e
&arne!ie (all boss sai" 1 $a" #o "ress less ar#is#i%ally or
s#ay away. 1 live an" #$ink an" "ress in my own way, so 1
s#aye" away.0
Musi% is only ano#$er "ream ra%e, Moon"o!. No one runs
away from $imself, no# even in #$e "arkness.
(e pose" as a mo"el for ar#is#s an" s%ulp#ors for a w$ile,
an" w$en #$ere was no work, $e #ook #o #$e s#ree# wi#$ $is
musi%. Dabriel $ear" $im on #$e s#ree# an" offere" #o make
a re%or" of $is son!s.
'ne*Man Sy)+hony
(is %alls $is r$y#$m 0nake +ime0, an" uses su%$ #i#les for
$is "rum %omposi#ions as 0a!ebrus$0 an" 0+imber .olf0.
+$ey/re primi#ive wi#$ %lassi% ba%k!roun"s.
01/m essen#ially a %lassi%is#, Dabriel $as re%or"e" #wo "rum
pie%es, an" a #$ir" wi#$ "rum an" or!an. 1 play bo#$ on #$e
re%or". (ow@ imple. .e firs# "ub #$e "rum r$y#$m. +$en 1
pu# on earp$ones an" lis#en #o i# w$ile 1 play #$e or!an
par#, an" bo#$ are re%or"e" #o!e#$er.0
Moon"o! #au!$# $imself #$e violin, an" is s#u"yin! every
ins#rumen# in #$e or%$es#ra so $e %an re%or" a w$ole
symp$ony by $imself.
(is %$ief form of musi%al e8pression is #$e *oun", a s$or# pie%e se# #o a prose poem. (e/s wri##en a#
leas# <B. Dabriel publis$es #$em an" Moon"o! $an"s #$em ou# #o passersby.
01/m wri#in! my %ommen#aries in *oun"s. ome of #$em are 7ui#e bi##er.0
(e s$owe" me #woF
0You #$e van"al, plun"er #$e villa!e as you will. +$e ear#$;worm will pilla!e you, #$e van"al, w$en
you are un"er.0
0%$ool #au!$# $e #$a# a s$ip was an /i#/, an" no# a /$e/ or /s$e/. ,u# w$en 1 wen# #o sea a s$ip
be%ame a /s$e/ an" /s$e/ #urne" ou# #o be a man;o;war.0
New ork %ournal * ,)erican -"#$".
%ack ''Brian
Moondog
=ne of #$e mos# as#oun"in! members of #$e new s%$ool of mo"ern 0soun"s in musi% is a fellow w$o
#oom #$e name of 0Moon"o!0 from #$e 1n"ians, sleeps on a <#$ ave. *oof, spen"s $is 0workin!
$ours0 in #$e "oorway of one s#ore or ano#$er, refuses %$ari#able "ona#ions, wears a "iaper, affe%#s a
lon!, brai"e" %oiffure an" bear", $as inven#e" a new musi%al ins#rumen# $e $as name" #$e 0=o0 an"
wri#es symp$onies, w$i%$ $e %alls 04up$onies.0
Moon"o! is a C5;year ol" musi%ian w$ose life is more or less i#ineran#. (e is #$e son of a Mi"wes#ern
minis#er, w$i%$ a%%oun#s for none of $is person e%%en#ri%i#ies.
1n Moon"o!/s %ase, all #$is s#ran!e be$avior #akes on, af#er a few minu#es %onversa#ion wi#$ $im, a
flavor of !oo" sense. Doo" sense, we mi!$# a"", applie" only #o Moon"o!. .e "aren/# su!!es# every
%i#i'en buy $imself a s#o%k of "iapers an" se# up li!$# $ousekeepin! in #$e "oorway of a s#ore "own
s#ree#.
+o !e# #$a# 0"iaper0 si#ua#ion 7ui%kly e8plaine" please no#e firs# #$a# Moonb"o! is #o#ally blin". (is
los# $is si!$# a# 1< w$en a "ynami#e %ap e8plo"e" near $im. (e was a sop$omore a# (urley (i!$
%$ool in (urley, Mo., a# #$e #ime, an" #$us en"e" $is visual #$ree */s. ,u# $is previous %asual in#ers#
in musi% was %onver#e" in#o a fier%e fi8a#ion.
(is %on%en#ra#ion now $as resul#e" in presen#a#ion on ra"io an" re%or"s of many of $is %omposi#ions.
+$ey #ake #$e form usually of remarkable fea#s of bo#$ %omposi#ion an" performan%e. Mos# of #$e
re%or"s $ave Moon"o! playin! up #o a "o'en ins#rumen#s, all of w$i%$ $e $as mas#ere" in $is ferven#
pursui# of new soun"s an" r$y#$ms.
+$e "iapers are ma##ers of %onvenien%eE a%#ually #$ey aren/# "iapers bu# a version of na#ive 1n"ian
a##ire Moon"o! learne" from #$e 1n"ians w$en $is fa#$er was a missionary.
0+$e 1n"ians wore all sor#s of %lo#$in! bu# i# all $a" one #$in! in %ommon,0 Moon"o! sai". 0.$a#ever
i# was, i# s#ar#e" ou# in some version of a s7uare. .$e#er i# was le!!in!s, s$oes, s$or#s or blanke#,
#$e s7uare was #$e mos# useful. 1 simply learne" i# was easies# for me. 1 "on/# wear #$is s#uff 6us# #o
be a %$ara%#er. ,ein! blin", i# 6us# solves problems.0
Moon"o!/s lea#$er mo%assins are s7uares ben# aroun" $is fee#. 1# was a %ool 5 a.m. as we #alke"
wi#$ $im in a "oorway on <#$ ave. 6us# sou#$ of 5An" s#., an" $e wore a $oo"e" blanke# effe%#E a
s7uare, of %ourse. 1n win#er $e wears #wo lar!e s7uares of ra%%oon skins sewe" #o!e#$er, wi#$
enou!$ room #o %rawl in#o, #$e res# sewe" #i!$# all aroun" in#o a sor# of sleepin! ba!E "urin! wakin!
$ours $e simply %limbs ou# an" uses i# as a warm fur %ape.
(is $ours are upsi"e "ownE $e rarely en%oun#ers #$e sun, preferrin! #o sleep #$rou!$ #$e "ay a#op a
buil"in! on <#$ ave. nera 5An" s#. 1f i# rains, snows or is in%lemen# in any form Moon"o! merely
s$if#s #o any %onvenien# spo# wi#$ a roof.
4venin!s are for w$a#ever in#eres#s $im a# #$e momen#, !enerally some#$in! musi%al. ,y mi"ni!$#
$e is ens%on%e" in one of $is several favori#e "oorways. (is 0re!ular0 "oorway is on 5An" s#. be#ween
,roa"way an" 3#$ ave., bu# $e %$an!es fre7uen#ly. (e likes one near ,roa"way be%ause #$e buil"in!
$as a 6ani#or w$o arrives a# < a.m., an" w$o #aps on #$e !lass "oor of #$e s#orefron# a# 3 a.m.
.$ereupon Moon"io! pa%ks $is ba!!a!e ; in%lu"in! several musi%al ins#rumen#s of $is own "evisin!
an" one or #wo $orns of a%%ep#e" s#yle ; an" !oes 0$ome0 #o $is roof.
Moon"o! always asks permission of #$e s#ore owners before $e se#s up $is no%#urnal al fres%o s$op.
(e sai" $e leaves #$e "oorways %leaner #$an w$en $e arrives, sweepin! #$em ou# wi#$ a brus$ $e
%arries e8pressly for #$e purpose.
(is "oorway %on%er#s ; "urin! w$i%$ $e plays #$e 0=o0 an" #rian!ular "rums of $is own "esi!n an"
#one ; !ive $im lo#s of #ime #o %ompose an" #ry ou# $is unusual r$y#$mi% an" #onal %on%ep#s. .$en
$e s#rikes some#$in! $e wis$es #o keep in #$e a%#, $e pun%$es no#es an" $armonies in musi%al ,raille
on %ar"s for fu#ure referen%e.
.$en all $is no#ions are planne" $e #akes #$em #o one of #$e re%or"in! firms spe%iali'in! in obs%ure,
eso#eri% i#ems. (e re%or"s every#$in! $imself, usin! a mul#i;re%or"in! #e%$ni7ue perfe%#e" via 0#ape0
pro%esses populari'e" by -es Paul on more %ommer%ial "is%s. +$ey are playe" by a rapi"ly sprea"in!
%ul# of Moon"o! a"mirers in%lu"in! )l &ollins an" )r# 9or" of .N4., an" mo"ern musi% afi%iona"os
!enerally.
1# isn/# bob, nor ye# %lassi%alE some#$in! be#ween. +omorrow we/ll #ell you #$e res# of Moon"o!"/s
s#ory. .e foun" i# fas%ina#in!.
Moondog's /u+honies /ven 0se (ollow Log
+$e #ime was 5 a.m., an" #$e pla%e, a "oorway on <#$ ave., be#ween 51s# an" 5An" s#s. +$e
win"ows of #$e s#ore en#ran%e in w$i%$ Moon"o!, a blin" an" #alen#e" i#ineran#, ni!$#ly "isplays $is
unusual vir#uosi#y, !ave #$e si"ewalk %on%er# a bi''are ba%k!roun"F ,ras an" pan#ies an" "ain#y
feminine "e%ora#ions in number an" varie#y #o "eli!$# #$e s%rewies# %olle!e ki" were bein! i!nore"
by #$e small %ir%le of #$e %urious, in#eres#e" an" a"mirin! passersby.
i##in! on $is $aun%$es like an 1n"ian was #$e ob6e%# of #$e %urious %row" ; Moon"o!.
+o#ally blin", "resse" in an uni7ue assor#men# of $aber"as$ery ran!in! from a "iaper;effe%# for
pan#s, lea#$er san"als, a %ape an" a li##le fo8 fur %ollar #o pro#e%# $is #$roa# a!ains# #$e %$ill "awn
bree'es swirlin! up #$e avenue, Moon"o! was playin!, wi#$ $is ri!$# $an", a per%ussion ins#rumen#
of $is own "evisin!, an" wi#$ #$e o#$er, an e7ually unusual s#rin!e" ins#rumen#, w$i%$ $e %alls an
0=o0.
+$e s#rin!e" ins#rumen# is an e7uila#eral #rian!le wi#$ piano s#rin!s #une" #o a seven;no#e s%ale wi#$
#wo au!men#e" se%on"s. Moon"o! plays i# wi#$ a %lavis, a woo"en affair no# unlike a p$arma%is#/s
pes#le. +$e musi% e8#ra%#e" is "is#an# %ousin #o piano soun"s an" #$e s#yle of Moon"o!/s
%omposi#ions is $eavy an" sa", bo#$
semen#i% an" neo;=rien#al in melo"y an"
weir" in i#s r$y#$m.
+$e 0"rums0 bein! manipula#e" wi#$ #$e
"e8#eri#y of lon! use were on%e #$ree
ma$o!any boar"s, pu# #o!e#$er #o
Moon"o!/s "esi!n by a %abine# maker. +$e
woo" was %$osen for i#s resonan%e an" i#s
#$i%kness sele%#e" personally for i#s #one.
+$e "rum a%#ually is #wo #rian!ular bo8;like
i#ems %lampe" #o!e#$er for %onvenien%e
w$ile playin!, for varie#y in #one ; like #une"
#ympani. =ne $as a %ymbal a##a%$e" #o
provi"e a fain# musi%ally me#alli% effe%#.
Moon"o! !o# #$a# e8o#i% name from nearby
1n"ians w$en $e was a la" in Missouri,
fas%ina#e" by #$eir "rum r$y#$ms an"
s#ran!e musi%. (is s7uare name is -ouis
+$omas (ar"in, !iven by $is 4pis%opalian
minis#er pop, bu# i# $as been mos#ly i!nore"
sin%e $is small bu# soli" su%%ess as a
re%or"in! ar#is# an" %omposer in #$e
e8#reme mo"ern s%$ool. (is avi" a"mirers
in%lu"e $alf a "o'en "is% 6o%keys w$o play
$is %omposi#ions re!ularly, an" even ,enny
Doo"man an" ?imi#ri Mi#ropoulos $ave
a""e" #$eir %lassi%al okays.
*e%o!ni#ion $as %ome as fre7uen#ly from
#$e serious si"e as from #$e more s#u"ious of #$e e8#reme 0bop0 %ul#is#s, w$i%$ pleases Moon"o!
%onsi"erably, for $e yearns #owar" nei#$er musi%al belief, preferrin! #o se# $is lea#$er san"als alon! a
roa" of $is own "evisin!.
Moon"o!s plays an appallin! varie#y of ins#rumen#s of $is own an" more %lassi%ally a%%ep#e" "esi!n.
(e %rea#e" $is per%ussion pie%es in #rian!ular s$ape be%ause s7uare ins#rumen#s, $e sai", warpE an"
Moon"o! lives ou#"oors all #$e #ime. (e sleeps on a <#$ ave. roof#op "ay#imes an" performs in
%on%er# in "oorways from 1B p.m. un#il "awn (in %ase you misse" yes#er"ay/s %olumn).
(is al fres%o %on%er#s serve #wo purposes. 9irs#, #$ey a##ra%# #$e %urious as well as ol" a"mirers, w$o
buy re%or"sE $e "oes no# a%%ep# %$ari#y. 1f a member of $is au"ien%e refuses #o a%%ep# a re%or",
Moon"o! won/# a%%ep# #$e %as$. ,u# i# also !ives $im a %$an%e #o work ou# an" #$en pu# "own in
,raille #$e lar!er musi%al %omposi#ions $e %alls 04up$onies.0
04up$ony means a pleasan# soun",0 Moon"o! poin#e" ou#, 0an" #$a#/s #$e effe%# 1/m seekin!.0
(is pleasan# soun"s are %ou%$e" in "efini#ely off;bea# #ones an" r$y#$ms. (e e8perimen#s %ons#an#ly
wi#$ five;four bea#s, five;#wo an" five;ei!$# r$y#$msE an" wi#$ seven;four, seven;#wo an" seven;
ei!$# bea#s. (is firs# lar!er %omposi#ion, $is 04up$ony Number =ne0, is in a five;four bea#, an" $as
been re%or"e" wi#$ Moon"o! playin! all #$e ins#rumen#s, in #$e s#yle ma"e possible sin%e #ape
re%or"in! solve" #$e mul#iple;performan%e effe%#s ; as populari'e" by -es Paul/s !ui#ar re%or"s.
+$e ins#rumen#a#ion on $is firs# eup$ony in%lu"es four violins, #wo s#rin! bass, one %larine#, #$ree
flu#es, si8 bari#one $orns, 1A "rums, five marra%as, one !our", one %ymbal, one se# of bells an" (so
$elp me) a $ollow lo!.
1# means more #$an 1BB $ours of s#u"io #ime #o pu# i# on #ape. .is$ we $a" more spa%e #o #ell abou#
Moon"o!, bu# we/ll %on#inue from #ime #o #ime wi#$ more bio!rap$i%al an" musi%al !ra%e no#es on
#$is s#ran!e an" fas%ina#in! !en#.
1uick Maga2ine3 Dece)4er "5! "#$"! +3 67
Music and Moondog
Down Beat "#$8 %uly "
Leonard Feather
'o! That Frantic Snaketi)e! ,s
Moondog 9ises on Discs
everal years $ave elapse" sin%e a man
name" e"en a$be' (small e, small a)
%orralle" #$e $ea"lines by wri#in!, an"
more espe%ially bein!, ature !oy. in%e
#$e musi% worl" is of#en sai" #o move in
%y%les, #$e #ime may well $ave arrive" for
#$e emer!en%e of su%$ a !en#leman as
Moon"o!, besi"e w$om #$e o""ly;!arbe"
a$be' is s#ri%#ly from ,rooks ,ros.
Moon"o! !oes a s#ep fur#$er #$an a$be' in o#$er "ire%#ions. 1ns#ea" of merely wri#in! %omposi#ions,
$e inven#s #$e ins#rumen#s on w$i%$ #o play #$emE an" ins#ea" of merely !e##in! Na# &ole #o re%or"
for $im, $e %u#s $is own 4P for Mars, si!ns a %on#ra%# wi#$ &olumbia ; an" plays every ni!$# in #$e
"ark %orners on #$e s#ree#s of New York.
Twenty*seven )eters
Moon"o! wri#es, $e says, in #wen#y;seven "ifferen# me#ers, ran!in! from 1H5 #o 9HA. )# a !iven
momen# you may fin" $im si##in! near #$e %orner of 4Cr" s#ree# an" i8#$ avenue, $is ri!$# $an"
workin! on a "rum a# 3H4 w$ile $is lef# bea#s a CH5 #$eme on #$e oo.
.$a#/s an oo@ 0) $arp;like affair wi#$ a #rian!ular frame an" soun"in! boar"E i# %an be #une" any
way 1 like $appen #o be pen#a#oni% a# #$e momen#, bu# 1 %$an!e i# of#en. 1#/s playe" wi#$ %laves,
usin! a #ee#er;#o##er;#e%$ni7ue #$a# !ives boun%eE mos#ly offbea# playin! a!ains# "rums onbea#
playin!.0
Technical Talk
Moon"o! %an e8plain every#$in! $e plays an" wri#es in !rea# #e%$ni%al "e#ail. i##in! in #$e livin!;
room s#u"io of +ony %$war#', #$e s#ree#;roamin! youn! en!ineer w$ose ini#ia#ive in re%or"in!
Moon"o! on #$e s#ree#s le" #o #$e Mars album, 1 #ape;re%or"e" #$e s#ory of Moon"o! (nI -ouis
+$omas (ar"in) an" i# %ame ou# like #$isF
01 was born C< years a!o in Marysville, >an., raise" mos#ly on ran%$es an" #ra"in! pos#s in .yomin!.
?rums were my prime %on%ern ever sin%e. 1 was abou# 5, w$en 1 %ame in %on#a%# wi#$ )meri%an
1n"ians an" sa# in #$e lap of a #ribal %$ief name" Yellow;%ap w$o le# me play "urin! one of #$eir
%eremonials.
01 los# my si!$# w$en 1 was 1<, wen# #o a s%$ool for #$e blin" in 1owa, #ook up #$eory #$ere, s#u"ie"
pipe or!an, violin an" viola.0
Then ca)e Snaketi)e
2isuali'in! New York as a me%%a for %omposers, Moon"o! finally !o# #o Man$a##an in 194C, "i" a
li##le work posin! in ar# s%$ools, an" 0be!an e8perimen#in! wi#$ #$is new %on%ep# of musi% w$i%$ 1
%all snake#ime. 1/m no# fon" of slo!ans, bu# a "an%er $ear" i# an" sai" i# soun"e" snaky. 1#/s an easy
name #o remember.0
%are" by #alk of an a#omi% war, Moon"o! 7ui# Man$a##an in 1945 an" #ook off for #$e wes#. 01n al#
-ake &i#y, 1 !o# some lea#$er skins from an ar#ifi%ial limb pla%e, an" buil# a se# of s7uare "rums ou#
of some piano boar"s. 1 "i" #$is in #$e men/s room a# #$e al# -ake poli%e s#a#ion. 1n fa%#, one of #$e
#raffi% %ops $elpe" me nail i# #o!e#$er.0
Bookers 0niterested
,a%k in New York, Moon"o! foun" #$a# no bookin! a!en#s were
breakin! "own $is "oor #o buy snake#ime. )n" so, in 1949, $e
be!an #o make a livin! playin! on #$e s#ree#. +$e panis$ Musi%
&en#er, amon! #$e firs# #o no#i%e $is ori!inal i"eas, re%or"e" $im
for i#s &o"a label in #$e win#er of 195B, an" Ja''bo &ollins !ave
Moon"o! re%o!ni#ion via .N4..
'o! 0ni! and Sa)isen
(is %$ief self;ma"e #ools, in a""i#ion #o #$e oo, are #$e uni an" #$e
samisen. 0+$e uni is base" on #$e wor" unison. 1 use i# as a pe"al
poin# or "rone bass #o musi% wri##en in a 5H< or 3;#one s%ale. You
%an s#rum #$e seven s#rin!s like a $arp, $i# #$em wi#$ a malle#, or
you %an !e# a weir" soun" an" many $armoni% by playin! #$em
wi#$ a "ouble bass bow. #$e s#rin!s are ma"e of piano wire.0
+$e samisen, as far as 1 %oul" !a#$er, is a kin" of por#is on #$e
franis#an, w$i%$ %an be !laviole#e" wi#$ ar#ifi%ial snerbs.
.$a# kin" of musi%al brew "oes Moon"o! %ook ou# of #$ese in!enious in!re"ien#s@ 01 %lin! #o #onali#y,
#o #$e i"ea of simple %$orusE melo"y is absolu#ely essen#ial, an" 1/m s#ron! on r$y#$m. -ike #$e
orien#als, 1 feel #$a# mos# o%%i"en#al musi% is weir".0
Collier's! Se+te)4er! "#$8! +3 ""5
Moondog and his strange )usic
Village Voice! %uly :$! "#68! +3 " ; "<
=houls at the >ussy Cat
aus H fromF Jps#a#e Ma!a'ine, AA. 9ebruar 193B
Steve ?nowlton
0+state her)it! Manhattan co)+oser! 4lind Viking +oet! he's 333 Moondog
(ol"in! a spoonful of su!ar poise" over #$e %offee %up on #$e %oun#er, Mar%ella looke" up an" sai".
0+wo su!ars an" a li##le milk, ri!$#@0 Moon"o! sa# in #$e boo#$ a# -ela/s *es#auran#, e8a%#ly <B s#eps
"own Nor#$ #ree# in =we!o from #$e %i!ar s#ore w$ere #$e New York bus s#ops. ) smile flas$e"
from un"er $is immense bear" an" $e answere", 0Yes, #$a#/s ri!$#.0 +$en, 0ee, s$e remembers.
+$a#/s Mar%ella. (er mo#$er, -ela, owns #$is li##le pla%e.0
+$e wai#ress brou!$# #$e %offee over #o #$e s#rai!$#;ba%ke" woo"en boo#$ an" pu# i# "own in fron# of
#$e massive man lookin! like a 2ikin! ou# of an ol" >irk ?ou!las movie.
01 %ome $ere a lo#,0 sai" Moon"o!. 0Par#i%ularly in #$e summer#ime w$en #$ere/s no# #$is problem
wi#$ #$e snow. 1 si# an" #alk for $ours an" some#imes 6us# lis#en #o #$e ol";#imers %ome an" !o.
9as%ina#in! ol" people. -is#en an" #alk ; un#il i#/s #ime #o !o ba%k.0
(e fel# for #$e %up an" #ook a sip, s#uffin! lar!e bun%$es of bear" un"er $is %$in ou# of #$e way.
(is lef# $an" "isappeare" un"er $is army blanke# #uni% in#o a lea#$er pou%$ an" pro"u%e" a yellow
plas#i% "rinkin! s#raw wi#$ a fle8ible elbow. Moon"o! sippe" #$e %offee an" e8plaine", 0if 1 $a" a
mus#a%$e %up ... bu# 1 "on/# an" a s#raw is easier #o %arry aroun".0
=ffi%ially, Moon"o!/s name is -ouis (ar"in, born in Maryville, >ansas, in 191<, #$e son of an
4pis%opal minis#er. ,u# un"er #$e layers of #a##ere" 2ikin! !arb an" #$e s$a!!y !rey bear", Moon"o!
is a!eless, pla%eless, $as no $is#ory you %an %onne%# wi#$ %alen"ar or map.
Moon"o! pi%ke" $is pen name from #$e memory of an ol" "o! $e on%e owne" ba%k in Missouri. 1#
use" #o $owl a# #$e moon, na#urally.
,y $is own a"mission, $e is a 0$us#ler0 ; pan$an"ler ; in New York on <#$ )venue, usually in #$e
mi""le 9if#ies. (e pe""les $is poems an" son!s a# #en %en#s a mimeo!rap$e" s$ee# an" uses all $e
%an save up #o #ravel ba%k an" for#$ #o $is $illsi"e #wo miles or so from &an"or, abou# A5 miles below
1#$a%a, ei!$# miles from #$e bus s#op ou#si"e #$e %i!ar s#ore in =we!o.
1n 195<, af#er 1C years in New York, Moon"o! $a" G 35B a# on%e an" bou!$# 4B a%res on a $ill a
#$ousan" miles from anyw$ere for w$a# woul" be %alle" a re#rea# if $e $a" a !oo" 6ob an" any
money.
(e an" a nei!$bor w$o lives "own #$e $ill $alf a mile or
so pu# up a one room so" an" s#one s$a%k, 0bu#
somebo"y, 1 !uess some of #$e ki"s before #$ey !o# #o
know me, kep# #akin! #$e so" ou# from be#ween #$e
s#ones an" i# !o# %ol" in #$e win#er. )n" #$en, #$e mi%e
%oul" !e# in.0
o a few years la#er, abou# 19<1, Moon"o! an" ano#$er
nei!$bor pu# up #$e foo# by 1<;foo# %abin $e now $as.
1#/s insula#e" wi#$ #arpaper be#ween #$e A84/s an"
$ea#e" wi#$ a woo" s#ove #$a# #akes up abou# $alf #$e
room.
) be" is buil# in#o one of #$e s$or# walls an" on #$e
o#$er en" is a pile of #uni%s an" lea#$er 2ikin! $elme#s
an" all #$e o#$er 6unk #$a# Moon"o! $as %olle%#e" sin%e
$e %ame eas# for #$e las# #ime A3 years a!o.
+$e neares# roa" #o Moon"o!/s pla%e $asn/# been
plowe";all win#er, so #$ere are several fee# of snow on i#
an" #$e bes# way #o !e# #o #$e %abin is #$e way Moon"o!
"oes i# ; on snows$oes.
.$en you make i# #$rou!$ #$e "rif#s an" !e# #o #$e "oor,
Moon"o! !ree#s you warmly ; mu%$ warmer #$an #$e
insi"e of #$e %abin ; an" offers #o #ake "own #$e pie%e of
%$eese%lo#$ over #$e sin!le win"ow so you %an see your
way aroun".
=n a li##le woo"en #able near #$e be" is an ol" skille#. ) fork lies in #$e mi""le of #$e pan, lef# over
from Moon"o!/s las# meal, w$enever i# was. ) few emp#y an" a few unopene" %ans are s#a%ke" an"
pile" up #o!e#$er be$in" #$e fryin! pan.
)# #$e fron# e"!e of #$e #able a one foo# s7uare spa%e $as been %leare" away an" i#/s $ere #$a# $e
si#s an" wri#es $is poe#ry, mos#ly %ouple#s ; iambi% sep#ame#er ; an" %omposes $is musi%.
9or Moon"o!, #$a# one s7uare foo# is abou# i# for work spa%e be%ause #$a#/s all #$ere is in #$e s$a%k,
an" #$e insi"e of #$e 5 by 1< foo# s$a%k is abou# i# for livin! spa%e. .$en $e/s in New York, $e sleeps
in "oorways, si"ewalks, anypla%e #$a#/s no# o%%upie" an" is ou# of #$e elemen#s.
Moon"o! an" u'uko on #$eir we""in!, 195A
0,u# i#/s be##er now,0 $e says, 0-as# year a frien" w$o owns a
lea#$er s$op !ave me a key an" af#er #$e people leave a# ni!$#,
1 %an !o in #$ere an" sleep on #$e floor.
01 "o some %omposin! #$ere #oo, bu# i#/s $ar". )f#er bein! ou#
all "ay an" #$en !oin! insi"e w$ere i#/s so ni%e an" warm, 1 !e#
awfully sleepy,0 $e says, a li##le embarrasse".
9or years $e $as sa# #$ere kno%kin! ou# lyri%s an" musi% w$i%$
is sai" #o soun" like early ?onovan. =r ra#$er, 0sin%e 1 was firs#
you s$oul" say ?onovan soun"s like me,0 says Moon"o! wi#$ a
%$u%kle "own un"er $is bear".
,u# $is real love is %lassi%al musi%. ) melo"y line %omes in on
$im 0like an elusive bu##erfly an" you $ave #o wri#e i# "own #$en
or i#/s almos# impossible #o re#rieve i# wi#$ou# i#s soun"in!
s#raine".0
+$e melo"y 0is #$e easy par#,0 $e says. 0+$en %omes #$e real
ni##y;!ri##y work of %omposin! ; 0#$e $ours an" weeks of wri#in! ou# #$e par#s #o #$e pie%e, for #$e
per%ussions, woo"win"s, brass, s#rin!s, be%ause Moon"o! #$inks real musi% s$oul" be wri##en for full
or%$es#ras, no# #wo !ui#ars, an ele%#ri% bass an" "rums.
Moon"o!, Pier *ea"in!s, 19<<, Dansevoor# Pier, New
York
)f#er #$e inspira#ion %omes, Moon"o! 6o#s "own #$e
melo"y line an" works ou# #$e par#s, usin! some
#$in! like a #$umb#a%k #o poke li##le $oles in#o %ar"s,
formin! #$e ,raille pa##ern #$a# looks #o #$e
unini#ia#e" like someone walke" all over #$em in !olf
s$oes.
+$en %omes #$e work of #$e rea"er an" #$e %opier ;
Moon"o! rea"s #$e no#es ou# #o a frien", #$e fin!ers
of $is rou!$ lumber6a%k/s $an"s movin! ama'in!ly
"ef#ly alon! #$e %ar"s. +$e %opier #akes i# all "own in
s#an"ar" musi%al no#a#ion ; #$e lan!ua!e of #$e si!$#e".
#an"in! aroun" #$e s#ove, or si##in! in -ela/s or s7ua##in! on #$e si"ewalk on <#$ )venue, Moon"o!
will #alk for $ours on almos# any sub6e%# you su!!es#, bu# $is#ory an" $is own bran" of reli!ion are
$is favori#es.
+$e obvious 7ues#ion of w$y #$e 2ikin! look s#ar#s a lon! s#ory. .$en $e was 1< an" livin! in (urley,
Missouri, a "ynami#e %ap e8plo"e" in $is fa%e an" permanen#ly blin"e" $im.
01 #$ou!$# #$a# if #$e Do" my fa#$er prea%$e" abou# was !oo", (e woul"n/# $ave le# i# $appen #o me.
)n" if (e was all;powerful, bu# $a" been lookin! #$e o#$er way an" no# wa#%$in! a# #$e #ime, (e
woul" $ave res#ore" my si!$#. ,u# (e "i" nei#$er an" 1 los# my fai#$.0
9rom #$ere, Moon"o! wan"ere" from ,raille s%$ool #o ,raille s%$ool, rea"in!, lis#enin!, #$inkin!
abou# #$in!s, even#ually arrivin! a# #$e Norse !o"s of #$e 2ikin!sE 2ikin!s of $is own $eri#a!e.
+$ere is a li##le s#one monumen# ou#si"e #$e %abin on #$e $ill ou#si"e &an"or w$ere $e burns $alf a
%i!ar as in%ense for #$e Norse !o", ="in, an" smokes #$e o#$er $alf $imself.
01/m very %ons%ious of my e#$ni% ba%k!roun",0 $e says, !rippin! a 2ikin! spear w$i%$ bo#$ proves
$is poin# an" supplan#s a re";#ippe" %ane. 0)n" 1 #$ink everyone else s$oul" be.
+$e appearan%e, #$e s#yle are 0a personal e8pression, a rebellion a!ains# #$e bour!eois uniform, as 1
%all i#, an" a rebellion a!ains# my paren#s, 1 suppose, in #$a# or"er.0
Moon"o!, Pier *ea"in!s, 19<<, Dansevoor# Pier,
New York
+$e no# knowin! w$ere $is mo#$er is ;
0somew$ere in Missouri 1 #$ink.0 +$e bro#$er
w$o/s a "o%#or somew$ere w$o never answere"
Moon"o!/s las# le##er #$ree or four years a!o. +$e
no#e from $is s#epmo#$er sayin! $is fa#$er 0is
"ea" an" burie".0
0+$ey "i"n/# invi#e me #o #$e funeral. 4ven in
"ea#$, #$ey woul"n/# for!e# #$e appearan%e.0
+$en, wi#$ a for%e" almos#;lau!$, 0,u# you %oul"
say #$a# even in "ea#$ 1 woul"n/# for!e# #$e
appearan%e,0 sprea"in! $is arms #o s$ow you w$a# $e mean#.
?oes $e belon! in #$e 4as# 2illa!e, surroun"e" by #$e $un"re"s of youn! people wi#$ similar
ba%k!roun"s@
0Youn! people are of#en "rawn #o me,0 $e says, 0bu# 1/m no# ne%essarily "rawn #o #$em. 9or
e8ample, 1 wan# no#$in! #o "o wi#$ anyone w$o #akes "ru!s of any kin", even mari6uana.0 People
$i!$ on !rass 0are very in#rospe%#ive an" very %on#empla#ive, w$i%$ is !oo",0 $e says, 0bu# all #$ey
"o is #$ink. +$ey %an/# %on7uer moun#ains be%ause #$e mari6uana $as kille" #$e in%en#ive, #$e "rive.
01 %an/# pu# up wi#$ anyone w$o "oesn/# "o any#$in!,0 $e says.
People a# #$e &olumbia *e%or"s wa#%$e" $im ou# on #$e s#ree#s un"er #$eir win"ows for years,
Moon"o! says, an" #$ey !o# #o know $im, #o know #$a# $e %omposes symp$oni% pie%es alon! wi#$
#$e folk musi% an" #$e poems.
i8 mon#$s or so a!o, Moon"o! !o# #o!e#$er wi#$ #$e &olumbia an" a!ree" #o %u# an album of
Moon"o! musi%. +$e re%or" of ei!$# symp$oni% pie%es ma"e i# #o number < on #$e %lassi%al %$ar#s
before &$ris#mas an" #$en fell off.
0,u# -enny (-eonar" ,erns#ein) pre%e"e" me "own, so #$a#/s !oo",0 Moon"o! says, s#ar#in! in#o lon!
personal feu" wi#$ ,erns#ein s#ar#in! AB years or more a!o w$en Moon"o! says ,erns#ein sli!$#e"
$im.
Money from #$e album sales $asn/# %ome in ye#, $e says. (e !o# some a# #$e be!innin!, bu# royal#ies
are only !iven ou# #wi%e a year an" i# isn/# #ime ye# for #$e firs# %$e%k.
1f any is for#$%omin!, an" Moon"o! is $opeful bu# no# overly op#imis#i% abou# i#, 01 #$ink 1/" $ave
some ele%#ri%i#y pu# in #$e s$a%k on #$e $ill.
0+en"in! #$e s#ove is all ri!$#, bu# i#/s awfully #ime;%onsumin! w$en i#/s really %ol" an" 1 %an/# really
%on%en#ra#e on my %omposin!. )n ele%#ri% $ea#er woul" be ni%e.0
,eyon" #$a#, if $e really makes i# bi! ; 01/ve !o# a# leas# #en more albums full of musi% alrea"y
wri##en ;0 Moon"o! woul" like #o !o #o 4urope. 01/ve always %onsi"ere" myself a /4uropean in e8ile0
$e says al#$ou!$ $e/s never been #o 4urope. 01 never $a" #$e money,0 a li##le sa"ly.
-ela is workin! now an" Mar%ella, bun"le" up for #$e snow, $as lef# #$e res#auran#.
$e brin!s more %offee ; #wo su!ar, a li##le milk ; over #o #$e boo#$. 1n a minu#e, #$e oversi'e,
%umbersome %as$ re!is#er rin!s up G1.1B for lun%$ from one of #$e ol" #imers w$o $an! ou# #$ere,
par#i%ularly in #$e win#er#ime.
Moon"o! an" musi%ians from #$e New York P$il$armoni% =r%$es#ra,
pe%#rum Dallery, May AB#$, 19<<
0(ear #$a#@0 says Moon"o!, an" $is s$a!!y $ea" %o%ks #o one si"e. ) smile from un"er #$e bear"
a!ain an" $e says, 0you "on/# see %as$ re!is#ers like #$a# anymore. ?oesn/# i# soun" ni%e@0 1#/s abou#
#wo fee# $i!$ an" is a "ir#y brown, isn/# i#@0
)l#$ou!$ $e/s been si!$#less for almos# 4B years, Moon"o! s#ill #$inks very mu%$ in visual #erms an"
$e s#ar#s #alkin! abou# #$e pre##ies# !irl $e ever saw, 6us# a few mon#$s before #$e a%%i"en# ; blon"e
$air, !rey eyes, a %omple8ion like ivory.
1#/s abou# 4FCB an" a# 4F55 #$e bus leaves for New York, ba%k #o #$e $us#lin!, #$e %row"s, #$e
sleepin! in "oorways. )n" a li##le money. Maybe wor" from #$e &olumbia people #$a# #$e album $as
#aken ano#$er upswin! for some une8plainable reason. Maybe by ne8# week, 4urope will $e a li##le
%loser.
+$e ri!$# $an" "ips in#o ano#$er pou%$ $i""en by #$e #uni%s an" %omes ou# wi#$ a 7uar#er. 01 #$ink
we s$oul" leave a li##le #ip,0 says Moon"o! an" flips #$e %oin on#o #$e #able.
+$e album, en#i#le" 0Moon"o!0 wi#$ a %olor pi%#ure of a !narle" ol" 2ikin! on #$e %over is s#an"in!
on #op of #$e %as$ re!is#er. -ela smiles an" #ells Moon"o! #$a# i#/s #$ere.
(e smiles an" #$anks $er an" sure, $e/ll be ba%k pre##y soon. 1#/s ou# in#o #$e blowin! snow a!ain, a
lea#$er sa%k un"er one arm, #$e spear in #$e o#$er.
+wen#y;#wo s#eps ba%k up #$e s#ree#, $e/s #alkin! abou# #$e album a!ain. 0+$e only way 1 woul"
a!ree #o "o i# was #o no# le# &olumbia $ear i# before i# was re%or"e",0 Moon"o! says. 0+$a# "oesn/#
$appen very mu%$ in #$is "ay an" a!e.0
) few s#eps of silen%e, musin!.
0*are is #$e man w$o isn/# bou!$#,0 says Moon"o!. 9or#y si8.
)# fif#y;#wo, 01#/s #$e ne8# "oorway. Jus# a li##le s$opF sells %i!ars an" %an"y an" like #$a#. ,u#
#$ey/ve !o# my re%or". +$e man w$o owns #$e s#ore says $e/s !o# in a w$ole s$ipmen# of #$e album.
-ook, see if #$ey "on/#.0 +$ey "o.
9if#y;ei!$#, fif#y;nine, si8#y. #op.
0No, "on/# wai#. +$e bus mi!$# be la#e. 1# was las# #ime an" #$e roa"s are !e##in! ba" 1 be#. You/"
be##er be off.0
(e/s s#an"in! #$ere, #$e lea#$er sa%k on #$e !roun" besi"e $im. +en "ollars an" #wen#y %en#s #urne"
in#o a one;way #i%ke# from =we!o #o New York &i#y.
1n #$e swirlin! snow an" sof# "arkness fol"in! in on $im, $e wai#s #$e spear in $is ri!$# $an", one
en" on #$e !roun". )n en!ine rumbles.
01s #$a# #$e bus@ No, 6us# a #ru%k. Never min". 1#/ll be alon! any minu#e0.
(alina 9od2inski&
'ur two Lives! New ork "#@6
(,io!rap$y of $er $usban" )r#ur *o"'inski)
p. A43;A45
+$ere remaine" some re%al%i#ran#s in #$e P$il$armoni% w$o were embarrasse" by )r#ur/s reli!iosi#y.
No one %oul" "eny #$a# a# #imes my $usban" was lau!$able, for $is en#$usiasms in all #$in!s o#$er
#$an musi% invariably blurre" #$e boun"ary separa#in! #$e reasonable from #$e e8%essive. 1 %oul"
un"ers#an" #$eir unfavorable rea%#ions #o )r#ur w$en $e was on #$e %res# of $is reli!ious $i!$. (e
$a" 0e8perien%es0 ou# of .illiam James ; appari#ions an" presen%es of #$e ?ivine even in #$e alley
be$in" &arne!ie (all.
41s# #ree# +$ea#re, NY&. Moon"o! a#
#$e piano wi#$ a sa8op$one player.
=ne ni!$# )r#ur %ame ba%k #o our
apar#men# af#er re$earsin!
Ma$ler/s Resurrection (#$e e%on"
ymp$ony) an" repor#e" $e $a" foun"
wai#in! for $im a# #$e s#a!e "oor a
s#rikin! $uman bein!, a very #all,
$an"some, blin" man wi#$ a lon! bear",
"resse" in a brown %ape like a
9ran%is%an/s $abi#. 0(e looke" like a
&$ris#,0 sai" )r#ur. 01 was even afrai" for
a momen#. ,u# $e in#ro"u%e" $imself #o
me, an" aske" if $e %oul" a##en" a
re$earsal of #$e Ma$ler. =f %ourse, 1 #ol"
$im #o %ome w$enever $e like".0
in%e )r#ur "i" no# approve of ou#si"ers
a# re$earsals, in%lu"in! me, 1 knew #$a#
$e $a" been #ruly move" by #$is person
w$ose name was -ouis (ar"in. -ouis an"
)r#ur even#ually be%ame frien"s. )n"
)r#ur, w$ose new reli!ious %on%erns $a"
no# erase" $is supers#i#iousness,
believe" #$a# -ouis brou!$# $im !oo" lu%k.
.$en we foun" #$a# -ouis live" in a %ol" lof# somew$ere, we #rie" #o $elp $im ou# wi#$ some warm
%lo#$es. )r#ur, w$o never par#e" wi#$ so mu%$ as an ol" slipper, !ave -ouis one of $is sui#s an" a
$eavy win#er%oa#, w$i%$ -ouis sol". -ouis was also averse #o s$oes, an" fros#bi##en fee# $e knew well
enou!$. (e $a" no#$in! a!ains# seein! a!ain, $owever, an" !la"ly wen# wi#$ me #o visi# a well;
known eye spe%ialis#, ?r. Mil#on ,erliner. 1 va!uely $a" a no#ion #$a# #$e new ar# of %orneal
#ransplan#a#ion %oul" salva!e some vision for -ouis. +$e ver"i%# was ne!a#ive. ,o#$ eyes were #oo
$opelessly "ama!e" for sur!ery, $avin! been "es#roye" by an e8plosion w$en, as a %$il", -ouis
playe" wi#$ "ynami#e.
-ouis (ar"in use" #o be a familiar si!$# on #$e s#ree#s. (is usual $aun# was #$e )venue of #$e
)meri%as w$ere, unless $e $as "ie" or move" elsew$ere, $e probably s#ill pa"s aroun" in san"als,
$orse;blanke# %ape, an" now a $ea""ress #$a# looks as if %a"!e" from an ol" pro"u%#ion of Die
"al#$re. 9or a %oin, $e will #oo#le a pre##y son! on $is re%or"er, an" !ive all #$e %onversa#ion one
wan#s for no#$in!. Mos# people know $im as Moon"o!. (is for#unes, su%$ as #$ey ever were,
improve" w$en Do""ar" -ieberson re%or"e" some of $is mournful %omposi#ions for &olumbia. =ne of
#$em, a son! ma"e ou# of a borrowin! from a ?vorak %$amber pie%e, even be%ame #$e 6ukebo8 $i#
0Na#ure ,oy.0
+$e Ma$ler e%on" w$i%$ brou!$# -ouis (ar"in in#o our lives, was !iven several beau#iful
performan%es an" was a $i# wi#$ bo#$ publi% an" %ri#i%s. +$e .es#mins#er &$oir appeare" wi#$
solois#s 4ni" 'an#$o an" )s#ri" 2arnay. Ma$ler was #$en no# a# all popular. People blan%$e" a# #$e
#$ou!$# of a %on%er#;len!#$ symp$ony. )f#er #$e +$urs"ay rea"in!, &arne!ie (all was pa%ke". My
bo8 $a" people si##in! on #$e low par#i#ions an" s#an"in!. ea#e" besi"e me ; an" i# ma"e #$e
momen# a prou" one ; were )lma Ma$ler an" $er las# $usban", 9ran' .erfel. Mme. Ma$ler la#er
wro#e #o )r#ur of $er appre%ia#ion of #$e performan%e, #ellin! $im #$a# $is ren"i#ion was like a
rein%arna#ion of Ma$ler/s own. +$is #ou%$e" )r#ur !rea#ly, for one of $is life;lon! re!re#s was #$a#
Ma$ler "ie" before $e ever $a" a %$an%e #o $ear $im %on"u%# any#$in!, le# alone $is own musi%.
New ork Ti)es "#@# %anuary 8
,dele 9ie+e&
'Moondog' 9efines Music in
=er)any
,o%$um, .es# Dermany.
9or CB years $e was a lan"mark for
New Yorkers. ?e%ke" ou# in a bi''are
mo%k;2ikin! ou#fi#, a $orne" $elme#
on $is $ea" an" a spear in $is $an",
$e s#oo" on #$e %orner of 54#$ #ree#
an" i8#$ )venue, ma6es#i%ally
i!norin! #$e !i!!les an" wise%ra%ks,
sellin! $is poems an" %opies of $is
s$ee# musi% an" playin! w$a# one
%ri#i% %alle" 0"eli%a#e &oplan"es7ue
r$y#$ms0 on weir" ins#rumen#s of $is
own "esi!n. (e %alle" $imself
Moon"o!, af#er a "o! $e like", an"
was unfailin!ly %our#eous an" pa#ien# wi#$ #$e %urious.
)l#$ou!$ $an"i%appe" by #o#al blin"ness from an e8plosion w$en $e was 1< years ol", Moon"o!
wasn/# 6us# ano#$er one of #$e %ra'ies wan"erin! aimlessly #$rou!$ #$e me#ropolis, bu# a "e"i%a#e"
non%onformis# w$o insis#s $e pursue" $is unor#$o"o8 s#ree# life for #$e sake of $is musi%. =ver #$e
years $e a%7uire" a lo# of frien"s, some of #$em wi#$ real %lou# in #$e musi% worl", like )r#ur
*o"'inski, %on"u%#or of #$e New York P$il$armoni%. (owever, repea#e" a##emp#s #o !e# $im off #$e
s#ree#s an" in#o a more %onven#ional mo"e of life foun"ere" on Moon"o!s/s fier%e pro#e%#ion of $is
free"om.
,u# Moon"o!, w$ose real name is -ouis (ar"in, isn/# s#an"in! on s#ree# %orners anymore. )# #$e a!e
of <A, in an uninspirin! li##le #own in .es# Dermany, Moon"o! $as foun" a $ome.
, Co)+oser's >aradise
01 am livin! in a %omposer/s para"ise,0K01 am livin! in a %omposer/s para"ise,0L $e says #o a visi#or
in a soun" s#u"io in ,o%$um, w$ere $is musi% is bein! re%or"e". 01 am surroun"e" by musi%ians, 1
!e# my meals on #ime, 1/m warm, an" mos# of all 1/m free for my musi%.0 (e speaks like a man w$o
$as su""enly reali'e" #$e 6oy of no lon!er $avin! #o %ope wi#$ #$e very problems of e8is#en%e.
i##in! ne8# #o $im, wa#%$in! fon"ly an" prou"ly, is #$e ar%$i#e%# of $is new life, a sli!$# blon" woman
of A3, name" 1lona Doebel. $e an" #$e musi%ian me# #$ree years a!o in a small #own in #$e *u$r
valley.
Moon"o! (Miss Doebel %alls $im by $is !iven name -ouis) %ame #o Dermany in 1934 un"er #$e
auspi%es of one of $is early New York a"mirers, #$e or!anis# Paul Jor"an. Mr. (ar"in $a" been invi#e"
#o %on"u%# a %on%er# of $is works playe" by Mr. Jor"an in 9rankfur#, an" $as simply never re#urne" #o
New York.
01 fel# a# $ome $ere, in #$e %oun#ry w$ere so many !rea# %omposers $ave live" an" worke",0 $e sai".
01 wen# #o ,onn #o #$e $ouse w$ere ,ee#$oven was born. 1 sa# a# #$e spinne# w$ere $e %ompose"
some of $is !rea# musi% an" 1 fel# 1 was in spiri#ual %ommuni%a#ion wi#$ $im.
.$en 1lona Doebel firs# saw $im, Moon"o! was s#an"in! on a s#ree# %orner in *e%klin!$ausen,
"resse" in $is familiar 2ikin! %ape an" $elme#, sellin! %opies of $is poems. +$e somew$a# s#ar#le"
%i#i'ens #$ou!$# $e was an ou#;of;work a%#or %os#ume" as an 0al# ?eu#s%$er.0
No 'ne (ad the Nerve
0My #en;year;ol" bro#$er wan#e" #o invi#e $im $ome for &$ris#mas be%ause $e fel# so sorry for $im.0
Miss Doebel e8plaine", 0bu# no one in #$e family $a" #$e nerve #o ask $im. )n" #$en 1 saw a re%or"
of $is musi% ; or%$es#ra pie%es playe" by 45 musi%ians wi#$ many solois#s an" 1 bou!$# i#. .$en 1
firs# $ear" #$e musi% 1 was s$akenM 1 %oul"n/# believe #$a# a man w$o %oul" wri#e musi% like #$a#
woul" $ave #o live as $e "i". o #$en 1 invi#e" $im $ome.0
41s#
#ree#
+$ea#re,
NY.
Moon"o!
a# #$e
piano
wi#$ a
sa8op$one player. Ma!ie ?omini% is
si##in! besi"e #$e +rimba.
(ome is a small #own, =er;4rkens%$wi%k,
an" -ouis $as been #$ere ever sin%e.
0(er family 6us# a"op#e" me,0 $e says
$appily.
,u# Mr. (ar"in "i"n/# su%%umb #o
%onven#ion en#irely wi#$ou# a fi!$#.
01# #ook $er a w$ile #o %onvin%e me,0 $e says of Miss Doebel. 0,u# s$e sai" 1 $a" #rie" i# #$e ol" way
for CB years in New York an" i# never !o# me any pla%e ; w$y no# #ry i# #$e o#$er way for a w$ile.0
)n" so off %ame #$e $elme# (0symbol of virili#y0) an" away wi#$ #$e spear (0"efen"er of free"om0)
an" #$e %apes an" pan#s an" s$ir#s, ma"e ou# of s7uare pie%es of %lo#$. +o"ay Mr. (ar"in !ree#s a
visi#or in $an";kni# %ap an" swea#er over fas$ionable 6ersey pan#s, al#$ou!$ #$e bear" an" lon! $air,
now nea#ly #rimme", remain.
Miss Doebel $as !iven up $er s#u"ies as a !eolo!is# an" $as be%ome publis$er, a!en#, pro"u%er an"
#rans%riber for #$e blin" musi%ian, w$o %on%eives $is musi% in $is $ea", wri#es i# firs# in ,raille an"
#$en "i%#a#es i# wi#$ pains#akin! slowness #o Miss Doebel.
0-ouis an" $is musi% %onsume my life,0 s$e says simply.
(er "e"i%a#ion an" effi%ien%y $ave pro"u%e" resul#s.
)l#$ou!$ #$e &olumbia re%or" w$i%$ firs# inspire" $er $as
sol" 4B.BBB %opies sin%e i#s firs# release in 19<9, Mr.
(ar"in/s s$ee# musi% was $ar" #o fin", an" o#$er re%or"s,
ma"e in New York, were no lon!er available. in%e Miss
Doebel #ook over, a lo# $as $appene".
+$ere are #wo new re%or"in!s of Moon"o!/s musi% now
available in 4urope, one of w$i%$ $as been release" in
)meri%a on #$e (eri#a!e label. +$e publis$in! %ompany,
Mana!arm, w$i%$ Miss Doebel foun"e" #wo years a!o,
re!ularly pro"u%es an" sells Moon"o!/s musi%.
1n 193<, #$e 9ren%$ s#a#e ra"io, le" by a youn! musi%
%ri#i% an" "isk 6o%key, Mar#in Meissonier, brou!$# #$e
musi%ian #o Paris #o %on"u%# an" perform in a %on%er# of $is
own works. in%e #$en #$e ra"io s#a#ion $as of#en playe"
#apes of $is musi%. ) #$ir" re%or" is in
prepara#ion, an" Mr. (ar"in $as an open
%on#ra%# wi#$ a newly forme" %ompany
%alle" *oof #o pro"u%e a# leas# #wo
re%or"s a year.
(is new life $as a""e" a few poun"s #o
$is #all fi!ure an" fles$e" ou# #$e
as%e#i% fa%e some, bu# $is musi% $asn/#
%$an!e".
01 s#ill wri#e basi%ally %onven#ional,
%lassi%al %oun#erpoin#,0 $e e8plains. 01
fla#ly refuse #o $ave any#$in! #o "o wi#$
ele%#roni%s ; "on/# like #$e soun".0
,u# Mr. (ar"in "oes "i!ress a bi# now
an" #$en from #$e s#ri%#ly %lassi%al. -as#
year, $e wro#e a number of ma"ri!al;
like son!s for a re%or" #$a# $e %alls
0(/ar# son!s0 ((ar"in son!s) ; in#ri%a#e
ins#rumen#als superimpose" a!ains# a
simple repe#i#ive melo"y wi#$ #$e
en!a!in! lyri%s of $is verses, familiar #o
many New Yorkers.
Ans+ired 4y 9ecollections
)n" $e wro#e 19 mar%$es las# year,
inspire" by #$e re%olle%#ions of $is
%$il"$oo" in #$e Mi""le .es# an" $is
prea%$er;fa#$er w$o was an a"mirer of
Jo$n P$ilip ousa. (e $as #i#le" one of
#$e mar%$es 0,a##ery Park,0 a mark of
$is fas%ina#ion wi#$ New York "espi#e
$is new life in .es# Dermany.
0New York &i#y was my mo#$er an"
fa#$er for CB years.0 Moon"o! sai". 01
worke" an" slep# on $er s#ree#s an" a#e
#$rou!$ #$e kin" !enerosi#y of $er people. 1 woul" like #o !o ba%k some"ay ; mos# of all 1 woul" like
#o $ave a %on%er# of my musi% #$ere.0 1lona Doebel smiles ; i#/s no# in $is imme"ia#e fu#ure, bu# s$e/s
workin! on i#.
9onald Sukenick&
Down and An& Life in the 0nderground! New ork "#7@! +3 85*8"
)f#er a w$ile, 1 also be%ame familiar wi#$ #$e s#ran!e fi!ure of Moon"o! in me"ieval;lookin! lea#$er,
blanke#, an" 2ikin! $orns, usually s#a#ione" in #$e mi""le of #$e si"ewalk on ,roa"way or i8#$
)venue, sellin! s$ee# musi%. Moon"o!, %ra%kpo# %omposer an" inven#or of bi'arre ins#rumen#s su%$
as #$e 0oo0 an" #$e 0#rimbas,0 like #$e %lownis$ Puer#o *i%an s#ree# poe# Jor!e ,ran"on, w$om 1 la#er
en%oun#er wi#$ $is #alkin! %o%onu# in #$e 4as# 2illa!e, #urns ou# #o be a fairly in#eres#in! ar#is#, or so
say #$ose w$o a##en" $is o%%asional roof#op %on%er#s. P$ilip Dlass on%e le# Moon"o! live a# $is pla%e
w$en $e $a" now$ere #o !o. 1#/s no# #$e o""ball 7uali#y of #$ese fi!ures #$a# a##ra%#s me, bu# ra#$er
#$e way #$ey #$row #$emselves on #$e mer%y of o#$ers, #$eir wille" "es#ru%#ion of pri"e, self;respe%#,
an" even e!o i#self. 1f you are seekin! "is#in%#ions from #$e a!!ressive e!oism of #$e fif#ies su%%ess
%ul#, Doul" an" ,o"en$eim are espe%ially ins#ru%#ive e8amples.
Michael S)all! >eter Mikel4ank in Best =er)any
New ork has so)ething to howl a4out again * Legendary Street Musician Moondog is
Back
=n #$e !ri##y s#ree#s of Man$a##an #$ere on%e live" an e%%en#ri%, $omeless blin" man name"
Moon"o!. ?resse" in 2ikin! re!alia, wi#$ $orne" $elme#, spear an" s%ra!!ly bear", Moon"o! was a
familiar New York si!$# for A5 years. (e %laime" #o be a %omposer an" poe#. 0(ey. ?o!M0 or 0Yo.
MoonieM0 yelle" passersby, swappin! %$an!e for a bi# of bea#nik poe#ry or lis#enin! as $e san! $is
son!s w$ile ban!in! on a "rum or s#rummin! $is $omema"e 'i#$er. +$en, in 1934, Moon"o!
su""enly wasn/# #$ere any lon!er. People soon fi!ure" $e $a"
"ie".
)%#ually, an" per$aps more in%re"ibly, $e $a" 6us# !one #o .es#
Dermany. Now Moon"o!, 3C, $as reappeare" in Man$a##an as
su""enly as $e lef# ; #$is #ime as a re%o!ni'e" %omposer an"
performer. 9ollowin! a lea" in an ol" newspaper, or!ani'ers of
#$e New Musi% )meri%a fes#ival foun" $im in .es# Dermany a
year a!o an" arran!e" $is #riump$an# re#urn. +$is mon#$ $e
playe" $is "rum alon!si"e #op avan#;!ar"e musi%ians in a
%on%er# a# #$e ,rooklyn )%a"emy of Musi%, an" #$e ,rooklyn
P$il$armoni% performe" $is 6a'' an" $is ymp$ony No. 5B. ays
Moon"o!, w$o now wears simple robesF 0+$ere/s no !rea#er
e8perien%e #$an #o be wan#e".0
4ven w$en $e was a si"ewalk fi8#ure immor#ali'e" by %olumnis#
.al#er .in%$ell,
Moon"o! was never #$e
"roppe";ou# $obo mos#
people assume". (e
was befrien"e" by 6a''
!rea#s &$arlie Parker (0You an" 1 s$oul" make a re%or"
#o!e#$er,0 Parker sai" s$or#ly before $is "ea#$) an" &$arles
Min!us, wi#$ w$om $e on%e playe" a# #$e .$i#ney museum.
(e appeare" on +2 besi"e #$en Mayor Jo$n -in"say, rea"
poe#ry wi#$ )llen Dinsber! an" 6amme" wi#$ %omposers
P$ilip Dlass an" #eve *ei%$. (is %ll Is Loneliness was even
re%or"e" by Janis Joplin, w$o 0really mur"ere" i#,0 $e
remembers. Mos# surprisin! of all, #wo albums of $is a#onal
6a'' an" ma"ri!als were release" in 19<9 an" 1931 by
&olumbia, "rew raves an" ma"e #$e %$ar#sE &olumbia $as now release" bo#$ as a &?, an" i# alrea"y
ranks as #$e mos# re7ues#e" be#ween;s$ows musi% on Na#ional Publi% *a"io.
Moon"o!/s %areenin! %areer $as been %rea#e" by %ir%ums#an%e an" $is own unusual will. (e was born
-ouis (ar"in in >ansas an" raise" in .yomin!, #$e only %$il" of an i#ineran# minis#er an" a
$ousewife. 0.e $a" our own #rou# s#ream,0 $e re%alls. 01 $a" my own $orses.0 ,u# a# 1<, #$e boy
was blin"e" w$ile playin! wi#$ "ynami#e %aps $e $a" foun" on railroa" #ra%ks. )f#er s#u"yin! musi%
a# #$e 1owa %$ool for #$e ,lin" for a year, $e $ea"e" for New York. ,y "in# of s#a!e"oor persis#en%e,
$e was a"op#e" by #$e New York P$il$armoni%, invi#e" #o re$earsals an" me# +os%anini an" youn!
-eonar" ,ems#ein. +$en, in 1949, $e s#ar#e" playin! on %orners an" %allin! $imself Moon"o! af#er a
pe# #$a# 0$owle" a# #$e moon a lo#,0 an" #$us one of )meri%a/s famous $omeless men was born.
01 was ki%ke", urina#e" on a %ouple of #imes, spi# on, o$, an" robbe" a %ouple of #imes,0 says
Moon"o!, w$o ro%ks slowly w$en $e speaks, like a fi!$#er. 0You !e# #$e impression #$a# New York is a
%ol", $ear#less pla%e, bu# i#/s really no#. +a8i "rivers an" "oormen look ou# for you.0
1n 1934 Moon"o! was invi#e" #o "o a ra"io %on%er# in 9rankfur# an" "e%i"e" #o lin!er #$ere. 01 6us#
like" i# so mu%$, 1 #$ou!$# 1/" see w$a# $appene",0 $e says. 1# was on #$e s#ree#s #$a# $e me# 1lona
Doebel, a !eolo!y s#u"en#. 0My w$ole family $ear" one of $is re%or"s an" sai", /.$a# musi%M/0s$e
re%alls. 0/.$a# a man an" w$a# a lifeM/0 Moon"o! was invi#e" in#o #$e Doebel/s *u$r 2alley $ome. 01#
was very lo!i%al,0 says 1lona, now C5. 01 for!o# abou# my universi#y plans. .e me#, an" #$is $a" #o
be "one.0
in%e #$en, 1lona $as wri##en ou# all Moon"o!/s musi%. (e $as %ompose" #$ousan"s of works,
in%lu"in! a 1,BBB;par#, nine;$our %anon. (e is %onsi"erin! $is firs# musi% vi"eo, a sa8 pie%e %alle"
0+ou# ui#e0, w$i%$ $e $opes will finan%e ano#$er %urious !oal. 01/" like #o "o 1BB %on%er#s,0 Moon"o!
says "reamily. 0o 1 %an buy my own %as#le.0
inF +io!a &oun#y &ourier, A9. November 1959
Louis (ardin -Moondog. )akes triu)+hant return
4y Michael =ulachok
-ouis (ar"in. a.k.a. Moon"o!, lon!;#ime off an" on
resi"en# of &an"or (1955;34), w$o move" #o Dermany
in 1934, ma"e a #riump$an# re#urn #o )meri%a #$is
pas# November. -ivin! in .es#ern Dermany, (ar"in $as
been !uil"in! a lar!e an" loyal followin! in 4urope wi#$
an ele%#ri%al fusion of $is %lassi%al, 6a'' an" folk s#yle"
musi%.
(ar"in was invi#e"
by #$e ,rooklyn
)%a"emy of Musi% #o
presen# a %on%er# of
$is works on
+$urs"ay, Nov. 1< a#
A p.m. Moon"o! wi#$
#$e ,rooklyn
P$il$armoni%
=r%$es#ra performe"
a open re$earsal of
$is works a#
,rooklyn/s Ma6es#i% +$ea#re. )# 5FBB p.m. a more formali'e" %on%er# was s#a!e", alon! wi#$ o#$er
%omposers.
Ma##$ias >ern an" Moon"o!
9rom 194C #o 1934, (ar"in was un7ues#ionably #$e mos# omnipresen# s#ree# personali#y in New York
&i#y. =f#en "resse" in 2ikin! re!alia an" o#$er %os#umes, $e immerse" $imself in#o #$e so%ial fabri%
of #$e %i#y an" be%ame an in#e!ral par# of #$e ar#is#i%, musi%al s%ene.
(is personal a%7uain#an%es an" influen%es are 7ui#e e8#raor"inary, ran!in! from Ja''men, &$arlie
Parker an" &$arles Min!us #o %lassi%al %on"u%#ors, )r#$ur *o"'inski an" -eonar" ,erns#ein.
1# "oes many $ear#s well #o see #$is mul#i;#alen#e" in"ivi"ual finally a%$ievin! a sus#aine" re%o!ni#ion
an" su%%ess #$a# in #$e pas# $as been spora"i% a# bes#. )# a!e 3C, (ar"in is %omin! in#o $is own. (e
was
(some wor"s missin! "ue #o #$e in%omple#e %opy of #$e ar#i%le, sorry)
%lose frien", an#$ropolo!is#, 1lona Doebel.
=n +$urs"ay evenin!, #$e ,rooklyn P$il$armoni% =r%$es#ra performe" nine Moon"o! %omposi#ions,
%on"u%#e" by Moon"o! an" +ania -eon. .$en no# %on"u%#in!, (ar"in woul" a%%ompany #$e s%ores
wi#$ a varie#y of per%ussion ins#rumen#s.
0Paris0, #$e firs# pie%e, $a" i#s worl" permiere in Paris in 195A. +$e CA;bar %$orus was repea#e" four
#imes wi#$ %oun#erpoin#s an" a pi%%olo flouris$ in #$e %o"a. +$e #une was wri##en in &an"or in 193C.
0Doo" for Doo"ie0, is a %larine# inspire" pie%e wri##en in $onor of ,enny Doo"man. 1n 1951,
Doo"man was 7uo#e" as sayin!, 01 fin" Moon"o!/s musi% arres#in!.0
0,ir"/s lamen#0, was wri##en in memory of &$arlie Parker, on $earin! of $is su""en "ea#$. (ar"in an"
Parker of#en 6amme" an" min!le" #o!e#$er in Dreenwi%$ 2illa!e. ,ir"/s al#o sa8 an" a bari#one sa8
"omina#e #$is four par# $armoni'e" fi!ure.
=#$er pie%es were #i#le" 0Presen# for #$e Pre'0 (a #ribu#e #o Ja'' +enor a8op$onis#. -es#er Youn!),
0#ampin! Droun"0, 0Passion 9lower0 an" 0?ark 4yes0.
0New )ms#er"am0 an" 0New York0 finis$e" #$e pro!ram an" evoke" #$e $us#le an" bus#le of #$e %i#y
on an e8pansive s%ale.
0New York0 was wri##en in New York in 1955. (ar"in sai", 0.$en 1 wro#e #$e wor"s 1 "i"n/# know
#$ey woul" %ome #rue. 1 ran away from all #$e noise 1 so )b$or. ,efore 1 lef# #$ey #ol" me 1/" be ba%k
for more. o ri!$# #$ey wereM0
.e/re so !la" $e %ame ba%k, an" we/re $opin! #$e ne8# #ime $e re#urns, $e visi#s $is many frien"s in
&an"or an" =we!o. (ar"in $a" #o re#urn #o Dermany on un"ay, Nov. 19 #o !o on a promo#ional
#our of C new &?s of $is musi%.
inF #ran!e +$in!s )re (appenin! (9rN$6a$r 199B) p. AB;A1
%ulie =oodwin
The Story of Louis (ardin also known as Moondog
+$ere/s a %ommon lie, s#ill %ir%ula#in!E i# s#a#es #$a# #$e "ebu# album by Big Brother ,nd The
(olding Co)+any/s "ebu# some$ow "isappoin#s. +$ose of Js w$o love" i# in e8ile, unable #o bask
in #$eir live power, s#ill fin" an a##ra%#ion in i#s rou!$;s$o" ama#eurism, i#s naive bu# purposeful
en#$usiasm. =ne of i#s many $i!$li!$#s was %ll is Loneliness, a roun" ori!inally wri##en by someone
%alle" Moon"o!, a %omposi#ion wi#$ su%$ a $ypno#i% form i# "eman"e" fur#$er inves#i!a#ion. Ye#
before #$a# was %omple#e ano#$er referen%e appeare", #$is #ime by The >entangle w$o/s
"rummer,Terry CoC, in%lu"e" a #ribu#e pie%e on #$eir Sweet Child album, "e"i%a#in! i# #o a &lind
e' (or# )treet musician.
+$e same year, 19<9, saw #$e release of Moondog, w$a# we %onsi"ere" #o be $is "ebu# album. +$e
sleeve alone was s#rikin!, i# s$owe" an imposin! fi!ure, obviously ol", wi#$ a full !rey bear", robe,
%loak an" $oo"E "resse" in invo%a#ion of an%ien# 4urope, of a8ony or of 2ikin! %an"inavia. +$e
ima!e %on#inue" in#o #$e !a#efol" an" pi%#ures w$i%$ su!!es#e" someone #ranspor#e" in #ime.
Musi%ally, $owever, #$e s$o%k was even !rea#er, an ensemble of some fif#y players wove #$rou!$ a
%on!lomera#ion of soun", no# 7ui#e %lassi%al, no# 7ui#e 6a'', bu#
1lse >ern un" Moon"o!
some#$in! ambi#ious, !ran" an" %ompulsive. (ow "i" #$is s7uare wi#$ #$e ima!e of some busker
workin! from #$e me#ropolis subways@ .$o in"ee" was Moon"o!@
Louis (ardin was born in Marysville, >ansas on May A<, 191<. 1n %ommon wi#$ $is namesake +im,
$e was a "is#an# rela#ive of an infamous fi!ure from )meri%a/s .es#ern $eri#a!e, %ohn Besley
(ardin-g., a%knowle"!e" in son! by Bo4 Dylan. +$e son of an epis%opalian minis#er, -ouis was
brou!$# up in several s#a#es, (Nor#$ &arolina, .is%onsin, .yomin!), an" w$ile livin! a# #$e la##er $e
was #aken #o an )rapa$o *eserva#ion, w$ere $e bea# a "rum for #$e un ?an%e, si##in! on &$ief
Yellow &alf/s lap. ) love of per%ussion followe"E a# five $is firs# ki# was a %ar"boar" bo8, by 19A9 an"
now livin! on a Missouri ran%$ $e was playin! in #$e (urley (i!$ %$ool ban".
1# was $ere (ar"in was blin"e" w$en, a# si8#een, a "ynami#e %ap e8plo"e" in $is fa%e. (e #$en be!an
s#u"yin! braille in #. -ouis bu# "urin! #$e summer of 19CC $is is#er rea" #o $im +$e 9irs# 2iolin, a
book $e la#er a%knowle"!e" as $is firs# inspira#ion #o be%ome a %omposer.
(owever i# was a# #$e 1owa %$ool for #$e ,lin" #$a# -ouis
bo#$ "is%overe" %lassi%al musi% an" re%eive" $is firs# formal
lessons. (e s#u"ie" several ins#rumen#s, violin, viola, piano
an" pipe;or!an, bu# mu%$ of w$a# $e learne" was self;
#au!$#. 9ollowin! a si8;year $ia#us, livin! in an" aroun"
,a#esville, )rkansas, $e won a s%$olars$ip #o s#u"y in
Memp$is. (ar"in spen# a year #$ere, before movin! #o New
York in 194C. 1# was $ere $e me# )r#ur *o"'inski, -eonar"
,erns#ein an" +os%anini, an" be!an $is un%onven#ional
lifes#yle.
(e #ook #$e name Moon"o! in 1943, af#er a pe# $e re%alle"
from (urley, w$o *o'led at t*e moon more t*an any dog I
#ne' o+, 4ven more unusual was $is pi#%$, a #raffi% 1slan" in
+imes 7uare, w$ere $e/" play #$e 0oo0 an" 0uni0, #wo
per%ussion ins#rumen#s $e/" "esi!ne". )s wi#$ $is fellow
maveri%k, (arry Par#%$, -ouis woul" of#en %rea#e $is own,
unable #o fin" #$e soun"s $e %rave" amon!s# %onven#ional
implemen#s. +$e fon"ly name" #ools also in%lu"e" #$e $us,
o", yuk$ an" #u6i.
,y 1955, $e/" lessene" $is performan%es, #$e %row"s $e
"rew were now #oo lar!e. 1ns#ea" $e/" of#en s#an"
mo#ionless aroun" .es# 54#$ #ree# an" i8#$ )venue,
remainin! for $ours on en", wrappe" in army surplus
blanke#s, bran"is$in! a s#aff an" wearin! a 2ikin! $elme# %omple#e wi#$ #usks. I tell t*em it's my
'ay o+ saying no- $e/" reply w$en 7ui''e" abou# $is !arb. ,y #$is #ime $e/" be!an re%or"in!, an"
$a" appeare" on #elevision, bu# Moon"o! live" by be!!in!. It's not degrading,. $e woul" say. /omer
&egged and so did 0esus C*rist, It 'as only t*e Cal1inists '*o ordained t*at no man s*all eat '*o
does not 'or#,.
(is earlies# re%or"in!s were ma"e for Pres#i!e an" %onsis#e" of #$ree mi";195Bs
releases, Moondog, More Moondog an" The Story of Moondog. +$ere was a pronoun%e" 6a''
influen%e on #$ese albums, #$emes w$i%$ woul" %on#inue on #$ree fur#$er volumes, Moondog And
His Friends (4pi%), On The Streets Of New York (?e%%a) an" Moondog And His Honking
Geese (Moon"o! *e%or"s). +$e las# of #$ese $e finan%e" $imself, $ire" #$e players an" sol" #$e
finis$e" %opies in #$e s#ree#E i# was $is las# release for several years.
(ar"in/s uni7ue posi#ion brou!$# $im %on#a%#s $e mi!$# never $ave o#$erwise ma"e. (e me# Marlon
,ran"o w$o, $avin! %omple#e" +$e .il" =ne, s#aye" aroun" for a week, a%%ompanyin! Moon"o! in
bars, $o#els an" $is pa#%$. -or" ,u%kley or ?uke 4llin!#on woul" pause, speak an" !ive moneyE one
en#erprisin! in"ivi"ual finan%e" a s$ow ma"e up of Moon"o!, -enny ,ru%e an" +iny +im.
1n 9rankfur#, Januar 1934
No#orie#y, $owever, is no# opulen%e. 1n $er bio!rap$y of ?iane )rbus, Pa#ri%ia ,oswor#$ "es%ribes #$e
p$o#o!rap$er/s brief rela#ions$ip wi#$ #$is #rue e%%en#ri%. )ometimes s*e 'ould sit 'it* *im '*ile *e
ate *is supper at a ca+eteria near Carnegie /all, 2)*e p*otograp*ed3 *im at *is +lea&ag *otel on
"est 44t* )treet- apparently Moondog *ad a 'i+e and a small &a&y 2Mary and 0une3, Diane tal#ed
a&out *is tiny- coc#roac*4in+ested room- '*ic* *e lo1ed &ecause t*ere 'ere pigeons +lapping and
cooing outside *is 'indo',.
+$e )rbus p$o#o!rap$s were apparen#ly never s$own, bu# some#$in! of #$e 19<B/s Moon"o! was
%ap#ure" in &$appa7ua, &onra" *ooks/ ma!nifi%en#, impressionis#i% film w$i%$ also in%lu"e" %ameos
from )llen Dinsber! an" .illiam ,urrou!$s. =rne##e &oleman ori!inally provi"e" #$e soun"#ra%k, bu#
$is work was "e%lare" 0#oo in#ense0 an" a new %olle%#ion was "eman"e". a"ly (ar"in was
overlooke", *avi $ankar was re%rui#e" ins#ea", al#$ou!$ $e/" la#er "isown $is involvemen#, appalle"
by #$e $e"onism $is musi% a%%ompanie".
,y June 19<5, Moon"o! was livin! a# (ippie (ouse on .es# 5An" #ree#, w$ere $e %omple#e" $is
firs# book of musi%al roun"s. (e #$en $a" i# prin#e" up (as $e woul" $is poe#ry) sellin! %opies #o
#$ose w$o s$owe" an in#eres#. #a#ione" ou#si"e #$e .arwi%k (o#el, $e be!an a %onversa#ion wi#$ a
youn! musi%ian w$o $a" been #ransfi8e" by #$e si!$# of #$is s#ran!e bein! #$e previous year w$en,
as par# of +$e ,u%kin!$ams, be/" been in #own from &$i%a!o, on #$e ba%k of 0>in" =f ) ?ra!0. Jim
Duer%io in#ro"u%e" $imself a!ain an" "es%ribe" $ow $e was now a re%or" pro"u%er. Moon"o! sol"
$im a %opy of book 1, an" #$ou!$# li##le more abou# i#. +$e followin! year Duer%io re#urne" wi#$ a
&olumbia e8e%u#ive.
+$e resul# was Moondog an" Moondog 2, (ar"in/s mos# polis$e" works. I am a classicist at
*eart- $e pro%laims in #$e liner no#e #o #$e firs#, 'al#ing *um&ly in t*e +ootsteps o+ !ac*- !eet*o1en-
"agner and !ra*ms, "it* spear in *and I de+end t*e 1alues t*ey up*eld against all comers, I am a
tonalist at odds 'it* all atonalists- polytonalists- computeri5ers etc,
1# is a remarkable work an" spans #wen#y years of %omposi#ional wri#in!. +$e openin! pie%e, 6*eme,
"a#es from 195A an" firs# appeare" on Moondog And His Friends, )ymp*oni7ue o 3, wri##en in
1954, was revise" an" s%ore" in 19<B, w$ile )ymp*oni7ue o 8, %on%eive" as a #ribu#e #o ,enny
Doo"man, %omes from 1955.
Lament 1 %on#inue" #$is eulo!y #o Ja'' an" was wri##en "urin! #$e same year as )ymp*oni7ue o
8 on #$e "ea#$ of &$arlie Parker. ,ir" of#en s#oppe" #o #alk wi#$ Moon"o!, an" #$e #wo of#en
"is%usse" re%or"in! #o!e#$er. One nig*t 2'e3 met in 6imes )7uare and 2I3 s*oo# a s*a#ing *and- not
realising t*at t*is 'ould &e t*e last time 'e met, 1# was even#ually performe" live a# +$e 2illa!e
+$ea#re in #$e )u#umn of 19<3.
Moondog 2 followe" in 1931. ub#i#le" Moondog Madrigals or Round 6*e "orld O+ )ound, #$ey
be##er e8plain #$e %on%ep#ion be$in" #$e %olle%#ion. I &egan 'riting rounds in 1991- $e re%alls in #$e
sleeveno#e, and 1aguely remem&er 'riting t*e +irst one '%ll Is Loneliness'- in a door'ay on 91st
)treet &et'een :t* %1enue and !road'ay, For t*e ne;t year or t'o I 'rote a&out si; do5en-
recorded a +e'- &ut not*ing muc* *appened and I lost interest, !ut '*en I *eard t*at !ig !rot*er
and t*e /olding Company *ad recorded '%ll Is Loneliness' I too# to 'riting t*em again,
+$e re%or" fea#ures A< roun"s. #$e s$or#es# Do'n is <p las#s a mere 1.B3E #$e lon!es#, "*at's 6*e
Most =;citing 6*ing wei!$#s in a# a mammo#$ A.C1. -yri%ally, #$ey resemble #$e %ouple# verse $e
woul" $awk from $is s#ree# %ornerF o- t*e '*eel 'as ne1er in1ented > no- no- no- no > (our legs
are spo#es o+ a t'o4legged '*eel > %nd your *ips are #no&&ly a;les > 6*e 'orld 'as al'ays on
'*eels, Musi%ally #$ey soun" like nibbles from a !rea#er pie, in"ivi"ually frus#ra#in! in #$eir brevi#y
bu# #o!e#$er #$ey form a won"rous pa#%$work.
i8#een of #$e pie%es ori!inally "a#e from Moon"o!/s firs# %omposi#ional spree, an" #$ey in%lu"e !e %
/o&o, w$i%$ +$e 1nse%# +rus# (see #ran!e +$in!s C) in#erpre#e" on #$eir se%on" album (oboken
a#ur"ay Ni!$#. )ll A< are arran!e" in su%$ a way #$a# #$ey be!in a# & Ma6or an" %on#inue #$rou!$
an" aroun" #$e %$ain of fif#$s, #$rou!$ #$e fla# keys in#o #$e s$arp keys, en"in! a!ain in & Ma6or an"
#$us also %omple#in! a %ir%le.
+$e ensemble $erein is mu%$ smaller, si8 plus a lone %on#ribu#ion on #rouba"or $arp. 2iolas,
$arpsi%$or"s, re%or"ers an" an%ien# or!an blen" wi#$ (ar"in/s won"erful #rimbas, $is #rian!ular "rum
upon w$i%$ a %ymbal is e#. &overe" by a pie%e of sof# lea#$er, i#/s #$en s#ru%k by a mara%a #o !ive
off #$a# "is#in%#ive, pulsa#in!, per%ussion soun", $is 0"eli%a#e &opelan"es7ue mo"ern r$y#$ms0, as
one %ri#i% $as "es%ribe" #$em.
4arly in 1934, Moon"o! #ravelle" #o Dermany #o perform a series of ra"io %on%er#s. +$a# $e/" #$en
se##le #$ere was ra#$er unsurprisin!. (ar"in of#en referre" #o $imself as a =uropean in e;ile? one
2+oot3 in t*e present and one in t*e past, (is ima!e was no# merely #$a# of surprise, $e s#u"ie" +$e
4l"ar 4""a an" revokin! $is &$ris#ian upbrin!in! in #$e wake of $is blin"in!, be!an embra%in! #$e
!o"s an" my#$s of Nor#$ern 4urope.
Moon"o! an" Posi#ion )lp$a, #o%k$olm, we"en 195<
-ive performan%es in we"en an" 9ran%e la##erly followe", bu# #$e mos# imme"ia#e le!a%y of #$is
remarkable e8ile were #$e #$ree albums $e %u# for #$e >opf label. Moondog In Europe was
re%or"e" in 1935. H'Art Songs an" A New Sound Of An Od Instru!ent followe" i# in su%%essive
years. Meanw$ile, a small sli%e of $is ar%$ive pas# pre%e"e" #$ese in 193< w$en Derman M&)H&oral
pla%e" #$ree live #ra%ks, re%or"e" C.4.<C, on "#$$ %#& 'ou!e (), par# of #$eir impressive Ja''#ime
J..). series. +$ese may, or may no#, %olla#e wi#$ ma#erial release" on On The Streets Of New
York, $owever a 195B release, See*ted +orks, issue" in )meri%a by Musi%al (eri#a!e, "i", in par#,
re;assess some of Moon"o!/s e8%ep#ional le!a%y. 1#/s now some si8 years sin%e #$is wri#er $a"
knowle"!e of #$is remarkable man/s w$ereabou#s, fur#$er news of $is %ir%ums#an%es, or in"ee" any
o#$er re%or"in!s woul" in"ee" be wel%ome. Classicism is a 1ery large puddle- $e no#e"
on Moondog. I am content- i+ need &e- to &e a 1ery small +rog in it, Only time and posterity can
decide @ust *o' &ig a +rog I 'ill &e,
(+$e au#$or a%knowle"!es +om >la##/s pie%e /Moon"o! 1n 4urope/ firs# publis$e" in ,u%ke#ful =f
,rains < (195C). everal 7uo#es are #aken from ?iane )rbus ; ) ,io!rap$y, wri##en by Pa#ri%ia
,oswor#$ an" publis$e" by .illiam (einemann in 1955.)
Bire Maga2ine! May "##" +3 ::*:6 and +3 68
%oel Lewis&
Moondog3 , viking conDuers New ork
=u# of (ell/s >i#%$en $e %ame, #$e %ape" %omposer wi#$ a 2ikin! $elme#. #ravinsky a"mire" $im,
&$arlie Parker playe" $is musi%. Julie )n"rews san! $is son!s. 9or AB years $e roame" #$e s#ree#s of
New York, a 0si"ewalk Mo'ar#0 "rape" in army blanke#s. +$en $e vanis$e" ; Joel -ewis re%oun#s #$e
e8#raor"inary s#ory of Moon"o! an" $ow a# las# $e $a" $is "ay. P$o#o %our#esy of ?anny +$ompson.
0Moon"o!M Divin! a %on%er# a# ,)M on +$urs"ayMM Joel, somebo"y is pullin! your le!. Moon"o! "ie"
years a!oM +$e !uy #$ey !o# #o %on"u%# #$e or%$es#ra mus# be a fake Moon"o! or some#$in!M De#
realM0
+$e semi;soloni% voi%e on #$e o#$er en" of #$e p$one was my ol" boss, ,ob Por#er. .$ile a# %olle!e, 1
mana!e" $is all;6a'' re%or" s#ore in my $ome #own of Nor#$ ,er!en, New Jersey. 1 $ave %alle" $im in
be#ween re%or"s on $is mornin! 6a'' s$ow on .,D=HNewark for some insi"e "ope. ,efore 1 %an ask
ano#$er 7ues#ion, ,ob %u#s in 0Do# #o !o an" %ue up 4lmo (opeM0 &li%k.
O ,ea#ri%e 9re$n
1n (ambur! (1934)
0Moon"o!@ ?i"n/# $e "ie a few years ba%k@0 1 am a#
*u#!ersHNewark/s 1ns#i#u#e of Ja'' #u"ies speakin! #o ?an
Mor!ens#ern, "is#in!uis$e" %ri#i% an" "ire%#or of #$is massive
ar%$ive. Mor!ens#ern, $owever, $as no #$eory of fake Moon;
"o!s. 1ns#ea", $e pulls ou# #wo fol"ers marke" 0M==N?=D0
an" %lears a #able spa%e for my resear%$. +$e firs# "ippin! 1
spy is from #$e #abloi" New York 4n7uirer, "a#e" 9 July, 195<.
+$e fron# pa!e pro%laims, in a #ype usually reserve" for serial
killers 0+(4Y &)-- M4 M==N?=DM0. ,elow is a pi%#ure of a
blin" man wi#$ a %ane walkin! in Mi"#own Man$a##an "resse"
as a 2ikin!. +o #$e ri!$# of $is $ea" is ano#$er $ea"lineF 0/1#
ain/# no sin #o sin!/, moans Presley.0
) week la#er, 1 am wai#in! in #$e lobby of #$e &arl#on (o#el in mi";Man$a##an, lis#enin! #o a Pakis#ani
"esk %lerk ar!ue wi#$ #$e 1sraeli bellboy in s#a%%a#o broken 4n!lis$. +$en #$e eleva#or "oors open
an" ou# %omes a si8;foo# man "resse" in brown pan#s an" swea#er wearin! a nea# prop$e#;len!#$
w$i#e bear". +$is is no fake Moon"o! ; i# is #$e same man w$ose blin" eyes s#are" ou# a# me from
my re%or" %olle%#ion an" w$om 1 passe" as a #eena!er on my firs# solo fli!$#s in#o Man$a##an.
Moon"o!, a fi8#ure on New York &i#y s#ree#s playin! $omema"e #rian!ular "rums an" sellin! $is
poe#ry from #$e la#e 4Bs #o #$e early 3Bs, re#urne" re%en#ly #o New York for #$e firs# #ime in 15 years
#o %on"u%# #$e ,rooklyn P$il$armoni% &$amber =r%$es#ra in a pro!ramme of $is musi% as par# of #$e
New Musi% )meri%a fes#ival. .$en fes#ival or!ani'er Yale 4velev "is%overe" #$a# Moon"o! $a" been
livin! in a small #own in .es# Dermany sin%e #$e mi";3Bs, $e invi#e" $im #o par#i%ipa#e in a fes#ival
renowne" for an e%le%#i%ism #$a# a%%ommo"a#es P$ilip Dlass as well as #$e #$ras$ ban" ,lin" 1"io#
Do". +$inkin! of $im as a near;for!o##en fi!ure, 4velev was overw$elme" by #$e publi% response
#$a# ma"e Moon"o!/s performan%e #$e mos# wi"ely %overe" even# of #$e fes#ival.
0Maybe i# #akes New York 15 years #o miss you,0 sai" Moon"o!, obviously en6oyin! all #$e a##en#ion
$e was re%eivin!. 9or New Yorkers w$o remember $im as #$e o""ly noble fi!ure in 2ikin! $elme# an"
army blanke#s, $e is a si!nifier of ano#$er epo%$ in #$e life of New YorkE per$aps no !en#ler bu#, a#
leas#, w$ere %ivil life fun%#ione" by an unwri##en %o"e of fair play. Moon"o!/s s#ory, as i# was %overe"
in #$e lo%al papers, was abou# #$e free"om of #$e %i#y ; w$ere a man %oul" live an" work on #$e
s#ree#s if $e %$ose #o.
) 195C ar#i%le in Colliers #ells
i#s rea"ersF 0Moon"o! "oesn/#
$ave #o play on #$e s#ree#s, $u#
$e seemin!ly $as no in#en#ion
of leavin! #$em. /1 like #o flaun#
%onven#ion/, $e says.0
&onven#ion in early 5Bs New
York is %$asin! #$e /*e"s/ ou# of
&&NY an" #$e publi% s%$ools. 1#
is wai#in! for #$e >orean .ar #o
en" an" usin! #$e D1 ,ill #o buy
one small &ape &o" ou# of
#$ousan"s risin! ou# of an ol"
-on! 1slan" po#a#o fiel". 9if#y
per%en# of all women are
marrie" by a!e 19 in 195C. +$e
res#auran# #$a# people line up
for is +oo#s $oor, w$i%$ serves
!uy;#ype foo" an" %a#ers #o #$e
baseball an" bo8in! %row"s.
Moon"o! is #$e ne!a#ion of #$e
=r!ani'a#ion Man an", #$erefore, $o# %opy ... a blin" !enius w$o refuses #$e narrow #ie an" s7uare
pa" in -evi##own. (e %alls $is musi% 0snake#ime0, plays $omema"e ins#rumen#s %alle" 0oo0, 0#rim;
bas0 an" 0uni0 an" $an"s ou# poe#ry #$a# some "erisively %all 0Moon"o!!erel0F .Go commercial.-
cried t*e prostitutes- in e1ery calling, >.)ell your soul- &ut sell yoursel+, Get 'it* it, )top t*e
stalling,.
+$e #ransforma#ion of one -ouis (ar"in, son of an 4pis%opalian minis#er, in#o #$e s#ree# performer
%alle" Moon"o! be!ins on 4 July, 19CA in (urley, Missouri. 01 pi%ke" up a "ynami#e %ap on a railroa"
#ra%k af#er a floo" an" poun"e" on i#. 1# e8plo"e" in my fa%e.0 +$e 1<;year;ol" $i!$ s%$ool "rummer
was #o#ally blin". 0)# firs# 1 "i"n/# wan# #o live,0 Moon"o! #ol" a repor#er in 1944. 04veryone pi#ie"
me. +$a#/s e8a%#ly w$a# #$ey s$oul"n/# $ave "one.0 Moon"o! wen# #o #$e 1owa %$ool for #$e ,lin"
an" re%eive" formal #rainin! in violin, viola, pipe or!an an" sin!in!.
)f#er 1owa, $e worke" on $is fa#$er/s farm for five years. 1n 194C, $e "e%i"e" #o !o #o New York &i#y,
as $e envisione" #$e %i#y as a Me%%a for %omposers. (e survive", ini#ially, by posin! in ar# s%$ools.
(e spen# mos# of $is #ime, $owever, %omposin! on a small or!an in a #iny room in #$e (ell/s >i#%$en
"is#ri%#. +akin! #o wearin! a %ape an" monk/s $oo" an" spor#in! a lon! "ark bear" in #$e mi"s# of
.orl" .ar 11 aus#eri#y, Moon"o! mus# $ave pi7ue" #$e %uriosi#y of New York P$il$armoni% %on"u%#or
)r#ur *o"'inski w$en $e saw $im s#an"in! a# #$e en#ran%e #o &arne!ie (all. 0+o"ay, 1 $a" a !rea#
s$o%k0, $e #ol" $is wife (alina, 01 saw a person wi#$ #$e fa%e of &$ris#.0 *o"'inski permi##e" Moon"o!
#o a##en" #$e re$earsals of #$e or%$es#ra.
+$e *o"'inskis were so #aken by #$is youn!, in#ense blin" man #$a# #$ey invi#e" $im #o s#ay a# #$eir
9if#$ )venue apar#men#. (owever, some#$in! insi"e Moon"o! kep# $im from a%%ep#in! #$is offer. 01
"i"n/# a%%ep# i#,0 Moon"o! #ol" me wi#$ some bemusemen# in $is voi%e, 01 "on/# know w$y ; #oo
prou" or in"epen"en# or some#$in!. (alina even #ook me #o #$e eye "o%#or an" brou!$# me #o
Julliar" #o !e# musi% lessons.0 )# #$e same #ime, Moon"o!/s a##ire be%ame more an" more bi'arre,
s$if#in! from $oo"s #o army blanke#s. 01 s#ar#e" %$an!in! my %lo#$es li##le by li##le,0 Moon"o!
re%alle", 0an" one "ay )r#ur sai"F /-ouie, 1/" like #o $ave a lon! #alk abou# your %lo#$es/. ) few weeks
la#er, one of #$e violinis#s %ame by an" sai"F /-ouis, you %an/# %ome ba%k #o re$earsals unless you
%$an!e your %lo#$es #o a %onven#ional s#yle. +$is is a messa!e from ,runo :ara#o, #$e P$il$armoni%/s
mana!er./0 Moon"o!, w$o ima!ine" $imself a 04uropean in e8ile0, refuse" #o %onform #o #$e fas$ion
%o"es of #$e or%$es#ral worl" $e aspire" #o an" $ea"e" #owar"s #wo "e%a"es on #$e s#ree#s of New
York.
-ouis (ar"in #ook
#$e name Moon"o!
in 1943, in $onour
of $is "o! ba%k in
(urley 0w$o use"
#o $owl a# #$e
moon more #$an
any "o! 1 knew of0.
1n 1945, #alk of
a#omi% war %ause"
$im #o flee #o #$e
.es# &oas#. (e
ma"e i# #o -os
)n!eles, playe" a
piano pie%e a# #$e
Million ?ollar
+$ea#re opposi#e
?uke 4llin!#on, bu#
#$e press %onfuse"
$im wi#$ 0Na#ure
,oy0 ; a novel#y a%#
of #$e perio" w$o
"resse" like ,omba
#$e Jun!le ,oy an"
wro#e #$e eponymous son! #$a# Na# >in! &ole ma"e famous. +$e firs# !limmerin!s of freak"om are
obvious in #$e $ea"lines from #$a# #our of #$e .es# an" Mi"wes#F 0,lin", ,ear"e" )pos#le of New
?an%e *$y#$m #ar#les Moline0, 0Povo &i#i'ens Dape a# /Moon"o!/ De#up0, an" 0Ma#%$ for Na#ure ,oy
ells (is Musi% (ere0 are a few of #$e #ypi%al $ea"lines.
*e#urnin! #o New York &i#y in 1949 an" fin"in! #$a# musi%al bookers were no# in#eres#e" in w$a#
#$ey #ook #o be ano#$er 0Na#ure ,oy0, Moon"o! s#ar#e" playin! $is "rums in #$e s#ree#s aroun"
+imes 7uare. (e soon s$if#e" $is venue #o i8#$ )venue aroun" #$e 9if#ies (#$is venue %$an!e" over
#$e years). ) few blo%ks away, bebop musi% was fillin! #$e %lubs alon! 9if#y;e%on" #ree#. Moon"o!
soon be%ame some#$in! of a %ul# fi!ure for #$e musi%ians w$o playe" alon! 0#$e #ree#0. =ne ni!$#
&$arlie Parker "roppe" by Moon"o!/s %orner, $ear" $is "rums an" su!!es#e" #$a# #$ey re%or"
#o!e#$erE bu# Parker "ie" soon af#er #$is mee#in!.
Moon"o! re%or"e" 7ui#e e8#ensively in #$e perio" be#ween #$e la#e 4Bs an" early 5Bs. +ony
%$war#', a youn! au"io en!ineer wi#$ a bulky +elefunken re%or"er, brou!$# Moon"o! #o #$e
a##en#ion of 4pi% *e%or"s, w$o release" a 45rpm 4P in 195C. Pres#i!e, one of #$e primary
"o%umen#ers of bebop, release" #$ree -Ps of Moon"o!/s musi%. +$ese albums, e8#remely rare #o"ay,
fea#ure Moon"o!/s 0snake#ime musi%0, (name" be%ause of #$eir o"", 0snakin!0 #ime si!na#ures),
per%ussion pie%es an" s#ree# "o%umen#ary re%or"in!s. +$e mos# le!en"ary of #$e la##er is of Moon"o!
playin! a flu#e "ue# wi#$ #$e s#eam w$is#le of #$e (M Pueen Mary.
,y #$e #ime of #$e 4pi% 4P, Moon"o! $a" #aken #o wearin! full 2ikin! re!alia. New York was, in #$e
early 5Bs, s#ill a %i#y wi#$ nine "aily papers an" many %olumn in%$es #o fill. (e is referre" #o as a
0si"ewalk Mo'ar#0 by one %olumnis# an" is %ompare" #o a s#ree# musi%ian in an =rien#al ,a'aar. (e
be%omes some#$in! of an a"6un%# #o #$e bop worl", w$i%$ is, in #$e "ays before 4lvis, #$e only
uns7uare s$ow in #own. +$e New York 4n7uirer "ubs $im 0+$e prop$e# of /#$e pro!ressive 6a''
i"iom/0. +$e $is#ory of $is ni%kname is now a##ribu#e" #o )meri%an 1n"ians, wi#$ w$om (i# is %laime")
$e learne" $is "rum #e%$ni7ue. 1# is even repor#e" #$a# $e #ells repor#ers #$a# $is $ome lan" is
0asnak0 (>ansas spel# ba%kwar"). ./o' 'as I to #no' t*at ne'smen ta#e t*e 'orld +or grantedA >
/o' 'as I to #no' t*e ne's t*ey deign to print is slantedA., lamen#s Moon"o! in one of $is %ouple#s
of #$e perio".
Moon"o! a%$ieve" na#ional no#orie#y in 1954 w$en $e sue" "is% 6o%key )llan 9ree" in a G1BB,BBB
"ama!e sui# for #$e misuse of $is ar#. 9ree", w$o is !enerally %re"i#e" wi#$ %oinin! #$e #erm /ro%k
an" roll/ an" in#ro"u%in! w$i#e you#$ #o soun"s of bla%k *Q,, $a" pro%laime" $imself 0>in! of #$e
Moon"o!!ers0 on $is .1N 0(ouse of Moon"o!!ers0 ra"io s$ow an" was usin! #$e Moon"o!
ymp$ony as $is #$eme. )n ar#i%le publis$e" in Our "orld ma!a'ine s$ows a p$o#o of Moon"o!
pi%ke#in! on #$e s#ree#s wi#$ a san"wi%$ boar" #$a# pro%laims 0.1N JN9)1*0 an" 01 )M
M==N?=D0. ) A4 November, 1954 ar#i%le in #$e New York +imes repor#s on #$e in#ro"u%#ion of
Moon"o!/s musi% as evi"en%e in #$e %our# $earin!sF 0)s #$e musi%al melan!e of 6un!le soun"s, plus
$armonies #$a# soun"e" like melo"ies from a &$inese mambo an" %la##erin! %$ops#i%ks, poure" from
a por#able p$ono!rap$ an" e%$oe" #$rou!$ou# #$e %$ambers, Jus#i%e .al#er burie" $is fa%e be$in" a
$an"ker%$ief.0 Moon"o! "i", $owever, win $is %ase an" 9ree" wen# on #o a brief, mer%urial %areer
wi#$ou# $is ol" moniker. =nly wi#$ $is re#urn #o New York "i" Moon"o! learn w$a# may $ave
influen%e" #$e 6u"!e/s surprisin! rulin!F 01!or
#ravinsky knew abou# me an" %alle" up #$e 6u"!e an"
#ol" $im, /You mus# #ake #$is man seriously, $e/s a fine
%omposer/. 1ma!ine #$a#M0
+$ere were o#$ers in a posi#ion #o $elp Moon"o!, bu#
#$e %ri#erion always seeme" #o in%lu"e #$e %as$in! in
of $is 2ikin! !arb an" army blanke#s. (e appeare" on
#eve )llen/s +2 s$ow an" $e arran!e" an album of
Mo#$er Doose r$ymes for a pre;My Fair Lady Julie )n"rews for )n!el re%or"s, bu# none of #$is
#ransla#e" in#o a 0real0 %areer as a musi%ian. (e live" in a series of fleaba! $o#els an" spen# mos# of
#$e money $e ma"e on #$e s#ree#s on %opyis#s w$o %oul" #ransla#e $is braille s%ores in#o musi%al
no#a#ion. (e $a" !one beyon" $is ma"ri!als, per%ussion pie%es an" snake#ime ; $e was "evo#in! $is
#ime #o full;blown %lassi%al pie%es wri##en #onally an" in %oun#erpoin#, bu# no or%$es#ra was willin! #o
play $is musi%.
)l#$ou!$ $e spen# #$e 5Bs in almos# #o#al isola#ion from o#$er %lassi%al %omposers, in #$e <Bs $e
be%ame frien"ly wi#$ a !roup of men w$o woul" s$ape #$e %lassi%al worl" of #$e 5Bs ; P$ilip Dlass,
#even *ei%$ an" +erry *iley, wi#$ Moon"o! "ubbin! #$is musi%al %ir%le as 0+$e Man$a##an 9our0. )s
refu!ees from #$e oppressiveness of #$e "ominan# serial %omposers, #$ese youn! i%ono%las#s mus#
$ave seen #$e ol"er %omposer as a fellow #raveller. Dlass/s use of simple melo"i% rei#era#ion an"
*ei%$/s use of mara%as in some of $is works seem #o $ave roo#s in Moon"o!/s %omposi#ions.
Moon"o! was finally affor"e" #$e
oppor#uni#y #o re%or" $is %lassi%al musi%
w$en $e was si!ne" #o a &olumbia
Mas#erwork %on#ra%# in 19<9. ) %ra%k
s#u"io or%$es#ra plays $is works wi#$
Moon"o! %on"u%#in! an" playin! $is
ba##ery of $omema"e per%ussion. +$e
album woul" be in &olumbia/s %a#alo!ue
for 13 years, sellin! 4B,BBB %opies ;
remarkable for a %omposer w$ose
works were never performe" in publi%.
Moon"o!, a favouri#e of #$e boppers,
was now #aken up by ro%k musi%ians.
Janis Joplin re%or"s $is 0)ll 1s
-oneliness0 on $er firs# album an"
%alle" #$e %omposer 0a beau#iful %a#0 in
#$e liner no#es. +$e ban" 1nse%# +rus#
(fea#urin! musi% %ri#i% *ober# Palmer on
ree"s) re%or"e" 0,e ) (obo0 on
#$eir /o&o#en )aturday ig*t album.
+$is in#eres# in $is son!s en%oura!e"
Moon"o! #o wri#e ma"ri!als a!ain an",
in 1931, $e re%or"s an album/s wor#$.
(owever, wi#$ &olumbia failin! #o
promo#e #$e album, i# "i" poorly an"
Moon"o! was "roppe" from #$e label.
,y now, #$e novel#y of Moon"o! be!an
wearin! off. +$e man w$om #$e Miami
(eral" on%e "ubbe" a 0pre;,ea#nik0
be!an lookin! posi#ively mains#ream.
+$e appearan%e of $ippies ma"e a
bear"e" man in an army blanke# ra#$er
a %ommon si!$# on #$e s#ree#s. )n"
wi#$ New York &i#y en#erin! a Dol"en
)!e of pee" an" (eroin #$a# sen#
many of i#s ol" ,o$emians an" ,ea#niks fleein!, #$e s#ree#s be%ame less an" less safe for a blin"
man.
Moon"o!/s new p$ase be!an w$en $e wen# #o 9rankfur# in 1934 #o perform a series of %on%er#s. (e
was on #$e s#ree#s ("resse", of %ourse, in $is familiar 2ikin! !arb) sellin! $is poe#ry w$en a A3;year;
ol" !eolo!y s#u"en# name" 1lona Doebel saw $im. $e, like o#$er passersby, #ook $im for a %ra'y
person. oon af#erwar"s, s$e saw, an" la#er bou!$#, $is &olumbia or%$es#ral album an" was s#ar#le"
by w$a# s$e $ear". $e invi#e" Moon"o! #o $er $ome in =er;4rkens%$wi%k an" #$is is w$ere $e $as
been sin%e #$en.
Ms Doebel, af#er a !oo" "eal of pro""in!, %onvin%e" Moon"o! #o !ive
up $is $elme#, spear an" army blanke#s. 0You/re ei#$er a fas$ion
"esi!ner or a %omposer,0 s$e #ol" $im an" Moon"o! %$ose #$e la##er,
#$ou!$ in !ra"ual in%remen#s. Doebel be%ame #$e $eroine in
Moon"o!/s life ; s$e is $is a!en#, pro"u%er, mana!er, #rans%riber an"
life %ompanion. $e forme" Mana!ram, a publis$in! %ompany #$a#
makes $is musi%al s%ores an" poe#ry available ; #$us avoi"in! a
problem #$a# pla!ue" $im in $is New York "ays. )l#$ou!$ $is musi% is no# performe" as mu%$ as $e/"
wis$, symp$onies $ave finally been performin! $is musi% in Paris, 2ienna, al'bur! an" #o%k$olm.
(e $as $a", $owever, #wo albums of musi% release" in re%en# years, wi#$ a #$ree;&? se# "ue for
release by a .es# Derman label. 1n a""i#ion, $is #wo &olumbia albums are now available on a sin!le
&?, $is firs# Pres#i!e album is available on 9an#asy/s =J& series an" an ins#rumen#al arran!emen# of
#$e folk son! 0Du!!isber!lie"0 was on #$e wiss Pop %$ar#s for #en weeks. )n" #o #$e surprise of
#$ose pu# off by $is appearan%e, $is pie%es are /s#rai!$#/ enou!$ #o $ave one %ri#i% "ub $im 0a ra"i%al
%onserva#ive0.
(e wri#es $is pie%es in %$a%onnes, !roun"s an" %anons ; forms !oin! ba%k #o #$e be!innin! of
.es#ern $armony. (e is an enemy of a#onali#y an" is an unas$ame" wors$ipper of Mo'ar#, ,a%$ an"
,ee#$oven. 0+$ere is no su%$ #$in! as ori!inali#y,0 $e assure" me, 0only in"ivi"uali#y an" if you/re
#rue #o yourself, you %an/# $elp bu# be "ifferen#.0 )n" as #o #$ose w$o see $is musi% as bein! naive or
re#ro!ra"e, $e respon"s a bi# %ryp#i%ally, 0?arwin was wron!M No# every#$in! wan#s #o rise up $i!$er
an" $i!$er. ome wan# #o s#ay ; 1 %all #$a# /levolu#ion/ ; 1 6us# a"" #$e /l/ #o evolu#ion.0
Moon"o!/ appearan%e a# ,)M/s Ma6es#i% +$ea#re was appropria#ely prefa%e" by a rare bra%e of
#orna"oes #$a# rippe" #$rou!$ #$e New York &i#y me#ropoli#an area. (e was #$e finale #o an evenin!
#$a# fea#ure" %omposi#ions by Jo$n :orn an" ,u#%$ Morris, #wo musi%ians a# #$e %en#re of
e8perimen#alis# musi%s%enes. (e was a%%ompanie" #o #$e s#a!e by $is youn!es# "au!$#er ; w$om $e
$a"n/# seen for AB years (an" w$o $a" only learne" of $is appearan%e #$a# mornin! in $er $ome#own
of P$ila"elp$ia #$rou!$ an issue of +ower *e%or"s/ Pulse Ma!a'ine).
(e was wearin! a re" #uni% over a bla%k velour s$ir# an" $a" a re" wool skull %ap on $is $ea" ; woul"
*o"'inski $ave approve" su%$ %asual "ress #o %on"u%# a 5B;pie%e or%$es#ra@ (alina, *o"'inski/s
7ui#e;ol" wi"ow was brou!$# #o #$e %on%er# by a
limo an" one of Moon"o!/s pie%es on #$e
pro!ramme, 0?ark 4yes0, was "e"i%a#e" #o $er.
Moon"o! seeme" un"er #$e spell of #$e musi% $e
was %on"u%#in!, bea#in! #$e bass "rum like #$e
%on"u%#or of a *oman !alley s$ip. +$e musi%
soun"e" like un"ays/ wor#$ of )meri%a ; brass
ban"s, *oarin! ABs /"ir#y/ sa8op$ones an"
me#ronomes embossin! #ime in #$e brains of
relu%#an# 2an &liburn 6uniors. 1n a musi% fes#ival
w$ose un"erlyin! #$eme is 0$ow out %an you !e#0,
Moon"o! #ook #$a# ima!inary lovin! %up by !oin!
ba%k, way ba%k, #o Pales#rina an" snake#ime
r$y#$ms.
(is s#an"in! ova#ion was earne" #$a# evenin!E i#
was also #$e in#eres# a%%rue" in a%knowle"!in! a life full of mis%onne%#ions an" $ar" pri"e ; a life
#$a# seems #o $ave ri!$#e" i#self wi#$ #$e simple a%# of bein! respe%#e" in one/s #ime for one/s works
an" a%%omplis$men#s. )s $is "au!$#er !en#ly le" $im ba%ks#a!e, $e seeme" a"van%in! in#o #$e
%oun#ry of $is $ear#.
+om >la## (Mi##e) mi# Moon"o!, Probe "er P$il$armonia (un!ari%a in Marl
aus H fromF 1n#er Na#iones. Derman;)meri%an &ul#ural *eview, prin! 1994, p. <5;<9
Berthold ?loster)ann
Moondog
>aroline was only si8, bu# s$e wan#e" #o marry $im. +$en $e %oul" play #$e piano for $er before s$e
wen# #o be" a# ni!$#, maybe even some of $is /'art )ongs. >aroline like" #$ose #$e bes#. (er mom/s
ob6e%#ion #$a# $e was even ol"er #$an !ran"pa "i"n/# %$an!e $er min". 1# "i"n/# ma##er $ow ol" $e
wasE $is son!s were youn!. )n" $er paren#s %oul" only a!ree. +o"ay #$ey $ave #$eir own re%or"
label in ,o%$um "evo#e" #o #$e musi% of -ouis +$omas (ar"in, be##er known as 0Moon"o!0. +$e blin"
)meri%an %omposer $as live" in =er;4rkens%$wi%k, a #own a# #$e nor#$ern e"!e of #$e *u$r "is#ri%#,
for #wo "e%a"es now. Movin! from #$e me#ropolis #o #$e provin%e, $is is #$e %lassi%al su%%ess s#ory in
reverse.
No# #$a# Moon"o!/s son!s are only for %$il"ren like >aroline. (is simple melo"ies an" absur" lyri%s,
$is plays on wor"s an" seemin!ly naive ima!es, an" no# leas# $is raspin! voi%e, also appeal #o
a"ul#s. ,u# su%$ /'art )ongs play only a perip$eral role in Moon"o!/s musi%. +$ey are %asual pie%es,
more or less wri##en in passin! an" a# o"" momen#s #$rou!$ou# #$e life of #$e 35;year;ol" musi%ian.
1n #$ese son!s #$e blin" bar" li!$#ly employs #$e same #e%$ni7ues #$a# $e applies in a more ri!i",
puris#i% manner in o#$er %omposi#ions.
(e %onsi"ers $imself a %lassi%is#. 9or Moon"o!, #$e supreme
#e%$ni7ue in musi% is %oun#erpoin#, w$i%$ $as forme" #$e
basis of %omposi#ion sin%e #$e *enaissan%e, if no# #$e Mi""le
)!es. Never#$eless, lea"in! avan#!ar"e %omposers
repea#e"ly poin# #o $is influen%e on #$eir work. )n" Moon"o!
$imself never #ires of %learin! up misun"ers#an"in!sF 01f you
#alk #o P$il Dlass $e/ll say, /=$ no, Moon"o!, $e/s #$e lea"er
of #$e pa%k/, an" #$a# 1/m #$e foun"er of minimalism. (e an"
#eve *ei%$ ma"e up #$e name /minimal/, bu# #$ey a##a%$e"
#$e wor" #o me. +$ey use" #o sin! my ma"ri!als w$en we
re%or"e" #$em ba%k in 19<9, before #$ey !o# s#ar#e" wi#$
#$eir minimalism. o #$ey %laim #$a# 1 s#ar#e" #$e w$ole
#$in!. ,u# 1 "i"n/#. ,a%$ was "oin! minimal, #oo, in $is
fu!ues. o w$a#/s new@ *epe#i#ion is basi% in musi%, bu# my
repe#i#ive musi% is far "ifferen# from w$a# Dlass an" *ei%$
are "oin!. +$ey "on/# !o in#o #$e %oun#erpoin# like l "o. +$ey
play a p$rase for an $our. 1# mi!$# %rea#e a moo", bu# 1/m
no# in#eres#e" in #$a# kin" of moo". 1/m in#eres#e" in
s#ru%#ure, melo"y, form, "evelopmen#. 1 follow #$e ol" %lassi%
values ; #$e ar# of %on%ealin! ar#, ma8imum effe%# wi#$
minimum means, lo!i%al #$ema#i% "evelopmen#, no# 6us#
%ons#an# repe#i#ion.0
Moon"o! views %on#rapun#al #e%$ni7ue as #$e non;plus;ul#ra
of musi% an", somew$a# mis%$ievously an" a li##le #on!ue;in;
%$eek, even %$i"es $is %lassi%al forerunners for #$eir appli%a#ion of #$e me#$o". (e a%%uses
Pales#rina, an" even ,a%$ $imself, of "evia#in! from #$e rules of %oun#erpoin#. )n" ye# Moon"o!/s
musi% "oesn/# soun" %lassi%al. Jsin! %lassi%al #e%$ni7ues, $e a%$ieves non;%lassi%al resul#s. +$e mos#
pe%uliar #$in! abou# $is works is #$eir r$y#$m. (is beau#iful, #imeless musi% ; w$e#$er son!s or
or%$es#ral pie%es, %anons or %$a%onnes, ma"ri!als or sui#es ; is always un"erlai" wi#$ "is#in%#ive
per%ussion r$y#$ms w$i%$ #$e %omposer $imself "rums ou# "urin! %on%er#s. (is works resona#e wi#$
#ra"i#ional Na#ive )meri%an r$y#$ms #$a# Moon"o! $ear" as a %$il" w$en $e a%%ompanie" $is fa#$er,
an i#ineran# prea%$er, on missions #o 1n"ian reserva#ions. Moon"o! s#ill likes #o #ell #$e s#ory abou#
$ow $e sa# on &$ief Yellow &alf/s lap an" was allowe" #o bea# #$e mi!$#y sun"an%e "rum. 1n"ian
bea#s woul" even#ually be%ome #$e %ru8 of $is musi%.
Moon"o! mi# Marina un" Nora (+om >la##s %$wes#ern) un" ,ri!i##a, einer 9reun"in (Mi##e)in Marl
(ar"in was born in Maryville, >ansas, on May A<, 191<, an" !rew up in various par#s of #$e Mi"wes#.
)# #$e a!e of 1< $e los# $is si!$# w$en a "ynami#e %ap $e was #oyin! aroun" wi#$ e8plo"e". (e
re%eive" $is firs# musi%al #rainin! a# a s%$ool for #$e blin" in 1owa, w$ere $e learne" #o play several
ins#rumen#s, s#u"ie" %$oral sin!in! an" $armoni% #$eory, an" rea" every#$in! abou# musi% #$a# $e
%oul" fin" in ,raille. (e perfe%#e" $is ear #o su%$ an e8#en# #$a# $e %oul" %onver# musi%al i"eas
"ire%#ly from memory in#o ,raille, an" $e wro#e vir#ually all $is %omposi#ions wi#$ou# #$e use of an
ins#rumen#.
1n 194C (ar"in move" #o New York, w$ere $e be%ame a s#ree# musi%ian an" %alle" $imself Moon"o!
; af#er $is seein!;eye "o!, w$i%$ $a" a #en"en%y #o $owl plain#ively a# #$e full moon. Jn#il #$e early
/3Bs $e remaine" on #$e s#ree#, re%i#in! s$or# poems, performin! %omposi#ions on #$e "rum an" #$e
'i#$er, an" sellin! #$em, prin#e" on leafle#s, #o passers;by. 9as%ina#e" by Norse my#$olo!y, $e s#ar#e"
wearin! a 2ikin! %os#ume. =l" p$o#os s$ow (ar"in wi#$ a flowin! bear", broa" %ape, lon! spear an"
"ouble;$orne" $elme#, makin! $im look like a slimmer version of ?ik ,rowne/s %omi% fi!ure (a!ar. 1n
#$is ou#fi# $e be%ame an ins#i#u#ion on #$e s#ree#s of Man$a##an. )mon! #$e mos# amusin! ane%"o#es
#ol" abou# $im is #$e one in w$i%$ #$e (il#on (o#el lis#e" i#s a""ress in a e' (or#
6imes a"ver#isemen# as 0opposi#e Moon"o!0.
+$ou!$ s%orne" by some passers;by as an
e%%en#ri% freak, if no# a %$arla#an, Moon"o!
was $i!$ly es#eeme" by o#$er ar#is#s. =n $is
s#ree# %orner $e me# musi%ians from #$e New
York P$il$armoni%, w$o in#ro"u%e" $im #o #$e
%on"u%#or )r#ur *o"'inski. +$e la##er invi#e"
$im #o a##en" #$e or%$es#ra/s re$earsals a#
&arne!ie (all, w$ere $e learne" a !rea# "eal
abou# or%$es#ra#ion an" ma"e #$e
a%7uain#an%e of )r#uro +os%anini, 1!or
#ravinski an" -eonar" ,erns#ein. +o be sure,
af#er *o"'inski lef# in 1943, #$e far%i%al 2ikin!
impersona#or was no lon!er su%$ a wel%ome
!ues# a# &arne!ie (all.
Moon"o! also me# #$e 6a'' le!en" &$arlie
Parker on #$e s#ree#. +$e sa8op$onis#
approa%$e" $im an" promp#ly sai"F 0You an" 1
s$oul" make a re%or".0 Parker/s su""en "ea#$,
$owever, preven#e" a ,ir";mee#s;Moon"o!
re%or" from ma#eriali'in!. ,u# Moon"o! was #o
%ollabora#e wi#$ o#$er ar#is#s. 1n 1955, $e
brou!$# ou# a su%%essful re%or" of %$il"ren/s
son!s wi#$ Julie )n"rews. (e also offere" a
%on%er# wi#$ &$arles Min!us a# #$e .$i#ney
Museum, an" 6oine" )llen Dinsber! a# a poe#ry
rea"in!. 1n 19<9, Janis Joplin "i" a re%or"in!
of $is ma"ri!al 0)ll 1s -oneliness0 ays
Moon"o!F 0$e wre%ke" i#.0 Moon"o! $a"
alrea"y "one re%or"in!s wi#$ several
%ompanies, in%lu"in! #$e renowne" 6a'' label
Pres#i!e, w$en $e pro"u%e" #wo albums for
&olumbia in 19<9 an" 193B. 1# was #$e a!e of
#$e $ippie. ,i'arre;lookin! %$ara%#ers wi#$ lon! $air an" bear"s loke" ou# from %oun#less -P %overs,
an" &olumbia believe" i# $a" foun" a 2ikin! %oun#erpar# #o ?r. Jo$n/s persona on 0+$e Ni!$# +ripper0
album. )# #$a# #ime, ?r. Jo$n like" #o "ress up as a New =rleans wi#%$ "o%#or.
+$en Moon"o! su""enly vanis$e" from #$e s#ree#s of New York. ome people #$ou!$# $e $a" "ie".
=n a +2 #alk s$ow, Paul imon lamen#e" #$e "ea#$ of one $is musi%al $eroes an" mo"els ; Moon"o!.
,u# #$e 2ikin! look;a;like, w$o for a lon! w$ile $a" fel# like a 04uropean in e8ile0, was s#ill alive an"
ki%kin! ; in Dermany, w$ere $e e8%$an!e" $is 2ikin! !arb for a wool %ap an" #ur#lene%k swea#er.
.$a# $a" $appene"@
=n #$e re%ommen"a#ion of an or!anis# frien", $e $a" been invi#e" by #$e (essis%$e *un"funk
broa"%as#in! ne#work #o !ive #wo %on%er#s in 9rankfur#, an" af#er #$e performan%e $e resolve" #o
remain in Dermany, in #$e lan" of %lassi%al %omposers w$om $e re!ar"e" as $is spiri#ual an%es#ors.
(e %on#inue" $is life as a s#ree# musi%ian in (ambur!, (annover an" *e%klin!$ausen. Jn#il $e was
approa%$e" one "ay by 1lona Doebel, #$en a universi#y s#u"en#, w$o invi#e" $im #o %ome #o $er
paren#s/ $ouse in #$e #own of =er;4rkens%$wi%k for a few "ays.
0My 1B;year;ol" bro#$er,0 1lona re%alls, 0wan#e" Moon"o! #o %ome #o our $ouse for &$ris#mas
be%ause $e fel# so sorry for $im. ,u# none of us "are" #o ask $im. +$en 1 saw a re%or" wi#$ $is
or%$es#ral pie%es in a s#ore an" bou!$# i#. .$en 1 $ear" #$e musi% for #$e firs# #ime, 1 was move". 1
%oul"n/# believe #$a# someone w$o wro#e su%$ musi% $a" #o live like #$a#. o 1 invi#e" $im $ome.0
.$ere $e s#ill lives #o"ay. 1lona an" $er family were able #o #alk Moon"o! in#o s$e""in! $is 2ikin!
apparel for !oo" an" in#ro"u%e" $im #o a normal mi""le;%lass e8is#en%e. +$ey #ook $im un"er #$eir
win! an" ma"e #$eir $ouse in#o a %omposer/s para"ise for $im. 1lona broke off $er s#u"ies, learne"
$ow #o #rans%ribe $is %omposi#ions from ,raille in#o normal musi%al no#a#ion, an" foun"e" a %ompany
#o pro"u%e re%or"in!s of $is works. +$e ,o%$um -abel >opf *e%or"s, run by >aroline/s paren#s,
release" #$ree Moon"o! -Ps in #$e la#e /3Bs. +$en no#$in! was $ear" abou# $im for a lon! w$ile,
#$ou!$ Moon"o! %on#inue" #o %ompose #irelessly. +o"ay #$e lis# of $is works amoun#s #o a small book
in i#s own ri!$#.
1n #$e las# few years Moon"o! $as ma"e a $i!$ly #ou#e" %omeba%k. )s su""enly as $e $a"
"isappeare" from New York, $e reappeare" in 1959 a# #$e 1B#$ New Musi% )meri%a 9es#ival a# #$e
,rooklyn )%a"emy of Musi%. 1n a series of performan%es "e"i%a#e" #o New York musi% le!en"s from
#$e /4Bs an" /5Bs, some of w$om $e $a" me#
personally ; in%lu"in! ,enny Doo"man, -es#er Youn!,
&$arlie Parker an" )r#ur *o"'inski ; $e "ire%#e" #$e
,rooklyn P$il$armoni% &$amber =r%$es#ra from $is
"rum. +$e me"ia %overa!e %oul" $ar"ly $ave been
more effusive, an" #$e e' (or# 6imes %elebra#e"
0Moon"o!/s re#urn0. 1mme"ia#ely af#er #$e even#,
$owever, $e promp#ly re#urne" #o =er;4rkens%$wi%k.
Moon"o! mi# +om >la##s +o%$#er Jessi%a, 1934
,u# now #$e ball was rollin!, Moon"o! was ba%k on #$e
musi% s%ene. (is ol" re%or"s were reissue" on &?E #$e
Derman press, in%lu"in! Der )piegel an" Die Beit, "i"
e8#ensive repor#s on #$e )meri%an bar". +$e well;
known wiss %$anson sin!er #ep$an 4i%$er aske" $im
#o #ake par# in an ins#rumen#al arran!emen# of #$e
#ra"i#ional Guggis&erg4LiedE a &alifornia "an%e #$ea#er !roup %rea#e" %$oreo!rap$y #o $is musi%.
New re%or" releases an" o%%asional live performan%es were
soon #o follow. =n #$e o%%asion of $is 35#$ bir#$"ay in 1991,
an ensemble was foun"e" by members of #$e Duil" (all
%$ool of Musi% in -on"on for #$e sole purpose of
performin! Moon"o!/s %omposi#ions. 1# is %alle" #$e -on"on
a8op$oni7ue an" %onsis#s of nine sa8op$ones wi#$ piano
an" "rum. 9ollowin! $i!$ly a%%laime" %on%er#s a# #$e
#u##!ar# Ja''!ipfel, #$e 199A >assel ?o%umen#a an"
elsew$ere, #$e ensemble re%or"e" a &? in ,a#$, 4n!lan".
4n#i#le" )a; pa; +or a )a;, i# was %on%eive" as a #ribu#e #o
)"olp$e a8, #$e inven#or of #$e sa8op$one, on #$e
%en#enary of $is "ea#$. ,esi"es Moon"o! $imself on $is
"rum, prominen# members of #$e ,ri#is$ musi% s%ene
par#i%ipa#e" in #$e pro"u%#ion, in%lu"in! ro%k sin!er Pe#er
(ammill an" "ouble;bass player ?anny +$ompson.
)a; pa; +or a sa; is an $oma!e by an )meri%an livin! in 4urope #o a 19#$;%en#ury 9ren%$ ins#rumen#
maker w$ose inven#ion woul" $elp "efine #$e soun" of AB#$;%en#ury )meri%an musi%, par#i%ularly
#$a# of 6a''. +$e &? %on#ains son!s "e"i%a#e" #o #$e sa8op$one players -es#er Youn! an" &$arlie
Parker as well as #o #$e %i#ies of New York, -on"on an" Paris. 1# also in%lu"es a pie%e %alle" 044&
ui#e0 w$i%$ ; if ne!o#a#ions %urren#ly bein! $el" by 1lona Doebel are su%%essful ; will be performe"
#$is fall a# #$e 4uropean &ommuni#y summi# mee#in! in 4ssen. 9or Moon"o! no# only %onsi"ers
$imself #o be a 4uropean;)meri%an in #erms of $is musi%E $e also #$inks an" feels like one.
4ssen;base" ,er#$ol" >los#ermann is a freelan%e 6a'' %ri#i% an" %on%er# mana!er w$ose wri#in!s
in%lu"e #$e re%en# book !lue otes- !lac# Fiction.
aus H fromF +$e un"ay +ele!rap$, A5. Juni 1995
Michael Church
The Moondog Landing
(ow did a 4lind ?ansas kid 4eco)e a co)+oser with a glo4al cultE Michael Church )et the
venera4le Moondog
)s forma#ive e8perien%es !o, blin"in! yourself wi#$ "ynami#e ; as a 1<;year;ol" >ansas ki" %alle"
-ouis (ar"in "i" in 19CA ; mi!$# no# seem auspi%ious. =n #$e o#$er $an", si##in! in #$e lap of an
1n"ian %$ief an" bea#in! ou# #$e r$y#$m for a sun"an%e ; as (ar"in "i" w$en $e was five ; mi!$#
ins#il in#eres#in! pro%livi#ies. Pu# #$ese #$in!s #o!e#$er, an" w$a# "o you !e#@ 1n (ar"in/s %ase, a
uni7ue an" ma!i%al fusion.
+$is is #$e man, be##er known by $is nom de guerre Moon"o!, w$om #$e 6ournalis# .al#er .in%$ell
famously foun" buskin! in a "oorwayE #$e musi%ian w$ose impor#an%e #ravinsky vou%$e" for in
%our#, an" wi#$ w$om &$arlie Parker woul" $ave %ollabora#e", if $e/" live" lon!er.
mar# minimalis# %omposers #eve *ei%$ an" P$ilip Dlass %laim Moon"o! as #$e lea"er of #$eir pa%k
(a rela#ions$ip $e $au!$#ily "enies). +$e #erminally smar# "esi!ner P$ilippe #ar%k $as "reame" up a
Moon"o! buil"in!, %onsis#in! of a 'i!!ura# wi#$ a ro%ke# on #op. Moon"o!/s %ul# is !lobal, bu#
s#ron!es# in Dermany, w$ere $e $as live" for #$e pas# AB years. 9or $is appearan%e a# #$e Pueen
4li'abe#$ $all on a#ur"ay, as par# of 4lvis &os#ello/s Mel#"own 9es#ival, i# may be $ar" #o !e# a
#i%ke#.
Payin! $im a visi#, 1 !e# a s$o%kF #$e #all, ere%# fi!ure fa%in! me in #$e "oorway is none o#$er #$an
Do" #$e 9a#$er from .illiam ,lake/s en!ravin!s. ,u# e8a%#lyF #$e pure w$i#e s$oul"er;len!#$ $airE
#$e flowin! bear" #aperin! "own #o #$e wais#E #$e impression,
!iven by #$e $i!$ fore$ea" an" %on%en#ra#e" frown, of a man in
#$e "eep #ran%e of %rea#ion.
.$en $e speaks, i#/s no# in a voi%e of +$un"er, bu# wi#$ #$e
%our#eous #one of a ou#$ern !en#leman. (ar"in may be 39, bu#
$e s#ill moves wi#$ ran!y ele!an%e. e##in! for our in#erview, $e
pla%es $imself s#ill as a ro%k, as #$ou!$ lis#enin! #o #$in!s w$i%$
are more "is#an# ; an" more in#eres#in! ; #$an my somew$a#
pre"i%#able 7ues#ions, #o w$i%$ $e none #$e less ea!erly
replies.
1# was from #$e )rapa$o 1n"ians, w$om $e en%oun#ere" wi#$ $is
prea%$er fa#$er, #$a# $e absorbe" #$e r$y#$ms by w$i%$ $e
measures every#$in! $e %rea#esF 0+$e runnin! bea#, an"
alon!si"e i# #$e walkin! bea#, w$i%$ is also #$e universal
$ear#bea#.0
(e firs# en%oun#ere" %lassi%al musi% a# #$e s%$ool for #$e blin" #o w$i%$ $e was sen# af#er $is
a%%i"en#E #$ere be learne" #o play #$e piano, violin an" viola. ,u# $e owes $is vo%a#ion #o a book #$a#
$is el"er sis#er rea" #o $im. 01# was %alle" 6*e First Ciolin ; 1/" love #o rea" i# a!ain, bu# 1 %an/# fin"
ou# w$o wro#e i#. ome#$in! in i# spurre" me #o be%ome a %omposer.0
(e #$en rea" a book on %omposi#ion #$a# %onvin%e" $im $e woul" never make i# unless $e mas#ere"
%oun#erpoin#, so $e leap# #$is ne8# $ur"le wi#$ #$e ai" of a braille #u#or. (e !ravi#a#e" #o New York,
an" be%ame a %ompulsive eaves"ropper on or%$es#ral re$earsals in &arne!ie $all. =ne "ay $e
$appene" #o be si##in! in #$e fron# w$en an unknown youn! %on"u%#or %alle" -eonar" ,erns#ein
s#oo" in for a na#ional broa"%as#. 0My $an"%lap was #$e firs# applause $e !o#, an" i# was $ear" all
over #$e %oun#ry.0
(e #ook #o playin! in "oorways, an" 6o##in! "own $is musi%al #$ou!$#s in a braille no#ebook. .al#er
.in%$ell s#oppe" #o lis#en, an" "evo#e" a %olumn #o $im. &$arlie Parker $ear" $im an" su!!es#e"
#$ey "o a re%or" #o!e#$er. 0,u# #$e ne8# #$in! 1 $ear", $e was "ea". o 1 wro#e a pie%e, !ird's
Lament.0 (ar"in "evelope" a li##le $ammer;s#ru%k $arp w$i%$ $e "ubbe" an 0oo0, an" a #rian!ular
"rum w$i%$ $e name" 0#rimba0. 01 #$ou!$# 1 was bein! ori!inal in %allin! myself Moon"o!,0 be says
wryly. 0,u# 1 foun" #$e )laskan 1n"ians $a" use" #$e wor" for a rainbow over #$e moon, an" #$a# i#
also appeare" in a Norse sa!a.0
+$is "i"n/# s#op $im #akin! #$e pop;kin! )llan 9ree" #o %our#, for %omman"eerin! $is name an" one
of $is re%or"s for #$e si!na#ure;#une #o a ra"io s$ow. #ravinsky was one of #$ose w$o spoke up on
(ar"in/s be$alfE $e won $is %ase.
)n" in a superb !es#ure of "efian%e #o #$e visible worl", $e inven#e" a %os#ume w$i%$ $e #ook #o
wearin! everyw$ere ; a 2ikin! $elme#, %ape an" spear. =ne "ay a re%or" e8e%u#ive %ame by, an" #$e
res# is four "e%a"es of musi% $is#ory.
+$e #one;poems $e re%or"e" in 195< ; re%en#ly re;release" ; refle%# $is ar# in i#s pures# form. .$ile
(ar"in kno%ks ou# a !en#le %alypso bea# a# #$e piano, bir"s sin!, an" win" rus#les #$rou!$ bran%$es,
as #$ou!$ a w$ole fores# is risin! an"
s$akin! i#self. ) Japanese woman sin!s
a lullaby #o $er %ooin! %$il", w$ile
"rums an" me#al per%ussion surroun"
#$em wi#$ a %aressin! %ur#ain of soun".
ome #ra%ks se# ,a%$;like violin solos
a!ains# &uban "rummin!, o#$ers are
"omina#e" by s#ree# soun"s. +$e aural
beau#ies of a worl" #$a# (ar"in %an no
lon!er see are %au!$# an" blen"e" wi#$
proprie#ary "eli!$#.
.$en 1 observe #$a# $is re%en# work
resembles a Javanese !amelan
ensemble, $is brow furrows. 0Damelan
is beau#iful like all #$e bir"s in #$e fores#
sin!in! #o!e#$er bu# i#/s no# w$a# 1 %all
%ompose". 1/ve !o# similar effe%#s by
pu##in! #$e soun" of marimbas #$rou!$
a %ompu#er bu# mine is a #rue
%omposi#ion, a 1<;par# #riple %anon.0 )
%anon is in $is view #$e $i!$es# form of
musi%. 01#/s #$e mos# in#elle%#ually
fas%ina#in! #$in!, ye# #$e mos#
musi%ally une"u%a#e" pe rson %an
respon" #o i#.0
1n#elle%#ually fas%ina#in!F in $is
e%%en#ri% way, (ar"in is an e8%ep#ionally
ri!orous %omposer. (e/s %on#emp#uous
on improvisa#ionF #$e only musi% #$a#
earns $is full repe%# is #$a# w$i%$ $as
been pu# #rou!$ #$e analy#i%al man!le
#ime an" a!ain, #o iron ou# every li##le
0mis#ake0.
9or years, $e says, $e a%%ep#e" ,a%$ an" (ay"n as un"ispu#e" mas#ers of %oun#erpoin#, be%ause
everybo"y #ol" $im so. 0,u# #$en 1 be!an #o say /(ey, w$a#/s #$is@/ ; an" #$e more 1 looke", #$e
more mis#akes 1 foun". 1n #$e firs# fu!ue in 6*e "ell46empered Cla1ier, #$ere/s a mis#ake in every
barM0 ?oes $e #$ink ,a%$ knew #$is@ 0(e probably "i"n/# $ave #ime #o %$e%k, wi#$ so many %$il"ren,
an" $avin! #o pro"u%e a new %an#a#a every week.0
Mo'ar# an" ,ee#$oven are also fre7uen# offen"ers, wi#$ (an"el #$e s$inin! e8%ep#ion. 0#ravinsky
broke #$e rules, bu# $ere/s a "ynami% abou# $im.0 o $e/s all ri!$#, #$en.
,u# (ar"in also wri#es verse. +$is summer a Derman publis$er is brin!in! ou# w$a# $e %alls $is
/millennia"/. 0) #$ousan" %ouple#s abou# our abuse of na#ure, our %on#emp# for primi#ive so%ie#ies,
an" abou# a "is%overy 1 re%en#ly ma"e w$i%$ in"i%a#es #$e e8is#en%e of w$a# 1 %all #$e Me!amin".0
.$en 1 ask for %larifi%a#ion $e !ives me a prin#e" s$ee# en#i#le" +$e &osmi%o"e w$i%$ be!insF 0+$e
&osmi%o"e em%ompasses #$e =ver#one &on#inuum, an" i# ens$rines #$e 9a%# 1n%onver#ible, #o
everybo"y/s benefi#.0
(e e8plains #$is, in a way #$a# flies in #$e fa%e of s%ien#ifi% fa%# (over#ones on a plu%ke" s#rin! !o up
in pi#%$, never "own), bu# #$a# makes a weir" kin" of mys#i%al senseF 0+$ey say #$a# every soun"
#$a# ever was ma"e is somew$ere ou# #$ere, floa#in! aroun" in #$e universe. .$erever #$ere/s a
plane# wi#$ an a#mosp$ere #$ey %an be $ear". Musi% is #$e one in"es#ru%#ible messa!e.0
?ivine ma"ness@ 1f so, a very posi#ive an" pro"u%#ive one. .$en our %ollo7uy is "one, Do" #$e
9a#$er sallies for#$ in#o #$e s#ree#s wi#$ a $an" pla%e" #rus#in!ly on #$e s$oul"er of #$e woman $e
%alls $is 0eyes0. People s#op an" s#are, an" #$e #raffi% par#s like #$e wa#ers of #$e *e" ea.
aus HfromF 1n"epen"en# e%#ion +wo, A5. Juni 1995
Nick ?i)4erley
Master of the 'o and the
Tri)4a! eC+onent of the dru)*
and*ostrich*feather Nick
?i)4erley )eets his )usical
hero! Moondog
1 %an s#ill smell #$e mus#y "amp of
#$e basemen# of ?abell/s 6a'' s$op
on &$arin! &ross *oa". 1 %an s#ill
feel #$a# a"renalin sur!e, known #o
all re%or";re#en#ives, w$en you
finally $ol" in your $an"s #$e -P
sleeve you/" !iven up $ope of ever
seein!. Now %omes #$a# $ear#;
s#oppin! momen# w$en you are
%onvin%e" #$e assis#an# will
rumma!e everyw$ere before
sayin! $e %an/# fin" #$e re%or" #$a#
!oes wi#$ #$e sleeve. ,u# no, i#/s
all ri!$#, #$e re%or" is #$ereE 1
$an" over my poun" no#e an"
#ake possession of a %opy of #$e
lon!;"ele#e" =s7uire -P by New
York s#ree# musi%ian Moon"o!,
w$ose musi% offere" w$a# was
#$en a uni7ue amal!am of
)merin"ian per%ussion, 6a''y
riffin!, 4uropean %oun#erpoin# an"
#rouba"our balla"eerin!.
+$a# was nearly CB years a!o.
=ver #$e ne8# few years, 1 learn# every #ra%k by $ear#F 0) ?ue#F Pueen 4li'abe#$ .$is#le an"
,amboo Pipe0E 0+u!boa# +o%%a#a0E 0=s#ri%$ 9ea#$ers Playe" on ?rums0. +$is is #$e soun" of New
York, some of i# li#erally so. Many of #$e #ra%ks were re%or"e" an #$e s#ree#s w$ere Moon"o! ma"e
$is livin! in #$e 194Bs an" 195Bs. 4ven #$e names of #$e ins#rumen#s $e playe" ; #$e =o (0a
#rian!ular, s#rin!e" ins#rumen# s#ru%k wi#$ a %lava0)E #$e +rimba (0a #rian!ular;s$ape" "rum0) ; #ook
an ma!i%al si!nifi%an%e.
(avin! no i"ea of Moon"o!/s w$ereabou#s, 1 was as#onis$e" w$en, in 19<9, &olumbia *e%or"s issue"
an album of Moon"o! performin! $is works wi#$ a 4B;pie%e symp$ony or%$es#ra. ) lon! way from
playin! $is "rums #o $is "o! in a s$op "oorway. +$en 1 los# #ra%k of $im al#o!e#$er. 1n 1991, #$e New
York re%or"in!s 1/" bou!$# on -P reappeare" on &?, an" 1 assume" #$a# was i#. +$e musi% s#ill
soun"e" vibran#ly fres$, bu# Moon"o! was now "i!i#al $is#ory. Per$aps $e was even "ea"F life on #$e
s#ree# in New York %an/# be easy.
,u# no# only is Moon"o! no# "ea", $e is s#ill, a# 39, %omposin! an" performin!, an" $e is in -on"on
for a sin!le %on%er#. +$is was bo#$ a %$an%e #o in#erview $im an", more impor#an#ly, #$e oppor#uni#y
#o !e# $is si!na#ure on #$a# ol" -P sleeve.
+$e impor#an# business over, Moon"o!
#ells me abou# $is life. (e was born
-ouis +$omas (ar"in in >ansas in 191<,
w$ere $is fa#$er was a #ravellin!
minis#er. (is fa#$er/s %allin! !ave $im
$is firs# musi%al memory, albei# an
une8pe%#e" oneF 0.$en 1 was abou# si8
years ol", my fa#$er #ook me #o a
%onven#ion of #$e )rapa$o 1n"ian
reserva#ion. 1 sa# on &$ief Yellow &alf/s
lap an" $e le# me play #$e #om;#om
w$ile #$ey were "an%in!. +$e )rapa$o
$a" #$e #wo bea#sF #$e runnin! bea# ...0
($e #aps ou# a r$y#$m on #$e #able) 0...
an" #$e walkin! bea#. +$ose #wo bea#s
$ave s#aye" wi#$ me ever sin%e, are s#ill
in my musi% #o"ay.0
Moon"o! los# $is eyesi!$# a# #$e a!e of
1<, w$en a "ynami#e %ap e8plo"e" in
$is fa%e. 0You lose one sense, #$e
o#$ers be%ome s#ron!er as a resul#. )#
#$e 1owa %$ool for #$e ,lin", 1 $ear"
my firs# ,ee#$oven an" .a!ner, an" i#
ma"e a !rea# impression. )# #$e s%$ool
#$ey #au!$# me $armony, bu# #$ey
"i"n/# #ea%$ %oun#erpoin#. 1 rea" a book
#$a# sai", /You/ll never be a %omposer
unless you mas#er %oun#erpoin#/, so 1
s#u"ie" by myself.0
(is ambi#ions awakene", Moon"o!
"e#ermine" #o make $is own musi%, bu#
in 1owa $is i"eas fell on s#ony !roun".
1n 194C $e wen# #o New York. 0.$y@
,e%ause i# was #$ere. 1 knew 1 $a" #o
make i# #$ere if 1 was !oin! #o make i# a# all, an" New York !ave me oppor#uni#ies 1 woul" never
$ave $a" anyw$ere else. 1 me# #$e !rea# %on"u%#or )r#ur *o"'inski, w$o allowe" me #o a##en" #$e
New York P$il$armoni%/s re$earsals, an" 1 me# -eonar" ,erns#ein. 1 $a" no in%ome, so 1 was posin!
in ar# s%$ools for a w$ile, #$en #$e P$il$armoni% raise" some money #o pay my ren#. 1n 1949 1
s#ar#e" playin! "rums in "oorways a# ni!$# an" ma"e my livin! #$a# way.0
1# was a# abou# #$is #ime #$a# $e a"op#e" #$e s#ree# name Moon"o!F 01 #$ou!$# 1 was bein! ori!inal,
bu# 1 wasn/#. )laskan 1n"ian my#$olo!y $as a rainbow over #$e moon %alle" Moon"o!, an" #$ere/s a
!ian# in #$e 4""as %alle" Moon"o!. )n" "i" you know #$a# #$e ,ea#les on%e %alle" #$emselves Jo$nny
an" #$e Moon"o!s@0
1n 195A $e ma"e $is firs# re%or"in!, an 4P %alle" =n #$e #ee#s of New York. )n" life on #$e s#ree#
be%ame par# of $is musi%, w$e#$er playin! a "ue# wi#$ #$e $orn of #$e Pueen 4li'abe#$ as i# "o%ke",
serena"in! $is "o!, or playin! an" re%i#in! $is poe#ry for #$e frien"s w$o !a#$ere" a# $is pi#%$.
0Performin! in "oorways was #$e only way #o presen# my musi% #o #$e publi%, bu# for playin! an #$e
s#ree#s 1 nee"e" "rums "own %lose #o #$e !roun", so 1 use" #o "esi!n my own ins#rumen#s an" $a" a
%abine#;maker pu# #$em #o!e#$er. 1n #$ose "ays #$ere wasn/# any an8ie#y abou# #$e rainfores#, an" 1
$a" my ins#rumen#s ma"e ou# of (on"uras ma$o!any. 1 s#ill $ave a %ouple of my #rimbas, bu# #$e
res# 1 !ave away w$en 1 lef# New York in 1934.0
.$a# #ook Moon"o! away from New
York was an offer from Derman ra"io, #o
%on"u%# performan%es of $is work in
9rankfur#. )s #$e &olumbia album wi#$
#$e 4B;pie%e or%$es#ra su!!es#e",
Moon"o! sees $imself as a %omposer in
#$e 4uropean #ra"i#ionF 01 feel %loser
$is#ori%ally an" %ul#urally #o 4urope.
+$is is w$ere i# all $appene". R,u#S #$e
)meri%an 1n"ians are s#ill a bi! pull for
me, an" 1 %ombine 4uropean %lassi%al
forms wi#$ #$e "rumbea#s of #$e
1n"ians.0
)es#$e#i%ally, Moon"o! is in many ways
a %onserva#iveF 0Musi%al mo"ernism is a
ni!$#mare #$a# will pass, a bi! "e#our
#$a# lea"s in#o #$e swamps.0 Ye# $is
%onserva#ism $as %er#ain off;#$e;wall
i"iosyn%rasies. 0My pie%e In1ocation is a
1<;par# %anon on one no#e, an" #$e
no#e is #$e kin" of "rone #$e +ibe#an
monks use,0 $e e8plains. 0+$a# pie%e
su!!es#s #$e "ea" are speakin! #o #$e
livin!, or per$aps i#/s a %onversa#ion
be#ween #$e livin! of #$is !ala8y an"
#$e livin! of some o#$er !ala8y. +$ou!$#
is fas#er #$an li!$#, i#/s ins#an#aneous
over #rillions of li!$# years. )no#$er
pie%e,6*e Cosmicode, s$ows #$e
infras#ru%#ure of #$e universe. 1# proves
#$a# %on#ra%#ion mus# pre%e"e
e8pansion, i# proves #$e #wo;
"ire%#ionali#y of #ime, an" i# proves
%ause;effe%# inversion. &an you ima!ine #$a#@0
No# ye#, Moon"o!, no# ye#. ,u# maybe by ne8# weeken". =n a#ur"ay, as par# of 4lvis &os#ello/s
0Mel#"own0 fes#ival a# -on"on/s ou#$ ,ank &en#re, Moon"o! %on"u%#s ; ban!in! on a bi! bass "rum
; performan%es of $is work by a !roup of musi%ians wi#$ w$om $e $as "evelope" a %lose workin!
rela#ions$ip. +$ey in%lu"e solois#s Jo$n (arle an" ?anny +$ompson (e8;Pen#an!le) an" !roups
-on"on ,rass an" -on"on a8op$oni%. Moon"o!/s %a#alo!ue of works is immense, in%lu"in! 51
symp$onies, "o'ens of pie%es for sa8 ensemble, 1< 0+roikans0 an" a fis#ful of son!s, #o say no#$in!
of #$e 1,BBB poems $e $as 6us# %olle%#e" for a volume %alle" Moondog Millenniad, 1#/s a lon! way
from #$e s#ree# %orner #o #$e Pueen 4li'abe#$ (all, bu# i#/s a 6ourney #$a# "es%ribes #$e life of a #ruly
uni7ue musi%ian.
Mondog and guests 'ill &e at t*e Dueen =li5a&et* /all- London )=1 at 3pm on 1 0uly,
Moon"o!, *ennes, 1955
aus H fromF *esonan%e 2olume 4 Number 1 (1995)
($##pFHHwww.l;m;%.or!.ukH#e8#sHmoon"o!.$#ml)
M''ND'= -"#"6 * "###.
a +ortrait 4y ?enneth ,nsell
,orn -ouis +$omas (ar"in in 191<, Moon"o! $as always s#oo" asi"e from #$e main %urren#s of
musi%;makin!. 9as%ina#e" by #$e %anon form an" resolu#ely #onal, $is musi% skir#s !roun" be#ween
#$e %lassi%al an" 6a'' worl"s, appearin! in%reasin!ly ou# of s#ep wi#$ bo#$.
+$is is #$e musi%ian w$ose re%or"in!s for #$e Ja'' label Pres#i!e involve" no improvisa#ionE w$o
re%or"e" +ell 1# )!ain, a series of ori!inal son!s for %$il"ren on #$e Mo#$er Doose s#oryline, wi#$ Julie
)n"rewsE w$ose )ll 1s -oneliness was re%or"e" by Janis JoplinE w$o $as publis$e" several volumes of
$is poe#ry ($is preferre" form is #$e r$ymin! %ouple# in w$i%$ $e also wri#es no#es for %on%er#
pro!rammes an" &? releases)E w$o was represen#e" on #$e la#e si8#iesHearly seven#ies &, *o%k
Ma%$ine /un"er!roun"/ ro%k %ompila#ions by an or%$es#ral #ra%kE an" w$o e8perimen#e" wi#$
primi#ive over"ubbin! #e%$ni7ues in #$e early fif#ies w$en musi%ians were no# prepare" #o re%or" $is
works.
Moon"o! was in -on"on in ummer 1995 for an all;#oo;rare oppor#uni#y #o sample $is work live
w$en 4lvis &os#ello/s Mel#"own series a# #$e ou#$ ,ank "evo#e" a %on%er# #o $is musi%. 1# was only
#$e se%on" #ime Moon"o! $a" visi#e" #$e J>, #$e previous o%%asion bein! in 1991 w$en bass player
?anny +$ompson se# in #rain a se7uen%e of even#s #$a# even#ually brou!$# #o!e#$er Moon"o!, Jo$n
(arle an" #$e la##er/s sa8op$one s#u"en#s for %on%er#s a# #$e Duil"$all %$ool =f Musi% an"
?ar#in!#on &olle!e. 9or $is pains, ?anny +$ompson be%ame #$e "e"i%a#ee an" firs# solois# of a
%omposi#ion en#i#le" ? 9or ?anny.
+$e Mel#"own %on%er# %ombine" Jo$n (arle/s sa8op$one %$oir, -on"on a8op$oni% (w$o $a"
re%or"e" an album of Moon"o!/s musi% wi#$ #$e #i#le a8 Pa8 9or ) a8 in #$e in#erim) wi#$ -on"on
,rass. +$e %ombina#ion a""e" an as#rin!en#, s$arper snap #o #$e broa" warm#$ of #$e ree"s as #$e
ensemble maneuvere" #$rou!$ a se# of %omposi#ions w$i%$ re%alle" #$e bi! ban" 6a'' #ra"i#ion. 1n a
pro!ramme "rawn lar!ely from #$eir mos# re%en# &?, ,i! ,an" (#$e firs# release on Moon"o!/s own
+rimba label), Moon"o! an" $is musi%ians %onvin%e" u##erly, wi#$ #$e %onvi%#ion evi"en# in bo#$ #$e
wri#in! an" performan%e. .$e#$er i# was in #$e !oo";na#ure" bravura of -if# =ff, #$e na!!in!ly
$aun#in! #$eme "eploye" as a A5;par# %anon in (ea#$ =n +$e (ea#$er (wri##en in $onour of bi! ban"
lea"er +e" (ea#$ w$ile Moon"o! was s#ill workin! on #$e s#ree#s of New York) or in #$e #wis#in! an"
%oilin! lines #$a# "an%e" abou# ea%$ o#$er in s$or# p$rases for #$e "ura#ion of $akespeare &i#y #o
w$i%$ #$e low ins#rumen#s a"" a soli", #i!$# pun%$ as #$ey "rop in#o #$e mi8. 4lsew$ere #$e #en"er
yearnin! of +orisa, #$e s#abbe" %$or"s an" un$urrie" pa%e of ,la%k (ole !li"in! above !on! an"
"rum rolls #o %oales%e abou# #$e "ark, broo"in! #$eme of &osmi%o"e, an" 1nvo%a#ion /playe" en#irely
on one no#e/ w$i%$ s$if#s r$y#$mi% pa##erns aroun" #$e ensemble ; all impresse" !rea#ly. )bove all
#$is was ri%$, affirma#ive musi% s#ra""lin! #$e !ap be#ween bi! ban" 6a'' an" #$e %ompose" %lassi%al
#ra"i#ion (wi#$ou# on%e su!!es#in! #$e sense of %ompromise #$a# %an manifes# i#self in some +$ir"
#ream musi%) #$rou!$ w$i%$ Moon"o! le" $is musi%ians, ei#$er wi#$ $is "rumbea#s or wi#$ $is
i"iosyn%ra#i% s#yle of %on"u%#in!F /1 "on/# use a ba#on, 1 6us# bea# my $an" on my %$es#. +$e
musi%ians seem #o prefer i#E #$ey %an see w$ere #$e bea# s#ops ; w$en your $an" #ou%$es your %$es#
; bu# if you use a s#i%k #$ey/re never 7ui#e sure $ow far #$e s#i%k is !oin! #o !o, w$ere #$e bea#
en"s./
,u# #$is represen#s only one s#ran" of Moon"o!/s a%#ivi#y. (e is a prolifi% %omposer w$o brin!s $is
in"ivi"ual s#amp #o a number of "ifferen# i"ioms. (e $as %ompose" over 5B symp$onies (only one of
w$i%$ $e $as ever $ear" performe")E numerous %$amber works, son!s an" over #$ree $un"re"
ma"ri!als (abou# A5 of #$em #urn up on #$e se%on" volume of $is &olumbiaH&, re%or"in!s)E s%ores
for brass ban"s an" s#rin! or%$es#rasE or!an an" piano pie%es (in%lu"in! #$ree volumes of A<
%omposi#ions apie%e for #$e former an" five books of +$e )r# =f +$e &anon, ea%$ %on#ainin! A5
works, for #$e #a##er), plus ma#erial for $is "uo wi#$ 9ren%$ pianis# ?omini7ue Pon#y (?M?, #$e
?omini7ue;Moon"o! ?uo) wi#$ w$om $e re%or"e" a re%en# session for broa"%as# on ,rian Mor#on/s
,,& *a"io C pro!ramme 1mpressions.
Many of #$ese works manifes# a r$y#$mi% propulsion #$a# e%$oes #$e musi% of Na#ive )meri%ans an"
#$ere %an be li##le "oub# #$a# #$e #wo o%%asions on w$i%$ $e $as playe" wi#$ Na#ive )meri%an
musi%ians in #$eir %eremonies $ave $a" a las#in! effe%# upon $im. +$e firs# was as a five year ol"
w$en $is fa#$er #ook $im #o #$e )rapa$o reserva#ion an" &$ief Yellow &alf le# $im si# on $is lap an"
bea# #$e bi! #om#om "urin! #$e un"an%e &eremonyE #$e se%on" "urin! #$e for#ies w$en $e visi#e"
#$e ,la%kfoo# 1n"ians in 1"a$o. +$ere seems li##le "oub# #$a# #$e influen%e of #$eir %ul#ure $as been
7ui#e profoun".
Moon"o!F /+$e )meri%an 1n"ians $ave #$is basi% bea# ; a $ear#bea# in #wo spee"sF a walkin! bea# (in
#wos) an" a runnin! bea# (in four). 1 use #$ose r$y#$ms #o #$is "ay. 1n fa%# i# 6us# %ame #o me
re%en#ly #$a# )meri%an 1n"ian musi% is 6us# so syn%opa#e" #$a# any 6a'' musi%ian ; espe%ially in #$e
swin! era ; woul" see a %lear %onne%#ion be#ween 6a'' an" 1n"ian musi%. +$ose son!s are no#
improvise", #$ey/ve been $an"e" "own from !enera#ion #o !enera#ionE #$ey/re e8#remely ol". 1 #$ink
of )meri%a as an /=l" .orl"/ #oo, maybe ol"er %ul#urally #$an 4urope./
)# #$e a!e of 1< Moon"o! was permanen#ly blin"e" w$en a "ynami#e %ap e8plo"e" in $is fa%e. (e
subse7uen#ly a##en"e" #$e 1owa %$ool for #$e ,lin". 1# was $ere #$a# $is musi%al #ui#ion be!an an"
i# was #o %on#inue w$en $e #ook priva#e lessons from ,urne# +u#$ill, #$en #$e $ea" of #$e Memp$is
&onserva#ory. Moon"o! $as %ommen#e" subse7uen#ly #$a# #$e fa%# of $is blin"ness enable" $im #o
$ave a musi%al e"u%a#ion w$i%$ $e %oul" never $ave o#$erwise affor"e". (e s#u"ie" $armony an"
musi%al form bu# avers #$a# /some elemen#ary work wi#$ +u#$ill asi"e/ $e was !iven no #rainin! in
%oun#erpoin# (/+$e prin%iples of #one rela#ions$ips w$i%$ "a#e ba%k #o Py#$a!oras/) an" $a" #o s#u"y
i# $imself from books.
Now $e s#a#es, /.$en i# %omes #o %oun#erpoin#, 1/m #$e mos# fussy %omposer #$a# ever live"M
+$rou!$ou# #$e %lassi%al #ra"i#ion we fin" mis#akesF ,a%$ ; nobo"y makes more mis#akes #$an ,a%$ ;
Pales#rina, ,ee#$oven, Mo'ar#, (ay"n ; #$e w$ole bun%$M 1#/s $ar" #o pass a bar wi#$ou# fin"in!
some#$in! #$a#/s wron! %on#rapun#ally. Nobo"y is as s#ri%# as 1 amM 1 #ake #$e #ime #o analyse my
musi%. 1#/s one #$in! #o wri#e a pie%e, bu# i# #akes mu%$ more #ime #o analyse w$a# you/ve wri##en
#$an #o wri#e i#./ (e "oes a"", $owever, #$a# i#/s a #ask $e $as #o un"er#ake s#an"in! up, or else $e
falls asleepM
o are #$e rules of %oun#erpoin# %ar"inal@ 1s #$ere no musi%al si#ua#ion in w$i%$ Moon"o! feels #$ey
%oul" le!i#ima#ely be #rans!resse"@
/No. 1f you are a bri%klayer you $ave rules w$i%$ you mus# follow abou# #$e layin! of bri%ks or #$e
buil"in! will fall "own ... You $ave #o %ompose a%%or"in! #o #$e laws of na#ure, an" if you "on/#, you
pay #$e penal#ies of "oin! i# wron! ... an" i# will soun" ba"./
1n 194C Moon"o! arrive" in New York, workin! as a mo"el for ar# s#u"en#s in or"er #o make en"s
mee#E $e !ravi#a#e" #owar"s #$e musi%al life of #$e %i#y an" almos# imme"ia#ely be!an #o a##en"
re$earsals a# &arne!ie (all %ompulsively w$ere $e was e8emp#e" by )r#ur *o"'inski from a blanke#
ban on su%$ a%#ivi#y. /(e 6us# #$ou!$# 1 $a" an in#eres#in! fa%e ... )n ar#i%le %ame ou# in a newspaper
sayin! 0*o"'insk a"op#s man wi#$ fa%e of &$ris#0. (e was a very mys#i%al, supers#i#ious person an"
#$a# was 6us# $ow i# s#ar#e"/ (#$e ,ibli%al analo!y was e8#en"e" more re%en#ly w$en Mi%$ael &$ur%$,
wri#in! in #$e un"ay +ele!rap$, %ompare" Moon"o!/s appearan%e wi#$ #$a# of Do" +$e 9a#$er in
.illiam ,lake/s en!ravin!s). (e be%ame frien"s wi#$ #$e %on"u%#or an" use" #$e re$earsals in par# as
an in#ensive %ourse in or%$es#ra#ion, bu# on%e *o"'inski lef# &arne!ie (all, Moon"o!/s unusual s#yle
of "ress (2ikin! $elme#, %loak an" spear ; a"op#e" as a personal s#a#emen# a!ains# #$e e8ploi#a#ive
#a%#i%s of #$e fas$ion in"us#ry in manipula#in! #$e marke# by for%in! swi#%$es in fas$ion #ren"s year
on year) le" #o #$e /re7ues#/ #$a# $e ei#$er a"op# a more %onven#ional s#yle of "ress or %ease
a##en"in! re$earsals. Moon"o! %$ose no# #o a##en" re$earsals.
(e was #o spen" #$ir#y years of $is life livin! an" workin! on #$e s#ree#s of New York, playin! $is
musi% an" sellin! $is poe#ry. /1 s#ar#e" #o "o #$a# in #$e 9all of /49. 1 $a" some s7uare "rums ma"e
an" 1 remember #$a# #$e firs# #ime 1 #rie" i# on #$e s#ree# %orner 1 $a" a %row" in se%on"s. 1 $a" #o
move be%ause 1 $a" #$e s#ree# blo%ke". +$en 1 move" up #own in #$e fif#ies, an" 1 s#aye" in #$a# area
mos#lyF aroun" #$e 6a'' %lubs in #$e <#$ )venue. +$en 1 %$an!e" #o #rian!ular "rums (#$e /+rimba/
from w$i%$ $is label #akes i#s name). +$e s7uare ones were #oo $i!$E 1 $a" #o s7ua# "own on #$e
!roun" an" 1 $a" #wo "rums, a bi! one an" a li##le one, bu# #$e li##le one was #oo $i!$ for me so 1
%$an!e" #$e "esi!n #o #rian!ular "rums an" #$a# was a lo# be##er. 1 was 6us# playin! "rum bea#s in
5H4 an" 5H5 #ime, an" in #$e seven r$y#$ms. 1# wasn/# more #$an a few weeks #$a# 1/" been playin!
on #$e s#ree#s w$en one of #$e ma6or %olumnis#s ; .al#er .in%$el ; $ear" abou# me an" men#ione"
me in $is %olumn./
-ouis (ar"in was able #o earn a livin! on #$e s#ree#s bu# fre7uen#ly %$ose #o live rou!$ in or"er #o
use #$e money save" on ren# #o $ire a musi% %opyis# #o work on $is s%ores, "espi#e #$e fa%# #$a#, as
$e #ol" oun"pie%es in 199AF /1/ve been ki%ke" w$en 1 was sleepin!, an" pisse" on, an" abuse" an"
robbe" some#imes./
.i#$in a s$or# #ime $e was makin! $is firs# re%or"in!sF /1 s#ar#e" on #$e s#ree# in ep#ember /49, an"
by ?e%emberHJanuary 1 was playin! in a "oorway on <#$ )venue. .$en 1 s#oppe" a man sai", /1 like
#$e way you play. You/re si##in! in my "oorway an" 1 $ave a musi% s$op $ere. 1 make re%or"s an" 1
woul" like #o re%or" you./ 1 ma"e #$ree or four 35s wi#$ #$em, s#ar#in! in 195B./ +$a# men was
Dabriel =ller an" $is s$op #$e panis$ Musi% &en#reE #$ey !ave Moon"o! $is firs# %$an%e #o re%or".
?urin! #$e followin! years a $an"ful of re%or"in!s followe"F an 4P for 4pi%, #$ree albums for Pres#i!e,
#wo for &olumbiaH&,, +ell 1# )!ain for )n!el an" a sele%#ion for an -P issue" by #$e Musi%al (eri#a!e
o%ie#y. +$e 35s an" Pres#i!e albums of#en %ombine Moon"o!/s own playin! wi#$ na#ural an" New
York soun"s, some#imes from prere%or"e" sour%es (su%$ as #$e $owlin! wolf on $is Moon"o!
ymp$ony from one of #$e very early 35s) or in primi#ive lo%a#ion re%or"in!sE $e was #$us able #o
in%orpora#e #$e soun"s of bo#$ na#ure an" #$e %i#y an" i#s #raffi% (mos# famously, #$e soun" of #$e
fo!$orns in $is +u!boa# +o%%a#a). +$e early 35s also in%orpora#e" #ra%ks w$i%$ involve" a
ru"imen#ary form of over"ubbin!E unable #o enlis# o#$er musi%ians #o play $is works, Moon"o!
performe" all #$e ins#rumen#al par#s $imself. 1n #$e "ays of #$e early 195Bs, prior #o wi"esprea" use
of mul#i#ra%k re%or"in!s, #$is involve" #$e use of #wo #ape re%or"ers. +$e firs# ins#rumen#al line woul"
be playe" an" re%or"e", #$e resul# woul" be playe" ba%k w$ile #$e se%on" line was performe" live
simul#aneously, #$e %ombina#ion re%or"e" by #$e se%on" #ape ma%$ine. +$e re%or"in! of #$ese #wo
par#s was replaye" an" #$e #$ir" line performe" ... an" so on. Na#urally, #$e re%or"in! 7uali#y
"e#eriora#e" 7ui#e 7ui%kly, bu# as Moon"o! %ommen#e", /You !o# an i"ea of w$a# was $appenin!./
+$e resul#s of one su%$ re%or"in!, +$eme, were la#er reor%$es#ra#e" for #$e firs# &olumbia album.
) %on#emporary solu#ion #o #$is problem $as been Moon"o!/s a"op#ion of #$e sampler in #an"em wi#$
mo"ern over"ubbin! #e%$ni7ues #o enable $im #o play $is own %omposi#ions sin!le;$an"e"ly. +$e
resul#s %an be $ear" on #$e 1991 release, 4lpmas (release" by >opfre%or"s), w$ere $e samples #$e
marimba, balafon an" ko#o amon!s# o#$er ins#rumen#s, al#$ou!$ $e is %ri#i%al of #$e fi"eli#y wi#$
w$i%$ #$e sampler repro"u%es #$e soun" of some ins#rumen#s, mos# no#ably some of #$e woo"win".
)l#$ou!$ a##ra%#e" by #$e pre%ision of #$e sampler, Moon"o! prefers #o work wi#$ live musi%ians
w$erever possible.
1n 1954 4pi% re%or"s release" a 1B in%$ album of #wo sui#es wri##en for #$ree %ellos an" #wo violas
from #$e New York P$il$armoni%, bu# i# was no# un#il 19<9 #$a# a full re%or"in! of some of $is
or%$es#ral works was ma"e available by &olumbiaH&, (on #$e Mas#erworks series in #$e J)). +wo
years la#er i# was followe" by an album of ma"ri!als. Moon"o! %elebra#e" $is liaison wi#$ &olumbia
by movin! $is pi#%$ on #$e s#ree#s #o one opposi#e #$e %ompany/s New York $ea"7uar#ers. ) fur#$er
oppor#uni#y #o re%or" $is or%$es#ral %omposi#ions $as no#
presen#e" i#selfE in"ee", performan%es $ave been rare. Moon"o!
re%alls a #ime w$en *o"'inski aske" $im if $e $a" any#$in! for
#$e or%$es#ra w$i%$ $e (*o"'inski) %oul" %on"u%#, an"
%ommen#s, /1 "i"n/#... an" w$en 1 $a" i#, $e was "ea"/.
imilarly, w$en in 1954 Moon"o! wro#e a a Jni#e" Na#ions .al#'
(in 5H4M) for or%$es#ra an" %$orus #o %elebra#e #$e foun"in! of
#$e or!anisa#ion, $e offere" i# #o -eonar" ,erns#ein. /1 #$ou!$# $e
woul" 6ump a# #$e %$an%e #o %on"u%# i#, bu# $e a%#e" like $e
"i"n/# $ear me. o no#$in! ever $appene"./ +$e work was
even#ually re%or"e" for #$e bi! ban" an" re%eive" i#s worl"
premiere a# #$e Mel#"own %on%er#.
?urin! $is #ime on #$e s#ree#s of New York Moon"o! me# many of
#$e 6a''men w$o playe" in #$e %lubs #$a# %$ara%#erise" $is pa#%$.
)mon! #$em were ?i''y Dillespie, ?uke 4llin!#on, -ouie ,ellson
an" &$arlie Parker, w$o su!!es#e" #$a# #$ey re%or" #o!e#$er, bu#
w$o sa"ly "ie" before #$e plans %ame #o frui#ion. -a#er "urin! $is
#ime in New York, Moon"o! me# #$e minimalis#s. P$ilip Dlass !ave $im s$el#er in 19<9. /1 know all of
#$emF 1 s#aye" wi#$ P$il Dlass for abou# #$ree mon#$s ba%k in /<9E $e was 6us# !e##in! s#ar#e", an"
$e %er#ainly s$o# up fas#M )ll power #o $im. 1f $e %an be%ome ri%$ an" famous "oin! w$a# $e/s "oin!
#$en 1/m no# a!ains# i#. 1/m $opin! #$a# people %an "o w$a# #$ey wan# #o "o w$e#$er 1 a!ree wi#$ i#
or no#./ 1n fa%# P$ilip Dlass an" #eve *ei%$ re%or"e" some of Moon"o!/s ma"ri!als wi#$ $im in a
"isuse" fa%#ory a# #$is #ime. 1# $as no# sof#ene" (ar"in/s a##i#u"e #owar"s #$eir musi%al en"eavoursF
/+$ey viola#e every rule in #$e bookM +$ey 6us# !o $ellben# for lea#$er, re!ar"less of any rules of #onal
rela#ions$ips. *$y#$mi%ally 1 %an a%%ep# i#E bu# no# musi%ally, no# melo"i%ally or $armoni%ally. .$en
#$ey s#ar# #o use %$or"s or melo"y lines i#/s absolu#e %$aosM +$ey %laim #$a# 1/m #$e /foun"er/ of
minimalism, bu# 1/m no#, 1 "on/# a%%ep# #$e #i#le. ,u# 1 like #$em all personally./
(e "oes, $owever, $ave some sympa#$y wi#$ -a Mon#e Youn!/s a##emp#s #o %ome #o !rips wi#$ #$e
ina%%ura%ies of #$e s#an"ar" #unin! sys#em (/e7ual #emperamen#/) in as far as i# refle%#s some of $is
own work. .$ereas Youn! $as "eploye" $is sys#em of /6us# in#ona#ion/ (w$ere #$e fun"amen#al
fre7uen%ies of #$e ins#rumen# are #une" in small w$ole number ra#ios wi#$ #$e pi#%$es %oin%i"in! wi#$
#$e $armoni% %on#en# of #$e s#rin!s #$emselves) w$i%$ $e %laims !ives a more perfe%# se# of pi#%$
rela#ions$ips, Moon"o! $as "evelope" w$a# $e refers #o as #$e /pure s%ale./
/.ell ,a%$ %ame in wi#$ $is 0e7ual #emperamen#0 so #$a# $e %oul" play in A4 keys an" soun"
reasonably well in all of #$emE bu# i# was a %ompromise, an" %ompromises are always "an!erous. 1
wro#e a series of pie%es wi#$ #$e piano #une" in perfe%# fif#$s an" four#$s an" o%#aves, w$i%$ 1 %all
#$e 0pure s%ale.0 1# means #$a# 1 %oul" only use a limi#e" number of keys. ,u# 1 "on/# #$ink #$e
fa%ili#y #o mo"ula#e in#o A4 "ifferen# keys is #$a# impor#an#. 1 #$ink mo"ula#ion was over"one,
espe%ially from .a!ner onE $e ma"e i# soun" reasonably well, bu# Ma$ler ma"e a fe#is$ ou# of i#. (is
nonse7ui#urs in all sor#s of keys be%ame almos# absur". You "on/# $ave #o keep mo"ula#in! #o keep
up #$e in#eres#E #$e in#eres# isn/# in #$e mo"ula#ion, i#/s in #$e i"eas an" $ow #$ey/re "evelope"./
1n #$e 195Bs -ouis (ar"in $a" been for%e" #o #ake s#eps #o pro#e%# #$e workin! name $e $a"
a"op#e" in 1943. =f i#s %$oi%e $e s#a#es, /ub%ons%iously 1 mus# $ave been more influen%e" by #$e
1n"ians #$an 1 realise". 1 was a##ra%#e" by an 1n"ian;soun"in! pen name. ,u# i# was really referrin!
#o my "o! #$a# 1 use" #o $ave in Missouri w$o use" #o $owl a# #$e moon a lo#. 1 #$ou!$# of $im w$en
1 pu# #$e wor"s #o!e#$er. ,u# 1 learne" la#er #$a# #$e 1nui# in"ians $ave a /un"o!/ (a rainbow over
#$e sun) an" a /Moon"o!/ (a rainbow over #$e moon). o i# wasn/# as ori!inal as 1 #$ou!$#M/ (owever,
)llan 9ree" prove" less ori!inal. 1n 195A Moon"o! $a" $ear" #$rou!$ a frien" of a ?J in =$io w$o
was in#eres#e" in #$e possibili#y of $im !oin! ou# an" 6oinin! $is s$ow, bu# /#$e ne8# #$in! 1 knew $e
$a" move" #o New York an" a"op#e" #$e name $imself #o broa"%as# a ra"io s$ow usin! one of my
re%or"s wi#$ #$e $owlin! wolf (Moon"o! ymp$ony) as $is #$eme son!. o 1 !o# a lawyer an" we
sue" $im an" we won #$e %ase. 9ree" !o# up on +$anks!ivin! Ni!$# in /54 an" sai", 01 %an/# use #$e
name Moon"o! any more, i# belon!s #o someone else, so from now i#/s #$e *o%k an" *oll $ow.0
*umour $as i# #$a# 1!or #ravinsky in#er%e"e" on Moon"o!/s be$alfF /1 $ear" la#er, no# a# #$e #ime,
#$a# before #$e "e%ision %ame "own #ravinsky $a" %alle" up Ju"!e .al#ers an" sai", 0?o ri!$# by
#$is man ; $e/s a !oo" musi%ian.0 .$e#$er $is in#er%ession $a" any#$in! #o "o wi#$ #$e final "e%ision,
1 "on/# know./
1n )meri%a, Moon"o! $a" of#en %ommen#e" #$a# $e fel# $is spiri#ual $ome was 4urope, #$a# $e was a
/4uropean in e8ile./ 1n 1934 $e even#ually %ame #o 4urope. /1n /3C 1 !o# a %all from an or!aniser in
)meri%a w$o sai", 01 $ave a %$an%e for you #o %ome over #o 4urope wi#$ me an" "o a %on%er#.0 1
sai", 0Yes, 1/" like #o %ome.0 o in January /34 we %ame over, #$ey !o# a li##le or%$es#ra #o!e#$er an"
1 %on"u%#e" some of my pie%es, #$en Paul Jor"an playe" some of my or!an pie%es. ,u# 1 like" i# so
mu%$ over $ere 1 "i"n/# !o ba%k wi#$ $im. 1 wen# #o (ambur! for a year an" #$en 1 !o# a le##er from
someone in *e%klin!$ausen, a li##le #own near &olo!ne, w$o sai", 0&ome "own, maybe we %an "o
some#$in!.0 o 1 "i". =ne "ay 1 was sellin! my musi% on #$e s#ree#s of *e%klin!$ausen (in 2ikin!
$elme#) w$en a youn! la"y %ame up an" in#ro"u%e" $erself. .e/ve been workin! #o!e#$er ever sin%e.
+$a# was 1lona Doebel. $e wri#es all my musi% "own, a%%ompanies me w$erever 1 !o an" publis$es
my musi%. 1#/s #wen#y years 1/ve been $ere now ... an" we $ave a li##le re%or" %ompany %alle"
/+rimba./ +$e bi! ban" is #$e firs# release on our own label./
1n #$e same way #$a# Moon"o!/s &olumbia re%or"in!s were %$ara%#erise" by a #imeless 7uali#y ; a#
on%e reminis%en# of #$e pas#, an%$ore" in #$e %lassi%al #ra"i#ion an" ye# simul#aneously s$o# #$rou!$
wi#$ an en#irely %on#emporary perspe%#ive ; so $is ,i! ,an" an" a8 Pa8 9or ) a8 re%or"in!s a#
on%e evoke a pas# musi%al i"iom w$ils# s#ill re#ainin! #$e vibran%y of %omposi#ions w$i%$ "o no# look
ba%k, bu# forwar". Ye# if #$e $ear#bea# of #$e 6a'' i"iom was i#s improvisa#ion, #$is $as no pla%e in
Moon"o!/s workF /=$ noM 1/ll wri#e i# ou# %omple#ely. olois#s "on/# know w$a# #$ey/re "oin!
%on#rapun#allyE #$ey play w$a#ever %omes in#o #$eir $ea"s w$e#$er i# fi#s %on#rapun#ally or no#. +o
me, #$e only person w$o %an improvise wi#$ou# any %on#rapun#al mis#akes is somebo"y w$o plays a
solo ins#rumen#, per$aps a!ains# a "rumbea#. +$en #$ey %an "o any#$in! #$ey wan# #o "o ; #$ey %an
play a solo improvise" melo"y wi#$ou# breakin! any of #$e rules. ,u# as soon as you pu# a solois#
a!ains# a ban", a piano, or one o#$er ins#rumen#, #$en #$e #rouble be!ins. +$ey %ons#an#ly break #$e
#wo basi% rules of %oun#erpoin# ; %$an!in! no#es an" passin! no#es ; an" viola#e #$e #onal
rela#ions$ips be#ween #$e "ifferen# #ones. 4ven a %omposer, w$o is no# improvisin!, w$o is wri#in!
musi% by $imself an" is #$e only one w$o $as any#$in! #o "o wi#$ i# ; even #$ey make mis#akes. o
i#/s a li##le #ri%kF #o make i# soun" free, bu# #o make sure i#/s followin! #$e rules. 9or ins#an%e, ,ir"/s
-amen# is a %$a%onne wi#$ an al#o (sa8) soloE people w$o "on/# know i#/s wri##en "own woul" swear
i# was improvise", bu# i# isn/#. 1#/s #$e ar# of %on%ealin! )r#E #$a#/s w$a# 1/m always up #o. People
"on/# %are abou# #$e %omple8i#ies benea#$ #$e surfa%e as lon! as #$ey %an en6oy w$a# you/re "oin!. 1
"on/# make a poin# of sayin!, 0-ook $ow %lever 1 was.0 ome ar#is#s "o ; #$ey make a bi! poin# of #$e
#e%$ni%ali#ies. 2ir#uosos are #$a# wayE #$ey say, 0-ook $ow fas# 1 %an !o, $ow many no#es 1 %an play
per se%on".0 +$a#/s fine for #$e %ir%us, bu# i#/s no# )r#. +$a#/s basi%ally w$a# 1 $ave a!ains# %on%er#os
in !eneralF #$ey/re s$ow pie%es for #$e vir#uoso, bu# #$e musi%al %on#en# is of#en almos# nil./
,u# !iven #$e impor#an%e of improvisa#ion wi#$in #$e 6a'' %on#e8#, "oes $e #$en view #$ese works as
primarily #o be of #$e /6a''/ or #$e /%lassi%al/ #ra"i#ions@
/1/m basi%ally %lassi%ally orien#a#e"F 1 #$ink %lassi%ally. +$e basi% forms 1 use are ei#$er #$e %annon or
#$e %$a%onne, per$aps wi#$ some varia#ions. My %on%ep# of /6a''/ is more RNa#ive )meri%anS 1n"ian
orien#a#e". ,u# 1 %ombine #$e #wo ... an" #$a# may !ive a new #wis# #o #$e 4uropean #ra"i#ion./
.$en Moon"o! #alks of /6a''/ in rela#ion #o $is works $e appears #o be referrin! #o a pronoun%e"
syn%opa#ion ra#$er #$an improvisa#ion. 1# is ironi%, #$en, #$a# w$ere Moon"o!/s releases are s#o%ke"
#$ey are almos# e8%lusively #o be foun" in #$e 6a'' ra%ks, an" #$a# $is work s$oul" be fea#ure" in
session for ,rian Mor#on/s *a"io C 6a'' slo#. .e s$oul" be !ra#eful for #$ose oppor#uni#ies #$a# "o
e8is#E #$e %lassi%al or#$o"o8y $as no# rus$e" #o embra%e $im.
/+$ere are no or%$es#ras kno%kin! a# my "oor #o play my musi%, an" 1/m no# !e##in! %ommissions.
,u# you never know, i# %oul" %$an!e overni!$#. 1/ve only $a" my firs# symp$ony performe", by an
or%$es#ra in al'bur! in 195C. +$a#/s #$e only #ime 1 ever $a" a symp$ony playe". 1 #$ink #$e bi!
"rawba%k wi#$ me is #$a# my musi% is #oo #onal for %on"u%#ors w$o are ben"in! over ba%kwar"s #o
play a#onal musi%. +$ere/s a lo# of pressure on %omposers #o play #$a# ; #$ere/s a very #i!$#;kni#
%li7ue on a !lobal s%ale pus$in! #$a# musi%. +$e las# #$in! #$ey wan# #o see is #onal musi% bein!
in%lu"e". ,u# #ren"s %$an!e, an" 1 #$ink #$is a#onal musi% will pass./
,u# w$a#ever s#yle $e may be workin! aroun", #$e %ommon fa%#or w$i%$ bin"s #o!e#$er almos# all
$is re%or"e" work is i#s brevi#y. +$ere is very li##le preserve" for pos#eri#y in #$a# form w$i%$ e8%ee"s
fif#een minu#es, for #$e mos# par# i# is mu%$ less. /1 $ear" somew$ere ; i# may be a Dreek proverb ;
#$a# brevi#y was a vir#ue. +o be of few wor"sF #o say some#$in! impor#an# in as few wor"s as
possible. +$a#/s w$y 1 like #$e %ouple# so mu%$ as a verse form. )n" i#/s #rue of %anons #ooF you %an
say an awful lo# of #$in!s in a few bars. ,u# 1 $ave wri##en a #$ousan" par# %anon w$i%$ #akes nine
$ours #o playM 1# will probably never be performe", bu# i# was 6us# some#$in! #$a# 1 wan#e" #o "o./
o is Moon"o! able #o per%eive any "evelopmen# in $is %omposi#ional s#yle over #$e years@ ?oes
%oun#erpoin# remain a# #$e $ear# of i#@ 1# s#ill is ... /My a##i#u"e #owar"s %omposin! $asn/# %$an!e" in
#$e las# for#y;one yearsE 1 s#ill follow #$e same rules. ,u# lookin! ba%k on some of my pie%es ... even
on #$e &olumbia album 1 no#i%e 1 overlooke" one or #wo mis#akes. 1#/s on re%or", 1 %an/# %$an!e #$a#E
1 $ave #o a"mi# #$a# 1 !oofe" #$ere, 1 $ave #o live wi#$ i#M/ Ye# Moon"o! is also aware #$a# #$ese
%omposi#ional pro%esses $ave le" $im #owar"s innova#ion. /1 %rea#e" a 1<;par# %anon. +$e form never
e8is#e" before ; i#/s #$ree %anons wi#$in one. +$e ,i! ,an" is performin! one of #$ose %alle"
1nvo%a#ion Ron #$e ,i! ,an" &?S an" i#/s all on one no#e ; a low ) ; i#/s #$e same no#e #$a# #$e
,u""$is# monks %$an#. +$is 1nvo%a#ion is #o $elp livin! people #o %ommuni%a#e wi#$ an%es#ors, or
an%es#ors #o %ommuni%a#e wi#$ #$e livin!, or #$e livin! #o %ommuni%a#e wi#$ !o", or even people of
#$is !ala8y #o %ommuni%a#e wi#$ o#$er !ala8ies ... +$ou!$# is ins#an#aneousE li!$# !oes fas#, bu#
#$ou!$# is fas#er. o ima!ine %ommuni%a#in! ins#an#aneously wi#$ in#elli!en# bein!s in a remo#e
!ala8y ; or any !ala8y. +$is
1nvo%a#ion evokes #$a#E i#
!enera#es some#$in!. )f#er five
minu#es you be!in $earin! #$in!s
in #$e over#ones./
)n" #alkin! of over#ones, as #$e
in#erview %omes #o a %lose,
Moon"o! ensures #$a# 1 $ave an )4
s$ee# of paper w$i%$ is $ea"e" +$e
&osmi%o"e. (e briefly e8plains a
li##le abou# i#F /+$a#/s w$a# 1/ve
been "oin! for #$e las# #wen#y
years. 1/ve foun" #$a# in #$e firs#
nine over#ones #$ere/s a %o"e
w$i%$ %an only $ave been
%on%eive" by a !o" ; 1 %all i# a
me!amin". +$a# %o"e no# only
proves #$a# !o" e8is#s (be%ause i# %an only $ave been %on%eive" by a super;in#elli!en%e) bu# 1 $ave
foun" #$a# #$ere are se%re# laws in #$ere referrin! #o %osmi% %ons#ru%#ionE for e8ample %on#ra%#ion
an" e8pansion, #wo;"ire%#ionali#y of #ime, %ause an" effe%# ... +$ese #$in!s are all #$ere in #$e firs#
nine over#ones./
1n #ru#$, #$e bes# %on#e8# in w$i%$ #o re!ar" $is work is amon!s# #$a# $an"ful of maveri%k )meri%an
%omposers w$ose musi% is uni#e" by bo#$ #$e in"ivi"uali#y of #$eir musi%al #$inkin! an" #$e sin!le;
min"e"ness wi#$ w$i%$ #$ey followe" i# #$rou!$ #$e s$if#in! %urren#s of %ri#i%al an" publi%
("is)re!ar", "espi#e #$e fa%# #$a# #$eir musi% i#self %oul" no# be more varie". +$us $is pie%e is
in"i%a#e" alon!si"e (arry Par#%$, &onlon Nan%arrow, *ober# )s$ley, )lvin -u%ier an" Jo$n &a!e,
amon!s# o#$ers.
Moon"o! $imself woul" probably "isavow su%$ affilia#ions.
Moon"o! was born A< May, 191< an" "ie" 5 ep#ember, 1999. +$is essay was wri##en in 1995.
inF +io!a &oun#y &ourier, A<. )u!us# 1995
Louis (ardin a3k3a Moondog
4y Mike =ulachok 7*:6*#7
omew$ere in #$e re%esses of #ime an" memory, in #$e early 3Bs #o be spe%ifi%, 1 fel# a profoun"
ineffable sa"ness an" melan%$oly over #$e s#a#e of affairs of -ouis (ar"in, a.k.a. Moon"o!.
My feelin!s wereF .$y s$oul" su%$ a uni7ue in"ivi"ual wi#$ "iverse #alen#s in musi%al %omposi#ion,
musi%ians$ip, poe#ry, life s#yle always be s#ifle" an" s#ru!!lin! for #$e mere basi%s of s$el#er,
sus#enan%e, self e8pression@
=ne of #$e earlies# lo%al no#a#ions of (ar"in appeare" in a 1955 e"i#ion of an =we!o newspaperF
0#ran!e =we!o 2isi#ors0 ; +$ese #wo men, w$o ma"e a brief s#op a# =we!o 9ri"ay mornin!, %rea#e"
%onsi"erable in#eres# amon! lo%al people. +$e #wo men #ol" a news p$o#o!rap$er #$ey were from
New York &i#y an" %ame #o #$is area #o look a# some proper#y. +$e man a# lef# %alle" $imself
0Moon"o!0 an" !ave $is real name as -ouis (ar"in. (is %ompanion was %alle" 0*obbins0. Moon"o!
sai" $e $as mo"ele" $is %lo#$in! af#er #$a# of #$e 1n"ians. (is apparel %onsis#e" of ma#erial
resemblin! an army blanke# e7uippe" wi#$ a $oo". +$e en#ire e8#erior %lo#$in! %onsis#e" of only one
pie%e of !armen#. +$e visi#ors $a" planne" #o %amp ou# an" sleep ou# over ni!$# in #$e =we!o area
9ri"ay.0
,y now mos# everyone s$oul" be familiar wi#$ #$e (ar"in s#ory. Moon"o! was an off an" on resi"en#
of &an"or (1955;34) "ivi"in! $is #ime be#ween Man$a##en an" #$e rural pre%in%#s of Jps#a#e new
York.
1n /34 Moon"o! move" #o Dermany #o work on $is own bran" of e8perimen#al musi%, an" #o be
imbue" wi#$ #$e won"orous %ul#ures of %on#inen#al 4urope.
-ike many )meri%ans ar#is#s before $im, i# #ook a %ommi#men# #o 4urope for (ar"in #o be fully
appre%ia#e" an" !iven #$e oppor#uni#ies an" means of e8pression #$a# were lar!ely "enie" in
)meri%a.
+$ree years a!o, ,ri#is$ ro%k musi%ian 4lvis &os#ello invi#e" Moon"o! #o perform a# #$e Mel#"own
9es#ival in -on"on. =n 9ebruary A<#$, Na#ional Publi% *a"io %arrie" a s#ory on -ouis (ar"in, w$i%$ an
e8%erp# followsF
4lvis &os#ello, musi%ianF 0.e $ear" $is af#ernoon %on%er#, w$i%$ was s%$e"ule" #o run 1 suppose an
$our an" a $alf, like mos# %on%er#s. )n" 1 #$ink i# ran for #wo an" a $alf $ours be%ause Moo"o! was
absolu#ely uns#oppable on%e $e !o# on s#a!e, mu%$ #o everybo"y/s surprise, be%ause ano#$er #$in!
#$a#/s very $ar" #o 6u"!e in $is a!e. 1 mean, people woul" ; woul" assume #$a# a person of $is
%$ronolo!i%al a!e
(some lines missin!)
mis#akes. +$e su!!es#ion #$a# #$ey mi!$# $ave "one i# for ar#is#i% purposes !oes now$ere wi#$ $im.
)l#$ou!$ $is musi% is 6a''y, $e/s no# in#eres#e" in improvisa#ion an" $e feels #$e sa8op$one, for
w$i%$ $e wro#e mos# of #$e musi% on $is la#es# album, is a noble ins#rumen# #$a# $as been mu%$
abuse".0
Moon"o!F 0ome of #$e 6a'' musi%ians ben" #$e no#es an" make #$em soun" almos# %omi%al, an"
#$ey/re no# #$a# sor# of #$in!. +$ey %an be #rea#e" as respe%#fully as you woul" an oboe or a
%larine#.0
=ls$erF 0Moon"o! also $as s#ron! opinions abou# #$e a%ous#i%al proper#ies of musi%. (e/s "evelope"
a %omple8 #$eory abou# over#ones ; #$e barely au"ible an%illary pi#%$es #$a# appear every #ime a
no#e is
(some lines missin!)
vowels. 1# s#ar#s wi#$ /a$/ like in /bou!$#/ an" /a$/ like /po#/E /u$/ like /bu##/E /u$/ like /pu#/E /oo$/ like
/boo#/E /aa/ like /pa#/E /e$/ like /be#/E /i$/ like /pi#/E an" /be/ like /beef/.
o #$ere are nine vowels %orrespon"in! #o #$e firs# nine over#ones. )n" wi#$ou# #$e over#ones, you/"
$ave no vowels an" wi#$ou# vowels you/" $ave no spea%$. 1n fa%#, #$e vowels are in your #$roa# an"
all #$e over#ones are #$ere, #oo. 1n o#$er wor"s, Do" $as bran"e" you before you were born even.
You/re bran"e" as 1 %all #$em /over#onians/. )n" #$a#/s some#$in! 1 wasn/# #au!$# in s%$ool.0
=ls$erF 0Nor were mos# people. ,u# 4lvis &os#ello #$inks #$a#/s no reason #o wri#e;off Moon"o!/s
uni7ue beliefs.0
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#$eories, #$ere are also very !roun"e" aspe%#s abou# Moon"o! #$a# remin" us $e was born 5A years
a!o wi#$ #$e name -ouis (ar"in in >ansas, an" #$a# #$e musi% of #$e plains 1n"ians, wi#$ i#s
%onne%#ion #o #$e r$y#$ms of #$e 4ar#$ an" #$e $uman bo"y, was never far away.0
Moon"o!F 0Mos#ly, 1 use a
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=ls$erF 04ven people w$o $ave spen# a lo# of #ime en6oyin! Moon"o!/s musi% "on/# pre#en" #o
un"ers#an" $is %on#ra"i%#ions an" i"iosyn%rasies. ,u# w$o says we $ave #o@0
+$is la#e win#er, )#lan#i% *e%or"s release" 0a8 Pa8 9or ) a80 by Moon"o! an" #$e -on"on
a8op$oni%. +$e &? #akes an ori!inal s#an%e on #$e use of #$e sa8op$one in w$a# soun"s #o #$is ear
as an avan#;!ar"e surreal swin!in! bi! ban", an" in o#$er pie%es a more "own #empo
au#obio!rap$i%al feel.
) samplin! of (ar"in/s lyri%s from 0+o ) a80F
01n a8/s name 1/" like #o know w$a# *ollini, Parker, Youn! an" mo/e musi%ians woul" $ave "one if
(some lines missin!)
Puelle H our%eF $##pFHHkalvos.or!Hba''rAA<.$#ml.
The /ssay ShowF::6
9ounds and Floyds
4y David =unn
.e $ave a sa" no#e #o repor# #o"ay, an"
we/re no# #alkin! abou# #$e D fla# #$a# #$e
9ren%$ $orn player ina"ver#en#ly ma"e
w$ile %learin! $er spi# valve "urin!
re$earsal of #$e 9arafan!ana =r%$es#ra
-#". of Ma"a!as%ar. ,esi"es, #$a# wasn/#
sa" so mu%$ as i# was mis%on#e8#uali'e".
No, #$e sa" no#e is #$a# %omposer -ouis
(ar"in, also known as Moon"o!, "ie" las#
week. (e was 5C.
1n #$e 195Bs an" /<Bs, Moon"o! was a
mys#erious an" e8#rava!an#ly !arbe"
s#ree# musi%ian in New York &i#y, "resse"
in a $omema"e robe, san"als, a flowin!
%ape an" $orne" 2ikin! $elme#, an"
%lu#%$in! a lon! $an";%raf#e" spear. ,u#
$is %omposi#ions, w$i%$ mer!e" 6a'',
%lassi%al, Na#ive )meri%an an" o#$er
influen%es, an#i%ipa#e" an" influen%e" #$e
minimalis# movemen#. +$ou!$ la#er
a%%laime" in 4urope as an avan#;!ar"e
%omposer, Moon"o! was per$aps bes#
known for $is unusually #ime;si!na#ure"
vo%al roun"s. ) roun"s is, of %ourse a musi%al %omposi#ion for #wo or more voi%es in w$i%$ ea%$
voi%e en#ers a# a "ifferen# #ime wi#$ #$e same melo"y. 0*ow *ow *ow your Nau#ilus 48er%ise
Ma%$ine0 an" 09rTre Ja%7ues &ous#eau0 are #wo !oo" e8amples.
Moon"o! was a mas#er of #$e roun". (e was, in fa%#, a perfe%#ly roun" man, e7ui"is#an#ly !ir#$e"
from a %ommon %en#er. .$en viewe" from above, $e was impossible #o "is#in!uis$ from a lar!e,
$airy blan%man!e. .$ile in 4urope, $e a##ra%#e" a followin! of %omposi#ion s#u"en#s w$o $a" #ire" of
#$e s#ri%#ures of a%a"emi% isms ;; serialism, PUr#ism, a%ous#oele%#ri%ianism, ma8imalism an" even
Yanniism ;; an" #$ey ea!erly imi#a#e" $is s#yle of roun"wri#in!. &allin! #$emselves moon"o!!ies,
#$ese $elme#;$ea"e", spear;wiel"in! a%oly#es a# firs# #rie" #o wri#e similarly pe%uliar roun"s.
.$en %ri#i%s panne" many of #$e pie%es as moon"o!!erel, some of #$e s#u"en#s baile" ou# an"
rever#e" #o wri#in! lu%ra#ive film s%ores. ,u# o#$ers s#u%k by #$eir !ums, a"$erin! #o #$e !lu#inous
!in!iva like slu! larva #o a pos#a!e s#amp, an" even#ually #$eir musi% evolve" #o w$a# we now know
as urfa%e Musi%. urfa%e Musi% is "erive" from #$e ma#$ema#i%al rela#ions$ips of a !eome#ri% fi!ure.
7uares, r$ombuses, a%e#ylene #rian!les, parallelo!rams, oblon!s, #rape'o$e"rons, o8y!ons ;; all
%rea#e uni7uely i"en#ifiable %omposi#ions w$en "ifferen#ial al!ori#$ms ply #$eir "imensional wa#ers.
)n" w$ile a roun" is no# #$e firs# s$ape #$a# %omes #o min" w$en !eome#ry is "is%usse", #$e surfa%e
musi%ians liberally embra%e" #$e form anyway. -ikewise employe" were ellipsoi"s, ovules, !lobules
an" po#$oles, #$ou!$ #$e amorp$ously s7uirrelly "imensions of #$ese !eome#ri%ally lean s$apes
pro"u%e" less su%%essful pie%es. #ill, #$ey were ma!num opuses %ompare" #o one form so ill;
%on%eive" #$a# i# $a" !ra#efully lan!uis$e" in well;"eserve" oblivion un#il #$e >alvos Q ?amian
*esear%$ Jun#a s#umble" upon i#. +$a# form is #$e floy". ) floy" is s$ape" like #$e eye of a $urri%ane.
)n" like #$e eponymous s#orm #$a# re%en#ly "ampene" many a slab of 4as# &oas# asp$al#, i# is
fre7uen#ly a "isas#er in #$e makin!. imilarly, i#s $armoni% in%on!rui#ies mirror #$e me#eorolo!i%al
"ispari#ies an" low barome#ri% pressure of a #ropi%al "epression. 1n essen%e, i# is a %on#rapun#al form
#$a# !oes awry. ) melo"y is $ear" firs# in one voi%e an" #$en imi#a#e" by a""i#ional voi%es, usually a#
#$e unison. +$e voi%es may en#er upsi"e "own, ba%kwar"s or "is!uise" as a #una %asserole.
4ven#ually, one by one #$e voi%es %on#ra%# #$e musi%al e7uivalen# of pros#a#i#is an" #$e melo"y
be%omes inflame". &omposi#ional in"i!es#ion o%%urs, an" #$e voi%es s$irk #$eir imi#a#ive 7uali#ies an"
se##le in#o a kin" of %ir%ular s#a#i% loop. ) musi%al "ea#$ inevi#ably follows. )s an e8ample, $ere is a
1A;measure, 43;no#e si8;par# floy" playe" on a plas#i% $arpsi%$or" by un Yun Moon"o!!ie. (9-=Y?)
+$a# was a si8;par# floy" en#i#le" 048ample of a 9loy".0 ?i" you no#e $ow i#s lo!i%ally %on#rapun#al
be!innin! was no# enou!$ #o save i# from "evolvin! in#o %$ao#i% loops of low barome#ri% pressure@
.ell, we "i", we bein! #$e a!en#s provo%a#eurs of #$is AA<#$ episo"e of >alvos Q ?amian/s New
Musi% ,a'aar, #$rou!$ w$ose mis%on#e8#uali'e" musi%al po#$oles we $ope #o pi%k up a %rumb or #wo
of %anoni% wis"om from >alvos.
aus H fromF $##pFHHmusi%9.$ypermar#.ne#Hmis%ellaneousHpi%ksHmoon"o!Vma#inee.$#m
GA don't want to sound like Buddy 9ichH A always want the 4oo)ing sound! which is what
the Andians like3G
4y Mike Mc=onigal
)sk any New York &i#y ol";#imer abou# Moon"o! (born -ouis (ar"in in >ansas, 191<) ; o""s are $is
or $er fa%e will li!$# up wi#$ re%o!ni#ion. 9rom #$e la#e 194Bs well in#o #$e /<Bs, #$e affable blin" man
%oul" be foun" alon! i8#$ )venue, be#ween 51s# an" 5<#$ s#ree#s, makin! musi% an" re%i#in!
poe#ry. ) lar!e man, $e %u# an imposin! fi!ure wi#$ $is lon! bear" an" $an";sewn lea#$er pon%$o,
%lu#%$in! a lar!e s#aff an" various funky;lookin!, self;inven#e" ins#rumen#s.
.$ile performin! on #$e s#ree#, Moon"o! befrien"e" -eonar" ,erns#ein, Marlon ,ran"o, Julie
)n"rews, ?iane )rbus (s$e snappe" $im several #imes), an" &$arlie Parker (for w$om $e %ompose"
a lyri%al #ribu#e, 0,ir"/s -amen#0). )f#er %olumnis# .al#er .in%$ell wro#e abou# $im, re%or" %ompanies
be!an #o release $is musi%, an" $e soon be%ame an i%on of #$e bur!eonin! %oun#er%ul#ure. (e
performe" in %on%er# wi#$ -enny ,ru%e an" +iny +im an" appears in &onra" ,rooks/s ar#sy film
&$appa7ua, alon!si"e .illiam ,urrou!$s an" )llen Dinsber!. =n #$eir 19<5 "ebu#, Janis Joplin/s
!roup ,i! ,ro#$er an" #$e (ol"in! &ompany %overe" $is 0)ll 1s -oneliness.0
1n #$e #ra"i#ion of #$e )meri%an visionary ar#is# (su%$ as (arry Par#%$, )r#$ur ?ove, an" &ap#ain
,eef$ear#), Moon"o! wore #$e %loak of e%%en#ri%i#y #o a##ain a %er#ain no#orie#y. =n $is album %overs
$e looks like un *a/s %ousin, bu# #$e mos# in#eres#in! #$in! abou# $is musi% is i#s simple, "ul%e#
beau#y. ?eli!$#fully a%%essible, in#erwoven melo"ies floa# a#op s$ufflin! bea#s, a%%ompanie" by
was$es of s#rin!s an"Hor lus$ vo%al $armonies, per$aps pun%#ua#e" by swee#ly s#ampe"in!
sa8op$ones or a bras$;soun"in! men/s %$orus. 0Musi% is no !oo" unless i# $as a melo"y,0 #$e
e8#remely 6ovial, well;spoken !en#leman e8plains over #$e p$one from #$e *u$r 2alley in Dermany,
$is $ome sin%e 1934. 01 "on/# wri#e a#onal musi%. +onali#y plus r$y#$m plus melo"y is w$a# makes i#
for meE you $ave #o $ave #$ose #$ree %omponen#s, 1 #$ink.0
)# 5A, #$e musi%ian %omes a%ross as very you#$ful an" speaks wi#$ a %lassi% Mi"wes#ern )meri%an
a%%en#. 0My musi% "efini#ely keeps me youn!, my %omple#e "evo#ion #o my musi%,0 $e e8plains.
,lin"e" in $is #eens w$en a "ynami#e %ap blew up in $is fa%e, #$is son of 4pis%opalian missionaries
re%eive" a %ursory musi%al e"u%a#ion from #$e 1owa %$ool for #$e ,lin" in #$e 19CBs. +$e res# of $is
musi%al #ea%$in!s %ame from a life#ime spen# wi#$ books, an" from lis#enin!.
1n #$e /4Bs an" /5Bs, Moon"o! was privile!e" #o be #$e only a##en"an# a# re$earsals of #$e New York
P$il$armoni%, w$i%$ #au!$# $im an awful lo# abou# $ow or%$es#ras pu# soun"s #o!e#$er. Moon"o! was
profoun"ly influen%e" by Na#ive )meri%an musi% "urin! a 1945 e8%ursion ou# .es#, w$ere $e was
e8pose" #o #$e ri#ual musi% of Nava$o an" ,la%kfoo# Na#ive )meri%an #ribes. 0.$en 1 was abou# <,
my "a", w$o was a missionary, wen# #o a %onven#ion a# #$e )rapa$o *eserva#ion in .yomin!, an" a#
#$a# #ime #$ey were "oin! #$e un ?an%e,0 $e re%alls. 0&$ief Yellow &ap le# me si# on $is lap, an" $e
!ave me a "rums#i%k an" le# me bea# on #$e #om;#om. )n" #$a#/s $ow i# s#ar#e". 1 learne" #$e
runnin! bea#, w$i%$ is bom;bom;bom;bom, an" #$e walkin! bea#, bom;bom;bom. )n" 1 use" #$ose
r$y#$ms on my newes# re%or", a8 Pa8 for a a8, w$ile 1 was playin! a bi! bass "rum.0 Moon"o!/s
musi% is $eavily r$y#$mi% ; r$y#$m is #$e !lue #$a# $ol"s i# #o!e#$er an" makes i# ins#an#ly
re%o!ni'able as $is, w$e#$er voi%es, s#rin!s, or sa8op$ones floa# a#op #$e "rums. 01#/s #$e $ear#bea#,
you know, i#/s universal an" #imeless,0 (ar"in rela#es. 0-ike in #$e son! /New )ms#er"am/ from a8
Pa8, #$a#/s #$e 1n"ian walkin! bea#. ,u# #$e musi%ians "on/# like #o $ear a boomin! bass "rum, #$ey
always like #o $ave me pu# #ape on #$e "rum$ea"s an" su%$. ,u# 1 say, 1 "on/# wan# #o soun" like
,u""y *i%$M 1 always wan# #$e boomin! soun", w$i%$ is w$a# #$e 1n"ians like. (ell, #$ose "rums are
abou# #wo me#ers a%ross, #akin! up one w$ole $i"e, you knowM@ +$ey use" #o use buffalo, now 1
!uess #$ey $ave #o use bull $i"es.0
1n a #ypi%al Moon"o! work, a %a#%$y, s#ran!ely syn%opa#e" (5H4) bea# is in#ro"u%e", #$en a su!ary
$armony is playe" or sun! a#op i#. +$en #$ere/s a series of repea#e" melo"ies, s#a!!ere" one af#er
#$e o#$er. )ll Moon"o! musi% is s#ri%#ly %ompose" an" performe" a%%or"in! #o an%ien# rules of
%oun#erpoin#. &oun#erpoin# is #$e a%# of %ombinin! mul#iple melo"ies a# #$e same #imeE i#/s #$e
#e%$ni%al basis of polyp$onous soun", w$ere a bun%$ of melo"ies are woven #o!e#$er #o form a
pleasin! #e8#ure. +$e musi%al form known as #$e %anon %an a%$ieve ma'elike %on#rapun#al
%omple8i#y, w$en a par#i%ular melo"y/s $ear" in one voi%e an" #$en repea#e" by one or more voi%es ;
0*ow Your ,oa#0 an" 0+$ree ,lin" Mi%e0 are e8amples. +$e %anon/s #$e basi% form Moon"o!
%on#inuously re#urns #oE $e/s even wri##en a book abou# i#.
Moon"o! $as be%ome su%$ an a"ep# %omposer an" %ri#i%al lis#ener #$a# every #ime $e $ears ,a%$, $e
win%es a# all #$e 0mis#akes0 #$e !uy ma"e. 0,a%$ ma"e more mis#akes #$an anybo"y else,0 (ar"in
says. 0(alf #$e #ime $e "i" i# %orre%#ly, bu# #$e res# of #$e #ime $e really wen# overboar", you know. 1
always #$ink #$a# $e "i"n/# $ave #ime #o analy'e $is work af#er $e wro#e i#E $e wro#e #$ousan"s of
pie%es. .$en 1 wri#e a pie%e, #$a#/s only abou# one;#$ir" of #$e work. +$e res# is #o analy'e i# an"
elimina#e any mis#akes you $ave in #$e voi%in!, in #$e lea"in! of #$e par#s. +$a#/s w$ere #$e #ime
%omes in. 1#/s very borin! #o analy'e your own work, bu# i#/s very ne%essary.0
+$e ul#ima#e frui# of $is love affair wi#$ %oun#erpoin# is surely 0=ver#one +ree,0 an unfinis$e"
%omposi#ion Moon"o! $as been s#ea"ily workin! on for more #$an AB years. 0=ver#one +ree0 is a
#$ousan" bars lon!. +$ou!$ appro8ima#ely 4B minu#es in len!#$, i#/s so %omple8 #$a# in or"er #o be
properly performe", four %on"u%#ors will be nee"e" ; #$ree sub%on"u%#ors an" one !ran" %on"u%#or.
Jn#il 0=ver#one +ree0 is finis$e" an" re%or"e", Moon"o! fans will $ave #o %on#en# #$emselves wi#$
#$e 6a'';infuse" a8 Pa8 for a a8, a s#ran!e, "rivin! %on%o%#ion, fuele" by inspire" playin! from +im
*e"pa#$/s -on"on a8op$oni%. Moon"o! insis#en#ly ban!s away on bass "rum an" bon!os w$ile, in
a""i#ion #o #$e -on"on a8op$oni%, #$ere/s folkie ?anny +$ompson on %on#ra bass, plus a boomin!
male %$orus #$a# soun"s very &e%il ,. ?eMille an" #$a# in%lu"es, of all people, pro!;ro%k pioneer Pe#e
(ammill (formerly of 2an ?er Draaf Denera#or).
01 "on/# mean #o be arro!an# by sayin! #$is, bu# #$e only musi% #$a# rela8es me an" sa#isfies me is
my own, be%ause 1 know #$a# 1/m no# !oin! #o insul# my own ears, you know,0 Moon"o! says. 0)ll
#$e musi% on a8 Pa8 ; as far as 1 know #$ere/s no# one #e%$ni%al mis#ake in #$e %oun#erpoin#, an"
#$a#/s so impor#an#. +$a#/s w$y 1/m a!ains# improvisin!, be%ause #$e solois# %an/# possibly know w$a#
#$e o#$er !uys are !oin! #o play an" #$e %$or" %$an!es "on/# always fi# #$e melo"y.0 )f#er #$is wri#er
men#ions #$a# lar!e por#ions of a8 Pa8 "o soun" improvise", in par#i%ular #$e rere%or"e" 0,ir"/s
-amen#,0 $e beams ba%k. 0+$ank youM +$a#/s #$e $i!$es# praiseM 9or me #o $ave worke" so %losely,
so s#ri%#ly, wi#$in #$e rules of %oun#erpoin#, an" #o s#ill $ave #$e musi% soun" as if i# were improvise",
#$a# is #$e mos# 1 %oul" ask for.0
)ma'on.%om e"i#or Mike M%Doni!al $as wri##en for .or", 9ee", )r#forum, No ?epression, #$e 2illa!e
2oi%e, (alana, pin, an" some o#$er pla%es. ) $appily marrie" 6unk foo" a""i%#, $is favori#e wri#er
ever is #$is "ea" !uy name" *ober# .alser. RDrea#, J..S
New ork >ost! "#68 ,ugust @
%erry Tall)er
Streetsinger 'Moondog' Moves to Living Theater
+$ey/ve pu# a roof over Moon"o!, bu# #$ey $aven/# %$ar!e" $im any. 1# woul" be $ar" #o "o.
+$e blin" s#ree#sin!er, for years a familiar si!$# in %loak an" bear" on #$e si"ewalks of +imes 7., $as
opene" a mi"ni!$# s$ow a# #$e -ivin! +$ea#er, i8#$ )v. an" 14#$ #. (e s$ares #ripar#i#e billin! wi#$
#wo o#$er "ras#i% in"ivi"ualis#s, free;asso%ia#or (u!$ *omney an" false##is# +iny +im. Performan%es
are +ues"ays, .e"nes"ays, +$urs"ays, followin! #$e re!ular s$owin! #$ere of 0+$e ,ri!.0 1#/s weir"
an" won"erful.
Moon"o! is a%#ually -ouis +$omas (ar"in, born 43 years a!o in Marysville, >an., an" raise" as #$e
son of an 4pis%opal minis#er in #$e 1n"ian %oun#ry of .yomin!. 1# $as been sai", a%%ura#ely, #$a# $e
$as #$e fa%e of a &$ris#E also of >a$lil Dibran, wi#$ w$om $e $as o#$er affini#ies. 1# $as also been sai"
a%%ura#ely #$a# $is bran" of musi% is 0%omple#ely un%lassifiable.0
1# is pure per%ussion, wi#$ some a%%ompanimen# by a %$i%le# a# #$e piano. (e %omes in, %rou%$es a#
#$e s#a!e floor, #unes up $is si"ewise "rum, #$en su""enly laun%$es for#$ in an ama'in! %on#rapun#al
syn%opa#ion of "rums, mara%as, ebony s#i%k, %ymbal. +$e ran!e is from 0un%lassifiable0 #o
)fri%anH=rien#al #o ,a%$ an" 2ival"i.
,u# Moon"o! is also a poe#. 9rom #ime #o #ime $e rises #o $is full si8 fee# #o feel $is way in ,raille ;
no "oub# unne%essarily e8%ep# as a s#a!e effe%# ; #$rou!$ r$yme" %ouple#s of $is own au#$ors$ip.
+$ese ran!e from in#eres#in! (0)s mass pro"u%#ion masses on #$e or"er of #$e min"H) #rea#y of
surren"er is %on"i#ionally si!ne"0) #o awful (0+$e leanin! #ower leane" a li##le far#$er sou#$ an"
sai"H/1 woul"n/# be so famous if 1 $a" a level $ea"/0)
+$eir fur#$er fun%#ion is wryly au#ibio!rap$i%al. 0My way of "ress annoye" $er an" s$e s$ou#e"
/You/re a s%are%rowM/H/Maybe so,/ 1 sai", /an" maybe you/re #$e %row 1 s%are./0
>ause for Conte)+lation
(e insis#s on a 15;se%on" pause be#ween ea%$ %ouple# for au"ien%e %on#empla#ion. +$en $e plays
more musi%. More poe#ry. More musi%. +$en $e/s "one.
(u!$ *omney is a #alen#e" an#i;4s#ablis$men#arian wi#$ Prous#ian powers of #o#al re%all. 0+$ere/s a
w$ole series of sli"es insi"e my $ea",0 $e announ%es. 0)nybo"y %all ou# any wor" an" open up one
in my "oors.0
)n" #$ey "o an" i# "oes. omebo"y in #$e au"ien%e saysF 0?o!.0 .ell, "o!s remin" *omney of
animals, an" in #$e ins#an# $e plun!es "eep in#o a fan#as#i% s#ory ; all #$e more fan#as#i% be%ause
pa#en#ly #rue ; abou# a las%ivious %oa#i mun"i (or ra%%oon) #$a# on%e #urne" on #$e s$ower an"
floo"e" ou# *omney/s #enemen# on 4. 1B#$ #. 1n #$e %ourse of #$e epi% *omney works in $is
Jkrainian lan"lor", #$e %ops, essue (ayakawa, ?i%k +ra%y (04verybo"y knows ?i%k +ra%y was an
)ryan0) an" mu%$ else of our life an" $ar" #imes. -ike -enny ,ru%e, like all serious %lowns, *omney
$as a kin" of reli!ion, an" i# %omes #$rou!$. -ike ,ru%e, $e $as a brillian# "elivery. =#$erwise $e is
no# like ,ru%e.
Andescri4a4le Tiny Ti)
)n" +iny +im. ome people $ave seen every movie ever ma"e. +iny +im $as obviously $ear" every
ol" 2i%#or re%or" ever %u#, !oin! ba%k 4B years an" more. 1n a manner w$i%$ is in"es%ribable, an"
$ilarious, $is voi%e an" $ips an" wris# an" ban6o repro"u%e #$ese re%or"s, from 0,y #$e y%amore
+ree0 #o 0Jus# -eave i# #o Me,0 from 01 "i"n/# *aise My ,oy #o ,e a ol"ier0 #o 0-i##le Man, You/ve (a"
a ,usy ?ay.0 +iny +im is a %o#erie p$enomenon, #o be sure, bu# #$e %o#erie is ferven# an" rapi"ly
sprea"in!.
?aily &ar"inal vol. -WWW111 No. 5, +$urs"ay, )u!us# C1 193A
Jniversi#y of .is%onsin;Ma"ison
Moondog& Street +oet! co)+oser
01f poe#ry is unpopular, #$en poe#s are a# faul# for wri#in! fuss an" fea#$ers w$en #$ey s$oul" be
wri#in! sal#.0
;M==N?=D
Moon"o!, #$e blin" s#ree# poe# an" %omposer from New York &i#y, will %on"u%# some of $is ma"ri!als
wi#$ a %$amber or%$es#ra a# AFA5 p.m. #o"ay in Mills &on%er# (all in #$e (umani#ies ,l"!.
=ne of Moon"o!/s symp$onies, 0#ampe"e,0 an" o#$er pie%es wri##en by #$is unusual 2ikin!;"resse"
man will be performe". 1# will be Moon"o!/s se%on" Ma"ison %on%er# sin%e $e arrive" $ere nearly one
week a!o.
+$e firs# %on%er#, $el" a#ur"ay a# #$e &a#$oli% &en#er, was a %omple#e su%%ess. ,efore a %row" of
nearly ABB, Moon"o!, w$ose real name is -ouis (ar"in, rea" $is poems from w$a# $e %alle" 0paper
wi#$ measles0;braille. .i#$in $is voi%e #$ere is an unfor!e#able
!en#leness an" $is presen%e perva"es an en#ire room wi#$ a w$i#e
aura. -is#enin! #o Moon"o! re%i#e $is poems is per$aps, like
%onsul#in! #$e an%ien# Dreek blin" seer, +iresias.
P1)N1+ ?=N #. Pierre playe" from Moon"o!/s )r# of #$e &anon,
,ook 1, a pie%e wri##en in mo"al %oun#erpoin# followin! #$e
pra%#i%es of ,a%$.
#. Pierre, a former s#u"en# of #$e Musi% %$ool, "i" an
e8%ep#ional 6ob wi#$ Moon"o!/s %omposi#ions an" was !iven a
!oo" re%ep#ion by #$e s#an"in!;room;only %row". +$is is a fine
refle%#ion on #. Pierre/s #rainin!, "ue #o #$e fa%# #$a# $e/" seen
#$e musi% only A4 $ours earlier.
01 "e"i%a#e" my life #o %omposi#ion,0 Moon"o! e8plains, 01n 19CC
af#er my sis#er rea" me a book abou# #$e violin. 1n s%$ool 1 was
always lookin! ou# #$e win"ow, %$asin! !irls, $un#in! an" fis$in!.0
01/ve wri##en musi% enou!$ #o fill abou# 1A albums an" 1/ve re%en#ly %omple#e" a book of musi%
wri##en espe%ially for #$e #rouba"or $arp, %ompose" usin! #$e Dreek mo"es. +$e ins#rumen# will be a
smaller version in or"er #o allow por#abili#y. 1# $as CB s#rin!s an" 1 #$ink i#/s possible #$a# i# will one
"ay rival #$e !ui#ar in populari#y.0
+$e 5< year ol" poe# $as live" in New York for A9 years, an" $as been wri#in! poems ; over a
#$ousan" of #$em ; in #$e form of %ouple#s, sin%e 195<. Moon"o! $as also wri##en a poe#i% a%%oun# of
%rea#ion %on%ernin! #$e Norse le!en"s in (eroi% %ouple#.
Moon"o! $as #wo very fine albums of $is musi% on &olumbia, an" is now presen#ly $i#%$;$ikin!
aroun" #$e %oun#ry in or"er #o brin! $is musi% an" poe#ry #o #$e people, an" promo#e $is re%or"s. )s
a #onal %omposer i# $as been "iffi%ul# for Moon"o! #o %onvin%e re%or" %ompanies #$a# musi% w$i%$ is
bo#$ pleasin! #o #$e ear an" wri##en "urin! #$is %en#ury s$oul" be re%or"e" in #$is a!e of
in"us#riali'a#ion an" a#onali#y. 1# is unfor#una#e #$a# musi% as beau#iful as #$is s$oul" be "enie" #$e
)meri%an publi%. Per$aps #$rou!$ #$ese very personal 0evenin!s wi#$ Moon"o!0, #$e re%or"
%ompanies will reali'e w$a# a rare an" pre%ious 6ewel #$ey $ave in #$is e8#raor"inary man.
New Music ,)erica
David Byrne
The Brooklyn >hilhar)onic Cha)4er 'rchestra
>rogra) Notes
Moon"o!
Earis $a" i#s worl" premiere in Paris, 195A in a %on%er# sponsore" by *a"io 9ran%e. +$e pie%e, full of
/&an &an spiri#,/ was re%eive" by #$e Parisians rap#urously.
1# %onsis#s of a CA;bar %$orus repea#e" four #imes wi#$ new %oun#erpoin#s a""e". =n #$e las# repea#
#$e bass sa8op$one is fea#ure". +$e pi%%olo $as a flouris$ in #$e %o"a. +$e #une was wri##en in #$e
ups#a#e N.Y., a year before -ouis (ar"in (Moon"o!) %ame #o 4urope.
Good For Goodie is a !roun" of ei!$# bars, repea#e" over an" over. 4very ei!$# bars a new
%oun#erpoin# is superimpose", repea#e" over an" over, un#il #$ere are si8#een %oun#erpoin#s over #$e
!roun".
+$e seven#een #ier layer %ake effe%# was #erme" 0s#unnin!0 by ?ownbea#. 1# was wri##en in $onor of
,enny Doo"man. +$e firs# %oun#erpoin#, bar nine, is !iven #o #$e %larine#, represen#in! ,enny
$imself. 1n a ma!a'ine ar#i%le in 1951 $e was 7uo#e" as sayin!, 01 fin" Moon"o!/s musi% arres#in!.0
!ird's Lament was wri##en in memory of &$arlie Parker, on $earin! of $is su""en "emise. No# lon!
before $is "ea#$ $e an" -ouis (ar"in #alke" abou# "oin! a re%or" #o!e#$er, a re%or" w$i%$ never
ma#eriali'e". +$ou!$ 6a'' in feelin!, ,ir"/s -amen# is wri##en in #$e form of a %$a%onne, a four;bar
$armoni'e" fi!ure, repea#e" many #imes, over w$i%$ is a free;flowin! par# playe" on #$e al#o sa8, $is
ins#rumen#, wi#$ a bari#one sa8 obbli!a#o.
Eresent +or t*e Ere5 was wri##en wi#$ -es#er Youn! in min", a walkin!;#all #enor sa8op$onis# (ar"in
never $a" #$e pleasure #o mee#.
+$e form is also #$a# of #$e %$a%onne, #$e !roun" is in #$e "ouble bass, pi''i%a#o, wi#$ #$e or%$es#ra
breakin! in #wi%e for four bars a# a #ime, %ommen#in! on w$a# #$e #enor is "oin!, %ulmina#in! in #$e
%o"a.
)tamping Ground. +$e #i#le is a play on wor"s. 1# means #$e bi# of !roun" a s#a! "efen"s by
s#ampin! $is fee# #o war" off rivals. 1# also means #$e %orner, 5Cr" an" <#$, w$ere &olumbia
wel%ome" Moon"o! #o s#an" in #$e si8#ies. +$e pie%e is a #wo;par# %anon over a four;no#e !roun",
#$e four no#es fea#ure" on four #impani.
Eassion Flo'er is for s#rin!s alone, a #wo;par# %anon for violas an" violins, wi#$ a #oni% pe"al poin# in
#$e %ellosF i# is a lamen# for all flowers #$a# are %u# an" %arrie" off #o marke#, #o be sol", wil#in! on
#$e way. =nly one of many ways w$i%$ flowers $ave #o suffer, "roopin! in pain as #$ey lean on #$e
-a#in meanin! of #$e wor".
Dar# =yes is a %'ar"as, par# of #$e #$ir" movemen# of (ar"in/s ymp$ony no. 5B, +$e *o"'inski. +$is
symp$ony, wri##en in fon" memory of )r#ur *o"'inski w$o, w$ile %on"u%#or of #$e New York
P$il$armoni% "urin! #$e for#ies, le# -ouis (ar"in a##en" #$e re$earsals of #$e or%$es#ra. (is wife,
(alina, was an inspira#ion also. +$is %'ar"as was wri##en wi#$ $er in min". +$e ei!$#;par#
%oun#erpoin# %onsis#s of a "ouble #wo;par# %anon in #$e s#rin!s, 6oine" by ano#$er "ouble #wo;par#
%anon in woo"win"s, #$e pie%e s#ar#in! slow an" en"in! a# a break;ne%k spee".
e' %msterdam is a pie%e abou# =l" New York w$en i# was un"er ?u#%$ %on#rol. +$e #$ir#y;#wo;bar
#$eme was worke" in#o a four;par# %anon wi#$ ano#$er %anon, a #wo;par#, superimpose" wi#$ #$e
or%$es#ra %omin! in li##le by li##le un#il all %ulmina#e in #$e %o"a. 1# is #$e se%on" movemen# of +ou#
ui#e no. A1.
e' (or# was wri##en in New York in 1955, $avin! i#s worl" premiere in Paris in 193< a# alle
Daveau, #$e $all w$ere -is'# an" &$opin playe".
)f#er a four;bar in#ro #$e #$ir#y;#wo;bar %$orus is $ear", followe" by a #en;bar release. =n #$e firs#
repea# new %oun#erpoin#s appear, !ivin! all, as in Paris, plen#y #o "o. 1n #$e las# repea# #$e pi%%olo
s#eals #$e s$ow ... ,u# we for!ive $im.
-ouis sai"F 0.$en 1 wro#e #$e wor"s 1 "i"n/# know #$ey woul" %ome #rue ; 1 ran away from all #$e
noise 1 so ab$or. ,efore 1 lef# #$ey #ol" me 1/" be ba%k for more ... e#%. = ri!$# #$ey wereM0
New ork Ti)es! "#7# Nove)4er "6
,llan ?o2inn
Moondog 9eturns Fro) the (i++ie ears
)nyone w$o spen# #ime in mi"#own Man$a##an be#ween #$e la#e 194B/s an" #$e early 193B/s is likely
#o $ave seen an" per$aps pu''le" over -ouis +. (ar"in, be##er known as Moon"o!. 9or nearly CB
years, #$e !aun# blin" musi%ian wi#$ a flowin! bear" $aun#e" #$e )venue of #$e )meri%as aroun"
54#$ #ree#, "resse" in a $omema"e robe an" a $orne" 2ikin!
$elme# wi#$ a lon! spear a# $is si"e. (e sol" %opies of $is poe#ry
an" musi% #o passers;by w$o s#oppe" #o #alk. )n" $e re%or"e"
$is musi% on #$e Mars, Pres#i!e an" &, labels ; some of i#
s%ore" for small win" an" per%ussion ensembles, wi#$ a 6a''y
a%%en#, some of i# in a flowin!, #onal symp$oni% s#yle.
.$en $e vanis$e" in 1934, i# was as if a lan"mark buil"in! ba"
been #aken "own. 1# was rumore" #$a# $e $a" "ie". )%#ually, $e
$a" been invi#e" #o perform $is musi% 1n .es# Dermany, an"
$avin! "e%lare" $imself 0a 4uropean in e8ile0 "urin! $is New
York years, $e "e%i"e" #o s#ay.
>rogra) in Brooklyn
Now #$e 3C;year ol" %omposer is ba%k in #own, albei#
#emporarily, an" $e %an be seen lea"in! an or%$es#ra in
,rooklyn ra#$er #$an s#an"in! on a Man$a##an #ree# %orner. (e
!ave a preview a# #$e openin! of #$e New Musi% )meri%a fes#ival on Nov. 5. +oni!$# a# 5, Moon"o!
will %on"u%# #$e ,rooklyn P$il$armoni% &$amber =r%$es#ra in a CB;minu#e sui#e of $is works as par#
of a Mee# #$e Mo"erns %on%er# a# #$e Ma6es#i% +$ea#er of #$e ,rooklyn )%a"emy of Musi% (<51 9ul#on
#ree#, near )s$lan" Pla%e, 9or# Dreene se%#ion). +$e pro!ram, w$i%$ is also par# of New Musi%
)meri%a, in"u"es premieres of works by Dloria &oa#es, *ober# Moran, -awren%e (,u#%$) Morris an"
Jo$n :orn. +$ere is also #o be a free open re$earsal of Moon"o!/s works a# #$e Ma6es#i% +$ea#er #$is
af#ernoon a# A.
-ike mu%$ else abou# $im, Moon"o!/s %on"u%#in! s#yle is unusual. (e is un%omfor#able wi#$ bein! an
au#$ori#y fi!ure, so $e si#s #o #$e si"e of #$e or%$es#ra an" provi"es #$e bea# on a bass "rum or
#impani.
peakin! of #$e or%$es#ra members "urin! an in#erview in $is 4as# i"e $o#el room #$e o#$er "ay, be
sai"F 01 see my rela#ions$ip wi#$ #$em as bein! firs# amon! e7uals, so #$a# in a way #$ere are 4B
%on"u%#ors, ea%$ in %$ar!e of $is own par#, an" ea%$ responsible for #$e performan%e. =r%$es#ra
players respon" well #o #$a# i"ea.
01n my musi%, #$ey "on/# $ave #o worry abou# #ime %$an!es. 1f 1 s#ar# 1n 4H4, 1 en" in 4H4. )ll #$ey
$ave #o "o is %oun# s#rai!$#. .$en i#/s absolu#ely ne%essary, 1 !ive #$em %ues. ,u# for #$e mos# par#,
on%e 1 s#ar# #$em, 1 "on/# wan# #$em #o look a# me, 1 wan# #$em #o %on%en#ra#e on #$eir par#s.0
Moon"o! was born in Maryville, >an., in 191<, an" be%ause $is fa#$er was an i#ineran# minis#er, $e
#ravele" a !oo" "eal, se##lin! for perio"s in Nor#$ &arolina, .yomin! an" Missouri. .$en $e was 1<
years ol", $e was blin"e" w$en a "ynami#e blas#in! %ap e8plo"e" in $is $an"s an" a year la#er, af#er
$e be!an s#u"yin! s#rin!e" 1ns#rumen#s, or!an an" $armony a# #$e 1owa %$ool for #$e ,lin", be
"e%i"e" #o be a %omposer.
=etting to Carnegie (all
(e arrive" in New York in 194C an" foun" $is way in#o musi%al %ir%les #$rou!$ a series of
%oin%i"en%es. (avin! es#ablis$e" an ou#pos# ou#si"e #$e s#a!e en#ran%e of &arne!ie (all, $e %au!$#
#$e a##en#ion of some of #$e New York P$il$armoni%/s musi%ians, w$o persua"e" #$eir %on"u%#or,
)r#ur *o"'inski, #o speak wi#$ $im. *o"'inski !ave Mr. (ar"in ($e "i" no# a"op# #$e name Moon"o!
un#il 1943) an open invi#a#ion #o #$e or%$es#ra/s re$earsals an" sai" #$a# if #$e %omposer pro"u%e"
an or%$es#ral work, $e woul" %on"u%# i#.
Manhattan's street Viking conducts in Brooklyn3
0+$e problem was, #o prepare musi% for an or%$es#ra. 1 nee"e" someone #o $elp me wri#e ou# #$e
par#s, an" 1 %oul"n/# affor" #$a# a# #$e #ime,0 Moon"o! re%alle".
(e $as fon" memories of *o"'inski, an" "e"i%a#e" $is re%en# ymp$ony No. 5B #o $im. =ne
movemen# of i# is on #oni!$#/s pro!ram. )f#er *o"'inski lef# #$e P$il$armoni% 1n 1943, Moon"o!
foun" $e $a" worn ou# $is wel%ome a# re$earsals, par#ly be%ause $e $a" s#ar#e" wearin! $is 2ikin!
!arb.
(el)et Bas a (indrance
01 $a" a lo# of offers from people w$o sai" #$a# #$ey woul" $elp me bu# #$a# 1 $a" #o "ress
%onven#ionally,0 $e sai", speakin! in a sof# voi%e #$a# s#ill bears a #ra%e of #$e Mi"wes#. 0,u# 1 value"
my free"om of "ress more #$an 1 %are" #o a"van%e my %areer as a %omposer. 1 6us# wan#e" #o "o my
own #$in!, an" no ma##er $ow mu%$ i# %os# me in #erms of my %areer, 1 "i" i#.0
(e "i" make some $ea"way, #$ou!$. 1n #$e 195B/s, $e be!an makin! $is livin! as a s#ree# musi%ian,
usin! a se# of #rian!ular "rums be %alls #rimbas. 4ven#ually, #$e $ea" of #$e panis$ Musi% &en#er,
Dabriel =ller, invi#e" $im #o make some re%or"in!s. =n%e Moon"o! $a" a%%ess #o #$e re%or"in!
s#u"io an" #o session players, $e be!an e8pan"in! $is $ori'ons. ,uil"in! bela#e"ly on *o"'inski/s
su!!es#ion, be was also pu##in! #o!e#$er a bo"y of or%$es#ral musi% in a %onserva#ive melo"i% s#yle,
an" in #$e la#e 19<B/s, &, #ook $im in#o #$e s#u"io #o make #wo re%or"in!s. +$e firs#, 0Moon"o!,0
$as 6us# been reissue" on &?. Moon"o! sai" a #$ree;&? se# of $is more re%en# works, %alle" 0+onal
)ll #$e .ay,0 is bein! issue" in .es# Dermany #$is week.
Turning >oint in =er)any
0.$en 1 wen# #o Dermany, 15 years a!o,0 $e sai", 0i# was suppose" #o be only for a %on%er#. ,u#
ima!ine bow 1 fel#, walkin! aroun" in #$e lan" of #$e !rea# %omposers. 1 s#aye" in (ambur! for a
year, basi%ally livin! as 1 "i" in New York, sellin! my s#uff on #$e s#ree#. +$en 1 me# a won"erful !irl
#$ere name" 1lona Doebel, w$o be!an $elpin! me wi#$ my musi% an" my no#es. $e #ook me #o
mee# $er family in =er;4rkens%$wi%k, an" $er fa#$er sai", /You mus# live wi#$ us./ Jus# like #$a#. 1/ve
been livin! wi#$ #$em for 1A years now, an" #$ey #rea# me like a member of #$e family.
01lona was s#u"yin! #o be an ar%$eolo!is#, bu# s$e !ave up $er plans #o $elp me. $e is my eyes an"
more #$an #$a#F s$e %opies an" publis$es my musi%, s$e $elps me in re%or"in! sessions, an" s$e is
my %ompanion everyw$ere. 1# %oul"n/# be ni%er.0
Miss Doebel also persua"e" $im #o aban"on $is 2ikin! re!alia. 0+$e persuasion of a woman is
unbea#able,0 $e sai", 0+$ey really !e# a# you.
0,u# 1 s#ill love $orne" $elme#s an" swor"s an" spears. 1 like #o feel #$a# 1/m loyal #o my pas#. 1
woul"n/# wan# #o be on #$e s#ree# anymore. ,u# you know, #$a# le" #o a lo# of #$in!s.0
aus H fromF -on"on +imes, 15. (@) ep#ember 1999
Moon"o! (-ouis +. (ar"in), %omposer, ,ea# poe# an" s#ree# musi%ian, "ie" in MNns#er, Dermany, on
ep#ember 5 a!e" 5C. (e was born in Marysville, >ansas, on May A<, 191<.
9or #$e bes# par# of CB years, #$e !aun#, bear"e" fi!ure of a blin" man in a 2ikin! $elme#, $ome;
ma"e robe an" san"als, "is#ribu#in! $is prin#e" poems, musi% an" "ia#ribes w$ile %lu#%$in! a
fearsome;lookin! spear, was a familiar si!$# aroun" #$e 6un%#ion of <#$ )venue an" 54#$ #ree# in
New York.
Jsin! #$e name Moon"o!, in $onour of a pe# w$i%$ use" #o $owl a# ni!$#, -ouis +. (ar"in was one of
#$e more e8#raor"inary %$ara%#ers of #$e %i#y/s s#ree#s. No# only was (ar"in an a%%omplis$e" poe#
an" son!wri#er, bu# $e was a %omposer an" per%ussionis#, a frien" of musi%ians from +os%anini #o
&$arlie Parker, an" an i%on of #$e ,ea# movemen#. Janis Joplin $a" a $i# wi#$ one of $is son!s, an"
o#$ers were use" in film soun"#ra%ks or as a"ver#isin! 6in!les.
1# was assume" by many )meri%ans #$a# $e $a" "isappeare" or "ie" af#er leavin! $is familiar
#erri#ory in 1934, an" #$e 1994 Duinness 4n%y%lope"ia of Popular Musi% %on%lu"e" i#s ar#i%le on
Moon"o! wi#$ 0no#$in! $as been $ear" of #$is remarkable an" eni!ma#i% poe# for several years0. 1n
fa%#, $e $a" been invi#e" #o Dermany #o perform $is musi%, an" w$en $e !o# #$ere $e simply s#aye".
(e foun" an amanuensis, Mrs 1lona ommer, w$o #rans%ribe" $is work an" publis$e" $is
%omposi#ions, al#$ou!$ s$e "i" no# "e#er $im from ven#urin! ba%k ou# on #$e s#ree#s #o perform. 1n
"ue %ourse s$e persua"e" $im #o "is%ar" $is 2ikin! !arb, bu# no# before i# $a" preven#e" $im from
bein! a"mi##e" #o a New York P$il$armoni% re$earsal of one of $is pie%es.
1n ol" a!e (ar"in like" #o "ire%# performan%es of $is musi% from #$e bass "rum, on w$i%$ $e
poun"e" ou# a bea# w$ile lou"ly "e%laimin! $is poems. =n a rare re#urn visi# #o #$e Jni#e" #a#es in
1959 #o %on"u%# a pro!ramme of $is musi% by #$e ,rooklyn P$il$armoni% &$amber =r%$es#ra, $e
spurne" #$e ros#rum in or"er #o "ire%# from #$e per%ussion se%#ion.
1# was #$e same s#ory w$en $e %ame #o #$e ,,& s#u"ios in Mai"a 2ale in 1995 #o re%or" several of
$is pie%es wi#$ #$e 9ren%$ pianis# ?omini7ue Pon#y for *a"io C/s 1mpressions. )!ains# a ba%k"rop of
$is 6a'';infle%#e" r$y#$mi% pie%es su%$ as )r# of #$e &anon No 1C or =o ?ebu#, $e for%efully lai"
"own bass "rum r$y#$ms an" passiona#ely "e%laime" $is wor"s.
(ar"in, #$e son of a %$ur%$ minis#er, los# $is si!$# in an a%%i"en# in 19CA, an" %omple#e" $is
e"u%a#ion a# #$e 1owa %$ool for #$e ,lin". (e be%ame an a%%omplis$e" musi%ian, an" af#er arrivin!
in New York, befrien"e" #$e %on"u%#or )r#ur *o"'inski. Playin! a varie#y of per%ussion ins#rumen#s,
(ar"in earne" $is livin! as a s#ree# en#er#ainer, an" $is s#a!e;"oor a%7uain#an%es in%lu"e" famous
6a'' musi%ians in #$e %lubs on 5An" #ree# as well as symp$oni% musi%ians an" %on"u%#ors a few
blo%ks away a# &arne!ie (all.
,o#$ #$ese #ypes of musi% were in%orpora#e" in#o $is own %omposi#ions, w$i%$ $e be!an #o re%or" on
an a" $o% basis in #$e 195Bs. 1n par#i%ular, #$e Pres#i!e label, w$i%$ $a" Miles ?avis an" &$arlie
Parker on i#s ros#er, re%or"e" pie%es su%$ as ,roa"way an" 5An" #ree#F #$e Ja'' &orner of +$e
.orl", as well as "is#in%#ly more e%%en#ri% works su%$ as a "ue# for bamboo flu#e an" #$e w$is#le of
#$e liner Pueen 4li'abe#$.
+$e firs# of (ar"in/s many 0"is%overies0 %ame w$en #$e "is% 6o%key )lan 9ree" a"op#e" $is Moon"o!
ymp$ony as a #$eme #une. (ar"in "e#erre" $im wi#$ le!al a%#ion, bu# %on#inue" #o make o%%asional
"is%s, in%lu"in! arran!in! an album of Mo#$er Doose son!s for Julie )n"rews an" re%or"in! $is
influen#ial 19<9 -P Moon"o!.
+$is was an imme"ia#e su%%ess amon! #$e ,ea# movemen#, an" i#s repe#i#ive r$y#$ms an" simple
%oun#erpoin# ma"e i# a forerunner of #$e work of Minimalis#s su%$ as P$ilip Dlass, #eve *ei%$ an"
+erry *iley. (ar"in main#aine" #$a# $e a"op#e" $is re!ular, %y%li% r$y#$mi% s#yle from a##en"in!
na#ive Nor#$ )meri%an "an%es as a %$il", an" $e re%alle" performin! wi#$ a ,la%kfoo# #roupe in 1"a$o
in #$e 194Bs. 1n "ue %ourse, $e in#e!ra#e" $is r$ymes an" %$an#s in#o $is pie%es as an a""i#ional
%on#rapun#al #e8#ure, alon!si"e in%reasin!ly "ense an" %omple8 melo"i% lines. 9rom #$e 195Bs $e
%ompose" by wri#in! ins#rumen#al par#s in braille, bu# #en"e" never #o pro"u%e full s%ores as $e fel#
#$is involve" #oo mu%$ work. (e re%or"e" more #$an a "o'en albums of $is musi%. (e was #wi%e
marrie" an" is survive" by #wo "au!$#ers.
Los ,ngeles Ti)es! Monday! Se+te)4er :5! "###
-htt+&IIwww34ergen3co)Io4itsIo4ith"###5#:5c3ht).
%on Thur4er
'Moondog' (ardin! fa)ed street )usician
?resse" in $is s#an"ar" !arb of $omema"e robe, san"als, spear, s%ra!!ly bear", an" 2ikin! $elme#
wi#$ $orns, -ouis 0Moon"o!0 (ar"in was a familiar si!$# #o New Yorkers in #$e 19<Bs.
Mr. (ar"in, a #all man w$o was blin" an" a bi# !aun#, woul" #ake $is pla%e a# #$e %orner of 54#$
#ree# an" )venue of #$e )meri%as an" play $is $omema"e 'i#$er, sin! in $is "is#in%#ly a#onal
manner, or bea# a "rum. )# o#$er #imes, $e mi!$# re%i#e poe#ry. (is s#ree# #$ea#er !enerally "rew a
%row", an" #$e %row" was $is livin! in #$ose "ays. +$e %orner be%ame 0Moon"o! &orner.0
,u# benea#$ $is un7ues#ionably e%%en#ri% e8#erior, Mr. (ar"in was a #alen#e" %omposer. 1n $is $ours
off #$e s#ree# $e wro#e lar!er works ; of#en base" upon a form of #$e %anon, or roun" ; an" $e was
wel%ome" as a !ues# #o re$earsals of #$e New York P$il$armoni%.
Mr. (ar"in/s %urious life %ame #o an en" in a $ospi#al in Muens#er, Dermany, on ep#. 5. +$e %ause of
"ea#$ was $ear# failure. (e was 5C.
0(e was #$e !rea#es# s#ree# person #$a# New York $as ever pro"u%e",0 sai" *ober# %o##o, a
professor of 4n!lis$ a# ,aru%$ &olle!e of #$e &i#y Jniversi#y of New York, w$o is workin! on a book
abou# Mr. (ar"in/s life.
,orn in >ansas, #$e son of an 4pis%opal minis#er, Mr. (ar"in !rew up in .yomin!. (e los# $is eyesi!$#
af#er a "ynami#e %ap #$a# $e foun" on #$e railroa" #ra%ks blew up in $is fa%e w$en $e was 1<. (e
s#u"ie" musi% a# #$e 1owa %$ool for #$e ,lin" for a year before movin! #o New York &i#y in 194C #o
%on#inue $is musi%al e"u%a#ion, w$i%$ a# #$e #ime was ru"imen#ary.
Mr. (ar"in s#ar#e" on "rums, many of w$i%$ $e buil# $imself. +$rou!$ #$e 195Bs, $e #rie" -a#in musi%
an" 6a'', re%or"e" some 35 rpm albums, an" worke" in a number of ban"s, in%lu"in! a -a#in 6a''
ensemble improbably %alle" 0Moon"o! an" #$e (onkin! Deese.0
(e be%ame some#$in! of a %elebri#y af#er .al#er .in%$ell men#ione" $im in a newspaper %olumn.
?iane )rbus p$o#o!rap$e" $im an" o%%asionally bou!$# $im lun%$ a# a %afe#eria near &arne!ie (all.
.$en )lan 9ree", #$e pioneerin! ro%k;an";roll "is% 6o%key, move" $is ra"io pro!ram #o New York
from &levelan", $e use" one of Mr. (ar"in/s 35 rpm re%or"in!s, 0Moon"o! ymp$ony,0 as $is #$eme
musi% an" %alle" $is pro!ram 0+$e Moon"o! $ow.0 ,u# a%%or"in! #o %o##o, Mr. (ar"in sue" over
#$e use of #$e name, an" 9ree" los#. o #$e "is% 6o%key %$an!e" #$e name of $is pro!ram #o 0)lan
9ree"/s *o%k;an";*oll $ow.0 9ree" is !enerally #$ou!$# of as #$e ori!ina#or of #$e #erm 0ro%k;an";
roll.0
1n #$e early 19<Bs, Mr. (ar"in/s 2ikin! persona #ook over. (e performe" wi#$ #$e le!en"ary 6a''
bassis# &$arles Min!us a# #$e .$i#ney Museum an" la#er "i" a %on%er# wi#$ +iny +im an" -enny
,ru%e. 1n 19<3, $e s$owe" up in #$e avan#;!ar"e film 0&$appa7ua0 wi#$ .illiam ,urrou!$s, )llen
Dinsber!, an" *avi $ankar, w$o also wro#e #$e s%ore.
+wo albums of Mr. (ar"in/s a#onal 6a'' an" ma"ri!als were release" in 19<9 an" 1931 by &olumbia
*e%or"s an" "rew !oo" reviews.
1n 1959, Mr. (ar"in playe" $is "rum wi#$ #op avan#;!ar"e %omposers P$ilip Dlass an" #eve *ei%$ a#
#$e ,rooklyn )%a"emy of Musi%.
Mr. (ar"in, of Derman an" 4n!lis$ "es%en#, move" #o *e%klin!$ausen, in w$a# was #$en .es#
Dermany, in 1934 af#er #ravelin! #$ere for a ra"io %on%er#. (e live" on #$e s#ree#s for a year an"
finally was #aken in by a Derman family w$o love" $is work. ) "au!$#er in #$e family, 1lona Doebel,
be%ame $is workin! par#ner, a%#in! as $is %opier an" e"i#or. (e %ompose", re%or"e", an" o%%asionally
performe" in %on%er#s #$rou!$ou# 4urope.
)# leas# 1B albums of $is %omposi#ions $ave been release" in 4urope sin%e 1933, an" $is %olle%#e"
works now in%lu"e CBB %anons in #$e form of ma"ri!als, 1BB keyboar" works, an" a self;publis$e"
four;volume 0)r# of #$e &anon.0
inF Press Q un;,ulle#in 9H1999
Sun sets for Moondog! 4lind )usician who )ade Tier ho)e
By Connie Nogas
#aff .ri#er
Many +io!a &oun#y resi"en#s s#ill remember #$e #all man wi#$ a lon!, flowin! !rey bear" w$o wore a
$orne" $elme#, $el" a spear an" s#oo" on =we!o/s si"ewalks as $e wai#e" for #$e bus #o New York
&i#y.
.$a# some of #$em "i"n/# know was #$a# $e was an a%%omplis$e" pianis# an" per%ussion musi%ian
w$o %ompose" an" re%or"e" musi% for five "ifferen# re%or" labels. Janis Joplin #urne" one of $is
son!s )ll 1s -oneliness in#o a $i#. You %an s#ill $ear #$e musi% of -ouis 0Moon"o!0 (ar"in in movie
soun" #ra%ks as well as ra"io an" #elevision %ommer%ials.
01 $ear li##le snippe#s of $is musi% in movies, publi% ra"io,0 sai" $is frien" , Mike Dula%$ok of =we!o.
(ar"in, 5C, w$o live" in &an"or from 1955 #$rou!$ 1934, "ie" las# week in a $ospi#al in Muns#er,
Dermany. (e leaves be$in" memories of Moon"o! en%oun#ers like #$e one &an"or psy%$i% P$il Jor"an
$a" in #$e early 19<Bs. ,a%k #$en, Jor"an was a youn! boy walkin! #o a s%$ool fun%#ion on a %ol",
blus#ery ni!$#. 0)ll of a su""en, 1 looke" up an" #$ere was #$is 2ikin! s#an"in! #$ere,0 $e sai".
,orn in Maryville, >an., $e a"op#e" #$e ni%kname Moon"o! af#er a pe# "o! w$o baye" a# #$e moon.
.$en $e was 1<, a "ynami#e blas#in! %ap e8plo"e" in $is $an"s an" blin"e" $im.
(e %ame #o New York &i#y in 194C, me# some of #$e New York P$il$armoni%/s musi%ians an" ma"e $is
livin! as a s#ree# musi%ian. (e "resse" as a 2ikin! be%ause $e was fas%ina#e" by 2ikin! my#$olo!y
an" be%ause i# woul" "raw a##en#ion #o $imself, sai" former ,in!$am#on Jniversi#y Musi% Professor
Paul Jor"an.
01# was a way of es#ablis$in! a spe%ial i"en#i#y in #$e worl" as a blin", penniless musi%ian,0 Paul
Jor"an sai". 0(e woul" s#an" on #$e s#ree# %orner an" re%i#e poe#ry,0 sai" *us#y 9uller of =we!o.
(ar"in woul" sell musi%al s%ores an" poe#ry #o #ouris#s. 0Mos# people probably #$rew #$em away,
#$inkin! #$ey $elpe" a be!!ar,0 Paul Jor"an sai".
(e %ame #o &an"or in 1955 be%ause $e was lookin! #o !e# ou# of #$e %i#v ye# wan#e" #o be %lose
enou!$ #o %ommu#e. -o%al resi"en#s $elpe" $im buil" $is 0$emlo%k s$a%k0 as $e %alle" i#. +o !e#
aroun", $e #ie" small ropes from #ree #o #ree on $is proper#y, Dula%$ok sai". (e some#imes $el"
%on%er#s #$ere an" of#en !ar"ene" a# ni!$#. 01# "i"n/# make any "ifferen%e #o $im be%ause $e was
blin",0 Paul Jor"an sai".
Dula%$ok an" some frien"s on%e #ook $im for a ri"e on #$e us7ue$anna *iver on a pa""leboa#. 01#
was 7ui#e an amusin! si!$# #o see #$is fellow "resse" in 2ikin! !arb a# #$e pa""le w$eel, s#eerin! i#,0
$e sai".
,raille !ro%ery lis# in ban", (ar"in of#en s$oppe" a# Jo$n/s 9ine 9oo"s in =we!o. 0(e woul" rea" i#
off #o me, an" 1 woul" !o an" !e# $is !ro%eries,0 sai" s#ore owner Jo$n (i#%$in!s, w$o s#ill lis#ens #o
$is albums. 01# was in#eres#in! musi%, ni%e, sof#, rela8in!, musi%.0
(ar"in use" #o s#an" in fron# of #$e rnoke $op, wai#in! for #$e bus #o #ake $im #o New York &i#y.
+$a#/s $ow 9uller !o# #o know $im, as a #eena!er workin! in #$e s$op $e now runs.
)lso a #eena!er ba%k #$en, Dula%$ok won"ere" w$o #$e 2ikin! was an" in#ro"u%e" $imself "urin! a
visi# #o New York &i#y. Paul Jor"an $ear" $is musi% as a #eena!er !rowin! up in New York &i#y an"
also in#ro"u%e" $imself on #$e s#ree#.
Years la#er, Paul Jor"an playe" some of (ar"in/s musi% as a %$ur%$ or!anis# in New (aven, &onn. +$e
&on!re!a#ion love" i#.
?e#ermine" #o fin" $im, Paul Jor"an wen# #o New York &i#y. (e !o# ou# a# #$e Por# )u#$ori#y. 01 sai"
#o #$e #a8i "riverF +ake me #o Moon"o!. (e knew e8a%#ly w$ere $e was. +$a#/s $ow mu%$ of a fi8#ure
$e was.0 $e sai".
aus H fromF New York +imes, 1A. ep#ember 1999
=lenn Collins
Louis -Moondog. (ardin! 78! Musician! Dies
+$e !aun#, blin" musi%ian known as Moon"o!, w$o was %elebra#e" amon! New Yorkers for #wo
"e%a"es as a mys#erious an" e8#rava!an#ly !arbe" s#ree# performer bu# w$o wen# on #o win a%%laim
in 4urope as an avan#;!ar"e %omposer, %on"u%#in! or%$es#ras before royal#y, "ie" .e"nes"ay in a
$ospi#al in Muns#er, Dermany. (e was 5C.
+$e %ause was $ear# failure, sai" a frien", 1lona ommer. ?ay in an" "ay ou#, #$e man w$o was
ori!inally name" -ouis +. (ar"in was as #a%i#urn an" un%$an!in! a lan"mark of #$e mi"#own
Man$a##an s#ree#s%ape as #$e Deor!e M. &o$an s#a#ue in ?uffy 7uare. 9rom #$e la#e 194Bs un#il #$e
early 193Bs, (ar"in s#oo" a# a##en#ion like a sen#inel on )venue of #$e )meri%as aroun" 54#$ #ree#.
No ma##er #$e wea#$er, $e invariably "resse" in a $omema"e robe, san"als, a flowin! %ape an" a
$orne" 2ikin! $elme#, #$e #an!ible e8pression of w$a# $e referre" #o as $is 0Nor"i% p$ilosop$y.0 )#
$is si"e $e %lu#%$e" a lon! spear of $is own manufa%#ure.
Mos# of #$e passers;by w$o "ismisse" $im as 0#$e 2ikin! of i8#$ )venue,0 offerin! $im %on#ribu#ions
an" buyin! %opies of $is musi% an" poe#ry, were unaware #$a# $e $a" re%or"e" $is musi% on #$e &,,
Pres#i!e, 4pi%, )n!el an" Mars labels. (ar"in/s 6a'';a%%en#e" %omposi#ions, !enerally s%ore" for small
win" an" per%ussion ensembles, of#en a%$ieve" a flowin!, #onal symp$oni% s#yle.
=ne of $is son!s, 0)ll 1s -oneliness,0 be%ame a $i# w$en re%or"e" by Janis Joplin. (e wro#e musi% for
ra"io an" #elevision %ommer%ials, an" one of $is %omposi#ions was use" on #$e soun"#ra%k for #$e
193A movie 0?rive, (e ai",0 wi#$ Ja%k Ni%$olson.
)lon! #$e way, (ar"in wro#e ,o$emian broa"si"es a!ains# !overnmen# re!imen#a#ion, #$e worl"
mone#ary sys#em an" or!ani'e" reli!ion. (e was %elebra#e" by ,ea# Denera#ion poe#s an" la#e;19<Bs
flower %$il"ren. (is passiona#e un%onven#ionali#y "rew praise from some %ri#i%s an" le" #o in#erviews
on many #elevision s$ows, in%lu"in! bo#$ 0+o"ay0 an" 0+$e +oni!$# $ow.0
)l#$ou!$ many New Yorkers assume" #$a# $e $a" "ie" af#er $e vanis$e" from $is %us#omary pos# in
1934, (ar"in $a" a%#ually been invi#e" #o perform $is musi% in .es# Dermany an" "e%i"e" #o s#ay.
0(e le" an e8#raor"inary life for a blin" man w$o %ame #o New York wi#$ no %on#a%#s an" a mon#$/s
ren#, an" w$o live" on #$e s#ree#s of New York for CB years,0 sai" ?r. *ober# %o##o, a professor of
4n!lis$ a# ,aru%$ &olle!e of #$e &i#y Jniversi#y of New York. 0.i#$ou# 7ues#ion, $e was #$e mos#
famous s#ree# person of $is #ime, a $ero #o a !enera#ion of $ippies an" flower %$il"ren.0 %o##o $as
6us# %omple#e" a bio!rap$y of (ar"in, 0Moon"o!F +$e 2ikin! of i8#$ )venue,0 w$i%$ $as no# been
Moon"o! mi# Marina un" Nora (+om >la##s %$wes#ern) un" ,ri!i##a, einer 9reun"in (Mi##e) in
Marlpublis$e".
)f#er $is performan%es in (ambur!, (ar"in a!ain earne" a livin! as a s#ree# performer, #$is #ime in
4urope. (e soon me# Mrs. ommer, w$ose fa#$er insis#e" on #akin! $im in#o #$eir $ome an"
suppor#e" (ar"in in $is la#er years. (e %ompose" in ,raille, an" s$e #rans%ribe" $is musi% an" a%#e"
as $is publis$er an" business mana!er. )%%or"in! #o %o##o, #$ey $a" an in#ima#e workin!
rela#ions$ip, bu# nei#$er of #$em ever "es%ribe" i# as more #$an #$a#.
1n $is la#er years, (ar"in pro"u%e" a# leas# five albums in 4urope, in%lu"in! a 0soun" sa!a0 #i#le"
0+$e &rea#ion,0 an" re!ularly performe" $is %omposi#ions wi#$ %$amber an" symp$ony or%$es#ras
before !li##erin! au"ien%es in Paris, #o%k$olm an" %i#ies in Dermany.
(ar"in! a"op#e" #$e Moon"o! name in 1943, i"en#ifyin! $imself, $e sai", wi#$ a former pe# w$o
$owle" a# #$e moon.
(e was born in Maryville, >an., on May A<, 191<, #$e son of an 4pis%opal minis#er. (e was blin"e" a#
#$e a!e of 1< w$en a "ynami#e blas#in! %ap e8plo"e" in $is $an"s. ) year la#er, af#er s#u"yin!
s#rin!e" ins#rumen#s, or!an an" $armony a# #$e 1owa %$ool for #$e ,lin", $e be%ame obsesse" wi#$
be%omin! a %omposer.
.$en $e arrive" in Man$a##an in 194C, $e es#ablis$e" an ou#pos# ou#si"e #$e s#a!e en#ran%e of
&arne!ie (all an" me# some of #$e New York P$il$armoni%/s musi%ians. +$ey arran!e" a mee#in!
wi#$ #$eir %on"u%#or, )r#ur *o"'inski. *o"'inski was #aken wi#$ (ar"in an" no# only e8#en"e" an
open invi#a#ion #o a##en" #$e or%$es#ra/s re$earsals, bu# also promise" $e woul" %on"u%# an
or%$es#ral work if (ar"in ever wro#e one. ,u# be%ause $e was blin", $e nee"e" $elp in wri#in! ou# #$e
s%ore. (ar"in %oul" no# affor" su%$ assis#an%e, so $e ma"e $is livin! as a s#ree# musi%ian, #rainin!
$imself #o be a mas#er of per%ussion improvisa#ion. (e was unable #o %ompose a symp$ony un#il
af#er *o"'inski lef# #$e P$il$armoni% in 1943.
1n #$e mi";195Bs, one of $is 35;rpm re%or"in!s, 0Moon"o! ymp$ony,0 was re!ularly playe" by )lan
9ree", #$e pioneerin! ro%k;an";roll "isk 6o%key. ,u# i# wasn/# un#il #$e 19<Bs #$a# (ar"in $a" re!ular
a%%ess #o an or%$es#ra an" was able #o make $is firs# lon!er album for &,, 0Moon"o!.0
1n 1959, (ar"in, a%%laime" in 4urope, was invi#e" ba%k #o #$e Jni#e" #a#es #o %on"u%# #$e ,rooklyn
P$il$armoni% &$amber =r%$es#ra. )llan >o'inn, a %ri#i% for +$e New York +imes "es%ribe" (ar"in/s
%on"u%#in! s#yle as unusual, e8plainin! #$a# $e was 0un%omfor#able wi#$ bein! an au#$ori#y fi!ure, so
$e si#s #o #$e si"e of #$e or%$es#ra an" provi"es #$e bea# on a bass "rum or #ympani.0
%o##o sai" #$a# (ar"in #ol" $im #$a# $e marrie" in 194C an" subse7uen#ly "ivor%e". ) se%on"
marria!e, #o a'uko .$i#ein!, a musi%ian, in #$e 195Bs, en"e" in "ivor%e in #$e early 19<Bs, %o##o
sai". %o##o an" Mrs. ommer sai" #$ey #$ou!$# (ar"in was survive" by a youn!er bro#$er,
&rei!$#on (ar"in, of >ansas &i#yE a "au!$#er, June (ar"in, an" ano#$er "au!$#er, w$ose name an"
w$ereabou#s #$ey "i" no# know.
1n #$e en", (ar"in finally yiel"e" #o Mrs. ommer/s %oa8in! an" !ave up $is 2ikin! ou#fi#s. (e $a"
refuse" #o al#er $is "ress %o"e even w$en, as an aspirin! %omposer, i# provoke" $is evi%#ion from #$e
P$il$armoni% re$earsals.
0,u# 1 s#ill love $orne" $elme#s an" swor"s an" spears,0 $e sai" in a 1959 in#erview. 01 like #o feel
#$a# 1/m loyal #o my pas#. 1 woul"n/# wan# #o be on #$e s#ree# anymore. ,u# you know, #$a# le" #o a
lo# of #$in!s.0
Mike >lu)4ley&
Moondog
-ouis (ar"in aka Moon"o!, New York s#ree# poe#, %omposer, per%ussionis#, born in Maryville, >ansas,
in 191<. (e was blin"e" a# #$e a!e of 1< w$en a blas#in! %ap wen# off in $is $an"s. -ouis (ar"in
%ame #o New York vir#ually penniless in 194C an" live" on #$e s#ree#s for CB years. (e me# musi%ians
of #$e New York P$ilarmoni% =r%$es#ra ou#si"e #$e s#a!e "oor of &arne!ie (all an" #$rou!$ #$em was
in#ro"u%e" #o %on"u%#or )r#$ur *o"'inski.
*o"'inski invi#e" -ouis (ar"in #o #$e or%$es#ra/s re$earsals an" offere" #o %on"u%# a symp$ony if $e
ever wro#e one. -ouis (ar"in a"op#e" #$e name Moon"o! in 1943 af#er a pe# #$a# $owle" a# #$e
moon. .ore $omema"e robes, %ape, a 2ikin! $elme# an" %arrie" a spear aroun" New York/s 54#$
#ree# w$ere $e be%ame known as /#$e 2ikin! of i8#$ )venue/.
)lan 9ree", #$e ro%k/n/roll ?J playe" Moon"o!/s /Moon"o! ymp$ony/ a 35;rpm "is% release" in #$e
mi" 195Bs. 1n #$e 19<Bs Moon"o! was !iven a%%ess #o an or%$es#ra an" $is musi% $as been release"
on &,, Pres#i!e, 4pi%, )n!el an" #$e Mars labels. Moon"o!/s )ll 1s -oneliness be%ame a $i# for Janis
Joplin. (e also wro#e musi% for #elevision an" ra"io %ommer%ials an" $a" a %omposi#ion on #$e
soun"#ra%k of Ja%k Ni%$olson film /?rive, (e ai"/.
Moon"o! lef# #$e s#ree#s of New York in 1934 af#er bein! invi#e" #o Dermany for re%or"in!s an"
performan%es of $is symp$oni% musi%. Deremany be%ame $is base w$ere $e was a%%laime" for
%on%er#s in Paris, #o%k$olm an" all over Dermany re%or"in! a series of albums. 1n 1959 $e re#urne"
#o New York #o %on"u%# #$e ,rooklyn P$il$armoni% &$amber =r%$es#ra.
?r. *ober# %o##o, professor of 4n!lis$ a# ,aru%$ &olle!e, &i#y Jniversi#y of New York $as wri##en an,
as ye#, unpublis$e" bio!rap$y %alle" 0Moon"o!F +$e 2ikin! of i8#$ )venue0. ?r. *ober# %o##o is
7uo#e" as sayin! 0.i#$ou# 7ues#ion, $e was #$e mos# famous s#ree# person of $is #ime, a $ero #o a
!enera#ion of $ippies an" flower %$il"ren.0
-ouis /Moon"o!/ (ar"in aka Moon"o! "ie" in $ospi#al in Muns#er Dermany on ep#ember 5#$, 1999.
(e was 5C.
New ork Ti)es! "#$8 May 8"
%ohn Briggs
9ecords& M''ND'=
Blind New ork Street Musician (eard An Sa)+ling of 'we Anventions
Moon"o!, a blin" s#ree# musi%ian w$o plays in "oorways on i8#$ )venue, $as 6us# re%or"e" ei!$# of
#$e o"", e8o#i%;soun"in! #unes w$i%$ make up $is reper#oire on a re%or" %alle" Moondog on the
Streets of New ork (Mars, 45 rpm. 48#en"e" Play "isk).
Moon"o! in person is as bi'arre as #$e musi% $e plays. (e wears a non"es%rip# brown robe an"
san"als, a flowin! bear" an" un%u# $air in #wo brai"s over $is s$oul"ers. .$en performin! $e pla%es
$is ins#rumen#s on #$e si"ewalk an" s7ua#s before #$em like a s#ree# musi%ian in some =rien#al
ba'aar.
Moon"o! #ells 7ues#ioners $e %omes from 0asnak0, w$i%$ is >ansas spelle" ba%kwar". (is real name
is -ouis +$omas (ar"in.
(e s#u"ie" $armony an" %oun#erpoin# a# a musi% s%$ool for #$e blin" an" now in $is spare #ime works
a# lar!e;s%ale or%$es#ra %omposi#ions. (e "i%#a#es #$em no#e by no#e #o $is Japanese wife, Mary
u'uko .$i#ein! (ar"in, an" $opes some#imes #o $ear #$em performe".
Pie%es $ear" on #$e Mars re%or" are performe" by Moon"o! $imself on ins#rumen#s some of w$i%$
are of $is own "evisin!. Moon"o! plays #$e 0uni0, a seven;s#rin!e" 'i#$erE #$e 0u#su0, a ru"imen#ary
keyboar" ins#rumen# #une" #o #$e pen#a#oni% s%ale D;);,;?;4 (#$e same in#ervals as #$e bla%k keys
on #$e piano)E #$e 0#u6i0, an ins#rumen# wi#$ nine #une" woo"en pe!sE #$e 0oo0, a #rian!ular A5;
s#rin!e" $arp, an" #$e sin!le;s#rin!e", bowe" ins#rumen# of Japan, #$e samisen.
=n #$ese ins#rumen#s Moon"o! makes musi% w$i%$ $as o"", une8pe%#e" sonori#ies an" e8#remely
%omple8 r$y#$mi% pa##erns. (e is fon" of 5H4 r$y#$m in 0snake#ime0, a pe%uliar sli#$erin! movemen#
$ar" #o "es%ribe an" impossible #o wri#e "own in musi%al no#a#ion.
Moon"o! employs 0snake#ime0 in su%$ %omposi#ions as $is lar!e work for voi%es, 0+$e &osmi%on.0 1n
#$ese more formal pie%es #$e in"i%a#ion is 0+empo "i serpen#e0.
+$e Moon"o! re%or" is uni7ue, in"ivi"ualis#i% musi%, nei#$er primi#ive nor e8#remely sop$is#i%a#e",
ye# a li##le of bo#$. +$e "isk was re%or"e" by +ony %$war#', a man wi#$ an insa#iable %uriosi#y abou#
#$e o"" soun"s #o be $ear" in a !rea# %i#y.
=old)ine "##" ,+ril "#
Dean Su2uki
Moondog& Moondog! CBS -M? <<#<<.
Moondog& >restige -'%CCD*"@<"*: ->*
@5<:..
Moondog Conducts Flaskkvartetten& Bracelli
-?aka+honeIManagar) -?>( "5:..
Moon"o!, aka -ouis (ar"in, is a #rue maveri%k,
#$e ar%$e#ypal )meri%an musi%al i%ono%las#. (e
mi!$# be %onsi"ere" #o be #$e $ip, bea#
!enera#ion musi%al analo! #o Dran"ma Moses.
-ike #$e pain#er, Moon"o! is a #rue naive ar#is#, in
#$e bes# sense of #$e wor". (e wri#es wi#$ou#
re!ar" #o fas$ion or %on#emporary s#yleE ins#ea",
$e follows $is muse in #$e %rea#ion of $is %omposi#ions. in%e #$e 195Bs, Moon"o! $as re%or"e"
numerous albums for Pres#i!e, &olumbia, Musi%al (eri#a!e o%ie#y (M) an" in more re%en# years $e
$as release" albums in 4urope. Mos# of #$ese re%or"s are obs%ure an" 7ui#e %olle%#ible.
+$e &, release is a %ompila#ion of Moondog an" Moondog II, #$e %omposer/s mos# well known,
musi%ally a%%essible an" easily ob#aine" re%or"s. ,o#$ albums were pro"u%e" by James .illiam
Duer%io (known primarily as &$i%a!o/s pro"u%er). +$e firs# %onsis#s of musi% for or%$es#ra. +$e musi%
is #onal, bu# 7uirky in a mos# won"erful way, of#en wi#$ irre!ular r$y#$ms an" syn%opa#ions.
ome pie%es, su%$ as 0ymp$oni7ue No. < (Doo" 9or Doo"ie),0 "e"i%a#e" #o ,enny Doo"man, reveal
a 6a'' influen%e. )ppropria#ely enou!$, performers in #$e o#$erwise 0%lassi%al0 symp$ony in%lu"e
flu#is# (uber# -aws an" bassis# *on &ar#er. Mos# no#able are #$e repe#i#ive #e%$ni7ues w$i%$
an#e%ipa#e similar #e%$ni7ues use" by minimalis# %omposers su%$ as P$ilip Dlass an" #eve *ei%$
some 1B years la#er.
)lso, one fin"s Moon"o!/s si!na#ure per%ussion, w$i%$ is performe" on spe%ially "esi!ne" "rums
(0#rimbas0) an" mara%as. +$ese "is#in%#ive "rums, alon! wi#$ a s#ea"y un"erlyin! pulse an"
infe%#ious syn%opa#ions, $elp "efine #$e Moon"o! soun". =%%asionally #$e %omposer will re%i#e a li##le
verse w$i%$ $e $as wri##en as a prolo!ue #o #$e musi%.
Moondog II is %omprise" of A< brief 0ma"ri!als.0 1n fa%#, #$ey are no# like *enaissan%e ma"ri!als,
ra#$er #$ey are roun"s or %anons. )s wi#$ almos# all of $is musi%, imi#a#ive %oun#erpoin# is #$e formal
s#ru%#ure #$a# forms #$e basis of Moon"o!/s work. +$e vo%al s#yle, as e8e%u#e" by Moon"o! an" $is
"au!$#er, wi#$ plen#y of over"ubbin! #o %rea#e a small %$amber %$oir, is wi#$ou# vibra#o an" %ouple"
wi#$ #$e %$armin!, some#imes obs%ure #e8#s an" some of #$e %omposer/s mos# "eli!$#ful musi% ever.
Jnfor#una#ely, &, "i" no# see fi# #o repro"u%e #$e musi% an" #e8#s w$i%$ a%%ompanie" #$e ori!inal
release in #$e form of a beau#iful bookle#.
+$e Pres#i!e release, ori!inally re%or"e" in 195<, is less polis$e" an" more musi%ally obs%ure an"
severe. #ill, #$e musi% is 7ui#e won"erful, wi#$ Moon"o! performin! on piano. re%or"er, per%ussion,
0=o0 an" #rimbas, an" o#$er uni"en#ifie" ins#rumen#s, as well as sin!in! an" provi"in! re%i#a#ions.
=#$er performers in%lu"e #$e %omposer/s wife/s rus#i% sin!in! an" o#$ers on #ra"i#ional .es#ern
ins#rumen#s. everal works are per%ussion solos or a# leas# per%ussion;orien#e". +$e soni% #e8#ure is
of#en fille" ou# by environmen#al soun"s (inse%#s an" bir"s %$irpin!, %ras$in! waves, rus$in! #raffi%,
e#%.). &avea#F pro"u%#ion values are only fair. #ill, #$is is well wor#$ ownin! if you en6oy Moon"o!/s
i"iosyn%ra#i% an" uni7ue musi%.
9laskkvar#e##en is a we"is$ s#rin! 7uar#e# w$i%$ is %omprise" of #wo violas an" #wo %ellos, ra#$er
#$an #$e #ra"i#ional #wo violins, viola an" %ello. +$ey also play un%onven#ional musi% #$a# skir#s #$e
boun"aries be#ween %on#emporary %lassi%al musi%, 6a'' an" pro!ressive ro%k. =n Moondog Conducts
Flas##1artettenF !racelli #$ey perform works by Moon"o!, of#en au!men#e" by %on#rabass an"
#rimbas. Per$aps more #$an #$e o#$er re%or"in!s, #$is one %on#ains musi% w$i%$ is "ark, broo"in!,
somber an" evo%a#ive, as one mi!$# e8pe%# from #$e lower members of #$e s#rin! family. )s always,
#$e musi% is lovely (in fa%#, s#unnin!ly beau#iful a# limes), 7uain#, bu# wi#$ #$a# e8#ra in#an!ible
some#$in! #$a# makes Moon"o! so spe%ial.
1# $as been a lon! #ime sin%e mos# $ave $ear" any#$in! from Moon"o! an" #$is %olle%#ion of ol" an"
new ma#erial is a real #reasure #rove, sure #o "eli!$# ini#ia#es, a# well as #$ose "is%overin! #$is mos#
unusual musi%ian for #$e firs# #ime. (Moon"o! &on"u%#s 9laskkvar#e##enF ,ra%elli is available from
.aysi"e Musi%, P=, <513, .$ea#on, M? AB9B5)
aus H fromF &res%en"o an" Ja'' Musi% A9 1ssue 1 (199A) p. AA
9atten4ury! ?enF )lbum reviewF /More
Moon"o!/ an" /+$e #ory of Moon"o!/
&?F Pres#i!e &?J:? BB<
+$ir#y #ra%ks (some simply brief
fra!men#s), all somew$a# obli7uely #i#le".
Moon"o! was an e%%en#ri%, in appearan%e
%losely mo"elle" on #$e s#yle of *aspu#in,
a %$ara%#er w$o was won# #o perform, for
$is brea";an";bu##er, as a musi%ian in #$e
s#ree#s of New York. +$is &?, w$i%$ brin!s
#o!e#$er #$e %on#en#s of #wo -Ps re%or"e"
an" issue" "urin! 195<H3, offers a
%onfusin! mis$;mas$ of o""s an" en"s of
per%ussion, monolo!ues, "ialo!ues, s#ree#
soun"s, #ap;"an%in!, 6us# a smi"!eon of
%onven#ional 6a'';$orn playin!, a spo# of
or!an, "o!barks, $an";"rummin!E so, you
"ream up any#$in! a mi#e off;bea# an"
you/ll surely mee# i# $ere. Moon"o! plays
almos# every#$in!E #alks 7ui#e a lo# #oo.
Now, 1 "on/# wan# #o %omple#ely an" "ismissively brus$ off #$is %olle%#ion as bein! more of novel#y
#$an musi%al valueF #$ere are a%res of polyr$y#$mi% "rummin! in all sor#s of #ime si!na#ures ; 5HC,
3H4, 5H4, 5H5. all perfe%#ly e8e%u#e". +$ere is one i#em, /Jp ,roa"way/ w$i%$ "oes fea#ure a normal
sa8 se%#ion a!ains# Moon"o!/s obsessively "rivin! "rum %on#inuoE ano#$er w$i%$ employs 9ren%$
$orn an" a ree" pipe a!ains# mu%$ #$e same sor# of r$y#$mi% suppor#E #$en some in#rospe%#ive
piano, an" a #ra%e of nea#ly %on#rapun#al mean"erin! on or!an, in /=r!an oun"/. ,u# af#er #$ose
e8%ursions, #$e #enuous %onne%#ion wi#$ %onven#ion fairly fra%#ures, Moon"o! $as inven#e" a# leas#
four of #$e ins#rumen#s fea#ure"F #$e /=o/, a #rian!ular s#rin!e" ins#rumen# s#ru%k wi#$ a %laveE #$e
/#rimba/, a #rian!ular "rumE #$e /Yuk$/, a suspen"e" lo! $i# wi#$ rubber malle#s, an" #$e /+u6i/, a
series of moun#e" s#i%ks of !ra"ua#e" len!$#s.
+$erefore, all per%ussion;slan#e", an", overall, #$ere is a "is#in%#ly Mi""le;4as#ernH=rien#al flavour #o
many of #$e i#ems. 1n%i"en#ally, many of #$ese are of 7ui#e risible brevi#y, las#in! 6us# a few se%on"s
only. o you see, #$ere is li##le oppor#uni#y #o really se##le in#o #$is sor# of non;"evelopmen#. +$e bes#
#ra%k, #o my min", is /Monolo!ue/, a len!$#y, "is%ursive slab of p$ilosop$isin! by Moon"o! w$i%$ 1
foun" 7ui#e movin! in i#s "ep#$ of #$ou!$# an" sin%eri#y of "elivery. Jus# le# me 7uo#e from #$e liner
no#esF /1# is #$us as a fusionis# #$a# Moon"o! of#en a%$ieves $is mos# rewar"in! resul#s. (e is no#
res#ri%#e" solely #o #$e ma#%$in! of "isor!anise" soun"s ($e "oes, for e8ample, essay a /"ue#/ wi#$
#$e Pueen 4li'abe#$/s siren, in nearby New York $arbourM) an" #$e or!anise" soun"s of musi%.
/Moon"o!/, way ba%k #$en, $a" a%$ieve" some %ul# a%%ep#an%e. ,u# frankly, 1/m baffle",
smo%kraffle", un%$ara%#eris#i%ally !obsma%ke" by i# all. 1 pass.
=old)ine "##" ,+ril "#
Dean Su2uki
Moondog& Moondog! CBS -M? <<#<<.
Moondog& >restige -'%CCD*"@<"*: ->*@5<:..
Moondog Conducts Flaskkvartetten& Bracelli -?aka+honeIManagar) -?>( "5:..
Moon"o!, aka -ouis (ar"in, is a #rue maveri%k, #$e ar%$e#ypal )meri%an musi%al i%ono%las#. (e mi!$#
be %onsi"ere" #o be #$e $ip, bea# !enera#ion musi%al analo! #o Dran"ma Moses. -ike #$e pain#er,
Moon"o! is a #rue naive ar#is#, in #$e bes# sense of #$e wor". (e wri#es wi#$ou# re!ar" #o fas$ion or
%on#emporary s#yleE ins#ea", $e follows $is muse in #$e %rea#ion of $is %omposi#ions. in%e #$e
195Bs, Moon"o! $as re%or"e" numerous albums for Pres#i!e, &olumbia, Musi%al (eri#a!e o%ie#y (M)
an" in more re%en# years $e $as release" albums in 4urope. Mos# of #$ese re%or"s are obs%ure an"
7ui#e %olle%#ible.
+$e &, release is a %ompila#ion of Moondog an" Moondog II, #$e %omposer/s mos# well known,
musi%ally a%%essible an" easily ob#aine" re%or"s. ,o#$ albums were pro"u%e" by James .illiam
Duer%io (known primarily as &$i%a!o/s pro"u%er). +$e firs# %onsis#s of musi% for or%$es#ra. +$e musi%
is #onal, bu# 7uirky in a mos# won"erful way, of#en wi#$ irre!ular r$y#$ms an" syn%opa#ions.
ome pie%es, su%$ as 0ymp$oni7ue No. < (Doo" 9or Doo"ie),0 "e"i%a#e" #o ,enny Doo"man, reveal
a 6a'' influen%e. )ppropria#ely enou!$, performers in #$e o#$erwise 0%lassi%al0 symp$ony in%lu"e
flu#is# (uber# -aws an" bassis# *on &ar#er. Mos# no#able are #$e repe#i#ive #e%$ni7ues w$i%$
an#e%ipa#e similar #e%$ni7ues use" by minimalis# %omposers su%$ as P$ilip Dlass an" #eve *ei%$
some 1B years la#er.
)lso, one fin"s Moon"o!/s si!na#ure per%ussion, w$i%$ is performe" on spe%ially "esi!ne" "rums
(0#rimbas0) an" mara%as. +$ese "is#in%#ive "rums, alon! wi#$ a s#ea"y un"erlyin! pulse an"
infe%#ious syn%opa#ions, $elp "efine #$e Moon"o! soun". =%%asionally #$e %omposer will re%i#e a li##le
verse w$i%$ $e $as wri##en as a prolo!ue #o #$e musi%.
Moondog II is %omprise" of A< brief 0ma"ri!als.0 1n fa%#, #$ey are no# like *enaissan%e ma"ri!als,
ra#$er #$ey are roun"s or %anons. )s wi#$ almos# all of $is musi%, imi#a#ive %oun#erpoin# is #$e formal
s#ru%#ure #$a# forms #$e basis of Moon"o!/s work. +$e vo%al s#yle, as e8e%u#e" by Moon"o! an" $is
"au!$#er, wi#$ plen#y of over"ubbin! #o %rea#e a small %$amber %$oir, is wi#$ou# vibra#o an" %ouple"
wi#$ #$e %$armin!, some#imes obs%ure #e8#s an" some of #$e %omposer/s mos# "eli!$#ful musi% ever.
Jnfor#una#ely, &, "i" no# see fi# #o repro"u%e #$e musi% an" #e8#s w$i%$ a%%ompanie" #$e ori!inal
release in #$e form of a beau#iful bookle#.
+$e Pres#i!e release, ori!inally re%or"e" in 195<, is less polis$e" an" more musi%ally obs%ure an"
severe. #ill, #$e musi% is 7ui#e won"erful, wi#$ Moon"o! performin! on piano. re%or"er, per%ussion,
0=o0 an" #rimbas, an" o#$er uni"en#ifie" ins#rumen#s, as well as sin!in! an" provi"in! re%i#a#ions.
=#$er performers in%lu"e #$e %omposer/s wife/s rus#i% sin!in! an" o#$ers on #ra"i#ional .es#ern
ins#rumen#s. everal works are per%ussion solos or a# leas# per%ussion;orien#e". +$e soni% #e8#ure is
of#en fille" ou# by environmen#al soun"s (inse%#s an" bir"s %$irpin!, %ras$in! waves, rus$in! #raffi%,
e#%.). &avea#F pro"u%#ion values are only fair. #ill, #$is is well wor#$ ownin! if you en6oy Moon"o!/s
i"iosyn%ra#i% an" uni7ue musi%.
9laskkvar#e##en is a we"is$ s#rin! 7uar#e# w$i%$ is %omprise" of #wo violas an" #wo %ellos, ra#$er
#$an #$e #ra"i#ional #wo violins, viola an" %ello. +$ey also play un%onven#ional musi% #$a# skir#s #$e
boun"aries be#ween %on#emporary %lassi%al musi%, 6a'' an" pro!ressive ro%k. =n Moondog Conducts
Flas##1artettenF !racelli #$ey perform works by Moon"o!, of#en au!men#e" by %on#rabass an"
#rimbas. Per$aps more #$an #$e o#$er re%or"in!s, #$is one %on#ains musi% w$i%$ is "ark, broo"in!,
somber an" evo%a#ive, as one mi!$# e8pe%# from #$e lower members of #$e s#rin! family. )s always,
#$e musi% is lovely (in fa%#, s#unnin!ly beau#iful a# limes), 7uain#, bu# wi#$ #$a# e8#ra in#an!ible
some#$in! #$a# makes Moon"o! so spe%ial.
1# $as been a lon! #ime sin%e mos# $ave $ear" any#$in! from Moon"o! an" #$is %olle%#ion of ol" an"
new ma#erial is a real #reasure #rove, sure #o "eli!$# ini#ia#es, a# well as #$ose "is%overin! #$is mos#
unusual musi%ian for #$e firs# #ime. (Moon"o! &on"u%#s 9laskkvar#e##enF ,ra%elli is available from
.aysi"e Musi%, P=, <513, .$ea#on, M? AB9B5)
aus H fromF -os )n!eles 9ree Press No. 1A, 1931
Chris Van Ness
9ecord 9eview M''ND'= :! Colu)4ia ?C * 85 7#@
+$is is a ma!i% album. 1f you allow yourself #o remain open #o Moon"o!/s musi% an" lyri%s, #$is
album %an lull you in#o a kin" of pea%efulness #o #$e poin# w$ere you woul" $ope #$a# #$e musi%
woul" !o on forever.
+$ere is really no way #o pu# in#o wor"s #$e beau#y %on#aine" in #$ese !roovesE #$e album mus# be
lis#ene" #o #o be appre%ia#e".
Moon"o!, born -=J1 ()*?1N, is a blin" musi%ian w$o $as been livin! on an" of #$e si"ewalks of
New York for #$e las# #wen#y years or so. Jn#il $e was 0"is%overe"0 #$ree years a!o by Jimmy
Duer%io (pro"u%er of ,..Q+. an" /&$i%a!o/), $e was re!ar"e" as li##le more #$an an in#eres#in! freak
on #$e New York s#ree#s%ene. Duer%io pro"u%e" $is firs# album w$i%$ was an uneven albei# very
in#eres#in! effor#, bu# i# "i" finally !ive Moon"o! a %$an%e #o !ain some serious re%o!ni#ion for $is
musi%.
9or #$is, #$e se%on" album, we $ave a %olle%#ion of #wen#y;five roun"s or as #$e %omposer %alls #$em
0Moon"o! Ma"ri!als0. +$e roun" (e.!. 0+$ree ,lin" Mi%e0 or 0*ow, *ow, *ow Your ,oa#0) is one of
#$e easies# musi%al forms, bu# al#$ou!$ very simple in %on%ep#, i# %an be a very in#ri%a#e pie%e of
musi% in #$e $an"s of a skillfull musi%al #e%$ni%ian, as (ar"in $as proven $imself #o be.
O &$ris#ofle ?afranou8
)rles 1999
Jsin! primarily 5H4 an" 3H4 me#ri% si!na#ures, (ar"in $as blen"e" #e%$ni%al wi'ar"ry wi#$ #$e soul of
a $uman ma!i%ian an" %ame up wi#$ #wen#y;si8 (#wen#y;five roun"s plus a beau#iful ins#rumen#al
0Pas#orale0 playe" on a solo folk $arp) pie%es of musi% #$a# are %lassi% in feelin! ye# universal in #one
an" #e8#ure. .i#$ a bow #o Mon#ever"i, #$e %omposer $as #aken #$e simples# of melo"i% lines an",
#$rou!$ inversions an" #$e breakin! of a few basi% rules forme" $is own lan!ua!e #$a# %an
%ommuni%a#e on bo#$ #$e mos# basi% an" !ran"es# of $uman levels.
.i#$ ?omini7ue Pon#y
)s if musi%al a%%omplis$men#s weren/ # enou!$,
(ar"in $as also "is#in!uis$e" $imself as a very
fine poe#. )s %ompare" wi#$ #$e poe#ry #$a#
passes for popular lyri%s #o"ay, (ar"in/s lyri%s
are like #$e mos# "eli%a#e of $aiku. 9or
e8ample, *oun" No. < is 01 love you for your
lovely s#ill small voi%e H an" will love your s#ill
small voi%e H /#il H my voi%e H is s#ill.0 =r *oun"
No. 4F 0,e$ol" #$e willow bows before me H ,u#
no# #$e oak, 1/m uproo#in! H remarke" #$e
win".0
)ll #$e vo%als are perfe%#ly an" "eli%a#ely $an"le" by (ar"in an" $is "au!$#er, June. +$e
ins#rumen#a#ion is au#$en#i% *enaissan%e pie%es au!men#e" by (ar"in/s own pe%uliar per%ussion.
)ll is perfe%#, an" #$e album is ma!i%.
aus H fromF $##pFHHmona"no%k.ne#HessaysHo"ysseyVB5.$#ml
, Musical 'dyssey& Assue F7
4y ?urt ?eefner
M''ND'=! M''ND'=! CBS 9ecords M''ND'= ,ND T(/ L'ND'N S,J'>('NAC! S,J >,J
F'9 , S,J! ,tlantic 9ecords
)rles 1999
Moon"o! is an )meri%an ori!inal an" vir#ually un%lassifiable. ,e%ause
$e is an e8perimen#alis#, uses lo#s of r$y#$m an" #$rows in #$e
o%%asional spoken wor" like a ,ea# poe#, $e $as some#imes been
promo#e" as if $e were a 6a'' musi%ian. ,u# al#$ou!$ $e was sli!$#ly
influen%e" by 6a'', $is musi% "oes no# in%lu"e improvisa#ion, nor "oes
$e usually make use of #$e #ypi%al 6a'' ins#rumen#s.
1# woul" be easies# #o %lassify $im as %lassi%al, e8%ep# #$a# $e is u##erly
ou#si"e #$e %lassi%al mains#ream of $is #imeF $is musi% is #onal an"
#en"s #o %ome in small pa%ka!es. )n" #$ere/s #$a# r$y#$m a!ain. Ye#
Moon"o! is far #oo serious an" "raws #oo mu%$ on 19#$ %en#ury
*oman#i% musi% #o be re!ar"e" as pop.
1# is #emp#in! #o pu# $im in #$e %a#e!ory of soun"#ra%k musi%. You %an
6us# ima!ine $is #wo;minu#e won"ers runnin! be$in" #$e %re"i#s of a movie or a +2;"rama.
9ur#$ermore, %lassi%ally;base" soun"#ra%k musi% of#en in%orpora#es 0e8#raneous0 elemen#s like
r$y#$m an" #$e o%%asional 6a'' %ombo in#o i#s forms. )n" las#ly, one of #$e %omposers mos#
influen%e" by Moon"o!, P$ilip Dlass, $as %omfor#ably %rosse" ba%k an" for#$ be#ween re%i#al;pie%es
an" soun"#ra%k musi% for mos# of $is %areer. (owever, #o my knowle"!e, Moon"o! $as never s%ore"
a movie or +2 s$ow. o unless we libera#e 0soun"#ra%k musi%0 from i#s fun%#ional moorin!s an" #rea#
i# as a free;s#an"in! !enre, Moon"o! "oesn/# !e# in#o #$e "oor. (,y #$e way, for a !rea# "is%ussion of
soun"#ra%k musi%, see (enry Pleasan#s/ 19<9 work 0erious Musi% ; )n" )ll +$a# Ja''M0. )
Jnfor#una#ely, #$e bes# %a#e!ory #o pu# Moon"o! in is, somew$a# ana%$ronis#i%ally, 0New )!e.0 1 say
0unfor#una#ely0 be%ause in my opinion New )!e is kin" of a !arba!e %a#e!ory, a mis$mas$ of
ele%#roni%a, wa#ere";"own worl" musi%, #ire" 6a'', an" $ollowe";ou# %lassi%al ; all pa%ka!e" as
mys#i%alHme"i%inal moo" musi%. Musi% for po#$ea"s an" o#$er spa%e %a"e#s, in o#$er wor"s. 1 know
#$is is unfair of me, be%ause #$ere are !oo" ar#is#s w$o %an plausibly be pla%e" in #$e New )!e
%a#e!ory, like -oreena M%>enni# an" #$e .orl"HJa'' ban" +ua#ara. Per$aps 1 nee" #o remin" myself
of Norman pinra"/s profoun" "i%#um #$a# 9BX of every#$in! is %rap. 1#/s 6us# #$a# #$e %rappy par# of
New )!e musi% is so un%#uously marke#e".
.$o is Moon"o!@ (e was born -ouis (ar"in, in Marysville, >ansas, in 191<. ,lin"e" by an e8plosion
as a #eena!er $e re%eive" $is formal musi%al #rainin! a# #$e 1owa %$ool for #$e ,lin". (e en"e" up
sellin! %opies of $is poe#ry an" musi% on a %orner in New York &i#y in #$e 195Bs, <Bs an" 3Bs, #akin!
?J )lan 9ree" (w$o in #$e mi";5Bs firs# "ubbe" bi! bea# musi% 0ro%k an" roll0) #o %our# over #$e use
of #$e name 0Moon"o!0 w$i%$ 9ree" $a" brou!$# wi#$ $im from &levelan" bu# w$i%$ (ar"in $a"
been usin! sin%e 1943. (ar"in won.
Moo"o! a##ra%#e" #$e a##en#ion of labels like &, w$i%$ pu# ou# bo#$ 6a'' an" %lassi%al musi% an"
en"e" up wi#$ abou# a "o'en albums #o $is %re"i#. 4ven#ually $e re;lo%a#e" #o 4urope, w$ere $e
always fel# $e belon!e". ((ar"in feels s#ron!ly abou# $is %an"inavian roo#s an" use" #o walk aroun"
Man$a##an "resse" like a 2ikin!.)
+$e #wo &?s reviewe" $ere in%lu"e #$ree albums. +$e &? 0Moon"o!0 in%lu"es #$e -Ps 0Moon"o!0
an" 0Moon"o! A0 from 19<9 an" 1931 respe%#ively. 0a8 Pa8 for a a80 is a re%en# performan%e of
some ol" an" possibly some new Moon"o! pie%es from 1994. 1 $ave
never $ear" any of Moon"o!/s o#$er "o'en albums, almos# all of w$i%$
are ou# of prin#, so #o %over myself 1 s$oul" say #$a# all my
!enerali'a#ions are buil# on #$is limi#e" sample.
?es%ribin! Moon"o!/s s#yle isn/# $ar", bu# %ap#urin! $is appeal is.
1ma!ine s$or# pie%es of musi%, usually un"er #$ree minu#es in len!#$.
+$ey of#en use formal #e%$ni7ues from 4li'abe#$an 4n!lan", like
ma"ri!als an" roun"s, an" from baro7ue 4urope, like %anons, bu# wi#$ a
lus$er, more *oman#i% nine#een#$;%en#ury melo"y an" $armony. 1ns#ea"
of usin! #$e ol"s#yle forms, (ar"in will fre7uen#ly use a s$or# repea#e" fi!ure. )n" "rums. (ar"in
loves per%ussionF bass "rum, snare "rum, mara%as, w$a#ever. (is r$y#$ms are %omple8 an"
insis#en#. No# as %omple8 as Mi""le 4as#ern r$y#$ms or as insis#en# as )fri%an ones ; more like #$e
r$y#$ms of a really %lever an" ener!e#i% mar%$in! ban" "rummer.
Moon"o!, 1994
.$a# $ol"s #$is melan!e #o!e#$er is Moon"o!/s un"eniable sense of "rama. Moon"o! %learly "oes
no# re!ar" musi% as an a%a"emi% e8er%ise bu# as a means of rousin! #$e spiri#. +$e bes# of $is work
un"er %onsi"era#ion is #$e or%$es#ral musi% on 0Moon"o!,0 of w$i%$ 1 $ave #wo favori#esF 0#ompin!
Droun"0 uses a full or%$es#ra, smar#ly arran!e", over #ympani (#$ose bi!, #une" "rums use" in some
%lassi%al musi%) an" a snare "rum #o buil" up #wo;an";a; $alf minu#es of "rama#i% #ension. 1# $as a
res#less, mar#ial air w$i%$ i# bo#$ "ispels an" in%reases wi#$ 7uasi;fanfares. 0-amen# 1, /,ir"/s
-amen#/0 is a pie%e (ar"in wro#e in memory of 6a'' !rea# &$arlie 0,ir"0 Parker w$om (ar"in knew
sli!$#ly. 1# is a 1F41 #our "e for%eF s#rin!s an" snare "rums be!in wi#$ an insis#en#, repea#e" fi!ure.
+$en #wo sa8op$ones, bari#one an" al#o, 1 #$ink, #ra"e p$rases bo#$ 6a''y an" melan%$oly, as if #$ey
were par# of a New =rleans musi%al funeral pro%ession. )s #$eir e8%$an!es !row more in#ri%a#e, #$e
ba%k!roun" fi!ure is playe" lou"er wi#$ more an" more ins#rumen#s, a li##le like *avel/s ,olero. 1#/s
#$e kin" of lamen# a 6a''man woul" wan#.
+$e firs# CB minu#es of #$e &? 0Moon"o!0 is "evo#e" #o #$is fas%ina#in! or%$es#ral work, in#ersperse"
wi#$ a %ouple of mer%ifully brief poems or epi!rams. +$e las# 45 minu#es of #$e &? "erives from #$e
-P 0Moon"o! A0 an" %onsis#s of A5 ma"ri!als in #$e form of roun"s an" %anons. (ere Moon"o! an"
$is "au!$#er June sin!, ba%ke" by musi%ians on viola "a !amba, $arpsi%$or", re%or"ers, s$awm an"
#$e like. )n" per%ussion, of %ourseF mara%as, #ambourines, bells, #$e w$ole works. ome of #$e
pie%es are in#eres#in! in #$eir r$y#$ms an" in #$e %omple8i#y of #$e musi%, al#$ou!$ #$ey are all #oo
s$or# #o "evelop properly an" soun" #oo similar #o 0*ow, *ow, *ow Your ,oa#0 #o be of #$e $i!$es#
%aliber. )ll #$e wor"s 1 %an make ou# are insipi" an" are sun! in #$a# $i!$, brea#$y, almos# lispy
*i%$ar" &arpen#erHMason .illiams vo%al s#yle so popular in #$e early 3Bs. #ill, #aken in small "oses,
#$ese pie%es are in#ri!uin! an" a wor#$w$ile makewei!$# #o #$e or%$es#ral work.
+$e &? 0a8 Pa8 for a a80 is one of #$ose !ra%ious #ribu#es #$a# lu%ky ar#is#s re%eive in #$eir #wili!$#
years, an inven#ive revisi#in! of #$e bes# work wi#$ par#i%ipa#ion by #$e %omposer as $e is able. Done
is (ar"in/s in#ri%a#e per%ussion, ins#ea" $e !ives us a s#ea"y bea# from #$e bass "rum. +$e !roup $e
a%%ompanies is an a" $o% ou#fi# %alle" #$e -on"on a8op$oni%, %onsis#in! of up #o nine sa8op$ones,
a%ous#i% bass (playe" by ?anny +$ompson) an" a snare "rum, #ympani or piano. +$ree of #$e pie%es
in%lu"e vo%als, w$i%$ are "roll, an" in#eres#in!ly "elivere" by a %$orus wi#$ no solo sin!er. +$e
%$orus %onsis#s par#ly of #$e ban" an" is no# a bun%$ of skille" par#;sin!ers. .$en #$ey sin! i#
remin"s me of w$en Jo$n &ol#rane an" $is merry men mumble;%$an# 0) -ove upreme0 al#$ou!$
#$ey are #e%$ni%ally be##er #$an #$a#. 1#/s pre##y funny #o $ear #$is mos#ly ,ri#is$, very %ivili'e" !roup
sin!in! Moon"o!/s love lyri%s #o New York &i#y, 01 "i! $er "eeply ; an" no won"er.0 +$is 1 "i! of you,
"u%ky.
+$ere are #$e usual %anons an" repe#i#ive fi!ures, bu# #$ey soun" "ifferen# w$en playe" on mul#iple
sa8op$ones, more in#ima#e an" i"iosyn%ra#i% an" less like or%$es#ral *oman#i%ism. 1 am no# a bi! fan
of !roups ma"e of #$e same kin" of ins#rumen#, all;#uba serena"ers, re%or"er 7uin#e#s an" #$e like,
bu# #$is one works pre##y well. 1# $elps #$a# a soprano sa8 %an soun" like a %larine# w$ile a bass or
bari#one sa8 %an soun" like sor# of a #uba. +$e players an" pro"u%er "o an a"roi# 6ob of a%$ievin!
aural separa#ion so #$a# we "on/# en" up wi#$ one bi! messy super;sa8op$one soun". )# #imes, like
#$e %on%lusion of 0+oo# ui#e, Movemen# C0 we en" up wi#$ some#$in! of a New =rleans soun" #$a#
$avin! all #$ose sa8es %on#ribu#es #o.
1n#eres#in!ly, we lose #$e New =rleans soun" of 0,ir"/s -amen#,0 #$e one #ra%k "upli%a#e" from #$e
&? 0Moon"o!.0 =n 0a8 Pa80 i# is ABX lon!er "ue #o $avin! been slowe" "own almos# #o "ir!e;
#empo. (New =rleans funeral musi%, like an 1ris$ wake, is spiri#e".) )n" #$e limi#e" for%es %anno#
a%$ieve #$e same "ynami% %res%en"o. #ill, #$e #imbres of #$e sa8es are very ni%e an" $ave 6us# #$e
ri!$# rou!$ e"!es an" burrs for su%$ a pie%e. )s a %omplemen# #o 0,ir"/s -amen#0 Moon"o! !ives us
0Presen# for #$e Pre',0 w$i%$ is a memoriam #o 6a''man -es#er Youn!. 1# employs some improvise"
or improvise";soun"in! sa8 lines playe" over a low, mena%in! fi!ure "elivere" by #$e bari#one an"
bass sa8es an" #$e piano.
Moon"o!, 1994
+$ere are a lo# of ni%e s$or# pie%es #o en6oy on
0a8 Pa8.0 =n 0in!le 9oo#,0 Moon"o! "elivers
some#$in! like snake;%$armin! musi%, sinuous,
e8o#i% s#rains over a pi##er;pa# r$y#$m. No# so ni%e
is #$e foolis$ #$ree;movemen# 0ui#e #o #$e 44&,0
w$i%$ in%lu"es a 0(ymn #o Pea%e0 #$a# soun"s like
a %ross be#ween (ay"n/s 0)us#ria0 an" 0(ail #o #$e
&$ief.0 +$e peppy li##le #$ir" movemen# is %alle"
044& -ie".0 Presumably #$is is 0-ie"0 as in 0-ie"er0
; Derman for 0son!s,0 bu# !iven #$e re%en#
s$enani!ans in ,russels one %anno# be #oo sure.
+$e firs# movemen# is %alle" 0Dol"en 9lee%e0 an"
#$a# seems appropria#e.
1n #$e very mi""le of #$e album we are #rea#e" #o
a relief from #$e sa8op$oni% pale##e by way of #wo
very s$or# pie%es for pianoF 0ea$orse0 (1F13) an"
09ies#a0 (1FC5) playe" by Ni%ola Mee%$am. +$ey
are #$e kin" of works #$a# soun" a li##le like a lo#
of people. +$ere/s some %$uber#, #$ere/s some
$os#akovi%$. =$, isn/# #$a# P$ilip Dlass@ )n" ye#
#$ey $an! #o!e#$er as 6us# 0Moon"o!.0
1/ve men#ione" #$e similari#y be#ween Moon"o!
an" P$ilip Dlass a %ouple of #imes now. 1#/s no# a
#rivial %onne%#ion. Moon"o! is re!ar"e" as one of
#$e fa#$ers of minimalis# musi%, wi#$ i#s s#ron!
r$y#$ms, repea#e" fi!ures an" limi#e" $armoni%
"evelopmen#. (#eve *ei%$ some#imes soun"s a
li##le like Moon"o! #oo.) )n" minimalism
represen#s one of #$e mos# su%%essful a##emp#s #o
$elp serious musi% es%ape from #$e bo8 i#/s !o##en
i#self in#o. 1/ll save #$e main "is%ussion of #$is issue for a la#er ="yssey %overin! P$ilip Dlass, bu# i#/s
ni%e #o know #$a# a blin" busker from >ansas %an $elp se# off a revolu#ion in musi%. )n" no, 1/m no#
!oin! #o #ell you w$a# a busker is. Do look i# up.
>hil Baldorf
*e%or" *eviews
Moon"o!F a8 Pa8 for a a8 ()#lan#i%)
($##pFHHwww.fla!pole.%omH1ssuesHB1.A5.95H*eviews.$#ml)
1# is #$e early 19<Bs ; you are visi#in! New York &i#y. )s you #ravel "own i8#$ )venue be#ween 5An"
an" 5<#$ #ree#s you en%oun#er a man known as Moon"o!. +$is Moon"o! %$ara%#er is playin!
$omema"e per%ussion ins#rumen#s, rea"in! poe#ry, an" in#era%#in! wi#$ #$e bewil"ere" onlookers, all
w$ile "resse" in full 2ikin! !arb. 9as# forwar" #o 1993, an" nearly AB albums la#er. Moon"o! releases
a8 Pa8 for a a8. +$is album is Moon"o!/s firs# a##emp# a# %omposin! musi% for a sa8op$one
ensemble, an" w$ile i# may la%k #$e ou#ri!$# weir"ness of some of $is early albums, a8 Pa8 for a
a8 is an un"eniably in#ri!uin! effor#. a8 Pa8 is par# of #$e ar#is#/s own 'a6a' series, w$i%$ %onsis#s
of 6a'' musi% ven#urin! in #wo opposi#e "ire%#ions. =ne "ire%#ion of 6a'' is ba%kwar"s, #$e #$eory
!oes, in #$e sense of %omposin! via #$e use of %lassi%al #rainin!, w$ile #$e o#$er is a forwar"
"ire%#ion ; #akin! 6a'' in#o #$e fu#ure by usin! bo#$ ol" an" new musi%al #e%$ni7ues. .$ile #$is
"es%rip#ion is somew$a# a%%ura#e, i# s$oul" also be no#e" #$a# Moon"o! is no# really pus$in! #$e
boun"aries of 6a'' in any forwar" "ire%#ions. 1ns#ea", #$e sparse ins#rumen#a#ion $ere, wi#$ i#s
poun"in! ba%kbea#, will remin" lis#eners of !lorious 6a'' pas#s. 4ven if a8 Pa8 for a a8 "oes no#
%ap#ure #$e fu#ure of musi%, i# s#ill is a !oo" %olle%#ion of mos#ly ins#rumen#al sa8op$one musi% #$a#
re#ains some of #$e s#ran!eness of Moon"o!/s early albums. +$e melo"i%, some#imes playful,
some#imes wis#ful son!s are a%%essible an" en6oyable, brin!in! #o min" !ems from #$e .es#ern pop
%anon pre;..11 ; a %ouple are even sun! by a baw"y male %$orus #$a# will brin! #o min" s#o%k
ima!es of Parisian %abare#s. 1# is remarkable #$a# so lon! af#er Moon"o!/s "ays on New York &i#y
s#ree# %orners, $e is s#ill makin! a #$ou!$#ful an" in#eres#in! %on#ribu#ion #o #$e worl" of musi%
nearly 5B years af#er releasin! $is firs# 35 rpm re%or"s.
T(/ S'0ND >9'%/CT'9 "st Assue
Section& ,)erican Monsters
,vant*garde geniuses of the 0S,
'riginal +osition in )aga2ine& ++ $7*66
/d >insent
.i#$ 1lona ommer
M''ND'=& May (is Feet ?ee+ Balking
R=bviously #$e followin! was wri##en a# a #ime w$en Moon"o! was s#ill alive an" $is fee# were s#ill
walkin!. )las an" ala%k, $e is wi#$ us no more.S
Moon"o!F ,i! ,an" wi#$ #$e -on"on ,rass an" -on"on a8op$onia, Pro"u%e" by Jo$n (arle
+*1M,) B1BB1;5 &?
) re%en# re%or"in! from #$a# mo"ern %omposer maveri%k, s#ree# person an" all;roun" won"erful
$uman bein! Moon"o!, aka -ouis (ar"in. Yes, Moon"o! is s#ill alive, an" yes, $e %on#inues #o
pro"u%e beau#iful, life;affirmin! musi% of %$armin! simpli%i#y. (is works s#ill bear #$e influen%es of
,i! ,an" 6a'', for e8ample #$e syn%opa#e" r$y#$ms, a s#ea"y bass "rum pulse (usually playe" by
Moon"o! $imself) an" wa#er;#i!$# %$ar#s for #$e $ornsE an" $e %on#inues #o "isplay $is fon"ness for
#urnin! one simple musi%al p$rase in#o a *oun". 9or #$is re%or" ,i! ,an" $e is a"mirably serve" by
#$e #alen#s of #wo -on"on brass ensembles. +$ey are le" an" pro"u%e" by #$e es#imable Jo$n (arle,
a four;eye" well;"resse" fellow w$o $as #oo#le" $is soprano sa8 in many a %on#e8#, be i# versions of
early musi% like Jo$n ?owlan" or arran!emen#s of Ders$win for #$e %lassi%al;li#e se#. +$is pro"u%#ion
is also splen"i"ly re%or"e", so you !e# #$e full blas# of #$e brass w$ammin! in#o your fa%e as surely
as if your w$ole bo"y $a" been poure" like warm milk in#o #$e bell of ea%$ !ol"en ins#rumen#.
4veryone w$o $ears ,i! ,an" en6oys an imme"ia#e sense of well;bein! an" inner $armonyE slam on
#$e firs# #ra%k /,las# =ff/ an" 6us# wa#%$ your spiri#s soarM
+$is i#em was %ryin! ou# #o be pur%$ase" af#er #$e rare even# of seein! Moon"o! live (wi#$ #$e same
ensembles an" (arle, playin! mos# of #$e same se#) a# #$e ou#$ ,ank in -on"on in ummer 1995.
+$is was par# of 4lvis &os#ello/s /Mel#"own/ 9es#ival. No ma##er your opinion of &os#ello ($e seems #o
a##ra%# severe %on#emp#) you mus# nee"s #ip your #rilby in $is "ire%#ion for pullin! off #$is $is#ori%
Moon"o! %oupE apparen#ly $e $as only playe" in -on"on on%e beforeM No# a soul in #$e au"ien%e was
lef# un#ou%$e" by #$is performan%eE besi"es #$e power of #$e musi%, #$ere were $is #ou%$in! remarks
#o #$e au"ien%e, revealin! li##le !limpses of $is life on #$e s#ree#s, $is poli#i%al views, $is musi%al
%areer, $is loves. )n" $is e%%en#ri%i#yF $ol"in! up a per%ussion ins#rumen#, $e sai", /+$is is several
$un"re" pe%an s$ells, in an ol" so%kM/ Jo$n (arle $elpe" $im off;s#a!e as we !ave our s#an"in!
ova#ion (for #$ose w$o "on/# know, Moon"o! is blin"), an" Moon"o! a%knowle"!e" $ol"in! alof# $is
"rums#i%k in salu#e, a bea#ifi% smile emer!in! from $is w$i#e w$iskery fa%e. +$e waves of emo#ion
affe%#e" us all. People in #$e au"ien%e were %ryin!.
)s you probably know, Moon"o! re%or"e" albums for &, in #$e la#e 19<Bs (al#$ou!$ $is %areer
e8#en"s ba%k in#o #$e 195Bs). 1 $ave Moon"o! (J> &, <C9B<) an" Moon"o! A (J , >& CB593) on
vinylE 1 $ave no i"ea if #$ese $ave been reissue". ,efore 1 wen# #o #$e Mel#"own performan%e 1
s$owe" #$e sleeves of #$ese #o ?arryl &unnin!$am, w$o e8%laime" /(e 1s MerlinM/ Moon"o! A is a
%y%le of *oun" son! %omposi#ions, performe" wi#$ per%ussion an" $arpsi%$or"E kin" of like
syn%opa#e" ma"ri!als, as if Jo$n ?owlan" were a si"eman for ?i''y Dillespie. +$ere/s a lovely prin#e"
book of lyri%s wi#$ a !rea# %over. /+$e .$eel was Never 1nven#e"/, "e%lares one lyri% ; be%ause #$e
mo#ion of #$e w$eel was some#$in! man was alrea"y born wi#$, in #$e movemen# of our $ip an"
#$i!$ bones. (1n%i"en#ally 1/ve always asso%ia#e" #$is ima!e wi#$ #$e p$o#o!rap$ of Moon"o! on #$e
%over of #$e Pres#i!e album, re%or"e" in 195< an" reissue" as =J&;1341 in 199BE "o##e" lines
in"i%a#in! #$e mo#ion of $is fee#.) +$is su!!es#s #o me some#$in! abou# w$y Moon"o!/s work is so
effe%#ive, per$aps for #$e same reason #$a# #$e bes# ar%$i#e%#ure is #$a# w$i%$ pro%ee"s from #$e
same propor#ions of #$e $uman fi!ure ; i# %$imes in e8a%#ly wi#$ an inner vibra#ion %ommon #o us all.
1# seems perfe%#, obvious.
=ne rela#e" o""i#y you may wis$ #o inves#i!a#e is -ove &$il" plays Moon"o! C +ra%k;4P (9or%e"
48posure 94;BAB), on w$i%$ #$ree youn!s#ers ; amon! #$em #$e !rea# )lan -i%$# on !ui#ar ; pay
#ribu#e #o Moon"o!. ,orrowin! #$ree s$or# roun" %omposi#ions from Moon"o! A, #$ey e8#en" #$e
swee# melo"ies in#o une8pe%#e" areas of psy%$e"eli% 6ammin! an" fee"ba%k, wi#$ layers of
ama#euris$ vo%al, awkwar" "rummin! an" !ui#ar noise. Plus a !rea# sleeve p$o#o of Moon"o! in New
York. Ni%e i#emM
Street Musician Louis GMoondogG (ardin Dead at 78
DN#erslo$ 1C.A.1994
-ouis (ar"in, known in #$e musi% worl" as 0Moon"o!,0 "ie" of $ear#
failure .e"nes"ay ep#ember 9, 1999 in Muens#er, Dermany. (e was
5C. )n i%on on New York &i#y s#ree#s for over AB years, (ar"in s#oo"
!uar" on <#$ )venue an" 54#$ #ree#. (is normal a##ire, "espi#e any
#ype of wea#$er, was a Nor"i% s#yle in%lu"in! a $omema"e robe,
$orne" 2ikin! $elme#, lon! spear, an" %ape. &onsi"ere" e8o#i% by
some an" %ra'y by o#$ers, #$e blin" s#ree# performer $a" a si"e #$a#
no# many knew abou#.
The /arly ears
,orn in Marysville, >ansas on May A<, 191<, $is family la#er
relo%a#e" #o 9or# ,ri"!er, .yomin! w$ere $is fa#$er, w$o $a" been
an 4pis%opal minis#er, opene" a #ra"in! pos# an" ran #wo ran%$es.
4arly s%$oolin! was a lo! %abin in ,urn# 9ork, .Y an" la#er in -on! +ree. (ar"in "evelope" a passion
for per%ussion ins#rumen#s a# an early a!e, s#a#in! $is firs# "rum se# 0... a# #$e a!e of five, was a
%ar"boar" bo8.0 (is fa#$er #ook $im #o see an )rapa$o un ?an%e w$ere $e playe" a buffalo skin
#om;#om w$ile si##in! on &$ief Yellow &alf/s lap. 1n 19A9 (ar"in wen# on #o a##en" (urley (i!$ %$ool
w$ere $e playe", w$a# else, #$e "rums. 1# was "urin! #$is #ime #$a# $e was blin"e" by a blas#in! %ap
#$a# wen# off in $is $an"s.
(ar"in #ransferre" #o #$e 1owa %$ool for #$e ,lin" w$ere $e s#u"ie" musi% an" %omple#e" $is $i!$
s%$ool s#u"ies. (e learne" #o play #$e violin, viola, an" piano, an" or!an w$ile bein! in#ro"u%e" #o
%lassi%al musi%. (ere $e "evelope" #$e "ream #o be%ome an or%$es#ra %on"u%#or. (e #$en wen# #o #$e
Missouri %$ool for #$e ,lin" in #. -ouis #o learn ,raille. (e move" #o ,a#esville, )rkansas w$ere $e
remaine" un#il 194A. (e la#er woul" be a priva#e s#u"en# wi#$ ,urne# +u#$ill a# #$e Memp$is
&onserva#ory of Musi%.
1n #$e fall of 194C, $e #ravele" #o New York &i#y, w$ere $e be%ame a fi8#ure ou#si"e #$e s#a!e "oor a#
&arne!ie (all. 1# was $ere #$a# members of #$e P$il$armoni% or%$es#ra $elpe" arran!e a mee#in!
wi#$ #$en %on"u%#or )r#$ur *o"'inski. *o"'inski was so #aken by (ar"in $e allowe" $im #o si# in on
#$e %lose" re$earsals. *o"'inski woul" also offer (ar"in #$e %$an%e #o %on"u%# #$e or%$es#ra w$en $e
$a" %omple#e" a %omposi#ion. (e also
me# -eonar" ,erns#ein, )r#uro
+os%anini, an" ?imi#ri Mi#ropoulos.
-a%kin! #$e finan%ial means #o $ire an
assis#an# #o $elp wri#e musi%, (ar"in
#ook #o #$e s#ree#s of New York #o
perform for any#$in! #$e passers by
woul" !ive $im.
1n 1943, (ar"in a"op#e" #$e ni%kname
0Moon"o!0 base" on a "o! 0.$o use"
#o $owl a# #$e moon more #$an any "o!
1 knew of.0 (is populari#y !rew amon!
#$e people an" $e woul" en#er#ain #$em
wi#$ an improvisa#ion of per%ussion
musi% all w$ile "resse" as a Nor"i%
warrior. No lon!er known as -ouis
(ar"in, Moon"o! woul" $ave #o resor#
#o le!al pro%ee"in!s a!ains# #$en
popular ra"io "is% 6o%key )lan 9ree"
w$o %laime" #$e /Moon"o!/ name for $is
ra"io s$ow. 1roni% $ow 9ree" woul"
la#er play a 35 re%or"in! of $is
0Moon"o! ymp$ony0 re!ularly on in
#$e mi" /5Bs on $is *o%k /n *oll $ow.
+$is obviously effe%#e" #$e ,ri#is$ !roup
Jo$nny an" #$e Moon"o!s, be%ause
#$ey %$an!e" #$eir name #o +$e
,ea#les.
The '$5s and '65s
Moon"o! believe" #$a# %onven#ional
ins#rumen#s %oul" no# "upli%a#e #$e
soun"s in $is $ea" an" $e, like fellow
self s#yle" musi%ian (arry Pa#%$, ma"e
$is own ins#rumen#s. (is firs# 45 4P
release on 4pi% *e%or"s 0=n #$e #ree#s
of New York0 was s#ron! evi"en%e of #$is. -a#er on Pres#i!e label albums 0More Moon"o!0 an" 0+$e
#ory of Moon"o!0 bo#$ fea#ure" per%ussion ins#rumen#s %alle" #$e /oo/ an" #$e /#rimba/ al#$ou!$
#$ere is a "efini#e 6a'' influen%e. +$is was brou!$# on by Moon"o!/s in#ro"u%#ion #o 6a'' %omposer;
performers like &$arlie Parker an" ,enny Doo"man. 4ven #$ou!$ $is resour%es were limi#e", $e was
mana!in! #o !e# %omposi#ions #o!e#$er an" of#en use" #$e soun"s of %i#y #raffi%, #u!boa# w$is#les,
an" #$e surf #o !ive $is son!s #$eir uni7ue soun". ,y #$e en" of #$e /5Bs, $e $a" %omple#e" several
albums on #$e Pres#i!e *e%or" label. (e $a" even %ollabora#e" wi#$ Mar#in Dreen an" Julie )n"rews
on an -P of nursery r$ymes an" %$il"ren/s son!s base" on #$e Mo#$er Doose book.
Moon"o! was re!ularly seen a# $is pos# on <#$ )venue an" 54#$ #ree# #$rou!$ou# #$e /<Bs, sellin!
$is musi% an" poe#ry #o anyone w$o woul" buy i#. (e also ma"e money wri#in! various 6in!les for
#elevision an" ra"io %ommer%ials. (is %us#omary Nor"i% appearan%e an" various manifes#oes on
!overnmen#al re!imen#a#ion, #$e worl" mone#ary sys#em, an" or!ani'e" reli!ious ma"e $im popular
amon! #$e ,ea#niks an" la#er wi#$ #$e flower %$il"ren of #$e /<Bs. 1n 19<3, Janis Joplin alon! wi#$
,i! ,ro#$er an" (ol"in! &ompany re%or"e" $is 0)ll 1s -oneliness.0 Joplin woul" la#er re;re%or" i#
193A, as #$e soun" sys#ems available in #$e /<Bs "i" no# "o #$e son! 6us#i%e. Moon"o! also ma"e
#elevision appearan%es on #$e +o"ay $ow an" #$e +oni!$# $ow. 1n 19<9, #$e pro"u%er of #$e $i!$ly
su%%essful &$i%a!o brou!$# Moon"o! #o #$e a##en#ion of &, *e%or"s. ,a%k by a full or%$es#ra,
0Moon"o!0 was release"E a %ompila#ion of #wen#y years of Moon"o!/s %omposi#ions makes up #$is
as#oun"in! se# of albums.
Moon"o! re#urne" #o &, *e%or"s an" re%or"e" 0Moon"o! A0 w$i%$ was a %olle%#ion of roun"s
%ompose" by #$e mas#er. .$ile s#ill %omposin!, Moon"o! $a" $is musi% fea#ure" on #$e soun"#ra%k
for #$e 193A Ja%k Ni%$olson film 0?rive, (e ai".0 1n 1934, Moon"o! "isappeare" from $is spo# alon!
<#$ )venue an" many people believe" $e $a" "ie". 1n fa%# a Derman ra"io s#a#ion, (essis%$e
*un"funk $a" invi#e" $im #o 9rankfur# for #wo %on%er#s. Jpon arrivin! in #$e $omelan" of $is musi%al
i"ols, Moon"o! "e%i"e" #o remain #$ere. 1# was #$ere #$a# $e me# 1lona ommer. Mrs. ommer/s
fa#$er insis#e" #$a# Moon"o! s#ay wi#$ #$em in #$eir $ome an" w$o also suppor#e" $im in $is la#e
years.
The '@5s to the /nd
Mrs. ommer woul" a%# as Moon"o!/s #rans%riber for $is musi%, an" also as $is publis$er an"
mana!er. Moon"o! ma"e #$is pro%ess of %omposin! mu%$ easier by wri#in! $is works in small par#s
ins#ea" of #$e en#ire s%ore, a pro%ess $e %alle" 0in#ra%#in!0 as #$e en#ire s%ore %oul" be ma"e by
%ombinin! all #$e par#s in#o #$e w$ole s%ore. .$en %omposers wri#e an en#ire s%ore, #$e various
par#s mus# be pulle" apar# in or"er #o be re$earse" an" playe". Moon"o! believe" #$a# $e $el" #$e
en#ire s%ore as a w$ole insi"e $is $ea" an" #$a# on%e #$e or%$es#ra was assemble", $e %oul" brin! all
#$e par#s #o!e#$er in#o #$e finis$e" pro"u%#. +$is re"u%e" #$e amoun# of #ime ne%essary for
%omple#in! a pie%e by one $alf, a%%or"in! #o Moon"o!. 1# was $ere in Dermany #$a# Moon"o!
release" over a "o'en more albums an" &?s. (e also $el" various %on%er#s from Piano re%i#als #o full
symp$ony performan%es in Paris, #o%k$olm, -on"on, al'bur!, 2ienna an" Muni%$ 6us# #o name a
few an" $a" au"ien%es of some of 4urope/s more no#able royal#y. 1n 1959, $e was invi#e" #o re#urn
#o #$e Jni#e" #a#es w$ere $e le" #$e ,rooklyn P$il$armoni% &$amber =r%$es#ra. &ri#i%s a# #$e #ime
"es%ribe $is s#yle of %on"u%#in! unor#$o"o8 as $e woul" si# #o #$e si"e an" provi"e #$e #empo by
bea# on a bass "rum or #ympani. &all i# w$a# #$ey may, Moon"o! was a #rue pioneer in $is fiel" an"
will always be remembere" by musi%ians of all !enres. May $e res# in musi%al pea%e.
Louis T3 (ardin aIkIa Moondog!
"#"6*"###
4y %ordan (off)an
publis$e" 9HABH99
0ordan /o++man is Leisure)uit,net's Dueens4&ased )enior =ditor,
-ouis +. (ar"in, be##er known as Moon"o!, $as "ie". (e was a %uriosi#y even in #$e mo"ern %lassi%al;
%um;6a'' worl" $e live" on #$e frin!es of. (e was even s#ran!e as %ompare" #o mos# New York s#ree#
"eni'ens. (is le!a%y is #$isF $e represen#e" a momen# w$en musi% appre%ia#ion was so in%lusive,
#$a# i# %oul" even veer a bi# #o #$e e8#reme avan#;!ar"e an" s#ill main#ain a veneer of ro%k/s
mys#i%ism an" rebellion. +$a# "oesn/# e8is# #o"ay, no ma##er $ow mu%$ of a min"fu%ker you #ell me a
spe%ifi% ele%#roni%a ?J is. +$e $ei!$# of Moon"o!/s populari#y, so my ske#%$y resear%$ #ells me, was
in #$e $ea"y "ays of #$e la#e si8#ies, w$en #en;year;ol" re%or"s by a blin" man w$o "resse" like a
2ikin! .i'ar" were brou!$# ou# a# !a#$erin!s. +$is o%%urre", 1/m !uessin!, be%ause #$ere #ruly was
no musi% pa%ka!e" before or sin%e so won"erfully s$rou"e" in #$e perfe%# blen" of mys#ery, my#$,
o""i#y, an" po#en#ial;!enius.
1/ve been obsesse" wi#$ Moon"o! for
years, bu# i# wasn/# un#il aroun" 15
mon#$s a!o #$a# 1 ever $ear" any of $is
musi%. .$a# 1 love" so mu%$ abou#
Moon"o! was #$a# pi%#ure. Yea$, #$a#
one, #$e one ri!$# up #op. 1 use" #o
s#are a# #$a# pi%#ure an awful lo# in
#$ose ol" re%or" sleeves from albums 1
0borrowe"0 from my paren#s. +$ere
%ame a #ime in my %$il"$oo" w$en 1
re%o!ni'e" #$a# no# all of my paren#s/
re%or" %olle%#ion was $orribly lame.
+$ere was some s#uff by #$e ,ea#les,
#evie .on"er, ?ave ,rube%k, an"
&$i%a!o +ransi# )u#$ori#y. .i#$ all of
#$ese re%or"s woul" be a sleeve
a"ver#isin! o#$er albums on #$e same
label, presumably so you %oul" sen"
away for #$em. Many were by ban"s 1
knewE a# leas# $alf seeme" #o be by
%ome"ian 9lip .ilson or e8o#i% %rooners
like &$arles )'navour or Jose 9eli%iano.
,u# some woul" be for s#ran!e a%#s 1/"
never even $ear" of. .$a#/s #$is, a
ban" %alle" 0.ar0 from #$e pea%e an"
love <Bs@ .$o/s #$is !uy )l >ooper@ 1s
$e like )li%e &ooper@ )n" w$a# on 4ar#$
is #$is Moon"o! !uy@@@ 1 woul" ask
ol"er frien"s an" 0$ip0 #ea%$ers w$o
seeme" #o remember musi% #$a#
pre%e"e" Mi%$ael Ja%kson/s 0+$riller0 or
+$e ,oss.
Mos# people $a" kin"a $ear" of
Moon"o!, bu# no one $a" a%#ually $ear"
$is musi%. No s#ore $a" Moon"o! albums. 1 fel# like 1 was on #$e ver!e of "is%overin! a -eonar"
:eli!. )ll 1 $a" was #$a# one %ra'y pi%#ure. 1 was #$erefore %onvin%e" #$a# Moon"o! was #$e !rea#es#,
mos# impor#an# an" #rans%en"en# musi% ever. =f %ourse, a# #$is poin#, 1 was fas# be%omin! %onvin%e"
#$a# any#$in! #o "o remo#ely wi#$ #$e <B/s or psy%$e"elia was very impor#an#, an", wors# of all,
bein! 0kep#0 from me be%ause 1 "i"n/# live in New York or an 9ran%is%o.
+$is is #$e only possible e8plana#ion of w$y 1 sa# #$rou!$ ABB1F ) pa%e ="yssey as many #imes as 1
"i".
9inally 1 was ol" enou!$ #o #ravel in#o New York on my own. 1 s#ill remember !oin! #o #$e +ower
*e%or"s on 4#$ #ree# wi#$ a lis# of ar#is#s 1/" only $ear" abou#, an" $a" fou!$# in vain #o fin"
re%or"in!s of in lame Jersey 0am Doo"ys.0 )mon! #$emF *oky 4ri%kson, y" ,arre##, Yo -a +en!o
(#$en s#ill very mu%$ a new ban"), )"rian ,elew, +$e *esi"en#s, P$il =%$s, an", yes, Moon"o!.
4ven#ually 1 foun" Moon"o! albums. 4a%$ wi#$ weir" album %overs of an ol" blin" man. ,u# for some
reason 1 never bou!$# #$em. You know #$is "rill, you !o in wi#$ G5B #o spen" on &?/s, 7ui%kly %olle%#
abou# #en #$in!s, make a swif# %al%ula#ion, an" #$en !o #$rou!$ #$a# $orrible musi%;lovers e7uivalen#
of op$ie/s &$oi%e. 9or years, Moon"o! always !o# pu# on #$e $eap.
4ven#ually 1 spoke wi#$ someone w$o $a" a%#ually $ear" a Moon"o! album. (e sai" i# wasn/# ro%k a#
all. (Jp un#il now 1 $a" 6us# assume" Moon"o! was psy%$e"eli% a%i";ro%k.) (e sai" Moon"o! was
kin"a like ba%k!roun" musi%, wi#$ an or%$es#ra, bu# kin"a messy an" %$oppyE no# really wor#$
spen"in! money on.
+$en, a li##le less #$an #wo years a!o, New York ?J 2in %elsa playe" a real $oppin!, #$un"erous
brass #une. 1# was like $earin! #$e Min!us ,i! ,an" playin! P$illip Dlass. (e even#ually ba%k
announ%e" i# as a new (new@) %omposi#ion by -ouis (ar"in, an" #$en "are" $is ol";far# lis#eners #o
%ome up wi#$ ano#$er name for #$is !uy. 1# was Moon"o!M
*emember Moon"o!@ ?i"n/# we all !e# s#one" ba%k in #$e <B/s an" kin"a no" our $ea"s in a no#;
7ui#e;%ompre$en"in! fas$ion a# #$is !uy@ .ell, apparen#ly $e/s been livin! in Dermany an" $as 6us#
release" an album wi#$ #$e -on"on a8op$oni% %alle" 0a8 Pa8 for a a8.0 You remember Moon"o!,
ri!$#@
)n" #$en 1 $ear" w$o Moon"o! really was. ee, 1 $ave a sense abou# #$in!s ; 1 in$eren#ly knew $ow
%ool #$is !uy was. -ouis (ar"in was born in >ansas in 191<, #$e son of a prea%$er. (is family #$en
move" #o Mon#ana, w$ere $e ro"e a $orse #o s%$ool in a pla%e %alle" ,urn# 9ork. (e use" #o $an!
ou# wi#$ 1n"ian %$iefs an" 6oin in "rum %eremonies. (e los# $is eyesi!$# in $is early #eens in a
"ynami#e a%%i"en#. (e learne" musi%al %omposi#ion, %$an!e" $is name #o Moon"o!, #$en move" #o
New York. +$a#/s w$en $e s#ar#e" "ressin! up like a 2ikin!, an" $an!in! aroun" #$e mi"#own 0Jim
an" )n"y/s0 re%or"in! s#u"io nei!$bor$oo". (e woul" spou# off poe#ry an" ban! on $an";%raf#e"
ins#rumen#s. )%%or"in! #o all a%%oun#s, $e ma"e a "e%en# livin!, was some#$in! of an a##ra%#ion, an"
be%ame fas# frien"s wi#$ &$arlie Parker, ,enny Doo"man, James .illiam Duer%io an" -eonar"
,erns#ein. (e wro#e musi% in $is own lan!ua!e, %o"ifyin! %on#ours an" e8pressions never before
marke" in wri##en musi%. (1 $ave no spe%ifi%s as #o w$a# #$ese are ; ma#erial on Moon"o! is s%ar%e,
bu# if anyone s$oul" know please %on#a%# me.) (e also inven#e" $is own ins#rumen#, mos# no#i%eably
#$e =o, a $an";$el" %lave ins#rumen# #$a# soun"e" fairly Japanese, en%ase" in #rian!ular woo".
Moon"o! re%or"e" on #$e 6a'' label Pres#i!e in #$e mi";#o;la#e 5B/s. +$e albums were a %olle%#ion of
0minimalis#0 repe#i#ions on piano an" "rum wi#$ flu#e. =f#en #$ere is or%$es#ral !oin!s;on benea#$
#$is, an" in#ersperse" #$rou!$ i# all is s#ree# noise, ambien# soun", #raffi%, non;ins#rumen#s 6us#
be$avin! in a woul";be musi%al fas$ion. +$e %laim is #$a# i# was all wri##en "own. &yni%s woul" say i#
was %er#ainly wri##en "own;;by a blin" manM
1n ro%k #erms, one %oul" %all early Moon"o!, a# i#s bes#, mu%$ like #$e be!innin!s an" en"s of
popular psy%$e"elia of #$e <B/s.
-ike #$e en" of Jimi (en"ri8/ 01f < .ere 90 or even
+$e ,ea#les/ 0#rawberry 9iel"s 9orever.0 Moon"o!
#i#les in%lu"e" 0Pueen 4li'abe#$ .$is#le an"
,amboo Pipe (?ue#)0, 0=s#ri%$ 9ea#$ers Playe" on
?rum0, 09ro! ,o!0, an" 0&onversa#ion an" Musi% a#
51s# # Q <#$ )ve0.
9rankly, i# all blurre" #o!e#$er. +$ere was one
e8%ep#ion, 0Moon"o! Monolo!ue,0 an ei!$# minu#e
poem spoken over some of $is musi% (no# easily
"is%ernable from #$e res#) #$a# was %lever an"
$umorous. *e!ar"in! $is 2ikin! !arb $e %almly
s#a#e", 01 "o no# "ress #$e way 1 "o #o a##ra%#
a##en#ion, 1 a##ra%# a##en#ion be%ause 1 "ress #$e
way 1 "o.0
1 say 0early Moon"o!0 almos# as a 6oke. )f#er #$ese
albums Moon"o! "isappeare". (e $un! aroun" $is
%orner for a w$ile, bu# $e s#oppe" re%or"in!. (e
$a" a $an"ful of releases in Dermany, of w$i%$
#$ere is vir#ually no informa#ion, e8%ep# #$a# one is
a son! %y%le all "one on pipe or!an, playe" in a
s#a%%a#o s#yle, as a musi%al response #o #$e 19C5
"i##y 0ummer is );&omin/ 1n.0 .$a# ama'es me #o
no en" is 6us# $ow many people a%#ually bou!$# an"
!ave #$is s#uff a #ry. .$en s#uff like #$is is pu# ou#
#o"ay a few >ni##in! 9a%#ory;$ea"s buy i# an" #$en
i# kin"a !oes away. ,u# ba%k #$en, many many $ip people bou!$# #$is, an" #$en i# was 0re;
"is%overe"0 #en years la#er. (ow "i" ,i! ,ro#$er an" #$e (ol"in! &ompany (Janis Joplin/s firs# ban")
know #o #urn one of $is son!s in#o a psy%$e"eli% album;filler@ .as i# 6us# be%ause #$ere was less
ma#erial aroun" ba%k #$en@ +$ere were 0mo"ern %omposers0 makin! re%or"s #$a# were ri!$#ly
"ismisse". 1s #$is s#uff a%#ually !oo"@ 1s i# 6us# be%ause $e "resse" as a 2ikin! an" freake";ou# #$e
s7uares in mi"#own@ My !uess, like +om .olfe a"mi##e" in $is now CC year ol" essay on Mars$all
M%-u$an, is #$a# people were worrie", w$a# if $e/s ri!$#@ Moon"o! sure a%#e" like a !enius, we/"
be##er #rea# $im like one. +$is is "ifferen# from 0emperor/s new %lo#$es0 be%ause #$e marke# $ere
isn/# one #o $ail. +$ey are one #o se%re#ly know an" respe%#. 1#/s all very %ompli%a#e".
+$e ki%ker is #$a# #$e 199< release 0a8 Pa8 for a a80 is a%#ually 7ui#e s#unnin!. .$en Moon"o! "i"
away wi#$ #$e s#ray noise, or wankin! on one $an";ma"e ins#rumen#, $e s$owe" a real kna%k for
#one 7uali#ies, sa" an" beau#iful melo"ies, an" for%eful $onkin!. Moon"o! ban!s alon! on #$e bass
"rum as #$e loopin! !roups of sa8es bea# away a# $is %$ar#s. +$ere are #wo !asli!$#;era soun"in!
%$oruses, bo#$ e8#ollin! %i#ies. +$e firs# is Paris, pronoun%e" Par;eee, #$e o#$er New )ms#er"am.
Your !uess is as !oo" as mine. .$en 1 $ear" #$e album in full for #$e firs# #ime 1 was 7ui#e #aken
wi#$ i#, an" fi!ure" ol/ Moon"o! mi!$# re#urn #o #$e s#a#es an" maybe play a# &arne!ie (all or #$e
,ea%on like #$ose o#$er newly;re%or"in! o%#o!enarians, #$e ,uena 2is#a o%ial &lub. ,u#, no.
Moon"o! ins#ea" "ie".
Moon"o! is one of popular musi%/s foo#no#es. ,u# $is span (rememberF even #$ose w$o $a"n/# $ear"
$im a# leas# $ear" of $im) is s#a!!erin!, !iven 6us# $ow un%ommer%ial $is musi% is. 1# is a
p$enomenon #$a# will never be repea#e", !iven #$e spe%iali'a#ion of musi% marke#in! #o"ay. +$e way
#ren"s an" sub%ul#ures are pi!eon$ole" means #$ere is no more room for s#ree#;walkin!, poe#ry
spewin! 2ikin!s w$o ban! blo%ks #o!e#$er an" vibra#e li##le pie%es of s#rin! over lus$ or%$es#ra#ion.
)n" i#/s a %ryin! s$ame. 1 #$ink.
Moon"o! (-ouis +. (ar"in), %omposer, ,ea# poe# an" s#ree# musi%ian, "ie" in MNns#er, Dermany, on
ep#ember 5 a!e" 5C. (e was born in Marysville, >ansas, on May A<, 191<.
9or #$e bes# par# of CB years, #$e !aun#, bear"e"
fi!ure of a blin" man in a 2ikin! $elme#, $ome;ma"e
robe an" san"als, "is#ribu#in! $is prin#e" poems,
musi% an" "ia#ribes w$ile %lu#%$in! a fearsome;lookin!
spear, was a familiar si!$# aroun" #$e 6un%#ion of <#$
)venue an" 54#$ #ree# in New York.
Jsin! #$e name Moon"o!, in $onour of a pe# w$i%$
use" #o $owl a# ni!$#, -ouis +. (ar"in was one of #$e
more e8#raor"inary %$ara%#ers of #$e %i#y/s s#ree#s. No#
only was (ar"in an a%%omplis$e" poe# an" son!wri#er,
bu# $e was a %omposer an" per%ussionis#, a frien" of
musi%ians from +os%anini #o &$arlie Parker, an" an i%on
of #$e ,ea# movemen#. Janis Joplin $a" a $i# wi#$ one
of $is son!s, an" o#$ers were use" in film soun"#ra%ks
or as a"ver#isin! 6in!les.
1# was assume" by many )meri%ans #$a# $e $a"
"isappeare" or "ie" af#er leavin! $is familiar #erri#ory in 1934, an" #$e 1994 Duinness 4n%y%lope"ia
of Popular Musi% %on%lu"e" i#s ar#i%le on Moon"o! wi#$ 0no#$in! $as been $ear" of #$is remarkable
an" eni!ma#i% poe# for several years0. 1n fa%#, $e $a" been invi#e" #o Dermany #o perform $is musi%,
an" w$en $e !o# #$ere $e simply s#aye". (e foun" an amanuensis, Mrs 1lona ommer, w$o
#rans%ribe" $is work an" publis$e" $is %omposi#ions, al#$ou!$ s$e "i" no# "e#er $im from ven#urin!
ba%k ou# on #$e s#ree#s #o perform. 1n "ue %ourse s$e persua"e" $im #o "is%ar" $is 2ikin! !arb, bu#
no# before i# $a" preven#e" $im from bein! a"mi##e" #o a New York P$il$armoni% re$earsal of one of
$is pie%es.
1n ol" a!e (ar"in like" #o "ire%# performan%es of $is musi% from #$e bass "rum, on w$i%$ $e
poun"e" ou# a bea# w$ile lou"ly "e%laimin! $is poems. =n a rare re#urn visi# #o #$e Jni#e" #a#es in
1959 #o %on"u%# a pro!ramme of $is musi% by #$e ,rooklyn P$il$armoni% &$amber =r%$es#ra, $e
spurne" #$e ros#rum in or"er #o "ire%# from #$e per%ussion se%#ion.
1# was #$e same s#ory w$en $e %ame #o #$e ,,& s#u"ios in Mai"a 2ale in 1995 #o re%or" several of
$is pie%es wi#$ #$e 9ren%$ pianis# ?omini7ue Pon#y for *a"io C/s 1mpressions. )!ains# a ba%k"rop of
$is 6a'';infle%#e" r$y#$mi% pie%es su%$ as )r# of #$e &anon No 1C or =o ?ebu#, $e for%efully lai"
"own bass "rum r$y#$ms an" passiona#ely "e%laime" $is wor"s.
(ar"in, #$e son of a %$ur%$ minis#er, los# $is si!$# in an a%%i"en# in 19CA, an" %omple#e" $is
e"u%a#ion a# #$e 1owa %$ool for #$e ,lin". (e be%ame an a%%omplis$e" musi%ian, an" af#er arrivin!
in New York, befrien"e" #$e %on"u%#or )r#ur *o"'inski. Playin! a varie#y of per%ussion ins#rumen#s,
(ar"in earne" $is livin! as a s#ree# en#er#ainer, an" $is s#a!e;"oor a%7uain#an%es in%lu"e" famous
6a'' musi%ians in #$e %lubs on 5An" #ree# as well as symp$oni% musi%ians an" %on"u%#ors a few
blo%ks away a# &arne!ie (all.
,o#$ #$ese #ypes of musi% were in%orpora#e" in#o $is own %omposi#ions, w$i%$ $e be!an #o re%or" on
an a" $o% basis in #$e 195Bs. 1n par#i%ular, #$e Pres#i!e label, w$i%$ $a" Miles ?avis an" &$arlie
Parker on i#s ros#er, re%or"e" pie%es su%$ as ,roa"way an" 5An" #ree#F #$e Ja'' &orner of +$e
.orl", as well as "is#in%#ly more e%%en#ri% works su%$ as a "ue# for bamboo flu#e an" #$e w$is#le of
#$e liner Pueen 4li'abe#$.
+$e firs# of (ar"in/s many 0"is%overies0 %ame w$en #$e "is% 6o%key )lan 9ree" a"op#e" $is Moon"o!
ymp$ony as a #$eme #une. (ar"in "e#erre" $im wi#$ le!al a%#ion, bu# %on#inue" #o make o%%asional
"is%s, in%lu"in! arran!in! an album of Mo#$er Doose son!s for Julie )n"rews an" re%or"in! $is
influen#ial 19<9 -P Moon"o!.
+$is was an imme"ia#e su%%ess amon! #$e ,ea# movemen#, an" i#s repe#i#ive r$y#$ms an" simple
%oun#erpoin# ma"e i# a forerunner of #$e work of Minimalis#s su%$ as P$ilip Dlass, #eve *ei%$ an"
+erry *iley. (ar"in main#aine" #$a# $e a"op#e" $is re!ular, %y%li% r$y#$mi% s#yle from a##en"in!
na#ive Nor#$ )meri%an "an%es as a %$il", an" $e re%alle" performin! wi#$ a ,la%kfoo# #roupe in 1"a$o
in #$e 194Bs. 1n "ue %ourse, $e in#e!ra#e" $is r$ymes an" %$an#s in#o $is pie%es as an a""i#ional
%on#rapun#al #e8#ure, alon!si"e in%reasin!ly "ense an" %omple8 melo"i% lines. 9rom #$e 195Bs $e
%ompose" by wri#in! ins#rumen#al par#s in braille, bu# #en"e" never #o pro"u%e full s%ores as $e fel#
#$is involve" #oo mu%$ work. (e re%or"e" more #$an a "o'en albums of $is musi%. (e was #wi%e
marrie" an" is survive" by #wo "au!$#ers.
Los ,ngeles Ti)es! Monday! Se+te)4er :5! "###
-htt+&IIwww34ergen3co)Io4itsIo4ith"###5#:5c3ht).
%on Thur4er
'Moondog' (ardin! fa)ed street )usician
?resse" in $is s#an"ar" !arb of $omema"e robe, san"als, spear, s%ra!!ly bear", an" 2ikin! $elme#
wi#$ $orns, -ouis 0Moon"o!0 (ar"in was a familiar si!$# #o New Yorkers in #$e 19<Bs.
Mr. (ar"in, a #all man w$o was blin" an" a bi# !aun#, woul" #ake $is pla%e a# #$e %orner of 54#$
#ree# an" )venue of #$e )meri%as an" play $is $omema"e 'i#$er, sin! in $is "is#in%#ly a#onal
manner, or bea# a "rum. )# o#$er #imes, $e mi!$# re%i#e poe#ry. (is s#ree# #$ea#er !enerally "rew a
%row", an" #$e %row" was $is livin! in #$ose "ays. +$e %orner be%ame 0Moon"o! &orner.0
,u# benea#$ $is un7ues#ionably e%%en#ri% e8#erior, Mr. (ar"in was a #alen#e" %omposer. 1n $is $ours
off #$e s#ree# $e wro#e lar!er works ; of#en base" upon a form of #$e %anon, or roun" ; an" $e was
wel%ome" as a !ues# #o re$earsals of #$e New York P$il$armoni%.
Mr. (ar"in/s %urious life %ame #o an en" in a $ospi#al in Muens#er, Dermany, on ep#. 5. +$e %ause of
"ea#$ was $ear# failure. (e was 5C.
0(e was #$e !rea#es# s#ree# person #$a# New York $as ever pro"u%e",0 sai" *ober# %o##o, a
professor of 4n!lis$ a# ,aru%$ &olle!e of #$e &i#y Jniversi#y of New York, w$o is workin! on a book
abou# Mr. (ar"in/s life.
,orn in >ansas, #$e son of an 4pis%opal minis#er, Mr. (ar"in !rew up in .yomin!. (e los# $is eyesi!$#
af#er a "ynami#e %ap #$a# $e foun" on #$e railroa" #ra%ks blew up in $is fa%e w$en $e was 1<. (e
s#u"ie" musi% a# #$e 1owa %$ool for #$e ,lin" for a year before movin! #o New York &i#y in 194C #o
%on#inue $is musi%al e"u%a#ion, w$i%$ a# #$e #ime was ru"imen#ary.
Mr. (ar"in s#ar#e" on "rums, many of w$i%$ $e buil# $imself. +$rou!$ #$e 195Bs, $e #rie" -a#in musi%
an" 6a'', re%or"e" some 35 rpm albums, an" worke" in a number of ban"s, in%lu"in! a -a#in 6a''
ensemble improbably %alle" 0Moon"o! an" #$e (onkin! Deese.0
(e be%ame some#$in! of a %elebri#y af#er .al#er .in%$ell men#ione" $im in a newspaper %olumn.
?iane )rbus p$o#o!rap$e" $im an" o%%asionally bou!$# $im lun%$ a# a %afe#eria near &arne!ie (all.
.$en )lan 9ree", #$e pioneerin! ro%k;an";roll "is% 6o%key, move" $is ra"io pro!ram #o New York
from &levelan", $e use" one of Mr. (ar"in/s 35 rpm re%or"in!s, 0Moon"o! ymp$ony,0 as $is #$eme
musi% an" %alle" $is pro!ram 0+$e Moon"o! $ow.0 ,u# a%%or"in! #o %o##o, Mr. (ar"in sue" over
#$e use of #$e name, an" 9ree" los#. o #$e "is% 6o%key %$an!e" #$e name of $is pro!ram #o 0)lan
9ree"/s *o%k;an";*oll $ow.0 9ree" is !enerally #$ou!$# of as #$e ori!ina#or of #$e #erm 0ro%k;an";
roll.0
1n #$e early 19<Bs, Mr. (ar"in/s 2ikin! persona #ook over. (e performe" wi#$ #$e le!en"ary 6a''
bassis# &$arles Min!us a# #$e .$i#ney Museum an" la#er "i" a %on%er# wi#$ +iny +im an" -enny
,ru%e. 1n 19<3, $e s$owe" up in #$e avan#;!ar"e film 0&$appa7ua0 wi#$ .illiam ,urrou!$s, )llen
Dinsber!, an" *avi $ankar, w$o also wro#e #$e s%ore.
+wo albums of Mr. (ar"in/s a#onal 6a'' an" ma"ri!als were release" in 19<9 an" 1931 by &olumbia
*e%or"s an" "rew !oo" reviews.
1n 1959, Mr. (ar"in playe" $is "rum wi#$ #op avan#;!ar"e %omposers P$ilip Dlass an" #eve *ei%$ a#
#$e ,rooklyn )%a"emy of Musi%.
Mr. (ar"in, of Derman an" 4n!lis$ "es%en#, move" #o *e%klin!$ausen, in w$a# was #$en .es#
Dermany, in 1934 af#er #ravelin! #$ere for a ra"io %on%er#. (e live" on #$e s#ree#s for a year an"
finally was #aken in by a Derman family w$o love" $is work. ) "au!$#er in #$e family, 1lona Doebel,
be%ame $is workin! par#ner, a%#in! as $is %opier an" e"i#or. (e %ompose", re%or"e", an" o%%asionally
performe" in %on%er#s #$rou!$ou# 4urope.
)# leas# 1B albums of $is %omposi#ions $ave been release" in 4urope sin%e 1933, an" $is %olle%#e"
works now in%lu"e CBB %anons in #$e form of ma"ri!als, 1BB keyboar" works, an" a self;publis$e"
four;volume 0)r# of #$e &anon.0
O ,ea#ri%e 9re$n
1n (ambur! (1934)
Sun sets for Moondog! 4lind )usician who )ade Tier ho)e
By Connie Nogas
#aff .ri#er
Many +io!a &oun#y resi"en#s s#ill remember #$e #all man wi#$ a lon!, flowin! !rey bear" w$o wore a
$orne" $elme#, $el" a spear an" s#oo" on =we!o/s si"ewalks as $e wai#e" for #$e bus #o New York
&i#y.
.$a# some of #$em "i"n/# know was #$a# $e was an a%%omplis$e" pianis# an" per%ussion musi%ian
w$o %ompose" an" re%or"e" musi% for five "ifferen# re%or" labels. Janis Joplin #urne" one of $is
son!s )ll 1s -oneliness in#o a $i#. You %an s#ill $ear #$e musi% of -ouis 0Moon"o!0 (ar"in in movie
soun" #ra%ks as well as ra"io an" #elevision %ommer%ials.
01 $ear li##le snippe#s of $is musi% in movies, publi% ra"io,0 sai" $is frien" , Mike Dula%$ok of =we!o.
(ar"in, 5C, w$o live" in &an"or from 1955 #$rou!$ 1934, "ie" las# week in a $ospi#al in Muns#er,
Dermany. (e leaves be$in" memories of Moon"o! en%oun#ers like #$e one &an"or psy%$i% P$il Jor"an
$a" in #$e early 19<Bs. ,a%k #$en, Jor"an was a youn! boy walkin! #o a s%$ool fun%#ion on a %ol",
blus#ery ni!$#. 0)ll of a su""en, 1 looke" up an" #$ere was #$is 2ikin! s#an"in! #$ere,0 $e sai".
,orn in Maryville, >an., $e a"op#e" #$e ni%kname Moon"o! af#er a pe# "o! w$o baye" a# #$e moon.
.$en $e was 1<, a "ynami#e blas#in! %ap e8plo"e" in $is $an"s an" blin"e" $im.
(e %ame #o New York &i#y in 194C, me# some of #$e New York P$il$armoni%/s musi%ians an" ma"e $is
livin! as a s#ree# musi%ian. (e "resse" as a 2ikin! be%ause $e was fas%ina#e" by 2ikin! my#$olo!y
an" be%ause i# woul" "raw a##en#ion #o $imself, sai" former ,in!$am#on Jniversi#y Musi% Professor
Paul Jor"an.
01# was a way of es#ablis$in! a spe%ial i"en#i#y in #$e worl" as a blin", penniless musi%ian,0 Paul
Jor"an sai". 0(e woul" s#an" on #$e s#ree# %orner an" re%i#e poe#ry,0 sai" *us#y 9uller of =we!o.
(ar"in woul" sell musi%al s%ores an" poe#ry #o #ouris#s. 0Mos# people probably #$rew #$em away,
#$inkin! #$ey $elpe" a be!!ar,0 Paul Jor"an sai".
(e %ame #o &an"or in 1955 be%ause $e was lookin! #o !e# ou# of #$e %i#v ye# wan#e" #o be %lose
enou!$ #o %ommu#e. -o%al resi"en#s $elpe" $im buil" $is 0$emlo%k s$a%k0 as $e %alle" i#. +o !e#
aroun", $e #ie" small ropes from #ree #o #ree on $is proper#y, Dula%$ok sai". (e some#imes $el"
%on%er#s #$ere an" of#en !ar"ene" a# ni!$#. 01# "i"n/# make any "ifferen%e #o $im be%ause $e was
blin",0 Paul Jor"an sai".
Ma!ie ?omini%, &$arles Diuliano, Dallery ?ire%#or, 19<<;19<3, an" Moon"o!
pe%#rum Dallery, May AB#$, 19<<
Dula%$ok an" some frien"s on%e #ook $im for a ri"e on #$e us7ue$anna *iver on a pa""leboa#. 01#
was 7ui#e an amusin! si!$# #o see #$is fellow "resse" in 2ikin! !arb a# #$e pa""le w$eel, s#eerin! i#,0
$e sai".
,raille !ro%ery lis# in ban", (ar"in of#en s$oppe" a# Jo$n/s 9ine 9oo"s in =we!o. 0(e woul" rea" i#
off #o me, an" 1 woul" !o an" !e# $is !ro%eries,0 sai" s#ore owner Jo$n (i#%$in!s, w$o s#ill lis#ens #o
$is albums. 01# was in#eres#in! musi%, ni%e, sof#, rela8in!, musi%.0
(ar"in use" #o s#an" in fron# of #$e rnoke $op, wai#in! for #$e bus #o #ake $im #o New York &i#y.
+$a#/s $ow 9uller !o# #o know $im, as a #eena!er workin! in #$e s$op $e now runs.
)lso a #eena!er ba%k #$en, Dula%$ok won"ere" w$o #$e 2ikin! was an" in#ro"u%e" $imself "urin! a
visi# #o New York &i#y. Paul Jor"an $ear" $is musi% as a #eena!er !rowin! up in New York &i#y an"
also in#ro"u%e" $imself on #$e s#ree#.
Years la#er, Paul Jor"an playe" some of (ar"in/s musi% as a %$ur%$ or!anis# in New (aven, &onn. +$e
&on!re!a#ion love" i#.
?e#ermine" #o fin" $im, Paul Jor"an wen# #o New York &i#y. (e !o# ou# a# #$e Por# )u#$ori#y. 01 sai"
#o #$e #a8i "riverF +ake me #o Moon"o!. (e knew e8a%#ly w$ere $e was. +$a#/s $ow mu%$ of a fi8#ure
$e was.0 $e sai".
aus H fromF New York +imes, 1A. ep#ember 1999
=lenn Collins
Louis -Moondog. (ardin! 78! Musician! Dies
+$e !aun#, blin" musi%ian known as Moon"o!, w$o was %elebra#e" amon! New Yorkers for #wo
"e%a"es as a mys#erious an" e8#rava!an#ly !arbe" s#ree# performer bu# w$o wen# on #o win a%%laim
in 4urope as an avan#;!ar"e %omposer, %on"u%#in! or%$es#ras before royal#y, "ie" .e"nes"ay in a
$ospi#al in Muns#er, Dermany. (e was 5C.
+$e %ause was $ear# failure, sai" a frien", 1lona ommer. ?ay in an" "ay ou#, #$e man w$o was
ori!inally name" -ouis +. (ar"in was as #a%i#urn an" un%$an!in! a lan"mark of #$e mi"#own
Man$a##an s#ree#s%ape as #$e Deor!e M. &o$an s#a#ue in ?uffy 7uare. 9rom #$e la#e 194Bs un#il #$e
early 193Bs, (ar"in s#oo" a# a##en#ion like a sen#inel on )venue of #$e )meri%as aroun" 54#$ #ree#.
No ma##er #$e wea#$er, $e invariably "resse" in a $omema"e robe, san"als, a flowin! %ape an" a
$orne" 2ikin! $elme#, #$e #an!ible e8pression of w$a# $e referre" #o as $is 0Nor"i% p$ilosop$y.0 )#
$is si"e $e %lu#%$e" a lon! spear of $is own manufa%#ure.
Mos# of #$e passers;by w$o "ismisse" $im as 0#$e 2ikin! of i8#$ )venue,0 offerin! $im %on#ribu#ions
an" buyin! %opies of $is musi% an" poe#ry, were unaware #$a# $e $a" re%or"e" $is musi% on #$e &,,
Pres#i!e, 4pi%, )n!el an" Mars labels. (ar"in/s 6a'';a%%en#e" %omposi#ions, !enerally s%ore" for small
win" an" per%ussion ensembles, of#en a%$ieve" a flowin!, #onal symp$oni% s#yle.
=ne of $is son!s, 0)ll 1s -oneliness,0 be%ame a $i# w$en re%or"e" by Janis Joplin. (e wro#e musi% for
ra"io an" #elevision %ommer%ials, an" one of $is %omposi#ions was use" on #$e soun"#ra%k for #$e
193A movie 0?rive, (e ai",0 wi#$ Ja%k Ni%$olson.
)lon! #$e way, (ar"in wro#e ,o$emian broa"si"es a!ains# !overnmen# re!imen#a#ion, #$e worl"
mone#ary sys#em an" or!ani'e" reli!ion. (e was %elebra#e" by ,ea# Denera#ion poe#s an" la#e;19<Bs
flower %$il"ren. (is passiona#e un%onven#ionali#y "rew praise from some %ri#i%s an" le" #o in#erviews
on many #elevision s$ows, in%lu"in! bo#$ 0+o"ay0 an" 0+$e +oni!$# $ow.0
)l#$ou!$ many New Yorkers assume" #$a# $e $a" "ie" af#er $e vanis$e" from $is %us#omary pos# in
1934, (ar"in $a" a%#ually been invi#e" #o perform $is musi% in .es# Dermany an" "e%i"e" #o s#ay.
0(e le" an e8#raor"inary life for a blin" man w$o %ame #o New York wi#$ no %on#a%#s an" a mon#$/s
ren#, an" w$o live" on #$e s#ree#s of New York for CB years,0 sai" ?r. *ober# %o##o, a professor of
4n!lis$ a# ,aru%$ &olle!e of #$e &i#y Jniversi#y of New York. 0.i#$ou# 7ues#ion, $e was #$e mos#
famous s#ree# person of $is #ime, a $ero #o a !enera#ion of $ippies an" flower %$il"ren.0 %o##o $as
6us# %omple#e" a bio!rap$y of (ar"in, 0Moon"o!F +$e 2ikin! of i8#$ )venue,0 w$i%$ $as no# been
publis$e".
)f#er $is performan%es in (ambur!, (ar"in a!ain earne" a livin! as a s#ree# performer, #$is #ime in
4urope. (e soon me# Mrs. ommer, w$ose fa#$er insis#e" on #akin! $im in#o #$eir $ome an"
suppor#e" (ar"in in $is la#er years. (e %ompose" in ,raille, an" s$e #rans%ribe" $is musi% an" a%#e"
as $is publis$er an" business mana!er. )%%or"in! #o %o##o, #$ey $a" an in#ima#e workin!
rela#ions$ip, bu# nei#$er of #$em ever "es%ribe" i# as more #$an #$a#.
Moon"o!, Pier *ea"in!s, 19<<, Dansevoor# Pier, New York
1n $is la#er years, (ar"in pro"u%e" a# leas# five albums in 4urope, in%lu"in! a 0soun" sa!a0 #i#le"
0+$e &rea#ion,0 an" re!ularly performe" $is %omposi#ions wi#$ %$amber an" symp$ony or%$es#ras
before !li##erin! au"ien%es in Paris, #o%k$olm an" %i#ies in Dermany.
(ar"in! a"op#e" #$e Moon"o! name in 1943, i"en#ifyin! $imself, $e sai", wi#$ a former pe# w$o
$owle" a# #$e moon.
(e was born in Maryville, >an., on May A<, 191<, #$e son of an 4pis%opal minis#er. (e was blin"e" a#
#$e a!e of 1< w$en a "ynami#e blas#in! %ap e8plo"e" in $is $an"s. ) year la#er, af#er s#u"yin!
s#rin!e" ins#rumen#s, or!an an" $armony a# #$e 1owa %$ool for #$e ,lin", $e be%ame obsesse" wi#$
be%omin! a %omposer.
.$en $e arrive" in Man$a##an in 194C, $e es#ablis$e" an ou#pos# ou#si"e #$e s#a!e en#ran%e of
&arne!ie (all an" me# some of #$e New York P$il$armoni%/s musi%ians. +$ey arran!e" a mee#in!
wi#$ #$eir %on"u%#or, )r#ur *o"'inski. *o"'inski was #aken wi#$ (ar"in an" no# only e8#en"e" an
open invi#a#ion #o a##en" #$e or%$es#ra/s re$earsals, bu# also promise" $e woul" %on"u%# an
or%$es#ral work if (ar"in ever wro#e one. ,u# be%ause $e was blin", $e nee"e" $elp in wri#in! ou# #$e
s%ore. (ar"in %oul" no# affor" su%$ assis#an%e, so $e ma"e $is livin! as a s#ree# musi%ian, #rainin!
$imself #o be a mas#er of per%ussion improvisa#ion. (e was unable #o %ompose a symp$ony un#il
af#er *o"'inski lef# #$e P$il$armoni% in 1943.
1n #$e mi";195Bs, one of $is 35;rpm re%or"in!s, 0Moon"o! ymp$ony,0 was re!ularly playe" by )lan
9ree", #$e pioneerin! ro%k;an";roll "isk 6o%key. ,u# i# wasn/# un#il #$e 19<Bs #$a# (ar"in $a" re!ular
a%%ess #o an or%$es#ra an" was able #o make $is firs# lon!er album for &,, 0Moon"o!.0
1n 1959, (ar"in, a%%laime" in 4urope, was invi#e" ba%k #o #$e Jni#e" #a#es #o %on"u%# #$e ,rooklyn
P$il$armoni% &$amber =r%$es#ra. )llan >o'inn, a %ri#i% for +$e New York +imes "es%ribe" (ar"in/s
%on"u%#in! s#yle as unusual, e8plainin! #$a# $e was 0un%omfor#able wi#$ bein! an au#$ori#y fi!ure, so
$e si#s #o #$e si"e of #$e or%$es#ra an" provi"es #$e bea# on a bass "rum or #ympani.0
%o##o sai" #$a# (ar"in #ol" $im #$a# $e marrie" in 194C an" subse7uen#ly "ivor%e". ) se%on"
marria!e, #o a'uko .$i#ein!, a musi%ian, in #$e 195Bs, en"e" in "ivor%e in #$e early 19<Bs, %o##o
sai". %o##o an" Mrs. ommer sai" #$ey #$ou!$# (ar"in was survive" by a youn!er bro#$er,
&rei!$#on (ar"in, of >ansas &i#yE a "au!$#er, June (ar"in, an" ano#$er "au!$#er, w$ose name an"
w$ereabou#s #$ey "i" no# know.
1n #$e en", (ar"in finally yiel"e" #o Mrs. ommer/s %oa8in! an" !ave up $is 2ikin! ou#fi#s. (e $a"
refuse" #o al#er $is "ress %o"e even w$en, as an aspirin! %omposer, i# provoke" $is evi%#ion from #$e
P$il$armoni% re$earsals.
0,u# 1 s#ill love $orne" $elme#s an" swor"s an" spears,0 $e sai" in a 1959 in#erview. 01 like #o feel
#$a# 1/m loyal #o my pas#. 1 woul"n/# wan# #o be on #$e s#ree# anymore. ,u# you know, #$a# le" #o a
lo# of #$in!s.0
aus H fromF +=P M)D):1N4 ($##pFHHwww.#opma!.%o.ukHar%$iveHaprBBHweir".$#ml)
elf #au!$#, blin" J minimalis# %omposer M''ND'= (aka -ouis (ar"in) #ook up $is pen name in
1943 in $onour of a pe# "o! 0w$o use" #o $owl a# #$e moon more #$an any "o! 1 knew of0. +$us
be!an a lon! musi%al %areer w$i%$ saw #$e %omposer release $is musi% on su%$ labels as ,runswi%k,
Pres#i!e an" &olumbia before movin! #o Dermany w$ere $e even#ually passe" away in ep#ember
1999. Moon"o! is probably bes# remembere" for #$e #wo albums $e re%or"e" for &olumbia in #$e
/<Bs. =r as #$e s#ree# musi%ian in full 2ikin! !arb w$o %oul" usually be foun" $an!in! aroun" ou#si"e
#$e New York (il#on, passers;by bein! unaware #$a# $e $a" previously s#u"ie" wi#$ 6a'' le!en"
&$arlie Parker an" $a" one of $is son!s %overe" by ro%k "iva Janis Joplin. 9ew, $owever, will be
aware of $is la#er work w$i%$ $e re%or"e" in Dermany for $is par#ner 1lona Doebel/s >=P9 label, four
of w$i%$ $ave 6us# been reissue". 1n 4uropeYYYY fea#ures $is work for s#rin! 7uar#e#, , New Sound
'f ,n 'ld Anstru)entYYYY is $is $aun#in! e8plora#ion of #$e pipe or!an, w$ile /l+)asYYYY
fea#ures environmen#al r$y#$ms an" !en#ly ro%kin! marimbas. 47ually e8$ilara#in! is SaC >aC For ,
SaCYYYY, one of Moon"o!/s las# works w$ere $e is 6oine" by #$e -on"on a8op$oni% Mass in a
#ribu#e #o sa8 inven#or )"olp$e a8 on #$e %en#enary of $is "ea#$. (ere #$e en#wine" spiri#s of ,ir"
an" -es#er Youn! %an be $ear" wailin! in a work #$a# is reminis%en# of (ar"in/s 19<9 "ebu# for
&olumbia. ?espi#e bein! #e#$ere" ne8# #o #$e likes of #eve *ei%$ an" P$ilip Dlass, Moon"o! was a
#rue ori!inal w$o $as been los# from #$e worl" forever.
Mike >lu)4ley&
Moondog
-ouis (ar"in aka Moon"o!, New York s#ree# poe#,
%omposer, per%ussionis#, born in Maryville, >ansas, in
191<. (e was blin"e" a# #$e a!e of 1< w$en a blas#in!
%ap wen# off in $is $an"s. -ouis (ar"in %ame #o New York
vir#ually penniless in 194C an" live" on #$e s#ree#s for CB
years. (e me# musi%ians of #$e New York P$ilarmoni%
=r%$es#ra ou#si"e #$e s#a!e "oor of &arne!ie (all an"
#$rou!$ #$em was in#ro"u%e" #o %on"u%#or )r#$ur
*o"'inski.
*o"'inski invi#e" -ouis (ar"in #o #$e or%$es#ra/s
re$earsals an" offere" #o %on"u%# a symp$ony if $e ever
wro#e one. -ouis (ar"in a"op#e" #$e name Moon"o! in
1943 af#er a pe# #$a# $owle" a# #$e moon. .ore
$omema"e robes, %ape, a 2ikin! $elme# an" %arrie" a
spear aroun" New York/s 54#$ #ree# w$ere $e be%ame
known as /#$e 2ikin! of i8#$ )venue/.
)lan 9ree", #$e ro%k/n/roll ?J playe" Moon"o!/s /Moon"o!
ymp$ony/ a 35;rpm "is% release" in #$e mi" 195Bs. 1n
#$e 19<Bs Moon"o! was !iven a%%ess #o an or%$es#ra an"
$is musi% $as been release" on &,, Pres#i!e, 4pi%, )n!el
an" #$e Mars labels. Moon"o!/s )ll 1s -oneliness be%ame a $i# for Janis Joplin. (e also wro#e musi%
for #elevision an" ra"io %ommer%ials an" $a" a %omposi#ion on #$e soun"#ra%k of Ja%k Ni%$olson film
/?rive, (e ai"/.
Moon"o! lef# #$e s#ree#s of New York in 1934 af#er bein! invi#e" #o Dermany for re%or"in!s an"
performan%es of $is symp$oni% musi%. Deremany be%ame $is base w$ere $e was a%%laime" for
%on%er#s in Paris, #o%k$olm an" all over Dermany re%or"in! a series of albums. 1n 1959 $e re#urne"
#o New York #o %on"u%# #$e ,rooklyn P$il$armoni% &$amber =r%$es#ra.
?r. *ober# %o##o, professor of 4n!lis$ a# ,aru%$ &olle!e, &i#y Jniversi#y of New York $as wri##en an,
as ye#, unpublis$e" bio!rap$y %alle" 0Moon"o!F +$e 2ikin! of i8#$ )venue0. ?r. *ober# %o##o is
7uo#e" as sayin! 0.i#$ou# 7ues#ion, $e was #$e mos# famous s#ree# person of $is #ime, a $ero #o a
!enera#ion of $ippies an" flower %$il"ren.0
-ouis /Moon"o!/ (ar"in aka Moon"o! "ie" in $ospi#al in Muns#er Dermany on ep#ember 5#$, 1999.
(e was 5C.
Snaketi)e 9hyth)s
1. 5 ,ea#
A. 3 bea#
Moondog's Sy)+hony
1. +imberwolf
A. a!ebrus$
'rgan 9ounds
1. =r!an *oun"s Par# 1 Q A
'4oe 9ounds 333
1. =boe *oun"s
A. &$an#
C. )ll 1s -oneliness
4. .il"woo"
>astoral Suite I Surf Session
1. Pas#oral ui#eF ,efore #$e #orm
A. Pas#oral ui#eF +$e #orm
C. Pas#oral ui#eF )f#er #$e #orm
4. urf essionF nake#ime *$y#$ms
5. urf essionF ?ue#
<. urf essionF *e%or"e" olilo7uy
A)+rovisations
1. 1mprovisa#ion 1n 3H4
A. *im $o#s
C. 1mprovisa#ions in 4H4
'n the Streets
1. )venue of #$e )meri%as (51s# #ree#)
A. A .es# 4<#$ #ree#
C. -ullaby (A .es# 4<#$ #ree#)
4. 9o! on #$e (u"son (4A5 .es# 53#$ #ree#)
5. J#su
<. =n an" off #$e ,ea#
3. &$an#
5. 9rom =ne +o Nine
Friends
1. ?ra!on/s +ee#$ ; 2oi%es of prin!
A. =asis
C. +ree 9ro! ; ,e a (obo
4. 1ns#rumen#al *oun" ; ?ouble ,ass ?uo; .$y spen" #$e "ark ni!$# wi#$ you
5. +$eme an" 2aria#ions ; *im $o#s
<. ui#e No 1
3. ui#e No A
New ork "#
1. 9o! on #$e (u"son (4A5 .es# 53#$ #ree#)
%a22ti)e
1. *im $o#s
A. 1mprovisa#ions in 4H4
C. 1mprovisa#ion 1n 3H4
Moondog -"#$6.
1. &aribea
A. -ullaby
C. +ree;+rail
4. ?ea#$, w$en you %ome #o me
5. ,i! &a#
<. 9ro! ,o!
3. +o a ea (orse
5. ?an%e *e$earsal
9. urf ession
1B. +rees a!ains# #$e ky
11. +ap ?an%e
1A. =o ?ebu#
1C. ?rum ui#e
14. #ree# %ene
Cari4ea SeCtetI'o De4ut
1. &aribea e8#e#
A. =o ?ebu#
Moondog -'Bo4 Linder'.
1H1F 1H1F =o an" ?rums
1HAF 9ies#a ; Piano olo
1HCF ea (orses ; Piano olo
1H4F +rees )!ains# +$e ky ; 2o%al *oun"
1H5;<F (ar" $oe ; *ay Malone
1H3;5F of# $oe ; *ay Malone
11H1F ?rum olo
11HAF ?ialo!ues from #$e &osmi%on
11HCF ?rum olo
11H4F Monolo!ues from #$e &osmi%on (wi#$ =o an" ?rum)
(onking =eese
1. *abbi# (op
A. ,umbo
C. ?o! +ro#
4. in!le 9oo#
More Moondog
1. ?ue# Pueen 4li'abe#$ .$is#le an" ,amboo Pipe
A. &oversa#ion an" Musi% a# 51s# #ree# an" <#$ )venue
C. (ar"s$oe 3H4 *ay Malone
4. +u!boa# +o%%a#a
5. )u#umn
<. even ,ea# ui#e (C Par#s)
3. =o olo (<H4)
5. *e$earsal of 2iole##a/s ,arefoo# ?an%e
9. =o olo (AH4)
1B. =s#ri%$s 9ea#$ers Playe" =n ?rum
11. =boe *oun"
1A. &$an#
1C. )ll is -oneliness
14. e8#e# (=o)
15. 9ies#a Piano olo
1<. Moon"o! Monolo!ue
Music in the Steets
!. )venue of #$e )meri%as (51s# #ree#)
Story of Moondog
1. Jp ,roa"way
A. Perpe#ual Mo#ion
C. Dlovin! i#
4. 1mprovisa#ion
5. *ay Malone of#s$oe
<. +wo Puo#a#ions in ?ialo!ue
3. 5H5 in #wo $a"es
5. Moon"o!/s +$eme
9. 1n a ?oorway
1B. ?ue#
11. +rimbas in Puar#ers
1A. .il"woo"
1C. +rimbas in 4i!$#$s
14. =r!an *oun"s
Tell it again
1. 9avori#es Nursery *$ymes
A. %$ool ?ays an" -earnin! on!s
C. on!s of 9un an" Nonsens
4. Pu''le
5. +$e )nimal .orl"
<. ,e"#ime on!s an" -ullabies
Moondog Suite
1. =ne 9our
A. A .es# 4<#$ #ree#
C. +wo 9our
4. &$an#
5. +$ree 9our
<. J#su
3. 9our 9=ur
5. -ullaby
9. 9ive 9our
1B. 9o! on #$e (u"son
Moondog -"#6#.
1. +$eme
A. #ampin! Droun"
C. ymp$oni7ue ZC
4. ymp$oni7ue Z<
<. Minisym Z1
3. -amen# 1, ,ir"/s -amen#
5. .i#%$ of 4n"or
9. ymp$oni7ue Z1
Moondog : -"#@".
1. ,ells are rin!in!
A. 2oi%es of prin!
C. .$a#/s #$e mos# e8%i#in! +$in!
4. )ll is -oneliness
5. My #iny ,u##erfly
<. .$y spen" a "ark Ni!$# wi#$ me
3. &offee ,eans
5. ?own is up
9. ,e a (obo
1B. *emember
11. 1 -ove You
1A. Nero/s 48pe"i#ion
1C. No, #$e .$eel was never inven#e"
14. .i#$ my .eal#$
15. +$is #u"en# of -ife
1<. ome #rus# all
13. .ine, .oman an" on!
15. a"ness
19. Maybe
AB. 4a%$ +o"ay is Yes#er"ay/s +omorrow
A1. 1ma!ine
AA. You #$e 2an"al
AC. +rees a!ains# #$e ky
A4. ,e$ol"
A5. parrow
A<. Pas#oral
An /uro+e
1. 2ikin! 1
A. &$a%onne in D
C. (eim"all 9anfare
4. *oman%e in &
5. 1n 2ienna
<. &$a%onne in &
3. -o!run"r 111 ([ =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. C)
5. -o!run"r W11 ([ =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. 1A)
9. -o!run"r W111 ([ =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. 1C in 9;s$arp Ma6or)
1B. -o!run"r 12 ([ =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. 4)
11. -o!run"r 211 ([ =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. 3 in 4 fla# Ma6or)
1A. -o!run"r W1W ([ =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. 19 in ) Ma6or)
('art Songs
1. Pi!my Pi!
A. (i!$ on a *o%ky -e"!e
C. &$oo &$oo -ullaby
4. 1/m 6us# a (op (ea"
5. (ere/s #o Jo$n .esley (ar"in
<. 1/m in #$e .orl"
3. ?o your #$in!
5. 4nou!$ abou# $uman *i!$#s
9. 1/m #$is 1/m #$a#
1B. )ska me
Anstru)ental Music
1. &anon in & Ma6or
A. &anon in % minor
C. Droun" in #$e 1onian mo"e ([ +rouba"our (arp ,ook 1, Droun" in #$e 1onian mo"e)
4. &anon in #$e Mi8oly"ian mo"e ([ +rouba"our (arp ,ook 1, &anon in #$e Mi8oly"ian
mo"e)
5. &$a%onne in D Ma6or
<. (eim"all 9anfare
3. *oman%e (from #rin! Puar#e## in &;Ma6or)
5. &$a%onne in & Ma6or
9. -o!run"r W2 in , Ma6or ([ =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. 15 in , Ma6or)
1B. -o!run"r W211 in 4 Ma6or ([ =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. 13 in 4 Ma6or)
11. -o!run"r W111 in 9;s$arp Ma6or ([ =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. 1C in 9;s$arp Ma6or)
1A. -o!run"r W11 in , fla# minor ([ =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. 1A)
1C. -o!run"r 211 in 4 fla# Ma6or ([ =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. 3 in 4 fla# Ma6or)
14. -o!run"r 1W (si%) in ) Ma6or ([ =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. 19 in ) Ma6or)
New Sound
1. =asis
A. in!le 9oo#
C. Mira!e
4. ,u! on a -eaf
5. an" -ily
<. 9ros# 9lower
3. &res%en# Moon Mar%$
5. ,arn ?an%e
9. 4lf ?an%e
1B. -o!run"r in D
11. -o!run"r in b, op. 53 No. AA
1A. -o!run"r in ?
Facets
1. 2er"en (=r%$es#ra)
A. ,la%k (ole
C. Ma!i% *in!
4. Mi"!ar" erpen#
5. 9leur "e -is, =r!an (9rom ui#e )n#i7ue, op. 35)
<. Ja'' ,ook, op. 39, No. 1 (=r!an)
3. Ja'' ,ook, op. 39, No. A (=r!an)
5. Ja'' ,ook, op. 39, No. C (=r!an)
9. Ja'' ,ook, op. 39, No. 4 (=r!an)
1B. Ja'' ,ook, op. 39, No. 5 (=r!an)
11. -o!run"r No. 9 (9rom =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3<)
1A. -o!run"r No. 15 (9rom =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3<) ([ =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. 15)
1Ca. Dinnuna!ap, =r!an (9rom &rea#ion op. 51)
1Cb. 9orma#a, =r!an (9rom &rea#ion op. 51)
14a. .e""in! %ene, =r!an (9rom &rea#ion op. 51)
14b. ?an%e, =r!an (9rom &rea#ion op. 51)
15. (u!in an" Munin
1<. ,urri, ,orr
13. (eim"al 9anfare, =r%$es#ra (9rom &rea#ion op 51)
Storfinger! ,)erican 'rgan Music
1. ?o! +ro#, =r!an ?ue#
A. -o!run"r No. 5 op. 3< ([ =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. 5 in ")
C. -o!run"r No. A1 op. 55
Bracelli
1. Dy!!
A. ?anse =rien#ale
C. 9ros# 9lower
4. ?ark 4yes
5. peak of (eaven
<. 9riska
3. -o! in % minor (=r!an ,ook, op. 3<) ([ =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. @, in % minor)
5. 9an#asia
9. &anon
1B. )s #$e 4ar#$ #urns ([ =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. 1A)
11. Ma!i% *in!
1A. -o! in D Ma6or (=r!an ,ook 1 No. A5) ([ =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. A5 in D Ma6or)
/l+)as
1. .in" *iver Powwow
A. .es#war" (o
C. ui#e 47ues#ria
4. Marimba Mon"o 1 +$e *ain 9ores#
5. 9u6iyama 1
<. Marimba Mon"o A eas%ape of #$e w$ales
3. 9u6iyama A
5. ,ir" of Para"ise
9. +$e Messa!e
1B. 1n#ro"u%#ion an" =ver#one &on#inuum
11. &osmi% Me"i#a#ion
SaC >aC
1. ?o! +ro#
A. Paris
C. ,ir"/s -amen#
4. an"alwoo"
5. +ou# ui#e 1 in 9 Ma6or, 9irs# Movemen#
<. +ou# ui#e 1 in 9 Ma6or, e%on" Movemen#
3. +ou# ui#e 1 in 9 Ma6or, +$ir" Movemen#
5. ? 9or ?anny
9. New )ms#er"am
1B. ea (orse
11. 9ies#a
1A. Nove##e 1 in ? fla# Ma6or, 9irs# movemen#
1C. Nove##e 1 in ? fla# Ma6or, e%on" movemen#
14. Nove##e 1 in ? fla# Ma6or, +$ir" movemen#
15. in!le 9oo#
1<. Mo#$er/s .$is#ler
13. Presen# for #$e Pre'
15. $akespeare &i#y
19. 44& ui#e Dol"en 9lee%e
AB. 44& ui#e (ymn #o Pea%e
A1. 44& ui#e ee% lie"
Big Band
1. ,las# off
A. New York
C. Paris
4. ,umbo
5. (ea#$ on #$e (ea#$er
<. +orisa
3. $akespeare &i#y
5. 9rankanon
9. You $ave #o $ave $ope
1B. ). a8
11. *ee"roy
1A. +$e &osmi%o"e
1C. ,la%k $ole
14. 1nvo%a#ion
%ordan! BuCtehude
1. -o!run"r 15 in %;s$arp minor
/icher! My >lace
1. Du!!isber!lie"
Big Brother and the (olding Co)+any
C. )ll 1s -oneliness
%anis %o+lin in Concert
11H5. )ll 1s -oneliness
?ronos 1uartet! /arly Music
1. yn%$rony No. A
N9B1! ou gotta Be Loose
5. Paris
Motor+sycho! De)on BoC
<. )ll 1s -oneliness
Fisher! Miniatures
5<. &osmi%o"e
?oto VorteC! ,rcadia
1. +o a Drain of *i%e
?ennel! Mytha (orns
1. )lp$orn of Plen#y 1, 11, 111
Mr Scruff! ?ee+ it unreal
1. ,ir"/s -amen#
%ordan! Canons
1. &anon ,ook 1, op. C< No. A1 in ?
A. &anon ,ook C, op. <5 No. 19 in )
C. &anon ,ook 1, op. C< No. AA in b
4. &anon ,ook 1, op. C< No. 15 in ,
5. &anon ,ook C, op. <5 No. A4 in e
<. =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. A< in a
3. &anon ,ook 1, op. C< No. 1 in &
5. &anon ,ook 1, op. C< No. C in 9
9. &anon ,ook A, op. C3 No. 1 in &
1B. &anon ,ook C, op. <5 No. 5 in %
11. &anon ,ook C, op. <5 No. 15 in % s$arp
1A. &anon ,ook 1, op. C< No. 5 in %
1C. &anon ,ook C, op. <5 No. 3 in 4 fla#
14. &anon ,ook 1, op. C< No. 14 in e fla#
15. =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. 14 in " s$arp
1<. &anon ,ook 1, op. C< No. 5 in , fla#
13. &anon ,ook C, op. <5 No. 5 in , fla#
15. &anon ,ook 1, op. C< No. AC in D
19. &anon ,ook 1, op. C< No. 1< in ! s$arp
AB. &anon ,ook 1, op. C< No. 15 in % s$arp
A1. &anon ,ook A, op. C3 No. 15 in % s$arp
AA. &anon ,ook A, op. C3 No. 11 in ? fla#
AC. =r!an ,ook 1, op. 3< No. 9 in ) fla#
A4. &anon ,ook 1, op. C< No. 1B in f
A5. &anon ,ook C, op. <5 No. 1B in f
A<. &anon ,ook C, op. <5 No. 1 in &
A3. &anon ,ook A, op. C3 No. 13 in 4
A5. &anon ,ook C, op. <5 No. < in !
>oetry
$5 Cou+lets * So)e Cou+lets fro) Milleniad * The Co))on Calendar
Suite: Bucky BlueEyes
A Poem By Hammond Guthrie Dedicated To Moondog


50 Couplets by Moondog
O .illiam >ul'e
Moon"o!/s 9arm in &an"or
1.
You like? you like the thoughts? you like the thoughts i think? you do?
They're naught to me comared to !ust one "leeting thought o" you.
#.
The ant inherited the earth $ecause he %as so meek.
The %ill %as signed& 'The Animal' %ho turned the other cheek.
(.
)e ha*e to $uy ne% cars each year or %e'll $e classi"ied
$y all the +oneses in our to%n& %ho must $e aci"ied.
,.
His icy legions& camed on either ole& are at their ease
a%aiting orders& %hen to start another icy s-uee.e.
/.
Prairie sod has heaed re*enge on those %ho turned her under.
0louds o" dust& %hich hide the sun& no longer hide the $lunder.
1.
An armored knight "ell o"" a shi and sank into the $lue.
He looked a lo$ster in the eye and said& 'you're armored& to?'
2.
)e men !ust didn't think to o""er 0re%cut 3u a seat4
"or %e assumed she %as a man desite her dainty "eet.
5.
6n retrosect he sees a ond& and on that ond he sees t%o
"leets o" %arring centiedes %hose decks are lined %ith "leas.
7.
A "airy -ueen& t%o inches tall& looked u m$ my eyes4
and %ith her magic %and she $rought me do%n to !ust her si.e.
18.
0hie"& they sa% you coming %hen they came %ith horn9rimmed ri"les.
3ad to say& these $argain hunters took you in %ith tri"les.
11.
)ithin a moment's time the "inal grain o" sand %ill dro.
:end your hour9glass& old man& or the uni*erse %ill sto.
1#.
3he $ought a co*er to co*er the seat4 $ut the co*er %as so nice&
she $ought a co*er to co*er the co*er4 and no% it's co*ered t%ice.
1(.
You're clim$ing u the ladder o" success4 he's clim$ing do%n.
And you can't hel $ut smile& i guess4 and he can't hel $ut "ro%n.
1,.
A $ird alighted on an 6ndian's shoulder& and she said&
'i am the "eathered sirit o" your mother %ho is dead.'
1/.
Ho% %as i to kno% that ne%smen take the %orld "or granted?
Ho% %as i to kno% the ne%s they deign to rint is slanted?
11.
They hacked a%ay a "ro.en deer in ice an eon old&
to eat& "rom ;ature's dee9"ree.e& all the meat that they could hold.
12.
6 ushed a dilomat right through the %indo% o" his suite4
and& like a common alley9cat& he landed on his "eet.
15.
A sno%"lake settled on my hand and said& as i" in "ear&
'6 must $e on my %ay $e"ore i turn into a tear.'
17.
The se*enth %onder o" the %orld %as not the 3hin<& you Huns4
$ut you %ere the se*enth %onder %hen you shot at it %ith guns.
#8.
Drag the ri*er u and do%n to "ind the Miss %ho's missing.
0ro%d around her& curiously& to see %hom Death is kissing.
#1.
The greatest earthly monarch has a $ody and a soul.
His royal name is 3easky and he rules "rom ole to ole.
##.
6 see her in the midnight sky& my "airest o" the "air.
3he's dancing on a crescent moon and stars are in her hair.
#(.
=ne day a mounted hunter heeled a %ounded $oar& %ho %heeled&
and gutted horse and rider& lea*ing death uon the "ield.
#,.
A thousand "eet o" scaly neck stood sentinel at sea&
as cloud9enshrouded radar eyes ket eering do%n at me.
#/.
Pioneers& %ithout their 'eers' are eons& $ent on outing.
Gi*e them $ack their 'eers' and they'll $e eons $ent on "louting.
#1.
'>m$race me& sla*e&' the Princess sighed4 and as he did& she screamed.
The guards rushed in and cut him do%n& as t%enty sa$ers gleamed.
#2.
A snail& %hose house %as on his $ack4 amused a assing mouse.
:nhurt& the snail relied %ith cheer& 'the laughs are on the house.'
#5.
You couldn't tell me more than %hen you looked into my eyes.
;o%& you are there and i am here4 and hoe %ithin me dies.
#7.
The gods %ho %ielded $olts o" lightning %ere not gods& $ut men
%ho used the atom& as %e did& to %reck the %orld again.
(8.
'Go commercial&' cried the rostitutes& in e*ery calling.
'3e6l your soul& $ut sell yoursel". Get %ith it. 3to the stalling.'
(1.
The lo%9do%n "ish don't dare to s%im too high& or they'll e<lode.
The high9u "ish don't dare to s%im too lo%& or they'll imlode.
(#.
6'm %ith my e<tra hea*y date& $ut 6'm not *ery "ond
o" the e<tra9hea*y makeu on my sel"9e""acing $londe.
((.
'The 0ity is a cancer on the $ody olitic.'
'The atom shall remo*e the gro%th that makes the atient sick.'
(,.
The treasure "leet %hich sank in stormy seas& so long ago& has had no marked e""ect on "ish economy& $elo%.
(/.
?ooholes assed the "lintlock ie o" eace "or hal" an hour.
Pu""s o" smoke com$ined to cloak a hea*y leaden sho%er.
(1.
A%akening& you "ind yoursel" still sitting in your chair4
so raise the en you didn't dro and dro a hint& you s-uare.
(2.
A skeleton's in your closet and a mirror's in there too.
You're looking in the mirror and the skeleton's none $ut you.
(5.
6t came to ass that %oman stried >li.a$ethan man
o" all his eacock "inery& and ga*e him $lack and tan.
(7.
A mole in a hole& a mut in a hut& a mouse in a house& makes three.
6'm sure you could think o" many more& $ut three are enough "or me.
,8.
'@ush the $each& good Anglemen& and sto the ;orman landing.
:se %hat strategy you %ill& $ut lea*e no ;orman standing.'
,1.
6 met a maid %ith $raided hair so long it touched the ground.
6 tied my hands and "eet %ith it and s%ore that i'd $e $ound.
,#.
The 3kier's en roceeds to %rite uon the inky $lue4
and lea*es a %ake o" mistic %ords& un"athomed $y the cre%.
,(.
=""ensi*e and de"ensi*e %eaons thought they ought to race4
$ut& as they ran& de"ensi*e %eaons couldn't kee the ace.
,,.
?a donna lucked a $lushing rose& her lo*er lucked a har4
and %hen he sang& he sang o" lo*e4 $ut sang a tri"le shar.
,/.
)ritten %ith a "ork9ed en& your treaties can $e $roken.
3mitten %ith a "ork9ed tongue& your ?uci"er has soken.
,1.
They had their tickertae tickets %hich they $ought %ith $orro%ed cash4
and& hal" insane& they took a lane they ne*er dreamed %ould crash.
,2.
A sunny sun and a cloudy cloud are laying eek9a9$oo.
6" you %ere here& i romise& %e'd $e eek9a9$ooing too.
,5.
A $oulder took an acorn in and %atered him %ith rain.
He gre% into a mighty oak and slit his host in t%ain.
,7.
'6t's $eauti"ul&' i said as i $eheld a mar$le $ust.
'+ust %ho are you to tell me so?' it muttered in disgust.
/8.
Men o" mirth are men o" %orth& %here*er men are silly&
9 any%here "rom Athens& Greece& to 3antiago& 0hile.
Pu$lished $y
?=:63 HA@D6; P:B?63H6;G 0o. 127 >ast (rd 3treet
;e% York 7 ;.Y.
\[00 a[00 s#yle[0fon#;familyF 2er"ana, )rial, (elve#i%a, sans;serifE fon#;si'eF 1Bp#E0]9rom (ar"in/s
%olle%#ion of poe#ry
M A L L / N A , D
1 fin" #$e !rea#es# free"om in #$e s#ri%#ure of a form
#$a# para"o8es abnormali#y wi#$in a norm.
+$e wor" of ?amo%les $an!in! over all of us.
1n view of #$a# w$a# sub6e%# %an we sensibly "is%uss.
My %re"o may be #$is, #$a# ere my "ir#$ of "ays is passe",
1^ll s#rive #o live ea%$ one as if i# were my firs# an" las#.
You pi#y me in e8ile@ .ell, #$en pi#y if you mus#,
bu# live ; before your "ear i"en#i#y is los# in "us#.
&arnivores w$o live" on (erbivores w$o live" on plan#s,
were all %onsume" by =mnivores w$o walke" aroun" in pan#s.
(e w$o "i"n^# know w$o "i"n^# know $e "i"n# know,
be%ame #$e $e w$o "i"n^# know w$o knew $e "i"n^# know,
an" $e be%ame #$e $e w$o knew w$o "i"n^# know $e knew,
w$o finally be%ame #$e $e w$o knew w$o knew $e knew.
) !lan%e, a smile, a %$an%e $allo an" #$en ; a fon" embra%e.
+$e years roll ba%k before my eyes #o s%enes 1 %an^# erase.
.e !rope wi#$ eyes wi"e open #^war" #$e "arkness of fu#uri#y,
wi#$ fai#$ in ou#ermos# ins#ea" of innermos# se%uri#y.
+$e #rombone an" #$e sa%kbu# s#are ea%$ o#$er "own in s$ame.
=ne sees w$a# $e $a" been, #$e o#$er sees w$a# $e be%ame.
+$e .$ole "e%lare", 0You^ll never know #$e sum of all My par#s,
so s#op your foolis$ fi!urin!, an" men" your broken $ear#s.0
Proof #$a# Do" e8is# is in #$e over#ones from one
#o nine, besi"es revealin! $ow #$e Jniverse is run.
.$a# 1 say of s%ien%e $ere, 1 say wi#$ou# %on"i#ion,
#$a# s%ien%e is #$e la#es# an" #$e !rea#es# supers#i#ion.
+$e -eanin! +ower leane" a li##le far#$er sou#$ an" sai",
01 woul"n^# be so famous if 1 $a" a level $ea".0
) snow;flake lan"e" on my $an" an" sai", as if in fear,
01 mus# be on my way, before 1 #urn in#o a #ear.0
(avin! $eal#$y;weal#$y possibili#y amoun#s
#o no#$in!, if you "o no# know #$a# every minu#e %oun#s.
\[00 a[00 s#yle[0fon#;familyF 2er"ana, )rial, (elve#i%a, sans;serifE fon#;si'eF 1Bp#E %olorF r!b(B, B,
1A5)E #e8#;"e%ora#ionF un"erlineE0]
T(/ C'MM'N C,L/ND,9
by -ouis (ar"in
+en #$ousan" years a!o w$en )!ri%ul#ure us$ere" in #$e )!e of Man,
#en #$ousan" years woul" spin #$e span before #$e &osmi% &alen"ar be!an
+wo #$ousan" years a!o a %alen"ar was abro!a#e". 1n #$e fa%e
of opposi#e #$ere appeare" ano#$er %alen"ar #o #ake i#s pla%e
+o abro!a#e #$e &alen"ar of &aesar was a blessin! in "is!uise.
1# !ave #$e &ommon &alen"ar #$e openin! #o "o #$e worl"ly wise.
.e s$oul"n/# abro!a#e #$e abro!a#er w$en i# only nee"s #o be
enlar!e" by a"""in! on #$e ei!$# #$ousan" years. 4i!$# #$ousan" =ne is =ne ).?.
4i!$# #$ousan" e7uals =ne ,.&. No lon!er is #$ere nee" for %rabbery.
+$e numbers move in one "ire%#ion, forwar", as #$ey "o in ol" ).?.
9orm #$eolo!i%al #o !eolo!i%al #$e %alen"ar woul" !o
1n seein! 6us#i%e bein! "one ea%$ ra%e an" %ree" is "an%in! #o an" fro
) re%konin! is be%konin!, "evoi" of ra%ial an" reli!ious links.
0+$e year, +wo +$ousan", s$all be%ome #$e year, +en +$ousan",0 prop$esise" #$e p$in8.
(ow simple is #$e &ommon &alen"ar. 1# %en#ers on #$e number 5,
an" all one $as #o "o is a"" ei!$# #$ousan" years #o any ).?. "a#e.
.i#$ pen%il #urnin! 1 #o 1995 in#o a 9 #o en"
#$e rei!n of &$ris#en"om #$a# every o#$er ra%e an" %ree" woul" re%ommen"
+urn #$e 1 of 1999 in#o a 9 #o make i# four,
enou!$ #o #urn in#o #$e 0+en#$ Millennium,0 #oo mu%$ #o ask for more
C,N'N
+$is %anon is prop$e#i% w$en i# %omes #o number 1B, for #$ere is w$ere
#$e %alen"ars reverse priori#ies in w$a# is 7ui#e beyon" %ompare.
+$e %alen"ar, ABBB, is above un#il i# unisons on ).
+$e %alen"ar, 1BBBB, is below un#il i# unisons on ).
.$o/" ever !uess #$e over#ones woul" len" #$emselves #o su%$ a mun"ane #$in!
as %alen"ars, for we are min"ful of #$e !rea# au#$ori#y #$ey brin!
+$e over#ones from one #o nine in bo#$ "ire%#ions represen# #$e spa%e
be#ween #$e even#een#$ an" 4i!$#een#$ Dla%ia#ions w$ere i#/s #akin! pla%e.
+ake no#e of #$is, ea%$ no#e e7ua#es a #$ousan" years of 1n#er!la%ial +$aw
#$e even#een#$ #$a#/s %omin! #o an en", a pi%#ure no;one wan#s #o "raw.
,efore we $umans 7ui#e #$e #a!e of -ife we s$oul" %onsi"er 6us# $ow ni%e
i#/s been an" will be #ill #$is pla%e is %overe" by a mile or more of i%e.
T(/ C'MM'N C,L/ND,9
).?.
1BBBB +$e +en#$ Millenium ABBB
9999 )bor!a#ion of #$e &$ris#ian &alen"ar 1999
9935 +$e &osmi%o"e 1935
933< +$e firs# wri##en %ons#i#u#ion 133<
9491 +$e re"is%overy of )meri%a 149A
9BBB +$e &ross 2ersus #$e &res%en# 1BBB
5<BB Moslems, #$e #$ir" Monop$i%i#es <BB
553B Mo$amme" 53B
5CBB +rini#arians versus Monop$i%i#es CBB
51BB &$ris#ians, #$e se%on" Monop$i%i#es 1BB
5BB1 Jesus; )bro!a#ion of #$e Pa!an &alen"ar 1 ,.&.
399< Jos$ua 5
345B &onfu%ius 551
3441 ,u""$a 5<B
34A1 Py#$a!oras 55B
3AB1 :ara#$us#ra 5BB
3151 (omer 55B
3BBB (ebrews, #$e firs# Monop$i%i#es 1BB1
<5B1 9irs# .ri##en &ons#i#u#ion 15BB
<43B Moses 15C1
<CB9 +$e (ammurabl &o"e 1<9A
5BBB +$e 1%e Man CBB1
A5B1 +$e ,la%k ea 9loo" 5BBB
1 +$e )!e of Man 5BBB
(a!ri%ul#ure an" urbani'a#ion)
4n" of #$e even#een#$ 1%e )!e
)%%or"in! #o #$e &osmi%o"e %on#ra%#ion %omes before e8pansion, so
#o say, e8pansion %omes before %on#ra%#ion, isn/# bein! in #$e know.
+$e over#ones from one #o nine e7ua#e #$e &o"e, #$e &o"e #$a# $as a key.
+$a# key is "iminu#ion. +wo #o one #$e ra#io rises ou# of #$ree.
&on#ra%#ion an" e8pansion, in #$a# or"er, are #$e %onse7uen%e of %ause;
effe%# inversion, 7ui#e #$e mos# %$ao#i% of #$e %osmi%o"e" laws.
?iminu#ions one #o #$ree be!in on D, $armoni% #$ree, an" en"
on D, $armoni% seven of #$e row below, on #$a# you %an "epen".
+$e sys#em woul"n/# work if any over#one, from one #o nine, $a" foun"
i#self #o be some o#$er pla%e, a fa%# #$a# never %eases #o as#oun".
&on#ra%#ion/s %ause $as over#ones, from one #o four, #$a# $ave no pre%e"en#.
48pansion/s %ause $as over#ones, from si8 #o nine, #$a# $ave no pre%e"en#.
+$e over#one of over#ones "ivi"in! one #o four from si8 #o nine,
is 5, #$e mos# imposin! over#one of all, 1 %all, #$e ?ivi"ein.
&on#ra%#ion/s %ause be%omes e8pansion/s las# effe%# #$e w$ile %on#a%#ion/s las#
effe%# be%omes e8pansion/s %ause, wi#$ 5 be#ween #$e presen# an" #$e pas#.
.$y %on#ra%#ion/s las# effe%# be%omes e8pansion/s %ause is plain #o see.
=n passin! 5 #$e las# of all is fines# of all #o %laim priori#y.
&on#ra%#ion an" e8pansion mer!e #$eir awesome ur!es in %on#ransion, &
for s$or#, enou!$ #o pyrami" a !ri" of "iminu#ions one #o #$ree.
+$e over#one %on#inuum %onsis#s of & above an" & below.
1n "iame#ri% opposi#ion, base #o base, #$e !ala%seers !o.
&losewise bo#$ in bo#$ "ire%#ions brin!s #$e #wo;"ire%#ionali#y
of #ime in#o e8is#en%e all #$e Milky way from & #o s$inin! &.
1s #$is #$e #wo;"ire%#ionali#y of #ime@ +$e fu#ure is #$e pas#,
an" vi%e versa@ +$is is $ow i#/s been sin%e w$en #$e %osmi% "ie was %as#.
=ver#onean 47uasionF = _ ? [ & 8 A [ +
Biogra+hy

9o4ert Scotto *ober# %o##o, Moon"o!, +$e 2ikin! =f <#$ )venue, +$e )u#$ori'e"
,io!rap$y, Prefa%e by P$ilip Dlass, &? wi#$ A5 #ra%ks in%lu"e", Pro%ess Me"ia, J), ABB3)
Mr. %o##o $as !enerously pu# #$e outline of his 4iogra+hy a# our "isposal. 9ur#$ermore
$e allowe" us #o publis$ #$e %omple#e #e8# ofcha+ter three& Snaketi)e -"#<8*"#$8..
+$e followin! brief bio!rap$y %omes from #$e re%or" %ompany *==9 an" %an only serve as
a s$or# ou#line of Moon"o!^s life for #$e #ime bein!.
Moreover #$ere are numerous articles, o4ituaries, al4u) reviews an"
par#i%ularly interviews wi#$ Moon"o! w$i%$ par#ly %on#ain 7ui#e useful an"
reliable informa#ion.

'nce in a 4lue Moon-dog. 333
ep#ember 5#$ las# year saw #$e passin! of one of #$e AB#$ &^s mos#
respe%#e" musi%al i%ons. -ouis +. (ar"in be##er known as Moon"o! was a
revere" pioneer on #$e )van#;Dar"eHMinimalis# s%ene, $is revolu#ionary
a##i#u"e #owar"s %omposi#ion an" melo"y was lau"e" by su%$ eminen#
no#ables as P$ilip Dlass an" #eve *ei%$, w$ile $is s#yle an" a##i#u"e "rew %omparisons #o
(arry Par#%$. (is influen%e %an be seen in #$e musi% of #ereolab an" Moons$ake amon!
o#$ers.
,onn A<#$ May 191< in Maryville, >ansas, Moon"o! wro#e all $is musi% in braille $avin! los#
$is si!$# in an a%%i"en# involvin! a "ynami#e %ap a# #$e a!e of 13. (e s#u"ie" musi% a# #$e
1owa %$ool for #$e ,lin" an" la#er a# Memp$is. (e was mos#ly self;#au!$# "e#erminin!
%$or" s#ru%#ures by ear an" "evelopin! $is skills an" #$eory from books. 1ni#ially $e was
"rawn #o #$e per%ussion elemen# of musi% %i#in! #$a# $is firs# "rum ki# a# #$e a!e of five
was no#$in! more #$an a %ar"boar" bo8. (is fa#$er, a minis#er $a" on%e #aken #$e youn!
-ouis #o #$e )rapa$o un ?an%e w$ereupon $e me# &$ief Yellow &alf an" playe" #$e buffalo
skin #om;#om, an" r$y#$mi%al "evi%e #$a# woul" reappear in $is la#er work.
Per$aps #o some "e!ree #$e le!en" of Moon"o! superse"es $is musi%, if #$a# is a# all
possible, for in 194C $e %ame #o New York in or"er #o be %loser #o #$e AB#$& %lassi%al
s%ene. +$e name Moon"o! "i"n^# o%%ur un#il 1943, refle%#in! on $ow $e %ame by #$e #i#le
$e remembere" fon"ly a "o! $e owne" way ba%k in MissouriF
0.e use" #o $owl a# #$e moon.0
)rrivin! wi#$ no %on#a%#s an" only one mon#$^s ren#, for #$e ne8# CB years
$e be%ame some#$in! of a %ul#ural eni!ma. 1# was "urin! #$is perio" of
flir#a#ion wi#$ #$e ,i! )pple #$a# #$e Moon"o! le!en" be!an. Posi#ionin!
$imself on 54#$ #ree# an" )venue, la#er #o be known as Moon"o! %orner,
$e woul" en#er#ain %row"s playin! $is %omposi#ions on $ome ma"e "rums
an" some por#able keyboar"s an" re%i#in! $is own poe#ry. (is e%%en#ri%i#y
was fur#$ere" by #$e fa%# #$a# spor#in! a lon! bear" an" a spear, $e wore
$ome ma"e %lo#$es %onsis#in! of a robe, a 2ikin!s $elme# an" lea#$er
pa#%$work #rousers a!ain #$e influen%e of #$e 1n"ians $avin! effe%#.
(owever #$is unusual form of "ress was #o lose $im pres#i!ious %on#ra%#s in
"ie fu#ure.
)s #$e le!en" woul" $ave i#, musi%ians from #$e &arne!ie (all spo##e" Moon"o! 6us# a%ross
#$e way from w$ere $e en#er#aine". 1mpresse" by w$a# #$ey saw #$ey persua"e" #$e
%on"u%#or )r#$ur *o"'inski #o le# $im si# in on re$earsals. 1# was $ere #$a# (ar"in was #o
learn abou# or%$es#ra#ion an" also #o wi#ness #$e "ebu# performan%e as a %on"u%#or of
-eonar" ,erns#ein. Moon"o!^s "eb# #o *o"'inski was re%ipro%a#e" by $is "e"i%a#ion of
ymp$ony No 5B.
(e be%ame some#$in! of a %elebri#y w$en %olumnis# .al#er .in%$ell wro#e abou# $im in #$e
+imes. 9olkways musi%olo!is# +ony %$war#' woul" of#en make fiel" re%or"in!s of s#ree#
players, su%$ involvemen# wi#$ Moon"o! le" on #o several offers bein! ma"e #$e mos#
no#able bein! #o "o a re%or"in! of %$il"ren^s son!s wi#$ Julie )n"rews.
,y all a%%oun#s $e was a !enial man an" no#e" for $is $umour, w$en aske" by passers by
as #o w$ere $e %ome from $e woul" replyF
01 woul" #ell people 1 was born in asnak .... an" w$en #$ey woul" ask w$ere i# was, 1
woul" reply #$a# i# was a mys#erious pla%e. 1 lef# i# for #$em #o work ou# i# was >ansas in
reverse.0
-e!en"ary "is% 6o%key )lan 9ree" was one of #$e firs# #o pi%k up on #$e Moon"o! soun" an"
foun" $imself losin! a lawsui# w$en $e name" $is spo# #$e Moon"o! s$ow af#er #$e
Moon"o! ymp$ony. (owever 9ree" was la#er #o be%ome #$e self s#yle" ori!ina#or of #$e
#erm *o%k^n^*oll.
(is 6a'' influen%es were %ul#iva#e" w$ile on #$e s#ree#s, i# was #$ere #$a# $e me# ,enny
Doo"man an" &$arlie Parker, #$e la##er remarkin!F
0You an" 1 s$oul" make a re%or".0
a"ly #$ou!$ #$is never $appene" for s$or#ly af#erwar"s Parker "ie"
une8pe%#e"ly. Moon"o! pai" #ribu#e #o Parker la#er on wi#$ 0,ir"^s
-amen#0.
,y #$e early seven#ies s#ill on #$e s#ree#s, i# woul" be $ar" for mos# #o
ima!ine #$a# #$is imposin! s#ree# player $a" release" albums on labels
su%$ as Mars, &, an" Pres#i!e. +$e bea# !enera#ion in #$e <B^s $a"
wel%ome" Moon"o! wi#$ open arms seein! $im as some#$in! of a
rebellious i%on. ,y #$is perio" $e $a" performe" a poe#ry rea"in! wi#$ )llen
Dinsber!, appeare" on s#a!e wi#$ -enny ,ru%e, +iny +im an" in films wi#$ .illiam .
,orou!$s. (e was a"ep# a# makin! musi% for films an" +2 %ommer%ials, one of $is pie%es
was use" for #$e soun"#ra%k for 0?rive. $e sai"0 s#arrin! Ja%k Ni%$olson.
)s for $is views abou# musi%, be woul" only lis#en #o $is own s#a#in! #$a# #$e work of o#$ers
was full of 0unspe%ifie" mis#akes0. (e %onsi"ere" $imse1f a %lassi%is# s#a#in! $is aim was #o
%rea#eF
0+$e ar# of %on%ealin! ar#, ma8imum effe%# bu# wi#$ minimum means0.
1# is from #$is approa%$ #o $is s#yle of work #$a# P$ilip Dlass an" #eve *ei%$ $aile" $im as
#$e ori!ina#or of #$e %on%ep# of minimalism. (owever Moon"o! $a" $is own opinion on #$e
ma##erF
0,a%$ was "oin! minimal in $is fu!ues. o w$a#^s new@0
1n 1934 be was offere" a %$an%e #o play in 4urope for a few mon#$s w$i%$ as i# #urne" ou#
le" $im #o relo%a#in! #o *e%klin!$ausen #o live un#il $is "ea#$. +$e su""enness of $is
"epar#ure le" many #o believe #$a# be $a" "ie", a# one even Paul imon mourne" $is
passin! on $is #v;s$ow.
=f %ourse Moon"o! $a"n^# "ie" in fa%# $is so;%alle" e8ile in Dermany woul" lea" #o $is
mos# prolifi% perio" of $is %areer. (e me# 1lona Doebel a musi% #ransla#or w$o !ave up $er
6ob #o work full #ime wi#$ (ar"in pu##in! on#o paper w$a# rnusi% #$a# was in $is $ea", s$e
even#ually be%ame $is mana!er.
Moon"o! "i" $owever re#urn #o )meri%a in 1959. )# #$e invi#a#ion of #$e New Musi%
)meri%an 9es#ival in ,rooklyn, $e s$are" #$e s#a!e wi#$ Dlass an" *ei%$ aske" #o %on"u%#
as par# of #$e %elebra#ion of le!en"s from #$e 4B^s an" 5B^s. (is %on"u%#in! manner was
unor#$o"o8 #o say #$e leas#, #akin! $is pla%e a# #$e si"e #o play per%ussion. (e la#er
%ommen#e" #$a#F
01 see my rela#ions$ip wi#$ #$em Ror%$es#raS as bein! firs# amon! e7uals, so #$a# #$ere are
for#y %on"u%#ors, ea%$ in %$ar!e of $is own par#.0
+$is re#urn #o #$e ,i! )pple marke" a newly re"is%overe"
in#eres# in $is work seein! i# performe" all over #$e worl" in
some of #$e !rea#es# se##in!s, some of $is work was even
%$oreo!rap$e".
9or #$e firs# #ime in #$e J.>. #$e offi%ial releases of 0a8 Pa8
for a sa80, 0) new soun" for an ol" ins#rumen#0, 04lpmas0
an" 0Moon"o! 1n 4urope0.
0) new soun" for an ol" ins#rumen#0 is a series of #$ir#een
s$or# pie%es %on%en#ra#in! on #$e use of #$e or!an. )# #imes
"eli!$#fully bree'y espe%ially on 0Mira!e0. (owever #$e
furious %allin! #$a# sprea"s #$rou!$ 0,arn ?an%e0 $as a %$arm of i#s own.
04lpmas0 e8plores #$e soun"s of swin! an" 6a'', %on%eive" as a pro#es# son! a!ains# #$e
#rea#men# of abori!ines. 1#^s $ere #$a# you $ear #$e per%ussive ry#$ms #$a# $ave s#aye"
wi#$ Moon"o! sin%e $is en%oun#er wi#$ &$ief Yellow &alf uprisin!ly #$e work is pun%#ua#e"
by a vo%al se%#ion on #$e openin! sui#e.
0Moon"o! in 4urope0. ome may re%o!nise #$e openin! pie%e as bein! similar #o #$e
0u!ar Plum 9airy0. =verall #$e work $as a mena%in! vikin! feel #o i#, #$e %omin! of #$e
boa#s 0(eim"all 9anfare0 an" #$e mournfull violins wi#$ *oman%e in !.
0a8 Pa8 for #$e a8.0 =f all #$e releases a8 Pa8 is probably #$e mos# imme"ia#ely
a%%essible. 9ea#urin! #$e -on"on a8op$oni%, a8 Pa8 is a #ribu#e #o #$e maker of #$e
sa8op$one )n#oine Josep$ a8 %elebra#in! #$e %en#ennial of $is "ea#$. +$e work fea#ures
Pe#er (amill on #$e %$orus an" ?anny +$ompson on #$e %on#ra bass. +$e swin! s#yle sa8^s
on Paris are brea#$ #akin!. 0,ir"^s -amen#0 fea#ures $ere, "e"i%a#e" #o #$e memory of
&$arlie Parker, w$ile New )rns#er"am is Moon"o!^s love son! for New York. 044& -ie"0 $as
similari#ies #o Dran" =l" ?uke of York.
)ll available on #$e >opf -abel.
Process Book Robert Scotto : Moondog -book + cd- (US,2008)****
I needed a long time to read this extensive, well written, in depth biography of Moondog. It gave me a
revealing insight in the connections between the personal circumstances, the times contexts, as well
as other infuences on Moondogs personality and psychology, and the relation to how he composed
and performed music over the years. The book still was for me, a foreigner to nglish language, not
always easy to comprehend every detail, because once in a while it use local references in language,
or used clever word connections in describing a turmoil of connections, from which I also missed
enough understanding of its local or time contexts to fully grab the whole context which has been
grasped in words. !n example of a moment of such a resuming insight like the next fragment might
also ask a common reader for close attention and previous insight and background of situations,
"describing the circumstances in the #$s, %rst with great accuracy, following by one of these more
di&cult sentence that tends to grab even more'
To place Moondog accurately, one must remember the froth of the 1960s;the shiny patina, the
nervous gesture, the dramatic over-response !n other "ords, "hile it brought forth much authentic,
constructive activity, and generated an e#ective, muscular outrage at government arrogance, it also
pandered as no period before it to the $merican teenager, %&ing an unanchored idealism and s'e"ed
scale of signi%cance into the national paranoia (ne of the more predictable reactions by prosperous
citi)ens to internal problems that d"arf e&terior threats is to glorify self-a"areness, to e&amine
*uir's and tics so closely that "hat in more tran*uil times is bac'ground and trivial ac*uires gravitas
and centrality +hen many thought a revolution in consciousness "as imminent, some of the energy
for reform dissipated rather than crystalli)ed; self-contemplation had slipped into solipsism The
,reat -ociety died in the vice of the .i&on years The /ietnam +ar ended through 0issinger1s cynical
shuttle diplomacy 2amelot3 turned into +atergate4 ()ie.the *ennedy years+
! lot of background in a few sentences and a descriptive, for me almost poetic and dramatic
language, In other words ' the book does not stop at Moondog but reveals also each movement in his
environment, while Moondog himself, steady as a rock, could remain with his strength intact,
something the writer might possible secretly admire the most.
-hat I of course also learned from
Moondog is that he spontaneously, with
his own personal .uest, came back to a
previous state of mind in man, who is
alone in the world, (who made his own
clothes too by the way+, and has to
stand %rm and strong like a warrior, as a
spiritual consciousness, which pretty
much kept him safe and sound over the
hardest years.
I should not give away each detail in the
book, but I also learned how Moondog in
his childhood never found peace at
home, for he was dragged from one
place to the next, and also experienced
on many occasions, betraying trust. /is
father, a preacher, a rebel in essence,
failed to convince him with his contradictory morals in beliefs. !ll this led to feed the mind of a free
wanderer with no real home. ach detail of his personality seemed to have come forward from
survivals necessity, from his self"made clothes to start with, perhaps slightly associated with native
Indians at %rst, to his becoming a street musician (which he also was able to endure well, because as
a kid he had experienced harsh cold circumstances+. 0n this spot he had formed his safe haven not
larger than a s.uare, e.ual to a minimal mathematical s.uare of measures related to his own
consciousness. !lso his clothes and instruments became s.uares and also his compositions could be
related into this minimalist condition. -hen people started to see the bearded blind man as 1hrist, he
felt forced to go to other and also deeper more suitable essences and roots in !merica, for he felt
that these 1hristian associations were merely misguided failures that had absorbed and neglected
older pasts. 2rom then on, he became the 3iking, referring to his 4ordic roots, and he worked out and
researched the historical connections with it, seeking deeper roots related to 3ikings. 2or this faith of
his own he had his own altar dedicated to Thor. !ll his gestures and poses were mostly related to
survival ways that could help him to trace and keep his own dignity intact. /is helmet, by the way,
also kept him, as a blind man, from unexpected obstacles above the ground, so that it gave him even
more con%dence, and it wasnt too bad when people could recogni5e him as the 3iking now on the
streets of 4ew 6ork. 7obert 8cotto associates with this costume a looking for attention as there was
an underlying need that he would one day be recognised in his own right by his parents. /is %rst wife
will have developed with him some of the 9apanese music associations. :esides falling back on
himself more than once, (;all is loneliness<+, and often deliberately too, when seeking for a better
common ground, he most often had many friends who helped him throughout his life tremendously.
Thanks to the book I reali5e better now why Moondogs music was formed the way it was. The %rst
period can be seen as the street performer period where he couldnt do anything else but fall back on
his small spot on the streets. There were only needed a few basic patterns to remember, the
development of rhythmical skills, the ear to sounds and the live now"feeling for circumstances. -ithin
this period the desire to compose something with it, was there, which %rst had no other option than
to arrange this same minimalist and limited world into a classical composers world, driven by the
desire that this would prove him as a composer. 0n the compositions on the %rst 1:8 recording (=>>+
the desire to be taken seriously as a composer who respected tradition was even more important
than the option to write free new music. This orchestrated album with rhythms was much more a
proof for himself to become and belong as a worthy composer against the classical composers, a
reason why this piece in essence is not too much di?erent from these composers except in detail, and
why it didnt unfold his abilities as a real composer yet. Moondog @ however made his conclusion to
the street music period, with perfect arrangements for it. It was not until his uropean period where
he was able to settle down and start to compose freely. I am still ama5ed by the overtone pieces on
lpmass, which turned him %nally into a new music composer that he ever was before. /e also never
neglected his admiration for Aa55, something which led to other proAects in his later years.
The book gives light and breaths depth and new understandings to the oeuvre of Moondog, and
reveals for me pretty much the why and hows behind his musical expression while showing also
pretty well the man behind it, and his personal evolution towards perfection. 7ecommended lecture.
The 1B '
2irst there are C tracks taken randomly from his =>DE recordings, all which have been reissued on 1B
before (but perhaps no longer available right now+. 2urther we have an occasional home recorded
session of tracks with friends Fhilip Glass, 8teve 7eich and 9on Gibson, a happy but loose and simple
friendship sing"along gathering. Then theres one of his organ pieces taken from the previously
published 1B, plus # unreleased rather mathematical and somewhat :ach"inspired baro.ue organ
canons played by Faul 9ordan. There are also three pieces played by follower 8tefan Hakatos who
plays Moondogs rhythms not as a composer, but for his own enAoyment. There are also a few pieces
from the later sax related album, besides a few other pieces taken from a few other albums working
as other references.
*nowing Moondogs reissues well, and when considering the depth the book provided, the additional
1B didnt show for me the best imaginable resume of Moondogs talent, even when certain essential
references are there (for the insider+, it also reveals something of a limited range he had also shown
during certain periods. :esides also, I think there might not have been permission to include
something from the 1:8"related albums, which also are anchoring essential albums, with Moondog @
as one of my favourites, a still underestimated work which presents the maximum Aoy and most full
arrangements made from the minimalist street memorisations, making from limitations something
Aoyful and happy, it also is a conclusion and closing of that chapter. 7evealing something with more
randomness (dealing with so many years of composing and experiences+, for a new listener it might
mean that he still might wonder about the portion of naivety involved in the music, something the
writer might have .uestioned himself, knowing Moondogs psychological background too well. This
aspect is more noticeable when some tracks from certain periods are taken out of their surrounding
and also constructive contexts and personal evolution. I heard other sceptics having their restraints,
so I can only hope people see behind all this. Ferhaps these critics still feel him as being an odd
combination of an outsider in music, with inevitable rhythmical skills and some advantages of the
outsider for making combinations of sounds with music, in a timeless unusual way for his times
(especially noticeable in the %fties recordings+, while the %rst serious attempts for compositional
freedom (the 1:8 years+ also deals with a, at that point seemingly, almost simplistic admiration of
certain forms of traditionalism, which does not bring forward, through rough hearing, the
opportunities for real new music related compositional ideas. The GlassI7eichIGibson sessions for
instance shows speci%cally enAoyment within the minimalism of circumstances without a real need for
much more..
If someone would really take the e?ort to go through the whole available repertoire, as something I
could do for a huge part, I personally think that each available album feels rather conceptuali5ed, like
chapters of conscious and awareness, revealing an interesting musical evolution that brings forward,
on its own, its master and genius, as a slowly evolving expressive individualist, even when hanging
together with its limiting or stimulating circumstances, coming from previous conditions of
circumstances, here is something that is worth experiencing as something undeniable uni.ue. It
shows thoughtful and carefully built up balances of elements, starting from spontaneous, intuitive
new expressions mixed with classical -estern tradition. It re"established these traditions through re"
founding its (own+ origins. Then it also opened this up again with di?erent origins (musical ' 9apanese
folk, native Indian rhythm, and others, coming forward from fundamental survival circumstances+. It
has opened up this core of inspiration with Aa55 skills and coounterpoint. It has established
improvisational skills, showed ears within restriction, dealt with the importance of mathematical
patterns. /is personal psychological strength that could deal with hard restriction also found its way
(he remained capable of creating within rough circumstances+. Its desire for independence was
mixed with the need for %nding true and truthful roots, all the skills for mathematical and often
rhythmic based variations, and the creation of a mood with it participated.
Epic Moondog : Moondog And his Friends -
LP- (US,19!)***"
The original liner notes of the full HF '
The music in this collection constitutes a series of tonal
pictures with new sound variations and new tempo
variations. The composer, and primary performer, is the tall,
bearded musician, familiar to Manhattanites, by the name of
Moondog. !lthough some of the melodies, and some of the
tempi, are immediately congenial, their full favor comes out
on repeated listenings. This is complex music, with a
sophistication that belies its seeming simplicity. 7epeated
hearings bring out further interesting combinations of sound,
other subtleties of rhythm. Moreover, for all its apparently
experimental techni.ue, it is solidly grounded in classical
forms, the most common being the round.
Moondog was born Houis /ardin, in Marysville, *ansas, and
grew up in the west, where the percussion instruments of
Indian tribes fascinated the boy. ! chief named 6ellowcalf
taught him much about the manipulation of the instruments.
-hen he was sixteen Moondog lost his sight, but took up the
study of music at a school for the blind, learning theory as well as such instruments as the violin and
viola. In =>JE he moved to Manhattan and began developing his own theory of music " sometimes
referred to as Ksnaketime,K because of its undulating sound " but went west again in =>JC, to !ri5ona,
studying again with the Indians. ! year later he returned to 4ew 6ork, and began playing his uni.ue
instruments " many of his own construction and arrangement " on street corners.
This may seem a di&cult way to propound a musical theory, but before long his ideas were sei5ed
upon by ranking professional musicians, who were fascinated by both the music and the musician.
Farticularly in the environs of 1arnegie /all are his theories respected, and in this collection many of
the stringed instruments, the violi and Lcelli, are played by members of the Fhilharmonic"8ymphony
0rchestra of 4ew 6ork. Ferhaps the surest way to get at the heart of the music is to listen to it. These
recordings, featuring Moondog, represent some of his %nest compositions, and some of his most
ingratiting ideas.
BragonLs Teeth' This number serves to introduce the trimba, a series of ten drums, triangular in
shape, used in graduated si5es. /ere the various rhythms of snaketime are introduced, beginning
with =IC and moving up to >IC. In the background, the composerLs wife may be heard on the oo, a
triangular instrument that sounds somewhat like a harp.
3oices of 8pring' This is a short rhapsody of sound, using a background of sparrowLs voices. Moondog
recites a brief .uotation on nature, and then plays a freely organi5ed theme on the recorder.
0asis' The coloring of this selection is predominantly that of !sia Minor, with a fascinating rhythm
background. The instrumentation consists of piano, violin, the dragonLs teeth (or trimba+, the maracas
and the uni. The uni is a seven"stringed instrument that can be plucked like a harp, struck with a
mallet, like a piano, or played with a bow. It is this instrument that provides the provocative twanging
sound. The violin and piano parts, incidentally, are played by two of the countryLs best young concert
artists.
Tree 2rog' This is an attempt to recreate in music the song of tree frogs in spring. ! descriptive piece,
its uni.ue sound is produced by tapping the %ngers against the openings of a recorder, with the
microphone close"up. 4o air passes through the recorder in this unusual instance of a wind
instrument used percussively.
:e a /obo' This short song is a vocal round, with the composer singing both vocal lines. /ere, as in
most of the other selections, the counterpoint is evident. The melody itself, like most of MoondogLs
materials, is unpretentious, serving as a springboard, so to speak, for his metric experimentation, but
nevertheless has a charming, sweet line that carries the music forward.
Instrumental 7ound' This is an experiment in orchestration, using strings, brass, woodwinds and
percussion. !ll instruments are played by the composer himself, using tape recording.
Bouble :ass Buo' The genesis of this composition refects the free, eclectic spirit of much of the
music in this collection' the composer, having Aust bought himself a double bass, found himself locked
out of the studio, and to pass the time began experimenting with its sounds. The thematic material
evolved, then presented itself as a duet, and he promptly recorded it. The drum and both basss parts
are played by the composer.
-hy 8pend the Bark 4ight with 6ouM' !nother of MoondogLs compositions in the form of a round. /is
intention is to leave the meaning of the lyrics to the listenerN often, he %nds, more is read into the
words than he intended.
Theme and 3ariations' 0n a four"note theme Moondog here builds one of his most ambitious
orchestrations, using more than twenty voices played by himself. !n interesting note on the
percussion techni.ues' while playing the drums, he wore gloves with the %nger"tips pulled slightly
out, giving the extra dimension to the tone.
7im 8hot' This is a study in DIJ time, example of acceleration in music. The work is scored for
percussion only.
:oth 8uite 4o. = and 8uite 4o. @ are written in the twelve"tone chromatic scale used by the 3ienese
masters, such as :eethoven and :rahms. The classic tonal structure is used to evolve a %ve part
invertible counterpoint. The 8uites are parallel compositionsN 4o. = is written in a minor"maAor"minor
se.uence, and 4o. @ in a maAor"minor"maAor se.uence. Moreover, the times of the correspoding
movements are the same in both suites. ach movement is in canon form, separate thematically
from its companion movements.
8uite 4o. =' The instrumentation here consists of dragonLs teeth drums (with gloves+, two violi three
celli and a set of %ve temple blocks. Throughout the entrances of the strings is in this order' Lcello,
violaL, Lcello, violaL and %nally LcelloL. The %rst movement is in OIJ time, the second in DI@ and the
third, where the composerLs wife may be heard on the 9apanese drums, is in OIC.
8uite 4o. @' The %rst movement here reverts to the initial instrumentation of the %rst 8uite, and to the
OIJ time. The second movement, adding the woodblocks, temple blocks and claves mounted on a
frame, is in DI@ time. The %nal movement, again in OIC, presents another new and intriguing
instrument, the tuAi. This is a sort of board with dowels mounted in rows. The dowels are %ngered
swiftly by the player, producing an unusual percussive sound.
"Moondog" (!6"!!!#
$%$& Lo'() T* H$+d(n
Houis Thomas ;Moondog< /ardin 9r. grew up and learned to play the piano in Independence
1ounty . /e later became a musician and composer admired in Aa55 , classical , and rock circles. /e
was also known for living on Manhattan streets dressed as a 3iking and banging a drum.
Houis /ardin was born on May @#, =>=#, in Marysville, *ansas, the son of an piscopal minister,
Houis Thomas /ardin 8r., and 4orma !lves, a homemaker and teacher. /e had one sister and one
brother. The family moved around the Midwest when he was young. Flaying tom"tom at a -yoming
!rapaho dance at a young age fostered a life"long a?ection for 4ative !merican rhythms. !s an
adult, /ardin performed with the :lackfoot tribe.
-hile in /urley, Missouri, in his early teens, he lost his sight while playing with a dynamite cap
that exploded. /ardin went on to play drums in the /urley school band, and he %nished high
school at the Iowa 8chool for the :lind. In the early =>E$s, the /ardins lived in 8t. Houis, Missouri,
and /ardin attended the state blind school. In May =>E#, /ardins father became rector of 8t.
Fauls in :atesville (Independence 1ounty+ . The family lived Aust east of :atesville in Moore%eld
(Independence 1ounty+.
/ardin, who became known for wearing capes and having long hair, took piano lessons from area
teacher :ess Max%eld. /e attended !rkansas 1ollege (now Hyon 1ollege + for a year in =>E# and
was in the college literary society. /ardins mother left soon after the move to !rkansas, and the
/ardins divorced. Houis /ardin 8r. remarried, and because of this, had to leave the church. The
family remained in the state for some years after.
In =>J@, /ardin obtained a scholarship to study music in Memphis, Tennessee, with the head of the
Memphis 1onservatory of Music. The next year, he moved to 4ew 6ork 1ity and managed to meet
!rturo Toscanini and Heonard :ernstein, all while busking and selling broadsides and sheet music
of his songs in the street. In =>JO, following the dissolution of his marriage to 3irginia 8ledge,
/ardin adopted the stage name Moondog after a moon"%xated canine he remembered from
Missouri. /is marriage to Mary -hiteing /ardin produced a daughter, 9uneN /ardin later fathered
another daughter, Hisa 1olins, out of wedlock.
-hen pioneering =>D$s 1leveland, 0hio, rock and roll disc Aockey !lan 2reed called his radio
program The Moondog 5oc' and 5oll 6arty, using /ardins song ;Moondog 8ymphony< as
background music, /ardin successfully sued 2reed, with composer Igor 8travinsky testifying for
/ardin.
/ardin had released a few OC rpm singles, and in =>DE, his debut album, Moondog and 7riends,
was issuedN six more albums were released through the late =>D$s. /ardins music, which often
consisted of poems spoken over Aa55y rhythms and street noise, connected with :eat poets and
others but not the mainstream. /ardin did not record again for a do5en years and then cut two
albums for 1olumbia, shifting emphasis to his orchestral compositions and classical canons and
rounds. /e also did the arrangements for a 9ulie !ndrews album of nursery rhymes.
Meanwhile, /ardin had become a decades"long %xture in Manhattan
streets, appearing in a modi%cation of the dress he debuted in
north"central !rkansasPhomemade 3iking chic. /e used an army
blanket as a tunic and had a horned helmet, sta?, and long beard.
/ardin lived on the street to %nance his composing but also had a
primitive cabin upstate. 2ew passersby knew he was a composer.
In =>OJ, /ardin moved to -est Germany and eventually settled in
0er rkenschwick. Many 4ew 6orkers thought the street musician
known as ;the 3iking of 8ixth !venue< had died. Instead, he
became better known and was able to record more in urope.
/ardin wrote the liner notes to 8ig 8and, his %rst release on his own Trimba label in =>>D. 2or the
song ;6ou /ave to /ave /ope,< he wrote' ;:ill 1linton lived in /ope, I lived in :atesville, !rkansas.
-e never met. I heard he played the sax, for which I wrote the piece he hasnt heard, as yet. Q:ack
in !rkansas are words that %t a falling bit of melody. Im harking back sixty years to :atesville
:ess and all she did for me,< referring to his early !rkansas piano teacher, :ess Max%eld.
9a55 , classical, and rock musicians alike played /ardins compositions. In the late =>#$s, :ig
:rother and the /olding 1ompany with 9anis 9oplin recorded /ardins ;!ll Is Honeliness,< and Insect
Trust, with Hittle 7ock (Fulaski 1ounty+ native7obert Falmer , covered /ardins ;:e a /obo< in =>O$.
! Moondog song was in the =>O@ %lm 9rive, :e -aid with 9ack 4icholson, and /ardin was
interviewed on T3s Today and The Tonight -ho".
In the =>C$s and =>>$s, musicians such as 9ohn 2ahey, *ronos Ruartet, and 47:R recorded
/ardins songs. :y then, with his lengthy beard turned white, his reputation amongst musical
tastemakers was indelible' he had invented several esoteric musical instruments (the oo, trimba,
and ooo"ya"tsu+, played with everyone from 1harles Mingus to Fhilip Glass, and infuenced the
likes of Tom -aits. In =>>O, !tlantic issued -a& 6a& for a -a&, his %rst maAor S.8. release in more
than twenty"%ve yearsPand his last.
/ardin died on 8eptember C, =>>>, in Munster, Germany. /ardins death was noted internationally,
although his !rkansas roots were seldom mentioned. ! few years later, a sampled version of his
song ;:irds Hament< was used in auto commercials.
#conoc$%s&ic 'e( )ork *+sici%n Moondog h%d Ark%ns%s roo&s
,- .ene /-de
Photo: Louis Hardin, from the 1937 Arkansas College yearbook
Adorned in % $ong 0oncho %nd 1iking he$*e&, &he s0e%r-&o&ing Moondog g%ined % re0+&%&ion %s 'e( )ork"s *os&
2isib$e %nd eccen&ric s&ree& 0erson3 /e died $%s& 4%$$ in .er*%n-, b+& 4ro* &he $%&e 1950s &hro+gh &he e%r$- "60s,
Moondog h+ng o+& on Si7&h A2en+e, reci&ing 0oe&r-, 0$%-ing h%nd-he$d 0erc+ssion ins&r+*en&s %nd occ%sion%$$-
singing3 Moondog"s iconoc$%s&ic be%ring so in&rig+ed 8%$&er 8inche$$ &h%& &he no&ed (ri&er disc+ssed hi* in his
co$+*n3
)e& &here (%s 4%r *ore &o Moondog &h%n &he (i$d cos&+*es3 /e (%s % no&ed %nd in4$+en&i%$ co*0oser (ho in2en&ed
se2er%$ *+sic%$ ins&r+*en&s3 /is recordings g%&hered % (ides0re%d -e& c+$&$ike 4o$$o(ing in %$$ sor&s o4 *+sic%$
circ$es, %nd his 4%ns co+$d be 4o+nd in s+ch di2erse *+sic%$ genres %s c$%ssic%$, 9%:: %nd rock "n" ro$$3 And 4or
se2er%$ 4or*%&i2e -e%rs, d+ring &he $%&e 19!0s, &his $egend%r- 4ig+re $i2ed in Ark%ns%s, ne%r ,%&es2i$$e3
Moondog (%s born ;o+is <ho*%s /%rdin =r3 in M%r-s2i$$e, >%n3, in 191?3 <he son o4 %n @0isco0%$ *inis&er , -o+ng
;o+is (%s e70osed &o rh-&h* %& %ge (hen his 4%&her &ook hi* &o %n Ar%0%ho s+n d%nce, (here he s%& in &he $%0 o4
Ahie4 )e$$o( A%$4 %nd 0$%-ed &he &o*-&o*3 ;o+is n%&+r%$$- (%s dr%(n &o &he dr+*s in high schoo$3 #& (%s %ro+nd &h%&
&i*e &h%& he (%s b$inded (hen % d-n%*i&e b$%s&ing c%0 he (%s h%nd$ing e70$oded3 A4&er $osing his sigh&, he s&+died
2io$in, 0i%no %nd *+sic &heor- %& &he #o(% Schoo$ 4or &he ,$ind, %nd br%i$$e %& &he Misso+ri Schoo$ 4or &he ,$ind3
#n M%- 19!?, ;o+is /%rdin Sr3 %cce0&ed % 0osi&ion %s &he ne( rec&or %& S&3 B%+$"s @0isco0%$ Ah+rch in ,%&es2i$$e3
<he /%rdin 4%*i$- *o2ed &o &he co**+ni&- o4 Moore4ie$d, 9+s& e%s& o4 ,%&es2i$$e, %nd ;o+is, his bro&her %nd sis&er
enro$$ed in Ark%ns%s Ao$$ege (no( ;-on Ao$$ege) in 19!?3
;o+is %&&ended Ark%ns%s Ao$$ege 4or one -e%r, %nd (%s % *e*ber o4 &he schoo$"s $i&er%r- socie&-3 /e (%s (e$$
kno(n %ro+nd ,%&es2i$$e, %nd re0or&ed$- (o+$d (%$k &he r%i$ro%d &r%cks 4ro* Moore4ie$d &o ,%&es2i$$e %$one3 /e &ook
0i%no $essons 4ro* $oc%$ *+sic &e%cher ,ess M%74ie$d, %nd (%s kno(n %s % so*e(h%& eccen&ric dresser, gro(ing
his h%ir $ong %nd (e%ring % c%0e in &he 4%shion o4 @+ro0e%n co*0osers3
/is 4%&her"s d%-s %& S&3 B%+$"s soon c%*e &o %n end, %ccording &o '%nc- ,ri&&on %nd Cor% ;e Ferg+son in Worthy of
Much Praise: A History of St. Paul's Church3 #**edi%&e$- %4&er &he /%rdin 4%*i$- h%d *o2ed &o Ark%ns%s, ;o+is"
*o&her $e4& &o %&&end &he Uni2ersi&- o4 8-o*ing, %nd his 0%ren&s soon di2orced3 8hen his 4%&her re*%rried, he (%s
4orced &o resign 4ro* &he *inis&r- bec%+se o4 ch+rch 0o$ic- %& &he &i*e3 ,- 19!8, /%rdin"s 4%&her (%s no $onger %n
@0isco0%$ *inis&er, b+& &he 4%*i$- re*%ined in Ark%ns%s 4or se2er%$ -e%rs3 <he -o+nger /%rdin (en& &o Me*0his &o
s&+d- *+sic in 19523
ON TO NEW YORK
;o+is /%rdin =r3 *o2ed &o 'e( )ork Ai&- in 195!3 /e h%d been serio+s$- s&+d-ing *+sic %nd co*0osi&ion in br%i$$e,
%nd soon beg%n &o h%ng o+& %ro+nd A%rnegie /%$$3 Dne nigh& he (%s in &he 4ron& ro( (hen % -o+ng cond+c&or
n%*ed ;eon%rd ,erns&ein 0$%-ed his 4irs& n%&ion%$ bro%dc%s&3 EM- h%nd-c$%0 (%s &he 4irs& %00$%+se he go&,E /%rdin
&o$d &he ;ondon S+nd%- <e$egr%0h, E%nd i& (%s he%rd %$$ o2er &he co+n&r-3E
,- 1956, /%rdin h%d %do0&ed &he *oniker EMoondog,E %4&er % chi$dhood 0e& &h%& ho($ed %& &he *oon3 /e %$so beg%n
&o (e%r &he c$o&hing &h%& *%de his 0h-sic%$ 0resence so s&riking3 A& 4irs& he (ore o$d Ar*- b$%nke&s, 0oncho-s&-$e,
+n&i$ he disco2ered &h%& 0eo0$e &ho+gh& he (%s Eso*e kind o4 *onk,E he &o$d &he ;os Ange$es <i*es, %dding &h%& he
Ego& &ired o4 &h%&, so # s&%r&ed (e%ring % he$*e& (i&h horns3E /e $%&er c$%i*ed he %do0&ed &he cos&+*e %s % (%- &o
re%ch &he 0+b$ic3
<he e44ec& (%s cer&%in$- +n4orge&&%b$e, %nd o4&en $e4& 0eo0$e (i&h s&rong i*0ressions: =%:: &r+*0e&er Ci::- .i$$es0ie
s%id Moondog $ooked E$ike Ahris&3E @2en %4&er Moondog s&o00ed (e%ring his 1iking reg%$i% in &he 1980s, his
%00e%r%nce (%s so EshockingE &h%& % ,ri&ish 9o+rn%$is& c$%i*ed &h%& Moondog (%s Enone o&her &h%n .od &he F%&her
4ro* 8i$$i%* ,$%ke"s engr%2ings3E
MUSIC SPEAKS LOUDEST
8hi$e his be%ring %nd %&&ire ini&i%$$- c%$$ed %&&en&ion &o hi*, i& (%s his *+sic%$ &%$en& &h%& (on hi* 4%ns3 /e (%s
be4riended b- 'e( )ork Bhi$h%r*onic cond+c&or Ar&+r Fod:inski in &he "50s, (ho o44ered &o cond+c& %n- (ork &h%&
Moondog *igh& gi2e hi*3 =%:: bebo0 $egend Ah%r$ie B%rker (%n&ed &o record (i&h hi*, on$- B%rker died be4ore &he
record co+$d be *%de3 Moondog 0$%-ed (i&h 9%:: b%ssis& Ah%r$es Ming+s, did % concer& (i&h *odern co*0osers
S&e2e Feich %nd Bhi$i0 .$%ss %nd *%de % record (i&h =+$ie Andre(s3 /e %00e%red in &he 4i$* Chappaqua (i&h be%&
(ri&ers 8i$$i%* ,+rro+ghs %nd A$$en .insberg, %nd e2en did % concer& (i&h co*edi%n ;enn- ,r+ce3
/is recording c%reer beg%n in 19? on &he 9%:: $%be$ Bres&ige, %nd his 4irs& &hree %$b+*s on &he $%be$ %re s&i$$ in
0rin&3 Moo!o", More Moo!o" %nd #he Story of Moo!o" 4e%&+red co*0$e7, 0ro0+$si2e 0erc+ssion $ines, *e$odies
in4$+enced b- A*eric%n #ndi%n %nd =%0%nese &r%di&ions, 2io$ins in &he 8es&ern c$%ssic%$ &r%di&ion, 9%:: s%7o0hones,
s0oken 0oe&r- %nd 2%rio+s en2iron*en&%$ so+nds, inc$+ding insec&s, cr%shing (%2es, birds in % 4ores&, %nd &he
so+nd o4 'e( )ork Ai&- &r%44ic3 /e %$so in2en&ed se2er%$ 0erc+ssion ins&r+*en&s, inc$+ding &he oo, % s&ringed
ins&r+*en& s&r+ck b- % c$%2e, %nd &he &ri*b%, % &ri%ng+$%r dr+*3
=+s& %s his *+sic e*br%ced *%n- &r%di&ions, his in4$+ence (%s 4e$& %cross *+sic%$ genres3 /e disc+ssed *+sic (i&h
e2er-one 4ro* c$%ssic%$ cond+c&or Ar&+ro <osc%nini &o s(ing c$%rine&is& ,enn- .ood*%n3 /is in4$+ence (%s e2en 4e$&
in &he (or$d o4 rock "n" ro$$3 @%r$- on, se*in%$ rock "n" ro$$ disc 9ocke- A$%n Freed c%$$ed his r%dio sho( <he Moondog
Sho(, %nd +sed Moondog"s EMoondog S-*0hon-E %s his &he*e *+sic, %$$ (i&ho+& &he co*0oser"s 0er*ission3
Moondog s+ccess4+$$- s+ed &o h%$& Freed 4ro* +sing his n%*e3 A& &he &ri%$, #gor S&r%2insk- &es&i4ied in Moondog"s
beh%$43 #n &he $%&e 19?0s, =%nis =o0$in %nd ,ig ,ro&her %nd &he /o$ding Ao*0%n- recorded % 2ersion o4 Moondog"s
EA$$ #s ;one$inessE on &heir 4irs& %$b+*3 <he >ronos G+%r&e& %$so h%s 0er4or*ed his *+sic3 Bhi$i0 .$%ss, @$2is
Aos&e$$o, <o* 8%i&s %nd %2%n&-g%rde s%7o0honis& =ohn Horn h%2e h%i$ed hi* %s %n in4$+ence3
THE MOVE TO EUROPE: THE MUSIC CONTINUES
#n &he *id-"60s, Moondog *o2ed &o .er*%n- %nd re2i&%$i:ed %no&her er% o4 his recording c%reer3 /e recorded 10
%$b+*s o4 origin%$ co*0osi&ions in @+ro0e3 /is co*0osi&ions inc$+de &he nine-ho+r EAos*osE 4or 1,000 *+sici%ns
%nd singers, %s (e$$ %s *ore &h%n !00 c%nons %nd 100 ke-bo%rd (orks3 /is (orks inc$+de &he EMinis-* 'o3 1E %nd
E8i&ch o4 @ndorE, (hich (%s (ri&&en 4or d%ncer M%r&h% .r%h%*3 /e %$so co*0osed % s-*0hon- &i&$ed E<he
D2er&one <reeE, 4or 4o+r cond+c&ors3 EDne &o be &he gener%$ o2er$ooker,E he &o$d &he ;os Ange$es <i*es, E%nd &hree
s+b-cond+c&ors &o h%nd$e &heir o(n indi2id+%$ scores3E
#n 1996, Moondog re$e%sed his 4irs& A*eric%n recording in 2? -e%rs, &o gre%& cri&ic%$ %cc$%i*3 Fecording (i&h &he
;ondon S%7o0honic, Moondog"s Sa$ Pa$ for a Sa$ is % &he*%&ic %$b+* &h%& ce$ebr%&es &he s%7o0hone"s *+sic%$
se0%r%&ion 4ro* i&s roo&s %s % *i$i&%r- *%rching b%nd ins&r+*en&3 <he (ork is e7I+isi&e$- scored 4or +0 &o 10
s%7o0hones3 <his reed choir is %cco*0%nied b- &i*0%ni, Moondog hi*se$4 on b%ss dr+* %nd con&r% b%ssis& C%nn-
<ho*0son ((ho is bes& kno(n 4or his (ork (i&h s+ch ,ri&ish 4o$k-rock $+*in%ries %s Fich%rd <ho*0son, =ohn
M%r&-n %nd 'ick Cr%ke)3
Sa$ Pa$ for a Sa$ is % be%+&i4+$, eng%ging (ork, % 9o-o+s e70$or%&ion o4 &he di2erse %nd (onder4+$ so+nds &h%& %
choir o4 so0r%no, %$&o, &enor, b%ri&one %nd b%ss s%7es c%n 0$%-, o4&en in 0$e%s%n& co+n&er0oin& &o one %no&her3 #&
sho(c%ses Moondog"s r%re gi4& %& s-n&hesi:ing c$%ssic%$ co*0osi&ion (i&h 9%:: sensibi$i&ies3 #nc$+ded in &his e$eg%n&
*%s&er0iece %re &(o &rib+&es &o ;es&er )o+ng %nd Ah%r$ie B%rker, &(o o4 9%::"s *os& dis&inc&i2e s%7o0honis&s3
Sa$ Pa$ for a Sa$ 0ro2ed &o be Moondog"s 4in%$ A*eric%n recording3 Moondog died 4ro* he%r& 4%i$+re in Se0&e*ber
in .er*%n-, his %do0&ed ho*e3 Dbi&+%ries in ;ondon, 'e( )ork %nd ;os Ange$es 0r%ised his *+sic, honored his
%chie2e*en&s %nd gener%$$- ce$ebr%&ed his iconoc$%s&ic $i4e3 Fe(, ho(e2er, *en&ioned &h%& he s0en& % 4e( 4or*%&i2e
-e%rs ne%r ,%&es2i$$e, %&&ending Ark%ns%s Ao$$ege, s&+d-ing *+sic, %do0&ing %n eccen&ric s&-$e o4 dress, %nd *%king
0$%ns 4or his $i4e %s % co*0oser3
Drigin%$$- 0+b$ished in &he Arkasas %e&ocrat-'a(ette on M%rch 29, 20003
M''ND'=
Anterview 4y %ason =ross -May "##7.
ome ar#is#s are 6us# so uni7ue #$a# i#/s $ar" #o pin #$em "own or make some kin" of %omparison #o
#$em. -ouis (ar"in (aka Moon"o!) is 6us# #$is kin" of ar#is#. (e/s been a%#ive for over a $alf a
%en#ury wi#$ everyone from symp$ony or%$es#ras #o Janis Joplin an" Julie )n"rews (yes, #$e
a%#ressM) performin! $is work. (is work in%lu"es or%$es#ra an" small %ombo %omposi#ions, poe#ry,
#$eolo!y (as you/ll see below) an" #$eory ; $is la#es# release is #$e won"erful a8 Pa8 9or ) a8
()#lan#i%). )s $e no#es, be%ause $e works wi#$ more #onal (or #ra"i#ional or melo"i%, if you wan#)
s#ru%#ures for $is work, $e/s some of an ou#%as# an" an anomoly. +$e %loses# analo!y mi!$# be &e%il
+aylor ; a %lassi%al;min"e" %omposer w$o/s "rawn #o 6a'' (or vi%e versa). No, #$a# s#ill "oesn/#
e8plain away someone as %omple8 as Moon"o! so maybe i#/s bes# #o rea" on an" le# $im e8plain for
$imself.
P9F .i#$ a8 Pa8 9or ) a8, you/ve sai" #$a# &$arlie Parker was a bi! influen%e on #$e musi%. +o
me, i# soun"s more like bi!;ban" swin! #$ou!$.
1/m in#o swin!. 1 !e# #$a# from #$e )meri%an 1n"ians like #$e iou8, #$e )rapa$oe an" #$e )pa%$e.
+$ey $ave #$is "rum;bea#, $ear#;bea#. ,om, bom, bom. +$ey $a" #$e walkin! bea#, w$i%$ is slower,
an" #$e runnin! bea#, w$i%$ is fas#er. 1 use" #$a# almos# all #$e #ime on #$is re%or". 1 %laim #$a#
swin! %ame from #$em. 1f you lis#en #o 1n"ian musi% from #$e plains, you/ll $ear #$a# #$ere/s a s#ea"y
swin! bea# an" #$e bi! #om;#om is syn%opa#e" wi#$ swin!;#ype melo"ies.
1 !o# #$a# influen%e w$en 1 was si8;years;ol" in .yomin!. My fa#$er #ook us #o an )rapa$oe 1n"ian
reserva#ion. +$e %$ief le# me si# on $is lap an" le# me bea# #$e #om;#om for #$e un ?an%e. o, #$a#
!oes ba%k #o #$e early /AB/s for me.
P9F You/re #alkin! abou# "rum r$y#$ms $ere an" on #$a# album, i# seems like a lo# of #$e musi% is
base" on #$a#.
+$e bea# is always in #$e ba%k!roun". 1 si# "own a# my "esk an" wri#e as 1 !e# "ifferen# i"eas an"
p$rases. 1 "on/# %ompose a# a piano, i#/s mos#ly in my $ea". +$e %lassi%al mas#ers, like Mo'ar# an"
(ay"en, woul" si# a# #$eir "esk an" wri#e a s#rin! 7uar#e# like somebo"y woul" wri#e a le##er.
+$ey/re #raine" #$a# way an" i#/s #$e bes# way #o wri#e be%ause you/re no# limi#e" by your #e%$ni7ue
on an ins#rumen#. 95X of my musi% is "one #$a# way. ome#imes 1 #es# #$in!s on #$e piano, if i#/s a
%ompli%a#e" r$y#$m or a $armony.
P9F (ow "i" #$e a8 Pa8 pro6e%# %ome #o!e#$er@
+$ey re%or"e" i# in ,a#$, 4n!lan", mos#ly -on"on musi%ians. .e $a" been "oin! some %on%er#s
before so we $a" some musi% a# our fin!ers an" #$en we 6us# pu# i# #o!e#$er. a8 Pa8 is a play on #$e
wor" /pa8,/ meanin! pea%e. 1roni%ally, #$e sa8 was inven#e" ()"olf) a8 #o, w$a# some woul" say,
%ompe#e wi#$ #$e brass in mili#ary ban"s. o /pea%e/ an" /mili#ary,/ #$a#/s a li##le play on wor"s #$ere.
+$e oboes an" flu#es woul"n/# %ompe#e wi#$ #$e #rumpe#s an" #rombones in a mili#ary ban". ,u# #$e
sa8op$one is very lou" #$ou!$ i#/s been abuse" an" misuse" a lo#. Ma"e i# soun"in! almos# %omi%al
a# #imes by 6a'' musi%iains bu# i# $as a serious si"e #oo.
P9F (ow so@
) lo# of #$e 6a'' an" ro%k "i" abuse #$e sa8op$one as far as 1/m %on%erne". 1 #$ink 1 !ave #$e
sa8op$one a be##er "eal. 1# %an "o very noble #$in!s.
P9F You/ve spen# over a $alf;%en#ury as a %omposer. .$a#/s kep# you mo#iva#e" #o work@
1#/s 6us# a "esire an" an ur!e #o wri#e. 1 like #o %ompose musi%, i# %omes very na#ural #o me. 1 wri#e a
lo# of verse #oo. 1 $ave more i"eas #$an 1 %an use. 1# #akes a lo# of #ime 6us# #o "evelop one i"ea.
1"eas %ome very fas# an" easily for me.
P9F .$a# "o you "raw inspira#ion from for your work@
ilen%e mos#ly. 1 fin" a 7uie# pla%e w$ere 1 %an work. +$a#/s w$y 1 "o a lo# of work a# ni!$#. ,ein! in
Muns#er, 1 $ave more pea%e a# ni!$# #$ou!$ #$ere/s a lo# of bell rin!in! $ere. 1 like bells bu# my !o",
#$ey really !o a# i# $ere. 1 also $ear all kin"s of sirens #oo bu# #$ey all soun" #$e same. .$en 1 was
in New York, you %oul" #ell #$e "ifferen%e bu# $ere #$ey all soun" #$e same #o me. )mbulen%e, poli%e
an" fire all $ave #$e same siren. .$en #$a#/s !oin! on, 1 %an/# work be%ause #$a# in#erferes wi#$ my
#$inkin!.
P9F )re #$ere any %omposers or musi%ians #o"ay #$a# you see as bein! your peers@
1/m no# in #$e fiel" of a#onal musi% a# all. 1/m s#ri%#ly #onal so 1 feel kin" of lonely. +$a# seems #o be
#$e bi! #$in! now an" 1 $ave #o %lose my ears #o #$a# be%ause i#/s far away from #onali#y. +$a#/s #$e
bi! #$in! for me, #onali#y.
1 fin" #$a# a lo# of pop musi% is (#$ou!$ 1 "on/# a!ree wi#$ $ow #$ey use i#) #onal. +$ey use #$e basi%
one;four;five $armonies an" a# leas# #$a#/s #onal. .$en i# %omes #o #$e rules of %oun#erpoin#, #$ey
"on/# pay any a##en#ion #o #$a#. +$a#/s my bi! for#e, #o follow #$e basi% rules of %oun#erpoin#.
4very#$in! on #$a# album is pre##y %oun#erpoin#al.
P9F =u#si"e of pop or 6a'', are #$ere any %omposers #$a# are favori#es of yours@
1 lis#en a lo# #o ,a%$, ,ee#$oven, ,ra$ms an" Mo'ar#. .$en 1 was a very youn! boy, 1 los# my si#e
an" 1 was a# a s%$ool for #$e blin". 1 $ear" my firs# %lassi%al re%or"s. =ne was +%$aikovsky/s 9our#$,
,ee#$oven/s 9if#$ an" #$in!s like #$a#. .e $a" a s%$ool or%$es#ra an" we playe" some Mo'ar# an" we
playe" some o#$er people like #$a#. 1 !o# #o $ear 7ui#e a bi# of musi% #$en an" #$en a lo# more la#er
on re%or"in!s an" ra"io.
P9F Your paren#s were missionaries. ?o you #$ink #$a# mi!$# $ave $a" an effe%# on your work@
)s far as reli!ion, 1 wen# alon! wi#$ w$a# #$ey sai". 1 "i"n/# know any "ifferen# un#il 1 was in my la#e
#eens. My sis#er be!an rea"in! a lo# of p$ilosop$y #o me an" #$a# un"ermine" my belief in
&$ris#iani#y. +$e Dreek #$inkers an" Py#$a!orus $a" a bi! influen%e on me. $akespeare $a" a bi!
influen%e on me an" 1 was impresse" wi#$ w$a# New#on "i". +$en 1 !ave reli!ion up %omple#ely. +$a#
&$ris#ian influen%e "i"n/# las# very lon!.
P9F Py#$a!oras was also very in#eres#e" in musi%.
(is basi% rules of #one rela#ion are #$e basis of %oun#erpoin#. 1 follow #$ose very reli!iously. +$ose are
p$ysi%al laws of #$e universe w$i%$ %anno# be al#ere"; #$a#/s #$e way #$ey are an" #$e way #$a#
#ones an" s%ales are pu# #o!e#$er.
P9F )no#$er las#in! influen%e from your %$il"$oo" seems #o be nursery r$ymes as you/ve "one some
re%or"in! of #$ese.
1 was approa%$e" by Julie -awren%e #o "o #$e musi% for #$e Mo#$er Doose album wi#$ Julie )n"rews
an" Mar#in Dreen. +$a#/s $ow 1 !o# in#o #$e nursery r$ymes. 1# was ni%e workin! wi#$ Julie. +$a# was
before s$e be%ame a s#ar in MY 9)1* -)?Y. 1 only !o# in#o i# be%ause of #$a# re%or".
P9F Par# of your $eri#a!e is %an"inavian. 1 know #$a# for a w$ile you were wearin! a 2ikin!
%os#ume. .as #$a# a way for you #o s$ow pri"e in your $eri#a!e@
1# s#ar#e" ou# "ifferen#ly. .$en 1 firs# !o# #o New York an" 1 was a##en"in! re$earsals of #$e
P$il$armoni%, #$ey wro#e me up as /a man wi#$ #$e fa%e of &$ris#./ 1 pu# up wi#$ #$a# for a few years,
!e##in! %ompare" wi#$ a monk or &$ris#, #$en 1 sai" /#$a#/s enou!$, 1 "on/# wan# #$a# %onne%#ion. 1
mus# "o some#$in! abou# my appearan%e #o make i# look un;&$ris#ian./ )# #$a# #ime, 1 was s#u"yin!
#$e Norse an" 1 fel# mu%$ %loser #o #$a# #$an &$ris#iani#y so 1/" "o some#$in! #o make i# look more
Nor"i%. +$a#/s w$a# was be$in" i#.
P9F .$en you were firs# in Man$a##an, you were performin! on #$e s#ree#s. .$y "i" you "e%i"e #o
"o #$a# ra#$er #$an workin! in a %lub or $all@
1 ma"e my livin! #$a# way an" 1 !o# e8posure. 1# really worke" be%ause 1 $a"n/# been on #$e s#ree#s
for more #$an a few weeks of #$e fall of /49 w$en 1 was wri##en up. ,y January of /5B, 1 was si##in! in
#$e "oorway of panis$ Musi% &en#er on i8#$ )venue (w$i%$ isn/# #$ere anymore) owne" by Dabriel
=ller. (e sai" /1 like #$e musi% you/re makin!. 1 ma"e re%or"s. .oul" you like #o make some sin!les@/
.e "i" #$ree sin!les #o!e#$er an" #$en 1 !o# o#$er offers in%lu"in! a &olumbia album. +$e firs# one
was wi#$ a for#y;pie%e or%$es#ra #$a# (pro"u%er) )l ,rown !o# #o!e#$er. (e really "i" a lo# for me.
P9F )# #$a# #ime, you !o# #o mee# )r#uro +os%anini an" -eonar" ,erns#ein also.
1# was s#ran!e abou# -enny. 1 %ame #o New York in November of /4C an" #$e ne8# "ay, 1 wen# #o #$e
un"ay broa"%as# a# &arne!ie (all. 1 wan#e" #o si# ri!$# in fron#, no# reali'in! #$a# ,erns#ein was
makin! $is "ebu#. .i#$in a few fee#, $e was s#an"in! #$ere an" 1 #$ou!$# /1/m !oin! #o be #$e firs#
one #o applau"/ be%ause 1 knew i# was !oin! over %oas#;#o;%oas#. 1 "i"n/# know 1 was !ivin! $im #$e
firs# %lap of $is %oas#;#o;%oas# "ebu#.
Josep$ $us#er was playin! #$e %ello solo in ?=N PJ1W=+4 an" $e saw me. ) few "ays la#er, 1 was
s#an"in! a# #$e s#a!e "oor en#ran%e an" #$e man #$ere sai" /you/re no# !e##in! any far#$er./ +$ere
was an open "oor lea"in! #o w$ere #$e musi%ians w$ere an" #$ey were #akin! a break. Josep$ %ame
over #o me an" sai" /1 saw you un"ay, woul" you like #o !o #o re$earsals@/ (e %ame ba%k wi#$
()r#ur) *o"'inski, #$e %on"u%#or. (e #ook me an" sai" /you si# $ere an" en6oy yourself./ o, for years,
1 was allowe" #o !o #o all re$earsals.
1 #alke" #o ,erns#ein la#er an" 1 #ol" $im abou# all of #$a#. .e !o# very frien"ly. +$e las# #ime 1 me#
$im was in an#e 9e, New Me8i%o. (e was $avin! $is s$oes s$ine" an" 1 was ou# on #$e s#ree#. (e
sai" /w$a# are you "oin! in an#e 9e@ 1/m on my way #o 1srael./ 1# was 1945, 6us# w$en #$ey were
formin! #$e na#ion.
*o"'inski in#ro"u%e" me #o )r#uro +os%anini. 1 was so impresse" #$a# 1 ben# over #o kiss $is $an". (e
pulle" i# away an" sai" /1/m no# a beau#iful womanM/ (lau!$s) .$en #$ey lef#, *o"'inski sai" /-ouis,
remember #$is./ )n" a few years la#er, #$ey were bo#$ "ea". +$a# was a# Ma"ison 7uare Dar"en
w$ere #$e N,& =r%$es#ra an" #$e P$il$armoni% "i" a 6oin# %on%er# #o!e#$er. =ver a $un"re"
musi%ians #$ere.
P9F 1#/s ama'in! #$a# in su%$ a s$or# amoun# of #ime, you wen# from playin! on #$e s#ree#s #o
$avin! symp$onies perform your works. .$a# #$a# a "i''yin! pa%e for you@
1 $a" been workin! for i#, even on #$e s#ree#. 1 $a" problems like wi#$ )lan 9ree", #$e ro%k an" roll
kin!. (e was %omin! ou# of =$io, usin! my name an" one of my sin!les /%ause i# $a" a $owlin! wolf
in i#. .or" !o# aroun" #$a# $e wan#e" me #o work wi#$ $im bu# #$en $e was %allin! $imself Moon"o!.
+$en, w$en $e %ame #o New York, $e $a" a pro!ram an" was %allin! i# #$e Moon"o! $ow. 1 #ook
$im #o %our#. (e #rie" #o se##le ou# of %our# bu# 1 #ol" $im no. (e sai" /you mi!$# lose/ an" 1 sai" /you
mi!$# lose #oo./
1n #$e mean#ime, 1!or #ravinsky $ear" abou# #$is #$in! an" $e knew abou# me be%ause $e mus#
$ave seen me a# #$e &arne!ie re$earsals. (e %alle" up #$e 6u"!e in #$e %ase an" sai" /?o ri!$# by
#$is man, $e/s a !oo" musi%ian./ 1 "on/# know if #$a# "e%i"e" #$e %ase or no# bu# 1 won #$e %ase
a!ains# 9ree" an" $e s#oppe" usin! #$e name. =n #$e ra"io, $e sai" /1 %an/# use #$e name Moon"o!
anymore so now i#/s be #$e *o%k an" *oll $ow./
P9F You/re spen# a lo# of #ime wri#in! abou# an" workin! wi#$ %anons. .$a#/s your fasin%a#ion abou#
#$is@
1#/s #$e in#erplay of one par# a!ains# ano#$er bu# #$e par#s mus# fi#. .$en you wri#e a pie%e, i# may
#ake a "ay #o wri#e i# bu# #$en, %omposers, espe%ially ,a%$, woul" pu# i# asi"e an" say /i#/s finis$e"./
,u# #$a#/s w$en my work really be!ins. 1#/s no#e by no#e an" in a si8#een par# %anon, #$ere/s 1AB
possibili#ies of makin! a mis#ake be#ween any #wo no#es. +$a#/s #$e mos# borin! labor you %an
ima!ine, %omparin! no#e a!ains# no#e for a w$ole %omposi#ion. 1f you fin" a mis#ake, you %an/# 6us#
%$an!e #$e no#e, you $ave #o %$an!e #$e w$ole p$rase be%ause of #$e musi%al !ramma#i%s. My musi%
on #$is album (a8 Pa8), #$ere/s no# one mis#ake in #$ere. 1 use i# on a lo# of o#$er #$in!s #oo.
=ne o#$er #$in! 1 like abou# %anon is #$a# you s#ar# wi#$ one voi%e an" #$en you a"" firs#
%oun#erpoin#, #$en #$e se%on" an" so for#$. 1f i#/s a nine par# %anon, #$en you $ave #$is buil";up
w$i%$ lea"s up #o a %lima8. (armoni% musi% "oesn/# "o #$a# ; #$ey s#ar# ou# full blas# an" !oes on.
,u# #$is buil"s up an" buil"s up. +$a#/s w$a# 1 like. ) lo# of people like #$a# effe%# of #$e !ra"ual
buil";up.
P9F 1/ve $ear" #$a# you/ve also $a" spe%ial ins#rumen#s ma"e for your work.
Yes, 1 $a" a %abine# maker in New York w$o $a" buil# ins#rumen#s for me. 1/" !ive $im #$e
spe%ifi%a#ions an" $e/" "o a beau#iful 6ob on i#. 9or #$e s#ree# playin!, 1 nee"e" a spe%ial kin" of
"rum "own %lose #o #$e !roun". 1 "i"n/# $ave a %$air #$ere so 1/" 6us# s7ua# "own an" playe". 1 $a"
#$em spe%ially buil# on a #rian!ular s$ape. 9irs# 1 $a" s7uare "rums bu# 1 like" #$e #rian!le s$ape"
be##er ; 1 %alle" #$em #rimbas. +$en 1 $a" a li##le $arp #$a# 1 playe" wi#$ my lef# $an". 1/" bea# #$e
o#$er "rum wi#$ a mara%a.
P9F You/ve %alle" yourself a /4uropean in e8ile/ an" you/" live" in Dermany for abou# A5 years.
.$a#/s "rawn you #$ere@
1 feel %ul#urally an" ar#is#i%ally %loser #o 4urope #$an 1 "o #o )meri%a, al#$ou!$ 1 was born #$ere an" 1
$ave fon" memories of )meri%a. 4spe%ially .yomin! w$ere 1 live" on ran%$ as a boy an" $a" my
$orses. 1 was $un#in! an" #rappin! an" fis$in!. ,u# New York $as a bi! $ol" on me #oo. 4urope is
w$ere my $ear# is, ar#is#i%ally wi#$ all #$e %omposers w$o $ave worke" $ere an" all #$e $is#ori%al
#$in!s #$a# 1/ve rea" abou#. 1#/s very fas%ina#in!.
P9F +$is is an in#eres#in! 7uo#e from youF /r$y#$mi%ally 1/m in #$e pas#. Melo"i%ally an"
$armoni%ally, 1/m in #$e presen# or avan#;!ar"e./ .$a# "i" you mean by #$a#@
/*$y#$mi%ally in #$e pas#,/ #$a# !oes ba%k #o #$e 1n"ians. 4ven %oun#erpoin# %omes ou# of #$e pas#.
1#/s !oes ba%k #o 11BB or 1ABB. (armon%ially, my musi% is #$e same as ,a%$ an" ,ee#$oven an"
,ra$ms an" #$ose people. No "ifferen%e really. *$y#$mi%ally, i# also !oes ba%k #o #$e pas#; #$e swin!
r$y#$ms of #$e 1n"ians. You really %oul"n/# fin" any#$in! more syn%opa#e". 1f you !e# a %$an%e, lis#en
#o some iou8 1n"ian re%or"in!s or &$eyenne or ,la%kfoo# 1n"ians. You see $ow syn%opa#e" #$eir
r$y#$ms are.
P9F You/re pu##in! #o!e#$er a book of poe#ry now, ri!$#@
1 s#ar#e" wri#in! %ouple#s in #$e /5B/s. 9irs#, #$ere were seven foo#, w$i%$ w$a#/s %alle" iambi%
sep#ame#er. +$e normal %ouple# is iambi% pen#ame#er bu# #$ose lines are #oo s$or# #o !e# my i"eas
ou#. 1/ve wri##en a lo# in noname#er, w$i%$ is nine iambi% fee# #o a line.
P9F You/re also workin! on =ver#one +ree@
+$a#/s one of my symp$onies #$a# 1/ve been workin! on for #wen#y years. 1 finally !o# i# finis$e" now.
1/ve been "oin! a lo# of o#$er work bu# #$is is a ma6or work. 1 "on/# e8pe%# #$a# i#/ll be ever playe".
1#/ll probably be burie" wi#$ me. 1#/s wri##en for four %on"u%#ors ; one main %on"u%#or an" #$ree
assi#an#s be%ause a# one #ime, #$ere may be as many as si8#y or seven#y par#s !oin! an" one
%on"u%#or %an/# $an"le #$a#. 1#/s all %oun#erpoin#al. o ea%$ %on"u%#or woul" $ave $is own s%ore an"
be in %$ar!e of a %er#ain se%#ion of #$e or%$es#ra. 1#/s base" on #$e firs# nine over#ones an" 1 #rie"
#$a# as a #$eme in /3C on #$e nor#$wes# %orner of 55#$ #ree# an" i8#$ )venue; #$a#/s w$ere 1 !o#
#$e i"ea #o use over#ones as a #$eme. )f#er 1 worke" on i#, 1 wen# #o 4urope. 1 was in (ambur! in
/35 an" 1 was workin! on #$e over#ones an" 1 finally reali'e" #$a# 1 $a" some#$in! in#eres#in! $ere.
1# was a %o"e. 1 "i"n/# know i# was a %o"e bu# 1 %ra%ke" #$e %o"e an" foun" ou# $ow #o "evelop i#.
+en years la#er, 1 foun" ou# w$a# i# was. 1 wasn/# lookin! for a %o"e.
+$a# %o"e proves #$a# no# only w$oever %rea#e" #$e universe "oes e8is# bu# $e, 1 %all $im #$e me!a;
min", wan#s us #o know $e e8is#s. .i#$in #$is %o"e, i# also proves #$a# %on#ra%#ion mus# %ome before
e8pansion. 1# also proves #$a# a %ause %an be%ome an effe%# an" an effe%# %an be%ome a %ause. 1#
proves #$e #wo;"ire%#ionali#y of #ime. 1# proves #$a# #$e pas# is #$e fu#ure an" #$e fu#ure is #$e pas#.
)ll #$is flys in #$e fa%e of w$a# (ubble "i", sayin! #$a# #$ere was a bi! ban! an" an e8pansion of #$e
universe. (is is a #$eory bu# mine is a fa%#. ) fa%# in%on#rover#able, as 1 %all i#. +$ey #alke" abou#
#$ese #$eories of mine on Na#ional Publi% *a"io.
P9F )re you plannin! #o #our an" "o performan%es a!ain@
+$ere/s no#$in! #$a# 1/" like #o "o more. 1 $ave a A<;pie%e bi! ban" in 4n!lan". +$ey appeare" a# #$e
Pueen 4li'abe#$ (all, 4lvis &os#ello pu# i# on in /95. .e !o# !rea# reviews. 1 !o# !rea# musi%ians ; you
%an/# ima!ine $ow !rea# #$ese !uys are. +$ey %os# so mu%$ so 1 $aven/# !o# any work. 1#/s su%$ an
e8pensive bun%$. 1#/s #$e a8op$oni% plus #$e -on"on ,rass, #$ey/re worl" famous. +$ey like" me
very mu%$ an" #$ey sai" /we $ope we $ave #$e %$an%e #o work wi#$ you a!ain./ ,u# i# woul" %os#
abou# 5B,BBB #o brin! #$em over. )# leas# we ma"e a re%or"in! of i#.
)n" now Moon"o! #urns #$e #ables for a #$eolo!i%al "is%ussion.
M==N?=DF 1 $ave a 7ues#ion for you. (ow "o you feel abou# &$ris#iani#y monopoli'in! #$e passin!
of #ime, w$en #$e Pope an" #$e &$ur%$ "e%i"e" #o s#op #$e ol" *oman %alen"ar of #$e &aesars an"
s#ar# all over a!ain@ (ow "o you feel abou# $ow every reli!ion mus# mar%$ #o #$e &$ris#ian
%alen"ar@
J)=NF 1/m Jewis$ a%#ually.
M==N?=DF 1 know bu# $ow "o you feel abou# i#@
J)=NF 1/ve always #$ou!$# #$a# i# was pre##y %ra'y #$a# we $a" #o "e%i"e #o %arve up #ime in#o su%$
e8a%# pie%es. 1 never %are" mu%$ for #$e Pope or #$e %$ur%$.
M==N?=DF .ell, 1/m s#ar#in! i# all over a!ain, !oin! ba%k 1B,BBB years, in#o #$e 1%e )!e or #$e
1n#er;Dla%ial Perio" w$en farmin! an" %ivili'a#ion be!an. #ar#in! #$ere a new %alen"ar. o by #$e
#ime #$a# &$ris# was born, i# %omes #o (#$e year) 5BB1. +$is year will be 9995 an" ne8# year will be
1B,BBB. )ll #$e numbers are !oin! forwar" for all reli!ions an", $ere/s one for you, &$ris# was born 5
,.&. so $is "a#e woul" be 599<. 1 "on/# know an e8a%# "a#e for Moses bu# $e/s fi!ure" in #$ere
rou!$ly. 1 %an/# fin" a "a#e for )bra$am #$ou!$. ,u# 1/m pu##in! in #$in!s like #$a#.
J)=NF +$a# mi!$# be #ou!$ #o fi!ure ou#. +$ey "i"n/# always keep #$e bir#$ %er#ifi%a#es on floppies
ba%k #$en.
)ppen"i8F 9avori#e Musi% of our 1n#erview 2i%#ims
Moon"o! (-ouis (ar"in)
+%$aikovsky /9our#$ ymp$ony/
,ee#$oven /9if#$ ymp$ony/
.a!ner
,ra$ms
P$ilip Dlass
#eve *ei%$
Jo$n )"ams
,a%$
.a!ner ma"e su%$ an impression. 4very a#ur"ay af#ernoon, 1 use" #o lis#en #o #$e operas on #$e
ra"io from 1owa ba%k in #$e /CB/s.
1/m very frien"ly wi#$ Dlass an" *ei%$ ; a# leas# we $ave #onali#y in %ommon. 1 love ,a%$ bu# $e
never analy'e" $is pie%es; 1/m sure $e reali'e" #$a# #$ere were a lo# of mis#akes in #$ere. 1/m sure
$e woul" $ave %orre%#e" $im if $e $a" #$e #ime bu# $e $a" ki"s an" wives #o #ake %are of.
Cole =agne -/d3., oun"pie%es A. 1n#erviews wi#$ )meri%an &omposers, -on"on 199C, p. 133;AB<.
M''ND'= Antroduction
M==N?=D was born -ouis +$omas (ar"in in Marysville, >ansas, on May A<, 191<. )# #$e a!e of 1<,
a "ynami#e %ap e8plo"e" in $is fa%e, permanen#ly robbin! $im of $is eyesi!$#. (e a##en"e" #$e 1owa
%$ool for #$e ,lin", w$ere $e re%eive" $is firs# musi%al #rainin!, an" wen# on #o s#u"y priva#ely wi#$
,urne# +u#$ill a# #$e Memp$is &onserva#ory of Musi%. (e %ame #o New York in 194C an" soon !aine"
#$e frien"s$ip of )r#ur *o"'inski, renowne" %on"u%#or of #$e New York P$il$armoni%. (ar"in be%ame
a sin!ular e8%ep#ion #o *o"'inski/s ban on ou#si"ers a##en"in! re$earsals of #$e or%$es#ra. .i#$
*o"'inski/s "epar#ure from #$e P$il$armoni% in 1943, $owever, (ar"in "is%overe" $is presen%e was
less wel%ome, espe%ially be%ause of $is un%onven#ional ways of "ressin!.
(ar"in a"op#e" #$e name Moon"o! #$a# same year, an" even#ually be%ame a re!ular fi8#ure on
Man$a##an/s s#ree#s, of#en "resse" in full vikin! re!alia. ?espi#e in#ermi##en# lo"!in!s of various
kin"s (bo#$ in #$e &i#y an" ups#a#e), Moon"o! woul" spen" #$e ne8# #$ree "e%a"es livin! on #$e
s#ree#s of New York. .orkin! #$ere as wellF ,y #$e /5Bs $e was suppor#in! $imself as a s#ree#
musi%ian, fre7uen#ly playin! on ins#rumen#s of $is own inven#ion, su%$ as #$e #rimbas (#rian!ular
"rums), yuk$ (a suspen"e" lo! s#ru%k wi#$ rubber malle#s), an" #$e oo (a #rian!ular s#rin!e"
ins#rumen# s#ru%k wi#$ a %lave).
)lways a prolifi% %omposer, Moon"o! woul" #ype ou# $is %omposi#ions in ,raille an" #$en $ave #$em
#rans%ribe" in#o %onven#ional no#a#ion. ((e also pro"u%e" a !oo" "eal of !nomi%, wi##y poe#ry in #$e
same manner.) (is musi% soon be%ame known for i#s unusual me#ri% sense, in#ri%a#e an" ri!orous
%anoni% pro%e"ures, an" refine", evo%a#ive melo"ies. ,u# Moon"o!/s musi% wasn/# 6us# %ompose" on
#$e s#ree#sE a !oo" "eal of i# was %ompose" wi#$ #$e s#ree#s. ?espi#e #$e limi#e" lo%a#ion;re%or"in!
#e%$nolo!y of #$e /5Bs, $e %rea#e" numerous works in a ran!e of New York &i#y lo%a#ions, u#ili'in!
#$e soun"s of #raffi%, #u!boa# w$is#les, an" #$e surf no# 6us# as soun" effe%#s or %olor, bu# as essen#ial
lines in #$e overall %omposi#ion. ,y #$e en" of "ie /5Bs, Moon"o! $a" release" several lps of $is
s#rikin! %omposi#ions on #$e Pres#i!e label, as well as an une8pe%#e" pro6e%# wi#$ Mar#yn Dreen an"
Julie )n"rewsF an lp of nursery r$ymes an" %$il"ren/s son!s ; al#$ou!$ $is 7uirky r$y#$ms an"
me#ers mus# $ave %onfoun"e" more #$an a few youn!s#ers w$o wan#e" #o sin! alon!M
+$eir solu#ion may $ave been similar #o Janis Joplin/s w$en s$e performe" Moon"o!/s 5H4 son!, 0)ll
1s -oneliness0F 6us# sin! i# in 4H4. (er %over was one more e8ample of $ow wi"esprea" Moon"o!/s
musi% $a" be%ome by #$e la#e /<Bs, espe%ially wi#$ &olumbia *e%or"s/ release of an lp of $is
or%$es#ral musi% (mu%$ #o #$e "eli!$# of #$e %omposer, w$o #$en #ook #o s#an"in! ou#si"e #$e &,
buil"in! on i8#$ )venue an" 5Cr" #ree#).
1n 1934, a %on%er# of Moon"o!/s musi% brou!$# $im #o Dermany, w$ere $e "e%i"e" #o remain for a
w$ile af#er #$e performan%e. (e was on a #ree# in *e%klin!$ausen, wearin! $is 2ikin! $elme# an"
sellin! %opies of $is poe#ry, w$en $e was spo##e" by 1lona Doebel. Jpon "is%overin! $is album of
or%$es#ra musi%, s$e invi#e" $im #o live wi#$ $er family in #$e #own of =er;4rkens%$wi%k. +o"ay s$e is
$is mana!er, assis#an#, an" publis$er of bo#$ $is s%ores an" wri#in!s, #$rou!$ $er %ompany
Mana!arm.
1 spoke wi#$ Moon"o! by #elep$one a# $is $ome in Dermany, on )u!us# AC, 199A. *esear%$in! #$is
semi;le!en"ary fi!ure of )meri%an musi% $a" le" me #o all sor#s of versions of $is e8perien%es ;
espe%ially af#er $is move #o DermanyF (is absen%e form #$e s#ree#s of New York was #aken by some
people as a si!n #$a# $e was "ea"M 1 wan#e" #o $ear $is own re%olle%#ions of $is life an" work, bo#$
on #$e si"ewalks of Man$a##an an" in #$e %on%er# $alls of 4urope, w$ere be $as of la#e foun" a
renaissan%e of en#$usiasm an" suppor# for $is musi%.
M''ND'= Anterview
DF 1/ve rea" #$a# your fa#$er was an i#ineran# 4pis%opalian minis#er, an" #$a# $e #ook you ou# #o
1n"ian reserva#ions w$en you were a boy in .yomin!.
MOODOGF (e was a missionary ou# #$ere in #$e %owboy %oun#ry, an" #$en $e wen# #o #$is
%onven#ion in #$e )rapa$u reserva#ion. 1 mus# $ave been abou# 5 or < years ol" #$en. 1# was a #wo;
week %onven#ion ; $e was brin!in! Jesus #o #$e 1n"ians.
DF ,u# #$ey le# you play in one of #$eir %eremonies.
MOODOGF Yes, &$ief Yellow &alf le# me si# on $is lap an" !ave me #$e "rums#i%ks an" 1 bea# on #$e
bi! #om#om w$en #$ey were "oin! #$e un ?an%e.
DF +$a# mus# be a very powerful memory.
MOODOGF 1# s#ill influen%es my musi%.
DF You/ve remarke" #$a# win! $as i#s ori!ins in Na#ive )meri%an musi%.
MOODOGF +$a# four bea#s #o #$e bar ; bom;bom;bom;bom ; is s#ri%#ly in #$e win! era, an" #$a#/s
1n"ian, ri!$# ou# of #$e 1n"ian "rumbea#s. )n" if you $ear #$em sin!, #$eir musi% is full of
syn%opa#ion. 1 #$ink #$eir musi% is very 6a''y.
DF 1n #$e /4Bs, you also playe" wi#$ #$e ,la%kfoo# 1n"ians in 1"a$o. (ow "i" #$a# %ome abou#@
MOODOGF 1 was visi#in! #$ere an" #$ey were $avin! #$eir un ?an%e %eremoniesF +$ey sin! an"
"an%e for many $ours ; a %ouple of "ays an" ni!$#s wi#$ou# ea#in!. 1 $a" #$is li##le flu#e an" 1 was
s#an"in! be$in" #$e area w$ere #$ey were performin!, an" #$ey like" my playin! so mu%$ #$ey
wan#e" me #o %ome an" si# wi#$ #$e sin!ers. +$en, w$en 1 was s#ayin! as a !ues# in #$eir bi! #eepee,
unbeknowns# #o me somebo"y rolle" a bi! #om#om in #$ere an" #$en "isappeare". 1 #$ink #$ey
wan#e" me #o play on i#, so 1 "i".
DF )re you sin!in! au#$en#i% 1n"ian %$an#s in 0.il"woo"0 an" 0&$an#0 on your Pres#i!e lps@
MOODOGF No, i#/s no# au#$en#i%. Maybe 6us# a rou!$ %omparison #o w$a# #$ey "o, bu# i#/s no#
au#$en#i%.
DF .as Jo$n .esley (ar"in! really one of your rela#ives@
MOODOGF )s far as 1 know.
DF ,ein! a minis#er, your fa#$er probably wasn/# #oo prou" of #$e linea!e.
MOODOGF =""ly enou!$ $e was prou" of i#. (e was a very !rea# fan of Napoleon #oo. 1 !uess #$ere
mos# be some a!!ression in a lo# of minis#ersM
DF =ne of your (/)r# on!s is abou# Jo$n .esley (ar"in!. 1n your own way, you/ve been as mu%$ of
a maveri%k as $e was.
MOODOGF Yes, 1/m a rebel, bu# 1/m rebellin! a!ains# #$e rebels. ,y #$e rebels 1 mean #$e a#onalis#s
an" #$e poly#onalis#s. o 1 rebel a!ains# #$e rebellion an" s#ay wi#$ #onal musi%.
DF .as #$ere mu%$ musi% in your life prior #o your $i!$;s%$ool #rainin! a# #$e 1owa %$ool for #$e
,lin"@
MOODOGF 1n my $i!$ s%$ool in Missouri 1 playe" #$e "rums in #$e s%$ool ban". )n" w$en 1 was <
years ol" in .yomin! ; 6us# af#er we me# #$e 1n"ians ; 1 use" #o %limb up over a s#eamer #runk an"
bea# my fee# on bo#$ si"es, an" 1 $a" a bo8 an" 1 $a" #wo s#i%ks, so 1 ma"e r$y#$ms wi#$ #$em
myself.
DF ,u# you $a"n/# been #$inkin! of musi% as a vo%a#ion w$en you were a ki".
MOODOGF No. 1 #$ink #$e blin"ness ma"e i# possible for me #o $ave a musi%al e"u%a#ion w$i%$ 1
never %oul" $ave affor"e". 1 $a" musi% #ea%$ers w$o were all %onserva#ory !ra"ua#es, an" 1 $a"
piano lessonsE =r!anE 1 playe" viola in #$e 7uar#e# an" violin in #$e or%$es#raE 1 san! in #$e %$oir. 1
s#u"ie" musi%al form an" $armony, bu# #$ey "i"n/# #ea%$ %oun#erpoin# ; #$a# 1 $a" #o #ea%$ myself.
DF )n" from #$ere you wen# #o #$e Memp$is &onserva#ory@
MOODOGF 1 s#u"ie" priva#ely wi#$ #$e $ea" of #$e %onserva#ory ; $is name was Mr. +u#$ill. 1 s#u"ie"
%oun#erpoin# wi#$ $im, a li##le bi#, bu# mos# of i# 1 learne" myself by !e##in! books on %oun#erpoin#.
DF ?i" you #ake re!ular lessons a# Memp$is as well@
MOODOGF 1 6us# %ame #o $is $ouse an" s#u"ie" wi#$ $im priva#ely. (e was #$e $ea" of #$e
%onserva#ory, bu# 1 "i"n/# !o #o any %lasses, only #o $im.
DF .$en you firs# %ame #o New York in 194C, were you plannin! #o s#u"y wi#$ a %omposer or #o s#ar#
bein! one@
MOODOGF 1 wan#e" #o be w$ere #$e a%#ion was. 1 knew if 1 $a" #o make i#, 1/" $ave #o "o i# #$ereE
#$a# was #$e fo%al poin#. 1/" wan#e" #o %ome #o New York for many years, an" af#er 1/" been in
Memp$is for abou# ei!$# mon#$s, 1 "e%i"e" #$e #ime $a" finally %ome #o %ome up #$ere #o New York,
so 1 6us# !o# on a #rain an" lef# Memp$is. 1 $a" been finan%e" by 1.-. Meyer w$o was an ar# pa#ron,
so 1 %ame on up #o New York an" be!an posin! in ar# s%$ools #o make a livin!. +$en 1 me# )r#ur
*o"'inski w$o was #$e %on"u%#or of #$e P$il$armoni%, an" $e le# me %ome #o re$earsals.
DF (alina *o"'inski re%oun#s in $er book #$a# you approa%$e" $er $usban" abou# si##in! in on #$e
re$earsal for Ma$ler/s e%on" ymp$ony.
MOODOGF .ell, #$a# was #$e symp$ony #$ey were re$earsin! #$e week #$a# 1 was #$ere. 1# was
very in#eres#in!F 1 %ame #o New York early in November, an" 1 #ook a #a8i an" %ame over #o &arne!ie
(all an" !o# a #i%ke# an" 1 sa# in #$e fron# row, %en#er. )n" #$a# was #$e "ay #$a# ,runo .al#er was
#aken ill an" #$ey $a" #o !e# a 7ui%k subs#i#u#eE unbeknowns# #o me, i# was -eonar" ,erns#ein. (is
"ebu#, an" 1 was si##in! ri!$# be$in" $imE 6us# a few fee# a$ea" of me, i# was ,erns#ein, an" 1 sai" #o
myself, 0)f#er #$e firs# number, 1/m !oin! #o $e #$e firs# #o applau", an" be $ear" all over #$e
%oun#ry.0 )n" 1 was.
+$e %ello solois# in Don Dui;ote was Josep$ %$us#er, an" $e was si##in! very %lose #o me #$ere,
bein! #$e solois#. ) few "ays la#er, 1 was s#an"in! in #$e en#ran%e #o #$e s#a!e "oor, an" #$ere was
an in#ermission in #$e re$earsal. )pparen#ly, Josep$ %$us#er saw me, an" $e %ame over #o me an"
sai", 01 saw you un"ay. .oul" you like #o %ome #o re$earsal@0 )n" 1 sai", 0Yes.0 (e sai", 0.ai# a
minu#e0, an" in a few minu#es $e %ame ba%k wi#$ )r#ur *o"'inski w$o pu# $is arm aroun" my
s$oul"er an" sai", 0&ome wi#$ me. You %an %ome #o my re$earsal.0 (e #ook me %lear #o #$e fron# of
#$e $all an" #ook me "own #$e %en#er aisle an" sai", 0i# "own now an" en6oy yourself.0 )# lun%$ $e
#ook me up #o $is "ressin! room. Mrs. *o"'inski $a" brou!$# some $o# soup for $im, an" #$a#/s $ow
1 !o# #o mee# $er. )n" #$en ,erns#ein %ame in an" aske" some#$in! abou# #$e %on#rabasses. 1 "i"n/#
know w$o i# was, an" 1 sai", 0)re you a bass player@0 )n" $e sai", 0No, 1 wis$ 1 were.0 o 1 !o# #o
mee# -eonar" ,erns#ein #oo.
DF .ere you aware #$a# you/" ma"e su%$ a s#ron! impression on *o"'inski, an" #$a# i# was $i!$ly
unusual for $im #o a"mi# an ou#si"er #o $is re$earsals@
MOODOGF Yes. (e was a very supers#i#ious, spiri#ual;min"e" person, an" for some reason $e !o#
#$e i"ea #$a# 1 resemble" #$e fa%e of &$ris#. 1 $a" a bear" an" all #$a#, so 1 #$ink i# was par#ly #$a#,
an" some kin" of in#ui#ion #$a# $e s$oul" be espe%ially ni%e #o me. (e was lovely, an" 1 owe a lo# #o
$im an" $is wife.
DF $e/s wri##en #$a# $e fel# you brou!$# $im lu%k.
MOODOGF Yes, #$a#/s #$e way $is min" was workin!, an" 1 was very !ra#eful #o $im for w$a#ever
$e "i". 1n fa%#, #wo years a!o 1 wen# ba%k #o New York #o "o #$is %on%er#, an" 1 wen# up #o visi# Mrs.
*o"'inski. $e was very frien"ly, an" #ol" me all abou# w$a# s$e/" been "oin! ; s$e wro#e a book
abou# $er $usban" an" all #$a#.
DF .as #$a# in a sense #$e las# of your s#u"ies, your bein! able #o si# in an" lis#en #o #$e or%$es#ra a#
work@
MOODOGF 1# was a !rea# e"u%a#ion #o learn or%$es#ra#ion from firs# $an". )n" 1 also $a" a %$an%e
#o #alk #o players abou# #$eir ins#rumen#s an" #$eir ran!es, w$a# #$e ins#rumen# %oul" an" %oul"n/#
"o. 1# was a firs#;$an" e"u%a#ion #$a# was invaluable.
DF (a" you been wri#in! any musi% for or%$es#ra or lar!e %$amber ensembles aroun" #$a# #ime@
MOODOGF No# really. 1 $a" #$e oppor#uni#y bu# 1 wasn/# rea"y for i#. *o"'inski sai" #o me one "ay,
0-ouie, "o you $ave any#$in! for or%$es#ra@ 1/ll play i#.0 1 "i"n/# $ave any#$in!. )n" w$en 1 $a" i#, $e
was "ea".
DF 1s i# #rue #$a# even#ually you were aske" no# #o %ome #o #$e re$earsals be%ause of #$e way you
were "ressin!@
MOODOGF +$a#/s ri!$#. 1 wen# up one "ay wi#$ some funny %lo#$es on, an" $e sa", 0-ouie, 1 wan#
#o $ave a lon! #alk wi#$ you.0 1 sai", 01# won/# #ake very lon!. You $ave a free"om in )meri%a as lon!
as you "on/# e8er%ise i#.0 o $e sai", 0.ell, "o w$a# you wan# #o "o,0 bu# $e soun"e" very
"is%oura!e" abou# me. +$en la#er 1 $ear" abou# #$is mana!er of #$e or%$es#ra, ,runo :ura#oE $e #ol"
one of #$e violinis#s #o #ell me #$a# if 1 wan# #o %ome ba%k, 1 $ave #o wear %onven#ional %lo#$in!. ,u# 1
never "i". 1 %u# my own nose off, bu# 1 "i" i# for a prin%iple.
DF ?i" you fin" in la#er years #$a# your appearan%e was $in"erin! #$e a%%ep#an%e of your musi%@
MOODOGF ) lo# of people #ol" me 1 was s#an"in! in my own li!$#, an" #$a# #$ey woul" like #o $elp
me in many ways bu# #$ey %oul"n/# be%ause of $ow 1 was "ressin!. o 1 pai" a pri%e, 1 %an #ell you.
DF 1 un"ers#an" 1lona Doebel persua"e" you #o se# #$ose %lo#$es asi"e.
MOODOGF Yes, s$e/s #$e only person #$a# ever was able #o "o i#M
DF 1n re#rospe%#, $as i# really been wor#$ i#@
MOODOGF .ell, frankly, i# $as, you know@
DF You/ve !o##en more performan%es now be%ause of #$a#@
MOODOGF Yes. 1 #$ink if 1/" rea%# as o#$er people "o, if 1 saw somebo"y "oin! w$a# 1/" been "oin!,
1/" say, 0No#$in! "oin! ; 1 %an/# buy #$a#. 1# mus# be some kin" of a nu#, really 1 mean, 1 %an/#
involve myself wi#$ #$a#.0 +$a# woul" probably be my own rea%#ion.
.$en 1 s#ar#e" %$an!in! #$e way 1 was "ressin!, i# was a rebellion a!ains# or!ani'e" fas$ion #$a#
"i%#a#es w$a# you wear, an" insis#s #$a# you buy some#$in! new every year #o keep in s#yle, 6us# for
profi# ; #$a#/s w$a# was really be$in" i#.
DF 1s #$ere also #$e sense #$a#, by %on#rollin! $ow people appear, #$ere/s a "eeper %on#rol a# work
upon $ow people be$ave an" #$ink@
MOODOGF Yes, every#$in! ; %on#rol, %on#rol. ,i! ,ro#$er. +$a#/s w$a# i# is.
DF 1/ve rea" #$a# #$ere were par#i%ular symboli% meanin!s a##a%$e" #o some of #$e 2ikin! !arb
you/ve worn, su%$ as #$e $elme# an" #$e spear.
MOODOGF .ell, 1 always sai" #$e spear $a" a "ouble meanin!. 1# %oul" be use" for "efense or for
a##a%k, an" you $a" a %$oi%e #o use i# #o "efen" yourself or #o a##a%k somebo"y else/s liber#y.
DF 1n your years on #$e s#ree#, "i" you ever fin" yourself usin! i# ei#$er for "efense or a##a%k@
MOODOGF =$ no. ,u# people woul" %ome up an" ask me, 0.$a#/s wi#$ #$e spear@0 1/" say, 01f you
"on/# !e# #$e poin#, you %an %limb up an" si# on i#.0 )n" one la"y sai", 0Yea$, bu# "on/# #wis# i#0M 1
use" #o wear spurs an" a !uy %omes upF 0Moon"o!, w$ere/s your $orse@0 1 sai", 0,en" over, you/ll
"o.0 +$in!s like #$a# were $appenin! all #$e #ime. )no#$er one says, 0?o you $ave a problem@0 1
sai", 0Yes,0 an" 1 wai#e" a w$ile. 0.$a#/s your problem@0 1 sai", 0You.0 .$en you/re on #$e s#ree#s,
you learn #o #alk ba%k #o #$em w$en #$ey %ome up wi#$ #$ose #$in!s. =ne ni!$# 1 was s#an"in! on
#$e %orner an" a !irl an" $er boyfrien" %ame aroun" #$e %orner an" s$e s%reame", 0ir Dala$a"M0 1
sai", 0No, ir (a";a;!al0M +$a#/s w$a# you !e# from s#an"in! a%ross #$e #ree# from #$e (il#on, you
know@
DF ,ein! on #$e s#ree#s an" "ressin! #$e way you "i" may $ave !iven some people problems, bu#
"oin! all #$a# was a%#ually par# of your effor# #o be in #$e worl" an" be more a%%essible #o people,
wasn/# i#@
MOODOGF Yes, #$a#/s ri!$#.
DF 1 un"ers#an" you ba" a pla%e in ups#a#e New York, near 1#$a%a.
MOODOGF Yes, 1 "i" $ave 4B a%res up #$ere.
DF o you %oul" $ave s#aye" #$ere if you/" wan#e" #o.
MOODOGF .ell, 1 %oul"n/# affor" #o. 1 $a" no in%ome a# all up #$ere ; 1 6us# wen# up #$ere #o !e#
away from #$e %i#y.
DF (ow mu%$ of your #ime on #$e s#ree#s were you a%#ually $omeless@
MOODOGF 1 $a" a %$oi%e. 1f 1 kep# a $o#el room, #$en 1 woul"n/# $ave enou!$ money #o $ire a
%opyis# #o %opy #$e musi% or #o !o up #o my pla%e, be%ause #o make a #rip up #$ere woul" %os#
aroun" G5B, in%lu"in! %arfare an" foo" for a %ouple of weeks. 1 %oul"n/# $ave #$e room an" #$e musi%
%opyin! an" #$e #rips up #$ere, so 1 $a" #o make a %$oi%eF ei#$er keep a room an" no# !o up #$ere,
or no# $ave a room an" !o up #$ere on%e in a w$ile. o some of #$e #ime 1 woul" 6us# sleep on #$e
s#ree#s #o save money. 1 %oul" $ave a room all #$e #ime, bu# 1 woul"n/# #$en be able #o "o all #$e
o#$er #$in!s.
DF (ow bi! a $assle was #$a# life for you@ .ere you ever assaul#e" or robbe"@
MOODOGF Yes, 1/ve been ki%ke" w$en 1 was sleepin!, an" pisse" on, an" abuse" an" robbe"
some#imes. ,u# never s#abbe" in #$e %$es# ; 1 mean, #$ey %oul" $ave kille" me if #$ey/" wan#e" #o.
=ne ni!$# a %op %ame up #o me an" sai", 0)re you all ri!$#, Moon"o!@0 )n" 1 sai", 0Yes.0 (e sai",
0(ere/s a %ouple of bu%ks.0 (e !ave me #wo "ollars.
DF 1 wan#e" #o know if #$e poli%e were $elpful #o you or a $in"ran%e.
MOODOGF Mos#ly very ni%e.
DF +$ey woul"n/# say #$a# you were "is#urbin! #$e pea%e@
MOODOGF =$ yes, some people "i" %all #$e poli%e, an" #$e poli%e woul" %ome an" #ell me #$a#
somebo"y was %omplainin! abou# #$e #i%kin! of #$e %laves ; i# ma"e 7ui#e a lou" noise ; so 1 s#oppe"
playin! #$e %laves. ,u# in !eneral i# was very ni%e. &abbies even wa#%$e" ou# for me, an" "oormen if
1 was s#ayin! a%ross #$e s#ree# from some pla%e #$a# $a" a "oorman, #$ey sai" #$a# #$ey were
wa#%$in! me #o see #$a# nobo"y bo#$ere" me. +$ere/s a lo# of love in New York, really.
DF (ow si!nifi%an#ly "i" #$in!s %$an!e from #$e /4Bs #o #$e /3Bs@ ?o you #$ink you/" be able #o
resume #$a# life now@
MOODOGF 9rom w$a# 1 $ear, 1 #$ink i# woul" be "iffi%ul#. +$ey say #$ere/s more violen%e #$an #$ere
ever was before w$en 1 was #$ere. )n" per$aps 1/" $ave more #o fear from people w$o $a" #aken
"ru!s, be%ause #$ey/re no# responsible for w$a# #$ey "oE #$a#/s an unknown 7uan#i#y #$ere, $ow
people rea%# un"er #$e influen%e.
DF &on"i#ions $ave %$an!e" a lo# $ere sin%e #$e /3Bs.
M==N?=D. .ell, 1 spen# my appren#i%es$ip #$ere, CB years on #$e #ree#. +$a#/s enou!$, 1 #$inkM
DF 1/ve rea" #$a# you a"op#e" #$e name Moon"o! ba%k in #$e la#e /4Bs, an" #$a# i# was a referen%e #o
a "o! you $a" in (urley, Missouri.
MOODOGF +$a#/s ri!$#. ome people #$ink #$a# $e was a seein!;eye "o!, bu# $e wasn/#. (e was
6us# a "o!, $alf bull"o! an" $alf some#$in! else. ,u# $e was a !rea# pal. (e "i" a lo# of $owlin! a#
#$e moon. )n" #$en years la#er, in /43, 1 #$ou!$# 1/" like #o $ave a pen name so 1 #$ou!$# of $im. ,u#
1 wasn/# ori!inal. 1 foun" ou# la#er #$a# #$e wor" 0moon"o!0 e8is#s in )laska amon!s# #$e 1n"iansF
1#/s a rainbow #$a# appears over #$e moon, as oppose" #o a sun"o! w$i%$ is a rainbow #$a# appears
over #$e sun. )n" in some of #$e ou#$ern %oun#ies, >en#u%ky an" some pla%es, #$ey $ave a w$iskey
%alle" Moon"o!. 1#/s also men#ione" in #$e Norse sa!as, #$e 4""a, an" refers #o a !ian#. )n" i# also
refers #o #$e #ail of a %ome#E #$a#/s also %alle" a moon"o!. o i# "oes $ave 7ui#e a $is#ory.
1 "efen"e" #$e name in %our# a!ains# )lan 9ree" w$o was usin! my name an" my re%or". 1 $a" a
pie%e %alle" 0Moon"o! ymp$ony0 w$i%$ $a" a $owlin! wolf on i#. 1# was on one of my firs# 35s, an"
)llan 9ree" use" i# on $is ra"io pro!ram as a #$eme son! for $is s$ow. 1 won #$e %aseF +$e 6u"!e
sai" #$a# 1 $a" worke" $ar" #o es#ablis$ %laim #o #$e name, an" so #$ey woul"n/# le# $im use i#
anymore. )f#er #$e 6u"!men#, $e !o# on #$e ra"io one ni!$# an" sai", 01 %anno# use #$is name
anymore be%ause i# belon!s #o somebo"y else. o from now on #$e s$ow will be %alle" +$e *o%k Q
*oll $ow.0
DF 1s i# #rue #$a# 1!or #ravinsky spoke #o #$e 6u"!e on your be$alf@
MOODOGF Yes, $e %alle" #$e 6u"!e an" sai" 0+ake %are of #$is man. (e/s a serious %omposer. ?o
$im ri!$#.0
DF (a" you known prior #o #$a# #$a# #ravinsky was in#eres#e" in your musi%@
MOODOGF 1 "i"n/# know. 1 was a# a re$earsal of #$e P$il$armoni% w$en $e was %on"u%#in! some of
$is musi%, bu# 1 "i"n/# mee# $im. ,u# years la#er 1 $ear" #$a# $e "i" #$a# for me. +$a#/s 7ui#e an
$onor.
DF 1/ve rea" #$a#, in #$e /51 re%or"in! of 0+$eme0, you playe" all #$e par#s yourself an" over"ubbe"
#$em.
MOODOGF Yes, 1 "i". 1 bou!$# a violin, a flu#e, a bari#one $orn, an" a %on#rabass an" a lo# of o#$er
#$in!s an" "ubbe" #$em all in. +$a# was over"ubbin! on very primi#ive ma%$ines. .$en 1 re%or"e"
for &olumbia, my pro"u%er )l ,rown sai", 0.$y "on/# you or%$es#ra#e #$a#@0 o 1 "i".
DF .$en "i" you be!in re%or"in! your musi%@
MOODOGF 1n 195B 1 was playin! "rums in #$e "oorway of a man name" Dabriel =ller w$o $a" a
s$op %alle" panis$ Musi% &en#er. .$en 1 finis$e" playin! a pie%e $e sai", 0You/re si##in! in my
"oorway. 1 make re%or"s ; woul" you like #o make a re%or"@0 o 1 sai" yes an" soon we/" ma"e a
series of #$ree 35s. +$en 1 la#er ma"e an album on my own label bu# 1 sol" i# #o Pres#i!e. 1 $a"
re%or"e" all #$ose #$in!s "own in #$e 2illa!e an" brou!$# i# ou# as an lp an" #$en a man %ame #o me
an" sai", 01 #$ink 1 %an sell #$is #o Pres#i!e.0 o $e wen# over an" #alke" #o ,ob .eins#o%k, an" $e
sai" $e woul" like #o brin! i# ou#. +$a# was #$e firs# Pres#i!e re%or" an" #$en #$ey "i" #wo more. 1
also "i" a 1B;in%$ lp on 4pi%.
DF 1s #$a# #$e one wi#$ #$e New York P$il$armoni% s#rin! players@
MOODOGF Yes, ri!$#. 1 $a" wri##en #wo sui#es for #$ree %ellos an" #wo violas from #$e P$il$armoni%.
+$en 1 "i" #$e 19<9 album on &olumbia Mas#erworks, wi#$ a 4B;pie%e or%$es#ra, an" #$e ne8# year 1
"i" #$e ma"ri!al album wi#$ my "au!$#er. +$a#/s all 1 "i" in New York. 1 %ame #o 4urope in 34, an"
ma"e #$ree &?s $ere, an" #$en #$e 4lpmas &? 6us# las# year. 1 in#ro"u%e" #$ere some#$in! #$a# 1
%rea#e" myselfF a 1<;par# #riple %anon. 1 use" #$e marimba mos#ly on #$a# be%ause i# was very
repro"u%eable on #$e re%or"in! e7uipmen#E i# re%or"s well. ome of #$e samples, like of oboes an"
bassoons an" %larine#s, "on/# soun" like #$ose ins#rumen#sE #$ey soun" ar#ifi%ial. ,u# #$ere/s
some#$in! abou# #$e per%ussive 7uali#y of #$e marimba w$i%$ makes i# soun" realis#i%.
DF Fog On 6*e /udson is one of your 35s@
MOODOGF +$a# was from a pie%e #$a# 1 playe" on #$e piano, over"ubbin!. 1 !o# #$e soun" of #$e
fo!$orns from a man 1 use" #o work wi#$, name" +ony %$war#'. (e !ave me #$a# soun" an" we
"ubbe" #$em #o!e#$er. 1 %alle" #$is pie%e 0+u!boa# +o%%a#a0.
DF (ow "iffi%ul# was i# #o over"ub a# #$a# #ime@
MOODOGF +$ey $a" very primi#ive ma%$ines. +o "o #$e "ubbin!, you $a" #wo ma%$ines, an" you
$a" #o play #$e one re%or"in! 1 "i" a!ains# #$e one 1 was !oin! #o re%or".
DF o i#/s playin! ba%k w$ile you/re playin! live, an" #$e #wo are re%or"e".
MOODOGF *i!$#, an" #$ey mi8 i#. You lose a lo# on ea%$ #ake #$a# wayE #$e 7uali#y !e#s worse an"
worse as you keep over"ubbin!. +$a#/s w$y i# soun"e" so un%lear. ,u# you !o# an i"ea #$a#
some#$in! was $appenin!.
DF ?i" #$e pie%es #$a# fea#ure" environmen#al soun" $appen #$e same way, wi#$ one ma%$ine
playin! #$e lo%a#ion re%or"in! w$ile ano#$er ma%$ine re%or"e" #$a# alon! wi#$ all #$e o#$er
musi%ians@
MOODOGF ome of i# wasE some was "one live on #$e s#ree#, like on #$e Mars 45. +ony %$war#'
$a" #$e e7uipmen# an" $e $a" a %ar. 9or ele%#ri%i#y, $e $a" some kin" of ele%#ri%al e7uipmen# in #$e
%ar, an" so $e %oul" %ome ri!$# up #o w$ere 1 was re%or"in! ; $e $a" a lon! e8#ension on $is
mi%rop$one %able ; an" %oul" re%or" on #$e s#ree#.
DF 1#/s won"erful $ow #$e environmen#al soun" si#s wi#$ #$e musi%. 1# "oesn/# 6us# a"" 0%olor0, bu#
ins#ea" is a par# of #$e #o#al musi%al sensibili#y.
MOODOGF Yes. +$e or%$es#ra %on%er# 1/m "oin! #$is mon#$ in wi#'erlan" in%lu"es 0urf ession0
w$i%$ is some#$in! 1 re%or"e" on Pres#i!e. (ere 1/ll be usin! a mu%$ lar!er s#rin! !roup, an" 1/ll also
be usin! a re%or"in! of #$e soun" of #$e o%ean in #$e ba%k!roun". .e/re "oin! 09u6iyama0 also ; #$e
1<;par# %anon 1 was #ellin! you abou# ; an" we/ll "ub in #$e soun" of #$un"er an" rain a# #$e en".
DF (ow "i" you win" up performin! Mo#$er Doose son!s wi#$ Julie )n"rews for )n!el *e%or"s@
MOODOGF .ell, a %er#ain Ms. -auren%e approa%$e" me an" sai" s$e was "oin! #$is re%or", an" s$e
wan#e" #o know if 1 woul" wri#e #$e musi%. o 1 sai" yes an" wro#e #$e se##in!s #o all #$ose Mo#$er
Doose r$ymes, an" #$en we $a" a re$earsal wi#$ Julie an" Mar#yn Dreen an" Julius ,aker w$o "i"
#$e flu#e par#. .e re%or"e" in /55 an" i# %ame ou# on )n!el in /53, 1 #$ink. &api#ol bou!$# #$a# bu#
never brou!$# i# ou# a!ain. 1/" like #o $ave i# %ome ou# a!ain.
DF 1# $as a "eli!$#ful se%#ion of r$ymes abou# #$e %alen"ar.
MOODOGF +$a# was par# of #$e #e8# #$a# #$ey wan#e" me #o se#.
DF 1/ve rea" #$a# in #$e /5Bs you presen#e" #$e New York Publi% -ibrary wi#$ a %alen"ar you/"
prepare", w$i%$ %overe" C,BBB years in bo#$ Julian an" Dre!orian %ompu#a#ions.
MOODOGF +$a#/s ri!$#. 1# #ook #wo weeks #o work i# ou#. +$a#/s abou# 1,5BB years of Julian an"
1,5BB years of Dre!orian, w$i%$ !oes in#o #$e fu#ure, of %ourse. +$e librarian sai" #$a# of all #$e
me%$ani%al ways of "e#erminin! #ime w$i%$ #$ey/ve ever $a" ; some were in w$eel form an" o#$er
#$in!s ; mine was #$e fas#es# an" easies# #o "o.
DF .as i8#$ )venue an" #$e 9if#ies a %on!enial nei!$bor$oo" for you in par# be%ause of i#s
pro8imi#y #o #$e 6a'' %lubs@
MOODOGF Yes. 1 woul" be playin! in #$a# area la#e a# ni!$#, an" some#imes some of #$e players
from #$e %lubs woul" %ome over an" lis#en #o my "rumbea#s for a w$ile. =ne ni!$# ?i''y %ame by,
an" ano#$er #ime, -ouie ,ellsonE ano#$er #ime, ?uke 4llin!#on. People like #$a# woul" #alk #o me. 1
never "i" mee# -es#er Youn!, bu# 1 wro#e a pie%e for $im an" we "i" i# in my li##le #ournee #$is
summer wi#$ #$e sa8op$one !roup 1 $ave, %alle" #$e -on"on a8op$oni%. =ne of #$e players, )n"rew
%o##, playe" i# beau#ifullE 1/ve always $a" #rouble fin"in! #enors w$o %oul" "o i#, an" $e "i" i# very
well.
1 me# &$arlie Parker one ni!$#, an" $e sai" we s$oul" "o a re%or" #o!e#$er bu# #$e ne8# #$in! 1
$ear", $e was "ea". o 1 wro#e #$is pie%e, 0,ir"/s -amen#0. =n #$e re%or" i#/s #oo fas#E #$e "rummer
influen%e" me #o play i# fas#er #$an 1 wan#e". Now w$en 1 play i# wi#$ #$e !roup i#/s a li##le slower.
DF ?i"n/# you play piano on a bill in -os )n!eles wi#$ ?uke 4llin!#on in 1945@
MOODOGF 1# wasn/# a bill. +$ey $a" an ama#eur;musi% %on#es#, an" 1 playe" a piano solo an" won
firs# pri'e. +$en 1 !o# wor" #$a# $e wan#e" #o mee# me, so #$e ne8# "ay or #wo 1 wen# ba%ks#a!e an"
me# $im an" #$e ban". +$en 1 "i"n/# mee# $im a!ain un#il 1 was ba%k in New York. (e %ame by one
ni!$# an" we #alke" a!ain ; very ni%e man.
DF 1n 193B, you performe" a# New York/s .$i#ney Museum on a "ouble bill wi#$ &$arles Min!us. .as
#$ere any in#era%#ion wi#$ $im, ei#$er prior #o #$a# %on%er# or af#erwar"s@
MOODOGF No, 1 "i"n/# mee# $im, bu# we were on #$e same bill. 1 was wi#$ #$e )eolian &$amber
Players an" we "i" some of my pie%es an" 1 "i" some of my poe#ry. 2ery ni%e au"ien%e #$ere.
DF +$e Pres#i!e re%or"in!s ; bo#$ in #$eir ini#ial release an" now in #$e %" reissues ; #urn up in #$e
6a'' se%#ions in #$e s#ores.
MOODOGF 1n Dermany, #$ey "on/# know w$ere #o pu# me. +$ey %all i# 4; an" J;musi% ; one is
%lassi%al an" one is Pop ; an" #$ey "on/# know w$ere #o pu# me. =ne 9ren%$ repor#er sai" 01# is no#
Pop, i#/s no# ro%k, i#/s no# 6a'', i#/s no# %lassi%al, i# is 6us# Moon"o!0.
DF )re you bo#$ere" #$a# #$e musi% is pu# in 6a'' %a#e!ories w$en #$a#/s no# really w$a# i#/s abou#@
MOODOGF 1# "oesn/# bo#$er me w$ere #$ey pu# i#, as lon! as #$ey pu# i#.
DF ome #ra%ks in #$e Pres#i!e re%or"in!s fea#ure improvise" performan%es.
MOODOGF 1 wan#e" i# #o soun" like #$a#, bu# a%#ually every no#e is wri##en "own, every no#e. +$a#/s
w$a# s$o%ks peopleF +$ey say, 0+$a# %an/# be wri##en "own, i#/s #oo free.0 1 say, 0.e1l, #$a#/s #$e
poin#. 1 wan# #o make i# soun" free, bu# every no#e is wri##en "own e8a%#ly.0
1/m a!ains# improvisa#ion be%ause only #$e %omposer %an improviseE $e/s #$e only one #$a# $as
oversi!$# over all #$e "ifferen# par#s w$a# ea%$ person is "oin!. 1n we"en, #$ey %all a %omposer a
0#one;se##er0, like a prin#er se##in! #ype ; #$a#/s #$e oversi!$#. Players w$o "on/# $ave #$a#
knowle"!e an" improvise over a lar!e !roup of ins#rumen#s are s#eppin! on everybo"y/s #oes $ere
an" #$ereE #$ey/re lu%ky if #$ey %$an!e %$or" a# #$e same #ime. 4ven ,enny Doo"man ma"e a lo# of
#errible %on#rapun#al mis#akes be%ause $e was improvisin! an" wen# $is own way, an" #$e o#$er
people were bein! s#eppe" on. ,u# you $ave #o be a mas#er of %oun#erpoin# #o know #$is. 4ven 1
make mis#akesE nobo"y makes more mis#akes #$an 1 "o. ,u# 1 analy'e every pie%e, every bar, every
no#e, an" any mis#akes are elimina#e". 1n a 1<;par# %anon, you $ave 1AB %$an%es of makin! a
mis#ake. .$en 1 analy'e, 1 %an/# si# "own an" "o i# ; 1 fall asleep. o 1 $ave #o s#an" up an" analy'e.
,ra$ms/ solu#ion was #o s#an" up w$en you wri#e.
DF You/ve sai" #$a# your pie%e "itc* O+ =ndor was Par# of a balle# for Mar#$a Dra$am.
MOODOGF Yes, w$i%$ s$e never use". $e $a" me %ome up #o $er pla%e on%e, an" s$e sai", 01
"on/# know your work.0 1 fel# like sayin! #o $er, 01 "on/# know yours, ei#$erM0 )nyway, 1 wro#e #$is bu#
s$e never use" l#. $e !o# .illiam %$uman #o "o some#$in!.
DF +$e Pres#i!e re%or"in!s fea#ure your playin! wi#$ "an%ers a# #$eir re$earsals. .ere #$ere o#$er
%$oreo!rap$ers #$a# approa%$e" you for musi%@
MOODOGF Yes, several #imes. +$ere were performan%es by "ifferen# balle# %ompanies in
wi#'erlan", Dermany, we"en, an" 9ran%e. -as# year we !o# a %all from )meri%an ,alle# +$ea#er.
+$e %$oreo!rap$er $a" $ear" #$e &olumbia or%$es#ra album, an" $e wan#e" #o "o a balle# #o i#. .e
only $a" si8 weeks #o !e# #$e musi% #o!e#$er, so we rus$e" over #$e musi% an" #$ey "i" i# ; %alle" i#
0Moon"an%e.0 +$ey sai", 0en" us #$e par#s an" we/ll $ave s%ores ma"e,0 an" #$ey rus$e" ou# #o
&alifornia #o s#ar# #$eir #ournee, an" #$ey "i" 0Moon"an%e.0 +$ey performe" i# in New York in June, 1
#$ink.
DF -ouis an" ,ebe ,arron perform a "ialo!ue wi#$ you on one of your Pres#i!e lps.
MOODOGF Yes, on one you $ear $er voi%e, an" #$en on ano#$er one, w$ere 1/m #alkin! abou# you#$
an" a!e, #$a#/s -ouie.
DF +$ey were real !roun"breakers in ele%#roni% musi%.
MOODOGF Yes, 1 $ear" #$ey "i" some#$in! wi#$ some kin" of ou#er;spa%e movie.
DF +$a#/s ri!$# For&idden Elanet. 1/m %urious if you $a" any %on#a%# wi#$ #$em re!ar"in! ele%#roni%
musi%. ?i" #$ey ever speak #o you abou# i# or play some of i# for you@
MOODOGF No, 1 never !o# in#o #$a#. .e worke" a %ouple of years #o!e#$er an" #$en #$ey move"
ou# #o #$e .es# &oas#.
DF ?i" Janis Joplin ever !e# your permission #o use 0)ll 1s -oneliness0@
MOODOGF No, s$e 6us# "i" i#. +$e pie%e was wri##en in 5H4 bu# s$e san! i# in 4H4. $e #ook !rea#
liber#ies, bu# as lon! as s$e %alle" me 0beau#iful %a#0 #$en 1 "on/# min".
DF No royal#ies #$ou!$, 1 #ake i#.
MOODOGF No, 1 "i"n/# !e# any#$in!.
DF 1s i# #rue #$a# in #$e /<Bs you were playin! wi#$ P$ilip Dlass an" #eve *ei%$ an" +erry *iley@
MOODOGF .e use" #o !o up in#o an ol" fa%#ory buil"in! an" re%or" some of my ma"ri!als #o!e#$er
; 6us# *ei%$ an" Dlass were #$ere wi#$ me. +$en 1 was invi#e" #o %ome over #o *iley/s $ouse an"
mee# $im one ni!$#. .e never worke" #o!e#$er, #$ou!$.
DF ?o you know w$a# $appene" #o #$ese re%or"in!s@
MOODOGF 1f #$ey s#ill e8is#, #$ey woul" be wi#$ P$ilip Dlass.
DF (ow "i" you mee# #$em@ ?i" #$ey 6us# approa%$ you on #$e #ree#@
MOODOGF .ell, 1 !o# #o mee# P$il Dlass be%ause somebo"y in 6*e Cillage Coice sai", 0.$ere are
Moo"o!/s frien"s@ (e $as no pla%e #o s#ay. (e $as #o sleep on #$e s#ree#s.0 =ne of #$e people w$o
%alle" was P$il Dlass, an" $e invi#e" me #o s#ay wi#$ $im. o 1 "i"E 1 move" "own #$ere an" s#aye"
wi#$ $im for abou# $alf a year, 1 !uess i# was. +$a#/s $ow 1 !o# #o mee# $im. +$en 1 me# #eve *ei%$.
+$is is #$e la#e /<Bs ; in /<5 1 move" in wi#$ P$il.
P$il Dlass is always sayin! abou# minimal musi%, 0Moon"o! is #$e lea"er of #$e pa%k.0 .e $ave
#onali#y in %ommon bu# #$a#/s w$ere i# en"s, be%ause 1/m very s#ri%# in my %oun#erpoin#, an"
apparen#ly #$ey pay no a##en#ion #o %on#rapun#al rulesF .$en i# %omes #o %$an!in! an" passin!
no#es, #$ey "on/# know from w$a#, 1 #ell you. 1 like #$em personally, bu# w$en i# %omes #o
%oun#erpoin# 1/m #$e mos# fussy %omposer #$a# ever live". =ne of #$e papers $ere sai" 1/m s#ri%#er
#$an ,a%$ an" Pales#rina, w$i%$ is #rueF +$ey/re full of mis#akes.
DF .$en you fin" errors in #$eir work, is #$eir muse no""in! or "oes i# seem more #$a# #$ey 6us#
"on/# %are abou# #$e rules in %er#ain si#ua#ions@
MOODOGF +$ere %oul" be "ifferen# mo#iva#ions. =ne mi!$# $e $as#e ; "i"n/# $ave #ime #o analy'e
i#. =r possibly #$ey "i"n/# %are abou# #$e rules. =r #$ey "i"n/# know ; bu# 1 %an/# ima!ine #$ey "i"n/#
know. ,u# even +allis an" 9res%obal"i an" ,ee#$oven, ,a%$, Mo'ar#, #$ey/re all full of mis#akes. 1
$ave #o #urn #$e ra"io off ; 1 %an/# s#an" i#, w$a# #$ey/re "oin! #o my ears, you know@ Jnbelievable
mis#akes, w$a# #$ey/re "oin!. You/" #$ink #$e far#$er ba%k you/" !o, #$e be##er i# woul" be, bu# i#/s
no#. 4ven ba%k in #$e 14#$, 15#$ %en#uries, #$e same mis#akes.
DF ome %orrup#ions %oul" $ave %rep# in#o #$e s%ores over #$e years.
MOODOGF +$a# is always a possibili#y, w$en every no#e was wri##en by $an" an" rewri##en an"
rewri##en. ,u# #$ere are #oo many of #$em #o be #$a#. 1#/s %ommon mis#akes an" viola#ions of #$e
prin%iple of #one rela#ion !oin! ba%k #o Py#$a!oras. .ell, w$a# %an you "o@ 1 !o my own way.
DF +$a#/s w$a# you %an "oF $ow #$em $ow i#/s "one.
MOODOGF *i!$#. =ne paper sai", 0Moon"o! %ame #o Dermany #o !ive Derman musi% refinemen#M0
.$a# a #$in! #o sayM 1 was on #elevision $ere an" 1 poin#e" ou# w$ere ,a%$ ma"e a mis#ake 1n 6*e
%rt O+ 6*e Fugue, an" 1 playe" i# on #$e piano, #$e mis#ake. 1 $ear" la#er #$a# some professor
6umpe" up ou# of $is %$air an" sai", 02o#, 'is )meri%an #ellin! us abou# ,a%$@0 =$, $e was e8plo"in!M
1 "i"n/# #ell #$em abou# my Derman an%es#ryF My mo#$er/s family were all from Dermany.
DF 1s #$ere a %an"inavian ba%k!roun" for you as well@
MOODOGF My fa#$er was Norman 4n!lis$, an" #$e Normans of %ourse were of 2ikin! "es%en#. o
i#/s all #$e same #$in!.
DF +o w$a# "o you a##ribu#e your nee" for su%$ %orre%#ness@
MOODOGF .ell, #$ere/s a ri!$# an" a wron! way #o "o #$in!s. +$ere/s #wo ways #o learn from a
mas#er of #$e pas#F ei#$er you %an learn w$a# #o "o, or you %an learn w$a# no# #o "o. 1/ve learne" a
lo# from ,a%$E 1/ve learne" w$a# 1 s$oul" "o an" no# w$a# 1 s$oul" no# "o. (ay"n #au!$# ,ee#$oven
%oun#erpoin# bu# $e sai", 01 %an/# #ea%$ #$is youn! man any#$in!.0 .ell, 1 "on/# know $ow $e %oul" ;
$e mus# $ave #au!$# $im a lo# of wron! moves in %oun#erpoin#, be%ause #$e same mis#akes are in
bo#$.
DF =n one level, w$a# you/re involve" in is a 7ues# for puri#y, isn/# i#@
MOODOGF Yes ; an" if you 6u"!e #$e rea%#ion of #$e people a# my #ournee, #$ey/re s$ou#in! an"
s%reamin! an" s#ampin! #$eir fee#. 1 %oul"n/# believe #$a# a Derman au"ien%e %oul" rea%# #$a# way.
+$ey "on/# know #$e rules #e%$ni%ally, bu# #$ey know #$em in#ui#ivelyE #$ey %an #ell w$en #ones are
fi##in! #o!e#$er properly, an" #$ey rea%#. =ne la"y %alle" an" sai" s$e wan#e" a %opy of #$e pie%e
%alle" 0Paris.0 $e sai", 0)$$0 ; #$a# si!$, you know@ .$en you $ear #$a# from #$e people you know
you/ve rea%$e" #$em. o 1 $ave !rea# respe%# for people w$o "on/# know #$e #e%$ni%ali#ies. +$ey %an
feel i# an" know w$en i#/s ri!$#. 1f you %ombine #$a# ri!$#ness of %oun#erpoin# wi#$ melo"y an" wi#$
$armony an" wi#$ r$y#$m, you/ve !o# a winner.
DF 1/m very in#eres#e" in #$e work you/ve "one wi#$ #$e over#one series in #$e las# AB years.
MOODOGF +$a#/s my bi!!es# pro6e%# in life. ,elieve i# or no#, 1/ve "is%overe" #$a# w$oever %rea#e"
#$e universe, w$enever, lef# a messa!e in #$e firs# nine over#ones or you %an say #$a# #$e firs# nine
over#ones are #$e messa!e. 1 6us# wan#e" a #$eme for my Creation ; 1 "i"n/# reali'e #$a# #$ere was
any#$in! #$ere. ,u# 1 "is%overe" in (ambur! #$a# #$ere/s a sys#em #$ere. )n" 1 "is%overe" #$a#, by
usin! #$e prin%iple of "iminu#ion, 1 %oul" "evelop #$ese nine over#ones, usin! a series of "iminis$e"
se7uen%es of over#one series, an" %rea#e a pyrami"al s#ru%#ure. )n" in #$a# pyrami"al s#ru%#ure, 1
reali'e" #$a# #$e se%re# messa!e was #$a# w$oever %rea#e" #$e universe is #ryin! #o #ell us #$a# (e/s
s$arin! wi#$ us #$e se%re# s#ru%#ure of #$e universe. 1n o#$er wor"s, i# proves #$e prin%iple of
%on#ra%#ion an" e8pansion. (ubble was always #alkin! abou# e8pansion, bu# #$is sys#em in #$e
over#ones proves #$a# you %an/# $ave one wi#$ou# #$e o#$er. 1# also $as a lo# of o#$er impli%a#ions,
like #$e #wo;"ire%#ionali#y of #ime. ,u# s%ien#is#s #$a# 1/ve approa%$e" #$rou!$ #$e le##erbo8 "o no#
respon". +$ey/re ei#$er afrai" #o fin" ou# if i#/s ri!$# or wron!, or #$ey/re #$rea#ene" be%ause, if #$ey
a%%ep# #$is, i# will over#urn innumerable #$eories an" %on6e%#ures of s%ien%e.
(ow %oul" you sen" a messa!e #$a# woul" never be "es#ru%#ible@ =nly in soun" waves. .aves ar%
in"es#ru%#ible. .$erever #$ere/s a plane# #$a# $as a#mosp$ere, #$ese over#ones %oul" be $ear".
)pparen#ly, #$ere may be even in our own !ala8y some plane#s #$a# may $ave an a#mosp$ere, an"
#$ere may be livin! %rea#ures #$ere w$o mi!$# be able #o "is%over #$e messa!e. 1f #$is is ever
a%%ep#e", i#/s #$e bi!!es# "is%overy #$a# was ever ma"e by $umani#y, be%ause $ere/s a "ire%#
messa!e #o us. ; (e respe%#s our in#elli!en%e enou!$ #o #$ink #$a# we s$oul" s$are #$e knowle"!e of
#$e inner s#ru%#ure of #$e universe. )n" i#/s #$ere everyw$ere. %ien#is#s are lookin! in #eles%opes
an" mi%ros%opes, an" #$ey "on/# reali'e #$a# #$is is $ere, ri!$# $ere. +$e se%re# is all aroun" us, an"
nobo"y re%o!ni'es i#.
DF (as your work wi#$ #$e over#one series affe%#e" your a##i#u"e re!ar"in! e7ual #emperamen#@
MOODOGF 1 "on/# really basi%ally a%%ep# e7ual #emperamen# as ,a%$ pro"u%e" i#. .$en 1 work wi#$
over#ones, 1/m no# #alkin! abou# e7ual #emperamen#, be%ause #$e over#one series $as no#$in! #o "o
wi#$ e7ual #emperamen#. 1#/s all pure #one. 1 really #$ink i# was a bi! mis#ake #o !o in for e7ual
#emperamen#. 4very four#$ an" fif#$ s$oul" be perfe%#, in perfe%# #une, an" #$e only way you %an use
perfe%# four#$s an" fif#$s on a keyboar" woul" be #o limi# yourself #o 6us# a few keysF maybe one or
#wo fla#s, one or #wo s$arps ; #$a# woul" be i#. +$a#/s #$e way i# s$oul" be. ,u# you make
%ompromises #o be able #o play musi% in all A4 keysE #$en you $ave #o %ompromise a li##le. 1 $ear"
one famous %larine#is# say $e $a#es #o play wi#$ a pianoF 01 always $ave #o a"6us# my in#ona#ion #o fi#
#$is ou#;of;#une piano.0 ,a%$ %alle" i# #$e .ell;+empere" &lavi%$or", 1 %all i# 1ll;+empere".
DF Never#$eless, you/ve s#u%k #o %omposin! in e7ual #emperamen#.
MOODOGF 1 $ave, 1 "i" a series of piano pie%es in every key, in ,a%$/s #ra"i#ion, bu# 1 know i#/s a
%ompromise.
DF (ave you foun" #$a# your work wi#$ #$e over#one series $as le" you #o forms an" s#ru%#ures #$a#
you o#$erwise woul" no# $ave employe"@
MOODOGF 2ery mu%$ so, espe%ially in 6*e Creation.
DF Your lon! pie%e 0&osmi% Me"i#a#ion0 really is a "epar#ure from your o#$er re%or"e" musi%.
MOODOGF Yes, 1 #$ink #$ere is #$a# elemen# of "ifferen#ia#ion #$ere. *i!$# af#er #$e %$orus 1 $ave
all over#ones, a li##le ei!$#;bar in#ro"u%#ion. )n" af#er #$a# 1 $ave #$e over#one series, w$ere 1
pro"u%e #$is li##le pyrami"al s#ru%#ure. )n" #$en af#er #$a# i#/s a free #$in! wi#$ over#ones, usin!
#$emes from myCreation. ,u# 1 wan# #o brin! ou# some really %omple#e ones. +$ey/re 51;par# %anons
1 %all #$e (in and (angF (in woul" be on one w$ole %" an" (ang on ano#$er. 1/ve wri##en a series of
nine (in %nd (ang %anons. )n" #$is woul" be all usin! over#ones. 1 !e# some rea%#ions $ere from #$e
%ri#i%s w$o say #$a# i#/s very me"i#a#ive an" soo#$in! #o lis#en #o. +$e pie%e on #$e =lpmas %" is 6us# a
li##le #$in! #$a# we "i" in a few minu#esE i#/s no# really a %omple#e pie%e, 6us# a firs# a##emp#.
DF &an you #ell me abou# Creation@ 1 un"ers#an" i# was be!un in 1931.
MOODOGF +$a#/s w$en 1 firs# !o# #$is i"ea of usin! #$e over#one series as a #$eme. 1 lef# New York
in /34 #o "o some %on%er#s $ere in Dermany, an" #$en 1 s#aye" $ere. 1n #$a# same year, /34, in
(ambur!, 1 !o# #$e break#$rou!$ on #$is s#ru%#ure. 9rom #$en on 1/ve been refinin! i# an" "evelopin!
i#, so #$a# now i#/s a %omple#e sys#em. 6*e O1ertone 6ree is one aspe%# of Creation, an" i# #akes
abou# 4B minu#es #o play i#. 1#/s never been performe" ye#. 1 $ave a lo# of Creation musi% base" on
#$e Norse =ddaF a book of son!s base" on #$e =dda, an" 1 $ave a lo# of or%$es#ral pie%es. 1/ll be
"oin! some of #$em from #$e Creation wi#$ a bi! or%$es#ra in wi#'erlan". .e/re even usin!
alp$ornsF 1 wro#e a 1<;par# #riple %anon for alp$orns. 1/ve !o# abou# four players w$o %an rea" no#es,
w$o also "ouble on #rumpe#. .e/re !oin! #o use four if we %an !e# #$em, an" supplemen# #$e four
wi#$ 9ren%$ $orns. .e/re workin! on !e##in! a !roup of si8#een alp$orns #o!e#$er. Jn#il #$en 1/ll "o
#$e si8#een par#s on #$e %ompu#er.
DF &an you #ell me abou# Cosmos I and II, #$e 1,BBB;par# %anons@
MOODOGF +$ey/re a%#ually a series of ei!$# %anons. 4a%$ one is 1,A5B bars lon!, an" #$ey all fi#
#o!e#$er by s$if#in! #$e bar numbers, so i# %omes ou# #o 1,BBB par#s.
DF You/" a%#ually nee" a #$ousan" players #o perform i#.
MOODOGF +$a#/s ri!$#. 1# #akes abou# nine $ours.
DF &oul" #$a# many players no ma##er $ow skille", be able #o keep #o!e#$er@ 1sn/# i# #$e kin" of #$in!
#$a# woul" soun" be##er if i# was playe" by ma%$ines@
MOODOGF .ell, i# woul" be be##er on a ma%$ine. ,u# 1 "i"n/# wri#e i# wi#$ any i"ea of i# ever bein!
playe" ; i# was 6us# a s#un# of mine. .$a#/s mu%$ more pra%#i%al is #o "o a %on%en#ra#ion of #$a#
#$ousan";par# %anon in#o a $un"re";par# %anon. +$en i#/s playable by an or%$es#ra.
DF You/ve %ommen#e" elsew$ere on #$e value of #$e sampler in performin! %anons be%ause of i#s
pre%ision.
MOODOGF +$a#/s ri!$# ; absolu#e syn%$. +$e sampler was ma"e for #$is kin" of musi%, an" 1/m very
$appy wi#$ i#. ,u# even so, 1 always like #o work wi#$ live musi%ians w$enever possible even #$ou!$
#$ere is #$e elemen# of error.
DF 1s #$e sampler pre##y mu%$ #$e only keyboar" you/re playin! #$ese "ays@
MOODOGF Yes, #$a#/s #$e only playin! 1/ve been "oin!. =n =lpmas 1 "i" all #$e keyboar"s. ,u# w$en
1/m lea"in! wi#$ #$e sa8op$one !roup or wi#$ #$e or%$es#ra, 1 %on"u%# from a "rum.
DF ?o you #$ink you/ll re%or" any of your own or!an or piano playin!@
MOODOGF No, 1 %an/# play #$e or!an #$a# well. ,u# 1 $ave an or!anis#, 9ri#' #orfin!er, w$o "i" #$e
or!an on #$e #$ree %"s %alle" 6onality %ll 6*e "ay. 1 $ave a lo# of piano musi%, bu# 1 "on/# really
$ave a %on%er# pianis# w$o/s workin! wi#$ me ri!$# now.
DF #orfin!er plays #$e piano very well on your /'%rt )ongs.
MOODOGF Yes. (e "oesn/# %onsi"er $imself a pianis#, al#$ou!$ $e/s very !oo". .e/re "oin! 0?o
Your +$in!0 wi#$ #ep$an 4i%$er w$o/s a pla#inum;seller in 9ran%eE $e/s !o# #wo pla#inum "is%s ou#,
an" $e wan#s #o sin! my son!s very ba"ly. +$e only #$in! is $e "oesn/# rea" no#es. ,u# $e wan#s #o
sin! 0?o Your +$in!0 an" $e wan#s #o sin! 09u6iyama0 a# #$is wi#'erlan" %on%er#. (e/s very keen on
!e##in! in#o %lassi%al musi%. Pe#er (offman s#ar#e" ou# as a Pop;sin!er, an" $e !o# in#o ,ayreu#$
sin!in! .a!ner. #ep$an 4i%$er soun"s like $e wan#s #o !e# in#o $eavier musi% now #oo.
DF ?o you s#ill %ompose firs# in ,raille@
MOODOGF Yes, 1 always work in ,raille, an" #$en 1 "i%#a#e #$e no#es #o 1lona Doebel. $e/s
invaluable, #$a# person ; a marvelous $elp. $e/s been my eyes. $e/s 6us# marvelous.
DF 1n w$a# sense is your 0-o!run"r No. W1W0 a por#rai# of your mo#$er@
MOODOGF .ell, my rela#ion wi#$ my mo#$er was very mi8e". $e was never really %lose #o me bu#
1 love" $er. $e was a very beau#iful woman #o look a#. ,u# w$en 1 wro#e #$is pie%e in Dermany in
/35, 1 sai", 01/m !oin! #o rela#e #$a# #o my mo#$er. +$ere/s some#$in! abou# #$is pie%e #$a# makes me
#$ink abou# $er.0 o 1 6us# %alle" i# 0Por#rai# =f My Mo#$er.0 You know, 1 was a bla%k s$eep in #$e
family, an" s$e never really #ook me very seriously. ,u# years la#er, w$en s$e !o# a %opy of my
&olumbia album wi#$ #$e or%$es#ra, my bro#$er pu# i# on ; s$e was livin! wi#$ $im ; an" s$e sa#
#$ere an" lis#ene" an" sai", 0?i" -ouis wri#e #$is@0 $e %oul"n/# believe i# #$a# #$e bla%k s$eep %oul"
really, finally "o some#$in!, you know@ o 1/m !la" s$e foun" ou# #$a# 1 %oul" "o some#$in!.
DF ?i" your "epar#ure for New York also involve a break wi#$ #$e family reli!ion, an" #$us s#rain your
rela#ion wi#$ your paren#s@
MOODOGF My fa#$er an" mo#$er separa#e" lon! before 1 %ame #o New York, an" #$ey remarrie".
My bro#$er was raise" up by my !ran"mo#$er mos#ly, an" 1 was %loses# #o my sis#er. $e be!an
rea"in! p$ilosop$y #o me w$en 1 was A1, an" from #$a# #ime on 1 broke away from &$ris#iani#y
%omple#ely. My sis#er $a" a very bi! influen%e on me, rea"in! #$in!s #o me w$i%$ s$e #$ou!$# 1
s$oul" know. 1n 19CC, a year af#er my blin"ness, s$e rea" a book %alle" 6*e First Ciolin, an"
some#$in! in #$a# book ma"e me wan# #o be a %omposer, an" so from #$en on %omposi#ion was #$e
main #$in!.
DF 1n 6*e /'%rt )ongs, #$ere/s one son! %alle" 0C*oo C*oo Lulla&y,0 w$i%$ soun"s like i# also $ol"s
some spe%ial memories for you.
MOODOGF +$a#/s ri!$#, yes. =u# in .yomin! we $a" a s#ore, a #ra"in! Pos#, in 9or# ,ri"!er, w$i%$
was nine miles away from #$e railroa". +$e railroa" s#a#ion was %alle" &ar#er, an" 1 use #$a# wor"
0&ar#er0 in #$ere. )# #$e #ime, &ar#er was presi"en#, so i# $as a "ouble meanin!F &ar#er, .yomin!,
an" &ar#er for Presi"en#. )n" #$ose bi! en!ines, you %oul" see #$em %omin!, #$e Jnion Pa%ifi%
%omin! "own #$e #ra%k. 4normous en!ines ; 1 was so li##le an" #$ey/" %ome #$un"erin! by an" #$en
#$ey/" s#op an" you/" !e# on. Do", w$a# a soun", w$a# a si!$#, #o see #$ose bi! en!ines %omin!
"own a# you. ) fabulous soun", you know@
9or #$a# son!, 1 #rie" #o !e# #$e soun" of #$e #rain w$is#le by usin! a %$roma#i% $armoni%aF 1/" blow
in #o !e# one soun" an" blow #$e o#$er way #o !e# a semi#one lower, like i#/s in #$e "is#an%e ; #$a#
?oppler effe%#. 1 $a" fun "oin! #$a#.
DF 1n #$e pas#, you/ve "es%ribe" yourself as a 04uropean in e8ile,0 sayin! your $ear# an" soul were in
4urope. Now #$a# you/ve been livin! #$ere for almos# AB years, $as 4urope wel%ome" you in re#urn@
MOODOGF Yes, 1/m makin! a bi!!er su%%ess $ere #$an in #$e #a#es. 1#/s !rowin! every "ay. -ike
yes#er"ay in :uri%$ #$ere was a #wo;$our Moon"o! s$ow, playin! my musi%. -as# week we $a" a 45;
minu#e s$ow playin! almos# all of #$e sa8op$one %on%er# we "i" in one of our #owns $ere. )n" 1/m
!e##in! a lo# of promo#ion in #$e bi!!es# papers $ere, like #$e )piegel an" Die Beit ; all #$ese bi!
papers an" ma!a'ines. )n" innumerable rave reviews. 1 mean, #$ey seem #o love me for some
reason. 1 %an/# "o any#$in! wron!. 1#/s no# real.
DF .$a# abou# #$e musi% vi"eo you/ve been plannin! #o "o@
MOODOGF +$ere are several %ompanies #alkin! abou# "oin! i#, bu# i# $asn/# %ome up #o any#$in!
final ye#. 1/ll be on #$e #elevision wi#$ #ep$an 4i%$er, some #$in! we filme" in ParisE i#/ll be ou# on
sa#elli#e #elevision in =%#ober, 1 #$ink. +$a# was 6us# for #$e one number, 0Paris.0 .e $ave $a" several
#elevision %ompanies re%or"in! our sa8op$one !roup. =ne is in #u##!ar#, an" #$a# was alrea"y on
#elevision. )n" ,erlin is plannin! #o "o some#$in!.
DF -as# year in 4n!lan", #$ere was a series of %on%er#s an" seminars in %elebra#ion of your 35#$
bir#$"ay. 1 "i"n/# know #$ere was a followin! for your musi% #$ere as well.
MOODOGF 1 "i"n/# e8pe%# #$a# #$e people woul" rea%# like #$ey "i" in ?ar#in!#on ; #$a#/s a very
%onserva#ive pla%e. Ye# #$e people were really s$ou#in!, like a# a ball !ameM )n" 1 #$ou!$#, 0Dee, 1
"i"n/# e8pe%# #$e 4n!lis$ #o "o #$a#.0
DF Your musi% is obviously fee"in! people some#$in! #$a# #$ey/re no# !e##in! anyw$ere else.
MOODOGF 1 !e# #$a# feelin! #oo. 1/m fillin! some kin" of a ni%$e. 1/m !la" 1/m in a posi#ion #o "o
some#$in! abou# i#.
DF (as #$ere been any feelin! over #$is #ime of bein! an )meri%an in e8ile, or "o you really feel a#
$ome now in 4urope@
MOODOGF My roo#s are $ere. 1 fel# #$a# for many years w$en 1 was in )meri%a, #$a# 1 really
belon!e" ; $is#ori%ally, %ul#urally, an" every o#$er way ; #o 4urope. 1 feel like 1 like #o be %lose #o #$e
#$in!s #$a# $appene" $is#ori%ally, w$i%$ mean a lo# #o me.
DF 1 rea" #$a# you wen# #o ,ee#$oven/s bir#$pla%e an" sa# a# $is piano.
MOODOGF +$a#/s ri!$#. 1 playe" on #$e piano w$ere $e wro#e $is sona#as. +$ey allowe" me #o ;
normally #$ey "on/#, bu# in my %ase #$ey ma"e an e8%ep#ion.
DF +$a# mus# $ave been an ama'in! e8perien%e.
MOODOGF =$ i# was, really. )n" 1 was in Mo'ar#/s $ome in al'bur!. +$e al'bur! asso%ia#ion
performe" my 9irs# ymp$ony #$ere wi#$ an or%$es#ra from &'e%$oslovakia. )n" #$ey le# me s#ay in
a villa #$ere w$i%$ was reserve" for very spe%ial !ues#s. +$ey #rea#e" us lovely #$ere.
DF Your performan%e in ,rooklyn a# #$e #en#$ New Musi% )meri%a was #$e firs# #ime you/" been ba%k
#o #$e #a#es in some 15 years, wasn/# i#@
MOODOGF Yes, 1/" lef# in /34 an" %ame ba%k in /59. 1 was very $appy a# #$a#. )n" 1 $ave #u8e"o,
will #ravel, any#ime, anyw$ere ; in%lu"in! )meri%a.
DF 1s #$ere any %$an%e you mi!$# be visi#in! us a!ain soon@
MOODOGF =$, 1 woul" be very $appy #o, bu# 1 $ave #o wai# for #$e offers. 1f 1 buil" myself up bi!
enou!$ $ere, #$en #$ey/ll %all #$eir boy $ome.
DF .$a# woul" you spe%ula#e $as been #$e effe%# on your %omposi#ion of livin! in 4urope all #$ese
years@
MOODOGF .ell, 1 6us# feel #$a# #$is is #$e pla%e #o be "oin! i#. 1f pla%e $as any meanin! in one/s
life, #$en i# $as a lo# of meanin! for me. ,e%ause #o be in #$e same area w$ere all #$ese #$in!s
$appene", ar#is#i%ally an" %ul#urally, w$i%$ mean so mu%$ #o me, 1 feel a# $ome $ere.
DF .oul" you $ave wri##en some#$in! like #$e nine;$our %anons if you $a" s#aye" in )meri%a@
MOODOGF =$, 1 %oul" $ave, yes. 1 %oul" work anyw$ere. +$e pie%es 1 wro#e on #$e s#ree# were
!enerally s$or#, ou# of pra%#i%al reasons, as you %an well ima!ine. 1f 1 $ave a %$oi%e, 1/" like #o work
in a pla%e as %on!enial as i# is $ere. ,u# no#$in! woul" s#op me from wri#in!.
Lou! H"rdn
'Moondog'
Composer, multi-instrumentalist
Born: May #1& 1711 in Mary*ille& Aansas
Died: 3etem$er 5& 1777 in Munster& Germany
!e "iking o# Si$t! %&enue
Ao0-righ& J 1999
<he Sco&s*%n, 1999
The death o" ?ouis Hardin& kno%n to countless ;e% Yorkers as 'The Biking o" 3i<th A*enue'& has ended one o" the most
colour"ul careers in #8th century music. Hardin& %ho %as $est kno%n under his sel"9chosen nom de lume o" Moondog&
e*entually %on accetance as a serious comoser& $ut had $een a cult "igure "or se*eral decades rior to that recognition.
Crom the late ,8s until his mo*e to Germany in 172,& Hardin %as a "amiliar
"i<ture on 3i<th A*enue in Manhatten. He %as hard to miss 99 tall& gaunt& and
$lind& he dressed in a Biking helmet& a homemade "lo%ing ro$e& and carried a
sear& a regalia insired $y his lo*e o" ;orse culture. He li*ed on the street&
er"orming and selling his music in all %eathers& and $ecame a cult "igure in
Manhatten lore& and a hero to $oth the Beat Generation oets and the hiie
mo*ement o" the 18s.
Both o" those grous sa% him as an o$*ious soul9mate& not only through his
uncon*entional music& $ut also "or his outsoken anti9esta$lishment
hilosohical %ritings. His noteriety %as stoked $y in*itations to esouse his
ideas on tele*ision chat sho%s.
Hardin took the name Moondog in 17,2& insired $y a dog he had o%ned
%hich he said ho%led at the moon more than any other dog he had e*er
kno%n. He %as $orn in rural Aansas& %here his "ather %as an >iscoalian minister& $ut the "amily su$se-uently mo*ed to a
ranch in )yoming. He %as $linded at the age o" 11 %hen a dynamite $lasting ca e<loded in his hands.
He recalled $eing taken to ;ati*e American ceremonies as a child& and the insistent tom9tom rhythms a$sor$ed on those *isits
%ere a ma!or in"luence on his music. He studied music "or a short eriod at the 6o%a 3chool "or the Blind in 17(1& and later in
Memhis in 17,#& and de*eloed an o$sessi*e desire to comose& $ut %as largely sel"9taught in that "ield.
He mo*ed to ;e% York in 17,(& and $egan his li"e as a street musician on a itch outside 0arnegie Hall. He $ecame "riendly
%ith some o" the musicians o" the ;e% York Philharmonic& and through them& the orchestra's distinguished conductor& Artur
@od.inski. @od.inski took a liking to this e<tra*agant aarition& and $oth allo%ed him to attend rehearsals and encouraged his
asirations to comose.
6n the late9,8s& he mi<ed %ith !a.. musicians like 0harlie Parker and Benny Goodman& and his music re"lected that association
throughout his li"e. He recorded his "irst al$um "or Prestige& one o" the key indeendent !a.. record la$els o" the day& in the
mid9/8s& and %ent on to make records "or se*eral ma!or la$els& including 0B3 and >ic.
His rincial instruments %ere key$oard and ercussion& although he layed his o%n %eird sel"9made hy$rid *ariations on the
street. His music generally emloyed modal structures& a skill"ul use o" counteroint& and reeating rhythmic att
2,981 (ords
Fober& Sco&&o
Moondog: he !iking of "th A#enue
;os Ange$es: Brocess Medi%, 2006
;o+is <ho*%s /%rdin, =r3 (191?K1999), kno(n %s Moondog,
(%s %n A*eric%n co*0oser, *+sici%n, 0oe&, 0%*0h$e&eer, %nd
c%0i&%$ L0M Berson%$i&-3
/%rdin s&e00ed on&o his&or-Ns s&%ge in 195! %s % b$ind s&ree&
*+sici%n %nd begg%r in M%nh%&&%n3 #n 1956, &he -e%r he beg%n
&o serio+s$- co*0ose *+sic, he &ook &he n%*e Moondog %4&er
;ind-, &he dog on his 4%*i$-Ns 4%r* in /+r$e-, Misso+ri (ho
%$(%-s ho($ed %& &he *oon3
Fober& Sco&&oNs Moo!o": #he )iki" of *th A+eue is %n
%+&hori:ed biogr%0h- b%sed on e7&ensi2e in&er2ie(s %nd o&her doc+*en&s &h%& Moondog *%de %2%i$%b$e3 #& is % (e$$-
(ri&&en, high$- en&er&%ining, %nd so*e&i*es do(nrigh& ins0iring &%$e o4 % cre%&i2e geni+s (ho &ri+*0hed o2er
%d2ersi&ies &h%& (o+$d h%2e des&ro-ed $esser *en3
Moondog h%d % s&riking %00e%r%nce: &%$$ %nd h%ndso*e, (i&h $ong h%ir %nd % be%rd, he (ore +n+s+%$ c$o&hing o4 his
o(n *%n+4%c&+re %nd design3 M%n- 4o+nd hi* % LAhris&-$ikeM 4ig+re, (hich he 4o+nd in&ense$- %nno-ing, %s he h%d
re9ec&ed Ahris&i%ni&- in his $%&e &eens3 @2en&+%$$-, he I+%shed &he =es+s co*0%risons b- cre%&ing % 1iking cos&+*e
co*0$e&e (i&h horned he$*e& %nd s0e%r3
Moondog h%d %n in&ense$- ch%ris*%&ic 0erson%$i&-3 ,+& he 4irs& bec%*e kno(n bec%+se o4 his +n+s+%$ %00e%r%nce
%nd cons&%n& 0resence on &he s&ree&s o4 M%nh%&&%n, (here he 0$%-ed his *+sic, reci&ed his 0oe*s ((hich rese*b$e
'ie&:scheNs %0horis*s, Hen ko%ns, %nd n+rser- rh-*es), %nd 9+s& &%$ked (i&h 0%ssers-b-3 Ao$+*nis&s $ooking 4or %n
i&e* or re0or&ers $ooking 4or % s&or- beg%n &o *en&ion hi* in &he 0%0ers, (hich c%+sed *ore 0eo0$e &o seek hi* o+&3
Soon he (%s &he d%r$ing o4 2%rio+s a+at-"ar!e *+sic%$ %nd %r&is&ic circ$es, 0rob%b$- 4or *os&$- &he (rong re%sons3
/ere is % brie4 %00e%r%nce in #he Mo+i" ,i"er (19?!), % L,e%&nik 4$ickM 4ro* )o+<+be:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3EyR0VT7X8&feature=reate!

D2er &he -e%rs, Moondog c%*e &o kno( (ri&ers $ike =%ck >ero+%c, 8i$$i%* ,+rro+ghs, %nd A$%n .insbergO 9%::
*+sici%ns %nd co*0osers $ike C+ke @$$ing&on, Ah%r$ie B%rker, Ah%r$es Ming+s, %nd ,enn- .ood*%nO c$%ssic%$
co*0osers $ike #gor S&r%2insk-, =ohn A%ge, @dg%rd 1%rPse, S&e2e Feich, Bhi$i0 .$%ssO cond+c&ors Ar&+ro <osc%nini,
Ar&+r Fod:inski, %nd ;eon%rd ,erns&einO 0o0+$%r *+sici%ns $ike =%nis =o0$in, =o%n ,%e:, %nd @$2is Aos&e$$oO %nd
ce$ebri&ies $ike M%r$in ,r%ndo, Ce%n M%r&in, S%**- C%2is, =r3, M+h%**ed A$i, %nd =osQ Ferrer3 Dne nigh& in &he
N?0s he sh%red % .reen(ich 1i$$%ge s&%ge (i&h <in- <i* %nd ;enn- ,r+ce3
A& &he %ge o4 1?, ;o+is /%rdin, =r3 (%s b$inded b- % b$%s&ing c%0 c%re$ess$- disc%rded b- % r%i$ro%d cre(3 /e beg%n
e%rnes&$- &o s&+d- *+sic, (hich (%s &hen %s no( one o4 &he 4e( c%reers o0en &o &he b$ind3 /e s&+died 0i%no, 2io$in,
2io$%, %nd org%n %nd beg%n $is&ening &o c$%ssic%$ recordings %nd r%dio bro%dc%s&s3 /e en9o-ed &he 0%&ron%ge o4 %
n+*ber o4 dedic%&ed &e%chers (ho recogni:ed his &%$en&s3 8hen he *o2ed &o 'e( )ork, he (%s &%ken +nder &he
(ing o4 Ar&+r Fod:inski, &he cond+c&or o4 &he 'e( )ork Bhi$h%r*onic, (ho g%2e hi* $iber%$ %ccess &o &he orches&r%
%nd i&s rehe%rs%$s3
Moondog *%- be &he on$- s&ree& *+sici%n %nd begg%r (ho h%d recording con&r%c&s (i&h *%9or $%be$s3 ,- 1959, he
(%s *%king his 4irs& 68 r0* recordings3 #n &he 190s, he re$e%sed % n+*ber o4 $0s, inc$+ding Moo!o" a! His
,rie!s (@0ic, 19!), Moo!o"(Bres&ige, 19!), More Moo!o" (Bres&ige, 19?), #he Story of Moo!o" (Bres&ige,
196), %nd #ell -t A"ai (Ange$RA%0i&%$, 196), % de$igh&4+$ chi$drenNs %$b+* %nd &he recording deb+& o4 =+$ie
Andre(s3 #n 19?9, Ao$+*bi% M%s&er(orks re$e%sed Moo!o"(Ao$+*bi%, 19?9) 4o$$o(ed b- Moo!o" . (Ao$+*bi%,
1961)3
#n 1965, Moondog *o2ed &o .er*%n-, (here he $i2ed &he $%s& 2 -e%rs o4 his $i4e3 /e %rri2ed %s % begg%r %nd %
s&ree& *+sici%n3 #n 196?, he *e& #$on% .oebe$, (i&h (hose 4%*i$- he $i2ed &he res& o4 his $i4e3 She bec%*e his
*%n%ger %nd %*%n+ensis, (ho *%s&ered &he di44ic+$& %nd &i*e-cons+*ing %r& o4 &r%ns$%&ing MoondogNs scores,
(hich (ere encoded in ,r%i$$e, in&o con2en&ion%$ *+sic%$ no&%&ion3 #$on% g%2e Moondog &he en2iron*en& %nd
%ssis&%nce necess%r- &o %$$o( hi* &o co*0ose s&e%di$-3
C+ring his @+ro0e%n -e%rs, Moondog en9o-ed gro(ing recogni&ion %s % serio+s co*0oser3 /e recei2ed
co**issions 4ro* orches&r%s %nd 4es&i2%$s %nd cond+c&ed concer&s o4 his *+sic in B%ris, ;ondon, S%$:b+rg,
S&ockho$*, 'e( )ork Ai&-, %nd e$se(here3 <here (%s 0%r&ic+$%r in&eres& in his *+sic in S(eden, (here 4ro* 1981K
1986 he $ed % n+*ber o4 concer&s, *%de recordings, %nd e2en *e& &he king %nd I+een3 ;%&er, he en9o-ed si*i$%r
%&&en&ion in @ng$%nd 4ro* 1992K199, cond+c&ing concer&s %nd *%king recordings (i&h s%7o0honis& =ohn /%r$e %nd
song(ri&er @$2is Aos&e$$o3
MoondogNs recordings 4ro* his @+ro0e%n -e%rs inc$+de Moo!o" i Europe (>o04, 1966),H/Art So"s (>o04,
1968), Moo!o": -stru&etal Music 0y Louis Har!i (M+sic%$ /eri&%ge Socie&-, 1968), %n %$b+* o4 org%n *+sic A
1e2 Sou! of A 3l! -stru&et (>o04, 1969), ,acets (M%n%g%r*, 1981), Bracelli (>%k%0hone, 198?), Elp&as
(>o04, 1992), Bi" Ba! (<ri*b%, 199), %nd Sa$ Pa$ for a Sa$ (i&h &he ;ondon S%7o0honic (>o04RA&$%n&ic, 1996)3 A
&(o-AC s%*0$er, Moo!o": #he 'er&a 4ears5 678896777(Foo4 M+sic, 2005), s+r2e-s &his 0eriod3
#4 -o+ (%n& &o he%r MoondogNs *+sic, &he bes& 0$%ce &o begin is &he &(o-AC co*0i$%&ionMoo!o": :are Material
(Foo4 M+sic, 200?), &he 4irs& disc o4 (hich is &he Bi" Ba! AC o4 199, (hich con&%ins so*e o4 MoondogNs *os&
%00e%$ing co*0osi&ions3 <he second disc is % re0resen&%&i2e co*0i$%&ion o4 Moondog recordings 4ro* 1959 &o 1989,
beginning (i&h his 4irs& 68s3 <he 4in%$ &r%ck, LMoondog Mono$og+eM 4ro* 19?Ns More Moo!o", is % good s%*0$er o4
MoondogNs %0horis*s %nd co+0$e&s3 #4 -o+ en9o- Bi" Ba!, &he ne7& recording &o ge& is Sa$ Pa$ for a Sa$ (1986),
(hich is in &he s%*e *o+$d %nd h%s e7ce$$en& so+nd I+%$i&-3
Ano&her *+s&-h%2e recording is &he 19?9 Ao$+*bi% M%s&er(orks Moo!o", (hich con&%ins so*e o4 his *os&
%00e%$ing ins&r+*en&%$ co*0osi&ions 4ro* &he 190s %nd 19?0s3 (#& is 0%ired on % sing$e AC (i&h Moo!o" .5 (hich
con&%ins 2? ro+nds %nd c%nons, 2 o4 &he* 4or 2oiceO &%ken in iso$%&ion, &hese %re enor*o+s$- %00e%$ing
co*0osi&ions, b+& $is&ening &o &he* %$$ &oge&her h%s % de%dening e44ec&3)
Sco&&oNs biogr%0h- %$so inc$+des % 28 &r%ck s%*0$er AC (hich inc$+des 0re2io+s$- +nre$e%sed recordings3
Sco&&o &hro(s 4$oods o4 $igh& on MoondogNs *+sic3 ,%sed si*0$- on his recordings, *os& 0eo0$e (o+$d c$%ssi4-
Moondog %s % 9%:: co*0oser, so*e o4 his co*0osi&ions so+nding 2%g+e$- L;%&inM %nd o&hers so+nding 2er- *+ch
$ike 9%+n&- big b%nd *+sic3 (# de4- -o+ &o resis& h+**ing %nd &%00ing -o+r &oe %$ong (i&h Bi" Ba! or Sa$ Pa$3)
MoondogNs *+sic is high$- rh-&h*ic, so*e&i*es (i&h +n+s+%$ &i*e-sign%&+res3 'ickn%*ed LMr3 Fh-&h*,M he
in2en&ed % n+*ber o4 ne( 0erc+ssion ins&r+*en&s3 As % s&ree& *+sici%n, MoondogNs co*0osi&ions %re shor&, so &he-
c%n be e%si$- co**i&&ed &o *e*or- b- % b$ind *%n %nd 0er4or*ed i toto in % 4$+id %nd dis&r%c&ing o+&door
en2iron*en&3 <he orches&r%&ion is %$so 2er- si*0$e, so his 0ieces c%n be re%$i:ed b- on$- % 4e( 0$%-ers3
/ere %re so*e o4 his bes&-kno(n co*0osi&ions 0$%-ed b- % con&e*0or%r- gro+0, S0iri& o4 Moondog:
h&&0:RR(((3-o+&+be3co*R(%&chS2T%k*8+1Ie80kU4e%&+reTre$%&ed
/ere is %no&her 2ideo o4 e7cer0&s 4ro* (e$$-kno(n co*0osi&ions:
h&&0:RR(((3-o+&+be3co*R(%&chS2T-1,?.iV-#V(
.i2en &his, # (%s I+i&e s+r0rised &o $e%rn &h%& Moondog (%s %n enor*o+s$- 0ro$i4ic co*0oser o4 c$%ssic%$ *+sic, %n
%*bi&ion &h%& (%s 4irs& concei2ed %& &he %ge o4 163 Moreo2er, &he 4o$$o(ing -e%r, he re%d Beo2ulf %nd $is&ened &o
bro%dc%s&s o4 8%gnerNs:i" c-c$e, (hich igni&ed &he desire &o cre%&e $%rge-sc%$e dr%*%&ic (orks b%sed on 'ordic
*-&h %nd s%g%W%n %*bi&ion &h%& he beg%n &o re%$i:e in .er*%n- (i&h his &(o i**ense (orks, #hor %nd #he
Creatio, (hich h%2e on$- been 0er4or*ed in 0%r&3
MoondogNs $o2e o4 co+n&er0oin& is e2iden& in his recordings3 /e 4e$$ in $o2e (i&h co+n&er0oin& (hen he 4irs& he%rd
,%chNs <(o-B%r& #n2en&ion in A-*inor3 Dne o4 his *%9or $%&er (orks, 3+ertoe #ree, is % s-*0hon- in one *o2e*en&
&h%& is Lone &ho+s%nd b%rs $ong %nd i& h%s so *%n- con&r%0+n&%$ 0%r&s &h%& -o+ need 4o+r cond+c&ors &o *%ke i&
h%00enM (03 2?1)3
#ns0ired b- Mo:%r&, Moondog beg%n co*0osing s-*0honies (hi$e % residen& co*0oser in S%$:b+rg in 198!3 ,- &he
&i*e he re&+rned &o S%$:b+rg &he ne7& -e%r &o 0re*iere &he 4irs& &hree, he h%d (ri&&en 16 *ore3 @2en&+%$$-, he
0$%nned 4i2e books o4 2 s-*0honies e%ch, one in e%ch ke-3 /e co*0$e&ed *ore &h%n 200 be4ore he died3 And he
co*0osed 4%r *ore &h%n 9+s& s-*0honies3 Mos& o4 &his 0rodigio+s o+&0+& h%s ne2er been 0er4or*ed or recorded3 #n
4%c&, *+ch o4 i& is s&i$$ in ,r%i$$e3 #& (i$$ be *%n- dec%des be4ore &he (or$d h%s % sense o4 MoondogNs *+sic%$
%cco*0$ish*en&s3
A$&ho+gh Moondog (%s ch%*0ioned b- a+at-"ar!e e$e*en&s, his *+sic is dee0$- conser2%&i2e3 /e s%id, L#N* %
d-ed-in-&he-(oo$ c$%ssicis&, %nd #N* &on%$3M L# (o+$d r%&her $is&en &o rockNnNro$$ &h%n Schoenberg bec%+se rock *+sic
is &on%$ %nd si*0$e h%r*onic%$$-, %s is *ineM (03 188)3 MoondogNs reg+$%r, s0ri&e$- rh-&h*s, si*0$e h%r*onies, %nd
co+n&er0oin& *os& c$ose$- rese*b$e Fen%iss%nce %nd ,%roI+e *+sic3
<h+s &he L9%::M $%be$ is high$- *is$e%ding3 MoondogNs co*0osi&ions h%2e 0ro2ed I+i&e %*en%b$e &o big b%nd
%d%0&%&ions3 /e %$so (ro&e concer& b%nd %nd *%rch *+sic3 ,+& Moondog (%s 4%r re*o2ed 4ro* a+at-"ar!e %nd
i*0ro2is%&ion%$ 9%::3 @2en his %00%ren& Li*0ro2is%&ionsM (ere b%sed on co*0$e&e$- (orked o+& scores3
Sco&&oNs biogr%0h- re2e%$s &h%& Moondog (%s % re%c&ion%r- in *ore &h%n 9+s& *+sic, %$&ho+gh *%n- o4 &hese 0oin&s
%re de2e$o0ed in on$- &he *os& c+rsor- %nd &%n&%$i:ing 4%shion3
For ins&%nce, %4&er -o+ng ;o+is /%rdin (%s b$inded, he %b%ndoned his Ahris&i%n 4%i&h3 #& (%s &he c$%ssic 0rob$e* o4
e2i$3 /o( co+$d % .od (ho is good, %$$-kno(ing, %nd %$$-0o(er4+$ %$$o( hi* &o be b$inded %nd $e4& in %gon-S Dnce he
0+& Ahris&i%ni&- behind hi*, -o+ng ;o+is e*br%ced L% ne( o+&$ook on &he (or$d b%sed on &he so-c%$$ed $%(s o4
n%&+re %nd oneNs re$%&ion &o &he*M (03 68)3 Sco&&o s%-s no&hing %bo+& &he ins0ir%&ions o4 &his (or$d2ie(, b+& &here is
de4ini&e$- % 'ie&:sche%n 4$%2or &o s+ch %0horis*s %s LDne &hing %bo+& $i4e, be i& s%id, i& 4eeds +0on i&se$4 o2er %nd
o2er, %nd o4 i&se$4 is 4ed3M
@2en&+%$$-, &his n%&+re-cen&ered (or$d2ie( c%*e &o inc$+de 'ordic neo-0%g%nis*3 Moondog c%*e &o be$ie2e &h%&
8es&ern ci2i$i:%&ion (%s 4+nd%*en&%$$- sick3 <he c%+se o4 &he sickness (%s Ahris&i%ni&-3 <he on$- c+re (%s 4or
@+ro0e%ns &o reconnec& (i&h o+r 0ri*ordi%$ 0%g%n roo&s3 And 4or Moondog, &hose roo&s (ere 'ordic3 /is 1iking g%rb
(%s no&, &here4ore, *ere$- % cos&+*e b+& %n %44ir*%&ion o4 4%i&h %nd iden&i&-3 /e (%s, %s Sco&&o s%-s, % L1iking 4oo&-
so$dier %nd b%rd, re%sser&ing %rch%ic 2%$+es in &he *os& cos*o0o$i&%n %nd +rb%ni:ed o4 ci2$i:%&ionsM (03 1?0)3
Moondog (%s no& *ere$- % $i&er%r- or 0hi$oso0hic%$ 0%g%n3 /e e%rnes&$- (orshi0ed &he 'orse gods3
)es, # do be$ie2e in &he 'orse gods3 3 3 3 <he (%- # go %bo+& (orshi0ing &he 'orse gods is 2er- *+ch $ike % Mos$e*
(ho (o+$d (orshi0 A$$%h: he c%n do i& in % deser& or %n-(here 3 3 3 3 #4 -o+ (%n& &o &hink +0 (hen -o+ &hink o4 &he
dei&-, -o+ r%ise +0 -o+r he%d, -o+ 9+s& s%$+&e &he in2isib$eO i& c%n h%00en %n- &i*eO i4 -o+ 4ee$ $ike co**+nic%&ing
(i&h so*e&hing be-ond h+*%ni&-, -o+ 9+s& do i&3 (03 181)
A$&ho+gh Moondog *os& rese*b$ed Ddin, i& (%s <hor (ho (%s &he 4oc+s o4 his de2o&ion3 #n &he $%&e 190s,
Moondog bo+gh& so*e $%nd %nd b+i$& % ro+gh-he(n c%bin in +0s&%&e 'e( )ork3 ()es, he (%s % ho*e$ess *%n (i&h
*%9or $%be$ con&r%c&s %nd % 2%c%&ion co&&%ge3) <here he b+i$& % 0-r%*id%$ s&one %$&%r &o <hor3 (Sco&&oNs biogr%0h-
re0rin&s MoondogNs 0oe*s L<horM in A00endi7 @ %nd L<he Song o4 Are%&ionM in A00endi7 F3)
Sco&&o *%kes c$e%r &h%& Moondog bec%*e I+i&e (e$$-2ersed in #ndo-@+ro0e%n his&or-, 'ordic *-&ho$og- %nd s%g%s,
%nd &he his&or- o4 &he 1ikings3 /e (%s %nno-ed &h%& 8es&ern ed+c%&ions 4%2or .reek %nd ;%&in c$%ssics o2er &he
.er*%nic3 8hen he *o2ed &o @+ro0e, he 4e$& he (%s re&+rning &o his s0iri&+%$ ho*e$%nd3 /e s&o00ed in #ce$%nd on
&he (%-, %nd $%&er he *%de 0i$gri*%ges &o &he @7&erns&eine, &he <e+&ob+rger 8%$d, %nd o&her his&oric%$ si&es3
Moondog %$so h%d s&rong r%ci%$ 4ee$ings3 /e (%s 0%r&ic+$%r$- o00osed &o *iscegen%&ion be&(een (hi&es %nd b$%cks3
)es, e2en &ho+gh he h%d cordi%$ re$%&ionshi0s (i&h s+ch b$%ck *+sici%ns %s Ah%r$ie B%rker %nd C+ke @$$ing&on3
#& is &h+s ironic &h%& MoondogNs second (i4e, M%r- 8hi&ing, (%s h%$4-=%0%nese3 (<he- (ere *%rried 4or %bo+& eigh&
-e%rs %nd h%d % d%+gh&er3) #n 4%irness &o Moondog, ho(e2er, %s % b$ind *%n, his r%ci%$ 4ee$ings (ere b%sed $ess on
%00e%r%nces &h%n on I+%$i&ies o4 0erson%$i&-3 S0iri&+%$$- s0e%king, Moondog 4e$& &h%& M%r- (%s % so+$-*%&e3
As % chi$d, ;o+is /%rdin h%d e7&ensi2e e70os+re &o A*eric%n #ndi%ns in 8-o*ing3 /e 4e$& % dee0 s0iri&+%$ %44ini&- 4or
&he* %nd e2en incor0or%&ed &heir rh-&h*s in his *+sic3 #n 1959, Moondog $e4& 'e( )ork 4or % cross-co+n&r- hobo
od-sse-3 8hen he %rri2ed in 'e( Me7ico, he so+gh& &o rec%0&+re his chi$dhood 4%scin%&ion (i&h &he #ndi%ns b-
2isi&ing &he '%2%ho3
,+& no *ee&ing o4 &he *inds (%s 0ossib$e3 Moondog (%s 4$eeing *oderni&- &o(%rd %n in&egr%$, &r%di&ion%$ 4or* o4
ci2i$i:%&ion3 ,+& &he '%2%ho (ere 4$eeing &h%& ci2i$i:%&ion &o e*br%ce *oderni&-3 'or co+$d he bridge &he r%ci%$ g%03
/is 4$ir&%&ion (i&h &he 'ob$e S%2%ge ended (hen % gro+0 o4 '%2%ho chi$dren $ed hi* o+& &o %n is$%nd in % b+s-
high(%- %nd s&r%nded hi* &here3 #n &he end, Moondog re%$i:ed &h%& his 4%scin%&ion (i&h A*eric%n #ndi%n c+$&+re (%s
*ere$- his o(n b$ood c%$$ing hi* b%ck &o %+&hen&ic @+ro0e%n 4o$k(%-s3
Moondog (%s, *oreo2er, I+i&e 4r%nk$- %n&i-Se*i&ic, %n o+&$ook &h%& d%&es b%ck %& $e%s& &o his e%r$- 20s3 Sco&&o
c$%i*s &h%& Moondog $os& 4riends bec%+se o4 %n&i-Se*i&ic 2erses, b+& he does no& I+o&e &he*3 /e &e$$s +s %$*os&
no&hing o4 &he origins or n%&+re o4 &hese o0inions3 A& one 0oin&, he %bs+rd$- s+gges&s &h%& i& (%s % 0rod+c& o4
L*idd$e-c$%ssM 0re9+dice (&his o4 % *%n (ho (%s 4ree-s0iri&ed eno+gh &o e*br%ce &he $i4e o4 % b$ind begg%r %nd
hobo)3 @$se(here, Sco&&o s+gges&s &h%& MoondogNs 2ie(s o4 =e(s (ere *ere$- % coro$$%r- o4 his %sser&ion o4 his
'ordic iden&i&-3 <his is *ore 0$%+sib$e, b+& no so+rce *%&eri%$ is I+o&ed3 ,o&h e70$%n%&ions, o4 co+rse, *%ke no
re4erence &o &-0ic%$$- =e(ish beh%2ior %nd 0erson%$i&- &r%i&s3
Moondog, *oreo2er, h%d e7&ensi2e in&er%c&ions (i&h =e(s in 'e( )ork: ;eon%rd ,erns&ein, S&e2e Feich, A$%n
.insberg, ,enn- .ood*%n, e&c3 So*e o4 &hese in&er%c&ions (ere c$e%r$- 0osi&i2e, b+& s+re$- no& %$$ o4 &he*3 For
ins&%nce, Bhi$i0 .$%ss in2i&ed Moondog &o $i2e (i&h hi* 4or % -e%r in &he 19?0s %nd (ro&e % Fore(ord &o Sco&&oNs
book in (hich he I+i&e gr%cio+s$- credi&s Moondog %s %n in4$+ence3
Dn &he o&her h%nd, in &he 190s, =e(ish disc-9ocke- A$%n Freed, (ho s0eci%$i:ed in 0%ck%ging b$%ck *+sic 4or (hi&e
&een%gers, &ook &he n%*e Moondog3 #n 19?, Moondog s+ed hi* 4or co0-righ& in4ringe*en&3 #& (%s % $ong, bi&&er
b%&&$e, 0%r&ic+$%r$- 4or % b$ind ho*e$ess *%n, b+& in &he end, .o$i%&h be%& C%2id, %nd Freed h%d &o 0%- X?,000 in
d%*%ges3 (A& one 0oin&, Ar&+ro <osc%nini &ook &he s&%nd %s % ch%r%c&er (i&ness 4or Moondog3)
Sco&&o %$so *en&ions in 0%ssing &h%& Moondog (%s 2er- concerned (i&h en2iron*en&%$is* %nd %ni*%$ righ&s3
A 0%&&ern is e*erging here3
Sco&&oNs book is %n e7ce$$en& first biogr%0h- o4 Moondog3 ,+& &he I+es&ions i& r%ises 0oin& &o &he necessi&- o4 %
second biogr%0h-, %n itellectual biogr%0h- &h%& e70$ores &he n%&+re, ins0ir%&ions, %nd de2e$o0*en& o4 MoondogNs
(or$d2ie(3 Sco&&oNs biogr%0hic%$ *%&eri%$s, (hich h%2e been de0osi&ed in &he Dr%$ /is&or- o4 A*eric%n M+sic
Ao$$ec&ion %& )%$e Uni2ersi&-, need &o be gone o2er %g%in (i&h ne( e-es3
Ano&her +se4+$ 0ro9ec& (o+$d be %n %n&ho$og- o4 MoondogNs (ri&ings, (hich inc$+des no& on$- 0oe&r- b+& %$so
0%*0h$e&s %nd ess%-s on s+ch &o0ics %s &he 1iking disco2er- o4 A*eric% %nd &he e2i$s o4 &he Feder%$ Feser2e
S-s&e*3 Ag%in: % 0%&&ern3
A00%ren&$- MoondogW&he big, gen&$e be%s&W(%s I+i&e s+ccess4+$ (i&h (o*en3 /e (%s *%rried &(ice, 4%&hered &(o
d%+gh&ers (&he second o+& o4 (ed$ock), %nd h%d n+*ero+s re$%&ionshi0s3 So*e (o*en 4o+nd his &o+ching
%ggressi2e, b+& in his de4ense, &h%& (%s &he on$- (%- he co+$d Lsee3M S&i$$, his chosen $i4es&-$e did no& o44er *+ch &o
%cco**od%&e &he 4e*%$e nes&ing ins&inc&, so his re$%&ionshi0s &ended &o be &r%nsien&3 #n % co+0$e o4 0$%ces, Sco&&o
see*s &o hin& &h%& Moondog (%s bise7+%$3 #& does no& see* 0%r&ic+$%r$- i*0or&%n&, one (%- or &he o&her, b+& (h-
hin& %ro+nd %bo+& s+ch %n iss+e %s i4 (e (ere $i2ing in &he 19&h cen&+r-S
* * *
#& is h%rd no& &o 4ind MoondogNs $i4e ins0ir%&ion%$3 /e (%s % cre%&i2e geni+s (ho &ri+*0hed o2er enor*o+s obs&%c$es3
So*e o4 &hose obs&%c$es (ere s+re$- se$4-i*0osed, %s his cri&ics %nd second-g+essers 0oin& o+&3 Moondog (%s no&
4orced &o $i2e on &he s&ree&s3 M%n- 0eo0$e (ere (i$$ing &o &%ke c%re o4 hi*3 /e chose &o $i2e on &he s&ree&s bec%+se
he h%d % s&rong need 4or inde0endence, %nd he (%s (i$$ing &o 0%- &he 0rice3 )e& e2en so, he de*ons&r%&ed 9+s& ho(
*+ch one c%n do (i&h ho( $i&&$eW9+s& ho( 4%r &he 0o(er o4 0erson%$i&- %nd geni+s c%n &%ke -o+Who( one c%n $i2e %
s0iri&+%$$- rich %nd cre%&i2e $i4e (hi$e b$ind %nd in 0o2er&- on &he s&ree&s o4 'e( )ork3
#& is ironic &h%& -o+ng ;o+is /%rdin conc$+ded &h%& &he %cciden& &h%& b$inded hi* (%s % re4+&%&ion o4 Bro2idence3 Dn
Sco&&oNs %cco+n&, he h%d % &errib$e chi$dhood3 /is 0%ren&s (ere no& e7%c&$- cr+e$3 <he- (ere 9+s& se$4-%bsorbed
4$%kes3 )o+ng ;o+is 4o+nd i& di44ic+$& &o &r+s& o&hers %nd *%ke 4riends3 /e $%cked 4oc+s %nd se$4-con4idence3 /e
sho(ed no sign o4 s0eci%$ in&e$$igence or %bi$i&-3 /e %00%ren&$- did no& recei2e *+ch o4 %n ed+c%&ion3
<hen he (%s 0$+nged in&o d%rkness %nd %gon-3 /is $i4e (%s sh%&&ered3 <he 2isib$e (or$d (%s gone3 /e (%s 4orced
in(%rd, &o g%&her his 4orces3 /e h%d &o 0+& his $i4e b%ck &oge&her %nd re&+rn &o &he (or$d +sing his senses o4 he%ring
%nd &o+ch3 /e e*erged % re*%rk%b$- &r%ns4or*ed *%n3 /e disco2ered &%$en&s &h%& $%- hidden, %n inde0endence o4
*ind %nd %c&ion &h%& he did no& kno( he 0ossessed3 <he sh-, re&iring, +n4oc+sed bo- h%d beco*e % *%n (i&h &he
se$4-con4idence &o &r%2e$ b$ind %cross &he Uni&ed S&%&es3
Dne (onders i4, (ere i& no& 4or &he %cciden&, ;o+is (o+$d h%2e ins&e%d beco*e $ike his -o+nger sis&er, (ho si*0$-
dri4&ed &hro+gh $i4e &hen 9+s& (en& *issing, 0res+*ed de%d3 #4 so, &hen *%-be &here (%s so*e&hing Bro2iden&i%$
%bo+& &he %cciden&, %$&ho+gh 0erh%0s &he h%00- end (%s d+e no& &o .od b+& &o /%rdin hi*se$43 F%&e *%de ;o+is
/%rdin, =r3 in&o % b$ind *%n, %nd /%rdin *%de &he b$ind *%n in&o Moondog3
"#!ewa$ &ero' o( the &or() of a Rev#va
8%$&er >%r$ing
Moondog on &he s&ree& in 'e( )ork in &he 19?0s ((i&h % 0%sser-b-)3 M%n- *is&ook hi* 4or % ho*e$ess *%n3
*e(ty of chamber mu)#c fe)t#va) have feature! wor$) by +ach'+eethove( a(! ,o-art. .r /hare) 0ve)' E#ott
/arter a(! 1eo( 2#rch(er.
+ut a fe)t#va that #(cu!e) mu)#c by +ach' +eethove(' ,o-art' 0ve)' /arter a(! 2#rch(er' a pay#(3 )eco(! f#!!e to
the ca))#ca wor$) of ,oo(!o3?
4,oo(!o3 R#)#(3'5 wh#ch ta$e) pace o( 6r#!ay a(! "atur!ay at 7!ve(t 1uthera( /hurch #( ,a(hatta(' #) )urey
the f#r)t. The V#$#(3 of "#8th 7ve(ue' a) he wa) $(ow(' wou! be prou!.
6rom the ate 9:;0) to the eary <70) ,oo(!o3 wa) a) reco3(#-abe #( the New =or$ /#ty a(!)cape a) the Emp#re
"tate +u#!#(3' a(! (eary a) )tr#$#(3. 7 ta b#(! ma( w#th o(3 ha#r a(! bear!' wear#(3 a ha(!ma!e V#$#(3 hemet
a(! pr#m#t#ve coa$' he re3uary )tat#o(e! h#m)ef at "#8th 7ve(ue a(! >;th "treet' wh#ch cop) a(! cabb#e) $(ew a)
,oo(!o3<) /or(er. ?#)pe()#(3 h#) poetry' po#t#c)' )heet mu)#c a(! recor!#(3) @)ome o( bout#Aue abe)' )ome o(
maBor)C' he wa) )ou3ht out over the year) by beat)' h#pp#e) a(! fore#3( tour#)t)' but a)o by the me!#a a(!
ceebr#t#e)' from Dater D#(che a(! 4To!ay5 to ,aro( +ra(!o' ,uhamma! 7# a(! ,art#( "cor)e)e.
4Everybo!y who wa) a(ybo!y met ,oo(!o3'5 Robert "cotto' author of 4,oo(!o3'5 a b#o3raphy pub#)he! th#)
mo(th by *roce)) +oo$)' )a#! rece(ty. 47(! everybo!y ha! h#) ow( ,oo(!o3.5
Eve( after he move! to Eerma(y #( 9:7;' where he rema#(e! u(t# h#) !eath #( 9::: at 83' he wa) remembere! #(
New =or$ a) a( embemat#c )treet character' thou3h (ot a) a )er#ou) ca))#ca compo)er. 7) the +r#t#)h mu)#c cr#t#c
2e((eth 7()e ob)erve! #( the m#!F<:0)' wh#e Ba-- 3reat) #$e /ou(t +a)#e a(! /har#e *ar$er a!m#re! ,oo(!o3<)
#!#o)y(crat#c foray) #(to the#r wor!' 4the ca))#ca ortho!o8y ha) (ot ru)he! to embrace h#m.5
Rob#( +oomer' a ce#)t a(! the or3a(#-er of ,oo(!o3 R#)#(3' )a#!: 4,o)t of the peope 0 $(ow from the ca))#ca
mu)#c wor! !o(<t $(ow ,oo(!o3 at a. &e ha)(<t ma!e #t #(to the ca(o(.5
*art of the probem #) that ,oo(!o3 wa) )o pro#f#c a(! ecect#c. Dor$#(3 #( +ra#e' ofte( compo)#(3 u(!er h#)
coa$ o( the )#!ewa$' he wrote #( a( #mpre))#vey w#!e ra(3e of )tye): percu))#o(F!r#ve( e8ot#ca @he ma!e h#) ow(
tr#a(3uar !rumFa(!Fcymba #()trume(t' the tr#mbaC' ava(tF3ar!e Ba--' fo$#)h ma!r#3a)' +achF#$e (eoF+aroAue
rou(!) a(! ca(o() for chamber orche)tra' )ympho(#e) for fu orche)tra' a(! a ayere! m#(#ma#)m that #(fue(ce!
h#) you(3 coaborator) "teve Re#ch a(! *h##p Ea)). @They ca( be hear! pay#(3 w#th ,oo(!o3 #( the 9:G0) o( a
)amper /? #(cu!e! #( ,r. "cotto<) boo$' for wh#ch ,r. Ea)) wrote the preface.C
&e reea)e! more tha( a !o-e( recor!#(3)' a(! h#) mu)#c wa) u)e! #( f#m) a(! teev#)#o( commerc#a). &#) )o(3)
were )u(3 by Ha(#) Hop#( @o( 4+#3 +rother & the &o!#(3 /ompa(y5C a(! Hu#e 7(!rew) @a ch#!re(<) abumCI he
o(ce )hare! a b# #( a Eree(w#ch V#a3e cub w#th T#(y T#m a(! 1e((y +ruce' a(! much ater performe! o( a
fe)t#va )ta3e #( 1o(!o( at the #(v#tat#o( of Ev#) /o)teo.
"t#' accepta(ce a) a mo!er( ca))#ca compo)er ha) eu!e! h#m. The atav#)t#c )trea$ )ymbo#-e! by the V#$#(3
hemet ca( be hear! #( the wor$' wh#ch wa) meo!#c a(! tu(efu at a t#me whe( ato(a#ty a(! !#))o(a(ce ofte(
rue!. ,o)ty #t )ou(!) more #$e +ach' +eethove( a(! ,o-art tha( 0ve)' /arter or 2#rch(er. ,). +oomer )a#! that
wa) why mu)#c by tho)e compo)er) wou! be paye! ao(3 w#th ,oo(!o3<) at the twoF(#3ht fe)t#va' )o au!#e(ce)
ca( compare a(! co(tra)t.
+or( 1ou#) &ar!#( Hr.' #( 2a()a)' the )o( of a( Ep#)copa m#(#)ter' ,oo(!o3 wa) ra#)e! #( var#ou) *a#() )tate). 7t
9G' he wa) b#(!e! wh#e t#($er#(3 w#th a ba)t#(3 cap. &e became a vorac#ou) auto!#!act of mu)#c' #terature'
h#)tory a(! ph#o)ophy. &e re(ame! h#m)ef ,oo(!o3 for a how#(3 bu!o3 he ha! ove! a) a boy' a(! !eveope! a
wor!v#ew that embrace! Nor)e mythoo3y a(! V#$#(3 cuture a) the p#((ace) of Europea( c#v##-at#o(.
&e wa) J7 whe( he came to New =or$ #( 9:;3 a(! Au#c$y e)tab#)he! h#) ecce(tr#c )tatu). 7thou3h ofte( m#)ta$e(
for homee))' he away) ha! a room )omewhere @he #ve! for a year #( the <G0) w#th ,r. Ea)) a(! Ho7((e 7$aa#t#)C'
a(! wa) marr#e! for a per#o! a(! ra#)e! a !au3hter. &#) ma(y hour) o( the )treet were h#) way of co((ect#(3 w#th
the )ou(!)' vo#ce) a(! rhythm) of the c#ty.
That<) where ,r. "cotto' a profe))or of E(3#)h at +aruch /oe3e of the /#ty K(#ver)#ty of New =or$' f#r)t met h#m
a) a coe3e )tu!e(t #( the m#!F<G0). 4&e wa) the ava(tF3ar!e f#3ure par e8cee(ce' the ut#mate h#pp#e'5 ,r. "cotto
recae!. 4&e wa) a p#3r#ma3e that a coe3e )tu!e(t) ma!e.5
,r. "cotto )ou3ht out ,oo(!o3 a3a#( #( Europe #( the m#!F9:80). ,oo(!o3<) Eerma( fr#e(!) ha! co(v#(ce! h#m
by the( to )et a)#!e the V#$#(3 hemet a(! coa$' wh#ch they )coff#(3y referre! to a) h#) 4amateur .!#(5 co)tume'
referr#(3 to the f#3ure from Nor)e mythoo3y.
,). +oomer f#r)t hear! of ,oo(!o3 #( the <80) from a Ba-- mu)#c#a( who 4wa) a3ha)t that 0 !#!(<t $(ow h#m.5
*ur)u#(3 a ma)ter<) !e3ree #( art) a!m#(#)trat#o( at /oumb#a K(#ver)#ty a)t year' )he be3a( to re)earch ,oo(!o3<)
#fe a(! wor$). Dhat )he or#3#(ay pa((e! a) a )ma ecture a(! performa(ce 3rew #(to 4what 0 refer to a) the
E8po!#(3 ,oo(!o3 6e)t#va'5 )he )a#!. 40t Bu)t 3ot b#33er a(! b#33er'5 w#th her ow( J0Fp#ece Eupra8#a *ayer)
Bo#(e! by mu)#c#a() from arou(! the cou(try a(! Europe.
0( h#) preface to 4,oo(!o35 ,r. Ea)) wr#te) that he a(! ,r. Re#ch 4too$ h#) wor$ very )er#ou)y a(! u(!er)too!
a(! apprec#ate! #t much more tha( what we were e8po)e! to at Hu#ar!.5
,). +oomer )a#! )he hope! to )prea! that apprec#at#o(.
Moondog
MORE MOONDOG / THE STORY OF MOONDOGj onny mugwump , May 5t h, 2009 05: 48
ADD YOUR COMMENT
?ouis Thomas Hardin& aka Moondog& aka The Biking o" 3i<th A*enue& en!oys something o"
a more uni-ue $iograhy than your a*erage contemorary musician and comoser. Blinded
in a "arming accident at the age o" 11& Moondog sent many years eking out a hand9to9
mouth e<istence on ;Y0 street corners& li*ing homeless& dressed in some%hat idiosyncratic
gar$ Dhorned helmet& caeE %ith his %ild $ut regal $eard and mane o" hair. He aarently
adoted these sartorial accoutrements $ecause he ket $eing mistaken "or +esus. But $e"ore
you start imagining some $eyond9eccentric street corner nut !o$& Moondog %as a comoser
o" comle< simlicity %ho maintained a uni-ue $alance o" "reedom and sohistication. He $uilt u a loyal clan o" "ans largely
due to his atch $eing near the /#nd 3treet ;ightclu$& a "amous +a.. !oint. Among his admirers he could count Duke >llington&
3tra*insky& 0harlie Parker& Dylan and 3te*e @eich& %ho attemted to du$ him the God"ather o" Minimalism. 6t %as a title that
the Biking olitely $ut "irmly re"used.
You might kno% Moondog& though. The rather tedious Mr 3cru"" li"ted 'Birds ?ament' D"romMoondog 1E "or his %orld9"amous
'Get A Mo*e =n' D%hich later %ent on to $e used to sell naies or matches or somethingE and that gi*es you a sense o" the
strange motion at %ork here. Hardin lo*ed ;ati*e American music and Bach& and also in*ented *arious instruments during his
careerF the one that "eatures here the most is the ==& a shimmering har9like sound de*ice that "urther adds to the "eel o" %hat
could $e descri$ed as a kind o" ur$an shamanism.
Honest +on's& that uni"ormly e<cetional la$el& no% resent this $eauti"ully remastered ackage %hich comiles t%o Prestige
al$ums "rom 17/1 and 17/2& More Moondog and The Story of Moondog. These recordings reresent Moondog in the ra%4 a
small %orld a%ay "rom the lush orchestrations o" Moondog's 1 & 2& %hich %ere recorded at the tail end o" the 18s.
Moondog learned to lay drums on a card$oard $o< %hen he %as "i*e& and all o" his %ork glistens %ith a strange rhythmic o""9
kilter heart$eat. This $ecomes the "oundation "or "urther ercussion& chanting& sa<ohone Dthough that rarely aears on these
early releasesE& occasional iano& ta9dancing& ;e% York tra""ic& oetry& readings "rom the man himsel" and... tug$oat horns.
The music alone is remarka$le $y any$ody's standards $ut all these en*ironmental sniets& the o*erheard con*ersations and
the li"e o" Moondog's e<terior surroundings trans"orm the release into a surreal "ield recording9 a shi"ting soundscae i*oting
on the Biking's inherent losided aural ercetion o" the %orld.
There are occasional solo iano and organ ieces and& my o%n "a*ourite at the moment& the nine minute 'Moondog Monologue'
%here& accomanied $y his ==& he meanders around themes o" li"e& the uni*erse and e*erything. But it seems ointless to
single out indi*idual tracks. ?isten to this "or %hat it is 9 a su$tly shi"ting !ourney and a remarka$le snashot o" a remarka$le
man and the eole and the city around him.
Moondog: The Art of Concealing Art
By Mike PowellPo
6n a canon& thereGs no such thing as a lead role& only suorting ones. ;o line stands alone. 6tGs like a u..le& or a -uilt H or a
"amily& may$eF >ach art is as essential to the %hole as the others.
"o to u(!er)ta(! ,oo(!o3<) mu)#c' you have to u(!er)ta(! )ma th#(3). =ou m#3ht eve( have to apprec#ate them.
&#) p#ece) te(! to be )hort a(! )#mpe. "ome of them )ou(! #$e (ur)ery rhyme). "ome )ou(! #$e b#3 ba(! Ba--
)Aua)he! !ow( to poc$et )#-e. "omet#me) he ca) #( the whoe orche)traI other t#me) #t<) Bu)t h#m' ba(3#(3 away o(
a homema!e !rum.
,y )#(3e favor#te p#ece of h#) #) about three m#(ute) o(3. 4Theme a(! Var#at#o()'5 #t<) cae!.
Theme and var#at#o()' #( a) much t#me a) you )pe(! bru)h#(3 your teeth #( the mor(#(3.
+ecau)e ,oo(!o3<) mu)#c !oe)(<t #(3er. 0t ma$e) #t) po#(t) a(! the( L w#th a tw#r of #t) cape L #t 3oe). 0t ma$e)
)e()e' actuay' that he wa)(<t Bu)t a compo)er' but a )treet performer. Composers' w#th the#r #mp#e! pe!#3ree a(!
h#3h' )acre! a)p#rat#o()' ta$e the#r t#meI )treet performer) have to w#( you over before the toothpa)te h#t) the )#($.
.h' a(! (o(e of them )ou(! part#cuary mo!er(. =ou $(ow what 0 mea( by mo!er(: ?#))o(a(t' chae(3#(3'
u(fam##ar. 0( the co(te8t of ate J0th ce(tury ca))#ca compo)#t#o(' h#) mu)#c #) 4e8per#me(ta5 o(y #()ofar a)
be#(3 e8per#me(tay fam##ar. 0f you #)te( to #t' you w# (ot be a)$#(3
your)ef #f you are #)te(#(3 to mu)#c' or ma$#(3 Bo$e) about cat) hav#(3
the#r ta#) pue!.
0t<) o!Ffa)h#o(e! that way. .r u(fa)h#o(abe. +oth wor$. 40<m )tr#cty
to(a'5 he )a#! #( a 9::8 #(terv#ew. 4"o 0 fee $#(! of o(ey.5
&#) ear#er recor!#(3)' e)pec#ay Moondog a(! More Moondog' are(<t
Bu)t po#)he! pro!uct) of h#) art' but !ocume(t) of h#) #fe. &e rambe)
about the mu)#c before L a(! wh#e L pay#(3 #t. &e !uet) w#th a( u(!erempoye! tap!a(cer he met ha(3#(3 arou(!
T#me) "Auare. &e accompa(#e) h#) w#fe' who )#(3) a Hapa(e)e uaby to the#r !au3hter' who cr#e). .( 4"treet
"ce(e'5 a cop bow) h#) wh#)te' a(! the mu)#c !#)appear) #(to the (o#)e of traff#c.
.(e' o( More Moondog' #) cae! 4Rehear)a of V#oetta<) +arefoot ?a(ce.5 ,oo(!o3 )ay) )ometh#(3 about ca(!y.
7bout 4(o' that<) my ca(!y.5 The( a !o3 bar$): &#) coc$er )pa(#e' N#(o(. "o he ar3ue) w#th N#(o( for a #tte wh#e.
The( he offer) h#) 3ue)t) )ome potato ch#p). ,aybe they wa(t )ome' maybe (ot. 0t<) u(cear. 7 woma( )ay)
)ometh#(3 about how they reay )hou! 3et bac$ to #t' reay )hou! )tart. 46rom the be3#((#(3'5 )he )ay) )ter(y'
a(! abrupty' the mu)#c L the 4art5 L be3#().


0t wa)(<t true' what ,oo(!o3 )a#! about be#(3 the o(y per)o( ma$#(3 to(a mu)#c after the 9:>0). "teve Re#ch wa)
!o#(3 #t. *h##p Ea))' too. +ut Ea))<) mu)#c #) )o 3ra(! by compar#)o(' a(! )o mo!er(' a baet of automate! th#(3)
humm#(3 fa(ta)t#cay #(to the future.
,oo(!o3 !#!(<t )eem to care about the future. &e #$e! H.". +ach a(! /har#e *ar$er. 7) a ch#!' he )at o( the ap of
/h#ef =eow /af at a( 7rapaho )u( !a(ce a(! ba(3e! o( the tomFtom. 4They have th#) !rum beat'5 he )a#!. 4Th#)
heartbeat. +om bom bom.5 That<) whe( he rea#-e! #t: the 0(!#a(): They #(ve(te! )w#(3. Th#) th#(3 we o(ce thou3ht
wa) )o (ew wa)(<t )o (ew after a.
1#)te( to h#) mu)#c #( New =or$ /#ty a(! you w# )ee #t. The )$y)craper): they<re totem poe) bu#t to mo!er( 3o!)'
the )y(copate! ho($) of car hor() a $#(! of Ba--. 1oo$ at the ma(#ac) o( the foor of the )toc$ e8cha(3e: They<re
warr#or)' whoop#(3. 0f *h##p Ea))<) mu)#c rem#(!e! u) we were away) o( the prec#p#ce of the future' ,oo(!o3
rem#(!e! u) we were (ever far from the pa)t.
.r' a) the o!Ft#mey choru) of Sax Pax for a Sax<) 4New 7m)ter!am5 put) #t: 4New 7m)ter!am wa) her (ame /
+efore )he wa) New =or$.5
4"urf "e))#o('5 46ro3 +o3'5 4+e a &obo'5 4Eoo! 6or Eoo!#e5: The)e are(<t t#te) of )er#ou) p#ece) of ca))#ca
compo)#t#o(' but of Merrie Melodies a(! Looney Tunes. 0( ,oo(!o3<) mu)#c' #()trume(t) are bow( out to coorfu'
cartoo(#)h proport#o(): ?rum) thump' )a8opho(e) -#3F-a3' fute) futter a(! caree(. =ou !o(<t )ubBect mu)#c #$e
th#) to )ur3#ca harmo(#c a(ay)#)' you )ubBect #t to wh#)t#(3.
"o to u(!er)ta(! the e(#3mat#c compo)er ,oo(!o3 L a mo)ty )efFtau3ht b#(! 3uy from 2a()a) who paye!
homema!e #()trume(t) a(! wa(!ere! the )treet) #( V#$#(3 co)tume L #t m#3ht hep to (ot th#($ of h#m a) be#(3 a
that e(#3mat#c after a.
+ut th#) #!ea of 4u(!er)ta(!#(35 L who care)? K(!er)ta(!#(3 )ometh#(3 !oe)(<t ma$e #t a(y more or e)) r#ch' or
a(y more or e)) rea' a(! Bu)t becau)e we fee #$e we ca( u(!er)ta(! )ometh#(3 ea)#y !oe)(<t ma$e #t more or e))
worth our t#me.
Ta$e ,oo(!o3<) mu)#c: 0t) )#mp#c#ty #) what ma$e) #t ra!#ca' #t) fam##ar#ty what ma$e) #t amb#t#ou). 0t #)
comfort#(3 mu)#c that !are) you to a)$ for a(yth#(3 more. 4The art of co(cea#(3 art5 L #( h#) ow( wor!)' that wa)
h#) 3oa.
"ometh#(3 0 hate a!m#tt#(3 about ,oo(!o3 #) that he )eeme! to wa(t to be more L or at ea)t !#ffere(t L tha( he
wa). 4The recor!) 0 ma!e #( New =or$ are actuay e8tracurr#cuar'5 he )a#! #( a 9:79 ra!#o #(terv#ew. 40 fra($y !#! #t
to 3et )ome #tte reco3(#t#o(' wh#ch 0 wa)(<t abe to 3et w#th my )ympho(#c wr#t#(3.5
0t rem#(!e! me of the 6re(ch author Eu)tave 6aubert' who became famou) #( h#) #fet#me for wr#t#(3 Madame
Bovary but !#e! fee#(3 #$e he wa) (ever reco3(#-e! for h#) be)t wor$ L the wor$ that e8pre))e! what he #ma3#(e!
to be the 3reate)t pote(t#a of h#) )ou.
0t<) po))#be' the(' that a the mu)#c ,oo(!o3 eft beh#(! wa) the pro!uct of a )a! comprom#)e w#th the wor! that
he hope! wou! )ome!ay brea$ #( h#) favor. That )ome!ay' he wou! throw away the)e m#(#ature)' ha(3 up h#)
V#$#(3 hemet a(! Bo#( the b#3 boy) #( the co(cert ha.
4*ay#(3 #( the !oorway) !#! 3et me that #tte b#t of reco3(#t#o('5 he )a#! #( 9:79' 4wh#ch w# hep me e)tab#)h
my)ef a) a )ympho(#c wr#ter.5
0 w#)h 0 cou!<ve bee( there' #( the booth' at the ra!#o )tat#o(. 4No' ,oo(!o3' #t wo(<t'5 0 wou!<ve to! h#m. 40t
!#!(<t.5
,aybe that<) o$ay' thou3h' that
,oo(!o3 wa(te! h#) #fe to 3o )ome other way. 0( )ome way)' #t f#t). 0( the e(!' he eft u) (o 3ra(! )tateme(t' (o
!ef#(#(3 ach#eveme(t' Bu)t the)e )$etche)' the)e tu))e) w#th h#) coc$er )pa(#eI mome(t) where he ha! a reaF#ve
)#c$e!Fup orche)tra foow#(3 h#) every move a(! mome(t) where he wa) Bu)t out o( the )treet' murmur#(3 to
whoever pa))e! h#m by.
Teacher) a(! pare(t) te you to th#($ b#3. ?o(<t !o #t. Th#($ )ma. Th#($ ha#$u. Th#($ )(ow3obe. Th#($ the pear
#( the oy)ter a(! ma$e the pear the wor!. =our wa$ to the 3rocery )tore cou! be a) ep#c a) the h#) a(! a the
war) fou3ht o( them. Tho)e !o3)' #( the par$' cha)#(3 a tho)e )t#c$): They<re part of the ca(o(' too.
0( the e(! your #fe mea() very #tte. Dhat<) (#ce #) that you fee #$e #t mea() )o much. "o wr#te that )ympho(y.
2eep #t )hort. Truth ha) (o )hape or )#-e. They ca #t New =or$ (ow' but who $(ow) what they< ca #t after we 3o
a(! the a)t of tho)e eft to remember u) 3o too.
7t home w#th a V#$#(3
*h##p Ea)) reca) a tumutuou) year )har#(3 h#) hou)e #( New =or$ w#th the maver#c$ compo)er ,oo(
+= *&010* E17"" *K+10"&E? 97 H7NK7R= J008
The Village Voice ha! a p#ece about ,oo(!o3 (ee!#(3 )omewhere to #ve' )o 0 tre$$e! out to h#) u)ua )pot' #( fro(t
of the Darw#c$ &ote at >;th a(! "#8th' a(! #(v#te! h#m to )tay at the hou)e 0 wa) #v#(3 #( w#th my w#fe' Ho7((e
7$aa#t#). 7 few wee$) ater 0 3et a ca from ,oo(!o3 from a pay pho(eI he )ou(!) caut#ou) but )ay) heM! #$e to
come chec$ out the room.
0 oo$e! out the w#(!ow a(! the )#3ht of ,oo(!o3 cro))#(3 the )treet )tarte! me. &e wa) )uch a( #mpo)#(3 f#3ure'
about )#8 foot e#3ht cou(t#(3 h#) V#$#(3 hea!p#eceI a(! he wa) )o co(f#!e(t #( h#) wa$' you wou!(Mt th#($ he wa)
b#(!. 0 wo(!ere! how' a) a b#(! ma(' he ma(a3e! to cro)) the )treet w#thout a( #()ta(t of he)#tat#o( u(t# he
)howe! me how he #)te(e! to the traff#c #3ht)I 0 ha! (ever
hear! them before #( th#) way.
"o hereM) ,oo(!o3 at the fro(t !oor' a )tatey a(! remar$abe
w#th hor() o( h#) hea!. 0 offer h#m our b#3 room o( our top
foor. ,oo(!o3 tur() !ow( the b#3 room. &e )ay) he wa(t) our
)ma room' where he cou! )tretch out h#) arm) a(! fee the
wa) a(! ce##(3. ThatM) what he wa) comfortabe w#th' #$e
what he wou! eve(tuay !o #( h#) t#(y hou)e up)tate. The way
he ater !e)cr#be! h#) up)tate home' #t )ou(!e! #$e a )p#!er or a( octopu)' w#th )ma arm) or corr#!or) reach#(3
out from the ce(tre.
&e e(!e! up #v#(3 w#th u) for (eary a year. 0 thou3ht he wa) terr#f#c' fa)c#(at#(3 a(! mu)#cay very #(tere)t#(3. De
forme! a mu)#c 3roup' ,oo(!o3' "teve Re#ch' Ho( E#b)o( a(! my)ef. 6or a t#me' we ha! wee$y )e))#o() pay#(3
,oo(!o3M) compo)#t#o(). De too$ h#) wor$ very )er#ou)y a(! u(!er)too! a(! apprec#ate! #t much more tha( what
we were e8po)e! to at Hu##ar!. "teve recor!e! ma(y of our )e))#o().
Moondog came "rom a true American tradition4 he ersoni"ied the ma*erick& solitary hero comoser& like ;ancarro%& Partch&
6*es and @uggles. He really imressed me %ith his %ork& and that he could lay all o" his music. =nce he ga*e me a gi"t o" a
$ig comosition %ith (2 arts. 6 still ha*e the music.
0 wa) part#cuary #(tere)te! #( the way ,oo(!o3 cou! wor$ yr#cay w#th o!! rhythm)I #( a way #t wa)(Mt !#))#m#ar
from what 0 wa) !o#(3 at the t#me w#th Rav# "ha($ar. ,oo(!o3 wa) Au#te #(tere)te! #( our wor$' too' a(! )eeme! to
apprec#ate that we were a)o f#(!#(3 our ow( vo#ce) compo)#t#o(ay.
Dhe( he #ve! w#th u)' ,oo(!o3 wa) very co((ecte! to Ba--. &eM! )ta(!
#( the )ta#rway to the Ba-- cub +#r!a(! a(! pay ao(3 w#th a(yth#(3
they were pay#(3 #()#!e the cub. 0 wa) ama-e! at h#) fac##ty for !o#(3
th#)' a(! the way he cou! ma$e mu)#c of fou(! )ou(!). 0 remember
h#m )ta(!#(3 o( the roof overoo$#(3 the &u!)o( R#ver' a(! whe(
the Queen Elizabe!pue! #(to port' bow#(3 #t) hor(' ,oo(!o3 wou!
toot ao(3 w#th #t o( h#) bamboo fute.
7) ama-#(3 a) he wa)' he wa) a !#ff#cut 3uy' a(! a b#t of a rac#)t' too.
&e )po$e of (ot #$#(3 bac$ or Hew#)h peope. &e a)$e! me whether 0
wa) Hew#)h' a(! 0 )a#! 0 wa). &e the( wo(!ere! why th#) happe(e! to
h#m' why a h#) be)t fr#e(!) happe(e! to be Hew#)h a(! bac$. &e
)eeme! 3e(u#(ey )a! a(! co(fu)e! by th#) u(fortu(ate c#rcum)ta(ce.
Thou3h he )pe(t a year w#th u)' 0 3ave h#m ot) of pr#vacy. +efore he
move! to Eerma(y' #t !#! become u(comfortabe at t#me). 0t )eeme!
that he fet e(t#te! to 3rab ho! of a(y woma( he cou!. &e to! me: N0
ca(Mt be pro)ecute! for rape becau)e they ca(Mt !o that to b#(! peope.N
7(other u(comfortabe th#(3 about #v#(3 w#th ,oo(!o3 wa) that he !#!(Mt p#c$ up after h#m)ef' or $(ow how or
bother to throw out the tra)h' )o 0 )pe(t )ome t#me cea(#(3 up the fa)t foo! he brou3ht to h#) room' #$e empty
bo8e) from ?u($#(M ?o(ut) a(! hafFeate( bo(e) from 2e(tuc$y 6r#e! /h#c$e(.
0 o(y )aw h#m o(ce after he move! to Eerma(y. &e came bac$ to v#)#t New =or$ a(! we ha! a 3reat !#((er to3ether
at my home #( the Ea)t V#a3e. ,oo(!o3 #ve! a #fe of treme(!ou) coura3e a(! !#)c#p#(eI he wa) a( a!m#rabe'
u(#Aue per)o( a(! a per)o(a #()p#rat#o(.
T!is is !e preface o !e official biograp!y" #Moondog" !e Vi$ing of Six! %venue# by &ober Scoo" '!ic!
includes a ()*rac$ C+ ,Process-. /nfo0 '''.processmediainc.com
,rtist& M==N?=D
Title& Moon"o!
La4el& 4 M4N .1+( ,4)*?
For)at& -P
>rice& G19.BB
Catalog F&4M 135-P
15B !ram vinyl. 0Moon"o!/s "ebu# release, ori!inally on #$e Pres#i!e label, %ame
ou# in 195<, lon! af#er $e/" be%ome a le!en"ary New York &i#y s#ree# performer. +$e blin" >ansas
na#ive s$ow%ases $is #alen# for #$e minimal an" avan#;!ar"e $ere, wi#$ %omposi#ions "riven by
per%ussion an" Japanese;inspire" melo"ies, %omplimen#e" by s#ree# soun"s, re%i#a#ions an" animal
noises. ,i'arre even for #o"ay/s s#an"ar"s, i#/s a won"er #$is was release" over a $alf;%en#ury a!o. )
brillian# "ebu#.0
,rtist& M==N?=D
Title& More Moon"o!
La4el& 4 M4N .1+( ,4)*?
For)at& -P
>rice& G19.BB
Catalog F&4M 13<-P
15B !ram vinyl. 0+$is is #$e se%on" Moon"o! -P, ori!inally release" on Pres#i!e
in 195<. 1# %on#inues #$e NY& s#ree# performer/s e8plora#ion of minimalis# %omposi#ion an" fiel"
re%or"in!, mi8in! per%ussion an" sparse melo"ies wi#$ piano solos, s#ree# soun"s an" monolo!ues.
urprisin!ly a%%essible "espi#e i#/s avan#;!ar"e na#ure, bri"!in! #$e !ap be#ween #$e familiar an" #$e
bi'arre. )no#$er all ou# mas#erwork from one of AB#$ %en#ury )meri%a/s mos# uni7ue min"s.0
,rtist&
M==N?=D
Title& +$e #ory =f Moon"o!
La4el& 4 M4N .1+( ,4)*?
For)at& -P
>rice& G19.BB
Catalog F& 4M 133-P
15B !ram vinyl. 0=ri!inally release" on Pres#i!e in 1953, #$is is #$e #$ir" -P from NY& s#ree#
performer an" avan#;!ar"eHminimalis# %omposer Moon"o!. Per$aps #$e leas# a%%essible of $is early
releases, #$is album is ma"e up of per%ussive 6ams, usually on ins#rumen#s of $is own %rea#ion,
s#ree# soun"s, poe#ry an" 9ar 4as# melo"ies, "espi#e openin! wi#$ a swin!in! number #$a# is, o""ly,
#$e mos# bi'arre #$in! on #$e album. )no#$er %lassi% from Moon"o! reissue" wi#$ i#s ori!inal )n"y
.ar$ol ar#work.0
,rtist& M==N?=D
Title&
Playin! Moon"o!/s Musi%
La4el& (=N4+ J=N/ *4&=*? (J>)
For)at& 1B0
>rice& G1A.5B
Catalog F& (JP B134P
AB11 repress of #$is ABB4 reissue. *e%or"e" in 1955, release" on $is own s$or#;live" Moon"o! label.
4 #ra%ks of mani% sa8op$one an" snare "rum may$em. You will no# fin" an ori!inal of #$is anyw$ere.
,lin" from #$e a!e of 13, %lassi%ally #raine" in musi%, Moondog aka Louis (ardin lef# #$e
%oun#rysi"e in #$e la#e 194Bs #o busk on #$e s#ree#s of New York, playin! per%ussion ins#rumen#s of
$is own %rea#ion. (e la#er be%ame #$e "arlin! of #$e NY ar#s an" musi% se#. (e also re%or"e" for
9olkways, Boody (er)an/s Mars label, #$en Pres#i!e an" &,.
,rtist& M==N?=D
Title& Moon"o! )n" (is 9rien"s
La4el& (=N4+ J=N/ *4&=*? (J>)
For)at& 1B0
>rice& G1A.5B
Catalog F&(JP BA44P
AB11 repress. 3 #ra%k 1B0 release, ori!inally release" by 4pi%M 0=ri!inally release" in 195C ;; a
fan#as#i% %olle%#ion of re%or"in!s from #$e e%%en#ri% !enius #$a# was Moon"o!. +$is mini;album
fea#ures Moon"o!/s pioneerin! #e%$ni7ues in #ape over"ubbin! ;; $e $armonises wi#$ $imself on
voi%e, "ouble bass an" $ome;ma"e "rums. +ou%$es of $is %lassi%al musi% e"u%a#ion are un"erpinne"
by $is si!na#ure an" irresis#ible Na#ive )meri%an r$y#$ms. 4pi%, prop$e#i%, naive ;; seriously lovable
musi%. 1B0 vinyl only release.0 +ra%ksF 0?ra!on^s +ee#$ ;; 2oi%es of prin!,0 0=asis,0 0+ree 9ro! ;; ,e
a (obo,0 01ns#rumen#al *oun" ; ?ouble ,ass ?uo ;; .$y spen" #$e "ark ni!$# wi#$ you@,0 0+$eme
an" 2aria#ions ;; *im $o#s,0 0ui#e No. 1,0 ui#e No. A0
,rtist& M==N?=D
Title& +$e 2ikin! of i8#$ )venue
La4el& (=N4+ J=N/ *4&=*? (J>)
For)at& &?
>rice& G13.BB
Catalog F&(J* B15&?
Previously li%ense" #o )s#ralwerks in #$e J.., now re;release" on i#s ori!inal label,
(ones# Jon/s, wi#$ new an" improve" !a#efol" %ar" walle# sleeve pa%ka!in!. Poe#, %omposer, s#ree#
musi%ian an" %osmolo!is# Moondog (Louis Tho)as (ardin, 191<;1999) learne" r$y#$m from
)meri%an 1n"ians an" %oun#erpoin# from %3S3 Bach. Many of $is re%or"in!s fea#ure ins#rumen#s $e
buil# $imselfF trim&a, yu#*, tu@i, oo. ome#imes you %an $ear in #$e ba%k!roun" #$e s#ree#s of New
York, w$ere Moon"o! of#en slep#. 1n a""i#ion, $e was blin", "ue #o an a%%i"en# w$en $e was 15.
ome#ime in #$e 195Bs, fe" up wi#$ bein! mis#aken on #$e s#ree# for &$ris# ($is re!ular buskin! spo#
was up#own on i8#$) Moon"o! pu# on a 2ikin! %os#ume, wi#$ spear an" $orne" $elme#E an" $e
"resse" like #$is un#il #$e la#e 193Bs (by w$i%$ #ime $e was workin! wi#$ or%$es#ras in Dermany).
Moon"o!/s renown was e8#ensiveF Agor Stravinsky lobbie" a 6u"!e on Moon"o!/s be$alf. Charlie
>arker wan#e" #o play wi#$ $im, %ulie ,ndrews ?1? play wi#$ $im, an" $e was fe#e" by #$e likes
of Bo4 Dylan, Marlon Brando, an" Steve 9eich. ,ndy Barhol/s mo#$er "esi!ne" one of $is
%overs, an" Beegee #ook p$o#o!rap$s of $im (in%lu"e" in #$e bookle#). %anis %o+lin %overe"
$im, Mr3 Scruff owes $im ba"ly, an" ,ntony and the %ohnsons %overs $is son!s. +$is is #$e firs#
re#rospe%#ive of Moon"o!/s musi% ;; C< #ra%ks from 1949;1995, mos# of #$em e8%ep#ionally rare, all
of #$em mira%ulous.
,rtist&
M==N?=D
Title& +$e 2ikin! of i8#$ )venue
La4el& (=N4+ J=N/ *4&=*? (J>)
For)at& A-P
>rice& GAB.BB
Catalog F&(J* B15-P
AB1C repressE ABB5 release, on vinyl. +remen"ous !a#efol" presen#a#ion an" one of (J*/s mos#
impressive "o%umen#s #o "a#e. 0+$is new release from (ones# Jon/s is #$e firs# overview of
Moon"o!/s ama'in! ar#is#i% life ;; in%lu"in! re%or"in!s spannin! from 1949 #ill 1995, wi#$ numerous
35s an" various o#$er vanis$e" re%or"s revive" for #$e firs# #ime (no# #o men#ion a %ouple of .ee!ee
p$o#o!rap$sM).0
,rtist&
M==N?=D
Title& 4lpmas
La4el& >=P9 (D4*M)NY)
For)at& &?
>rice& G13.BB
Catalog F& >? 1ACC14&?
AB1C res#o%k. =ri!inally release" in 1991, Moondog/s =lpmas is a lan"mark la#e;perio" work by #$e
le!en"ary %omposer. )f#er a prolon!e" perio" of silen%e w$ile livin! in Dermany,Louis Tho)as
(ardin (aka Moon"o!) re#urne" #o )meri%a in 1959 #o par#ake in a $i!$ly;praise" performan%e a#
#$e 1B#$ New Musi% )meri%a 9es#ival, s$arin! #$e pro!ram wi#$ %ohn Korn an" Butch Morris.
)l#$ou!$ re#urnin! #o $is $ome in =er;4rkens%$wi%k, Dermany s$or#ly af#er #$e performan%e, #$e
su""en a##en#ion an" renewal of in#eres# in $is work promp#e" Moon"o!, #$en in $is la#e;3Bs, #o
re%or" new ma#erial. =lpmas is #$e s#unnin! resul# of a revi#ali'e" le!en" s#ill a# #$e peak of $is
vi#ali#y an" innova#ion. =n =lpmas, Moon"o! uses a sampler for #$e very firs# #ime, %omplemen#in!
$is %omposi#ions wi#$ fiel" re%or"in!s, an" e8plainin!, 06*e sampler is ideal +or my #ind o+ music-
'*ic* is mostly contrapuntal- speci+ically canonic,0 +$e per%ola#in! marimba pa##erns on openin!
#ra%k 0.in" *iver Powow0 re%alls #$e #ype of pure, lus%ious #one;s#u"ies #$a# on%e "eeme" Moon"o!
0#$e foun"er of minimalism0 by >hili+ =lass an" Steve 9eich, bu# =lpmas is a varie", #$ema#i%
work, epi% in s%ope an" "e"i%a#e" #o #$e abori!inal peoples of #$e worl". 0.es#war" (oM0 is an 5;par#
%anon "epi%#in! #$e wes#ern mi!ra#ion from 4urope #o #$e New .orl", an" fea#ures !ues#
musi%ians=Lt2 ,ls)ann an" ,ndi To)a (Mouse 'n Mars). 0ui#e 47ues#ria0 is #$e mos#
ener!i'in! pie%e on #$e album, i#s in#ri%a#e marimba pa##ern %arrie" #o epi% $ei!$#s by #$e in%ursion
of a valian# male %$orus. =lpmas also in#ro"u%es Moon"o!/s 0=ver#one &on#inuum,0 an ambi#ious
%omposi#ional sys#em in w$i%$ a 4;par# male %$orus is over"ubbe" 1A #imes, resul#in! in #$e
"isorien#in! 144;voi%e e8perimen# 0+$e Messa!e.0 +$e album en"s wi#$ 0&osmi% Me"i#a#ion,0 a A4;
minu#e e8panse of $a'y warm#$ an" melan%$oli%, /no;es7ue ambien%e in#en"e" #o su!!es# #$e
risin! an" fallin! waves of #$e i"erial ea. )s Moon"o! %on%lu"es in #$e liner no#es, 0Its un'orldly
sound &rings one close to t*e essence o+ t*ings- to t*e 'peace t*at passet* all understanding,'0
,rtist&
M==N?=D
Title& ) New oun" =f )n =l" 1ns#rumen#
La4el& >=P9 (D4*M)NY)
For)at& &?
>rice& G13.BB
Catalog F& >? 1CCB13&?
AB1C res#o%k. =ri!inally release" in 1939 by >opf an" reissue" in 1999. ,y #$e #ime % e' )ound O+
%n Old Instrument was release", Moondog (Louis Tho)as (ardin) $a" ma"e $is $ome in
Dermany for 5 years, an" "e%i"e" #o %ompose #$is sui#e of pie%es in $onor of 0+$e >in! =f
1ns#rumen#s,0 #$e pipe or!an. 06*e organ *as not &een called t*e 'Ging o+ Instruments' +or not*ing-
&ecause o+ all instruments- it *as t*e 'idest range o+ possi&ilities- lending itsel+ to any mood or
style, In su++ering t*e organ to emit secular and e1en pro+ane music- namely dance music- I do not
+ind it out o+ place- since I am +ully a'are o+ t*e organ's pagan &eginnings- t*e pipes o+ Ean.0 Playin!
upon #$is no#ion, Moon"o! ma#%$es several of #$ese or!an pie%es wi#$ s$akers an" o#$er forms of
kno%kin! per%ussion w$i%$ len"s an or!ani% feel #o w$a# is #ra"i#ionally #$ou!$# of as a formal,
unben"able ins#rumen#. =n #$e %on#rary, Moon"o! emp$asi'es #$e per%ussive an"
%on#rapun#alHs#a%%a#o #ones #$e or!an is %apable of pro"u%in!, ra#$er #$an "rones, al#$ou!$ #$ose
are also use" $ere #o provi"e a ba%k!roun" for w$a# "oes feel like "e%i"e"ly vernal, lil#in!, woo"lan"
pipes. (e also e8plains in #$e liner no#es $is 0lo!run"rs,0 a %anoni%al me#$o" of %oun#erpoin#. % e'
)ound O+ %n Old Instrument is a #rue Moon"o! o""i#y, bu# $is mas#ery of illus#ra#in! #$e neveren"in!
na#ure of pa##erns in melo"i% #one an" se7uen%e are espe%ially prominen# $ere, fo%use" as i# is on
one ins#rumen#. =r!ans playe" by Frit2 Storfinger an" Bolfgang Schwering. Pa%ka!e in%lu"es
liner no#es wri##en by -ouis +. (ar"in $imself.
,rtist&
M==N?=D
Title& 1n 4urope
La4el& >=P9 (D4*M)NY)
For)at& &?
>rice& G13.BB
Catalog F& >? CCB14B&?
AB1C res#o%k. =ri!inally release" by >opf in 1933, an" reissue" in 1999, Moondog In =urope was
visionary %omposer Louis Tho)as (ardin/s (aka Moondog) firs# release af#er movin! #o Dermany.
Per$aps refle%#in! #$e $is#ori%i#y of $is new environmen#, #$is album is more s#ru%#ure" an" formal
#$an mos# of $is previous releasesE $owever, $is layere" son!;%y%les are 6us# as %ir%ular an"
e8perimen#al, an" s#ill ba%ke" by a fair amoun# of #ribal per%ussion. +$ere are momen#s of w$imsy,
as on 01n 2ienna,0 wi#$ i#s boun%in!, musi%;bo8 like %eles#a, or on 02ikin! 1,0 also refle%#e" wi#$ a
snappy %eles#a melo"y, bu# #$ere are also momen#s of parlor;room somberness, as on #$e s#rin!
arran!emen#s for 0*oman%e 1n D0 or #$e las# AB_ minu#es of #$e album, w$i%$ is %omprise"
e8%lusively of e8#remely $eavy pipe;or!an sui#es. Moondog In =urope, #$ou!$ less playful #$an o#$er
of $is albums, "isplays Moon"o!/s vir#uosi#y as a %lassi%al %omposer, wi#$ ele!an#ly s#yli'e" pie%es
#$a# see Moon"o! embra%in! a !ran"iosi#y $e $a"n/# approa%$e" previously.
,rtist& M==N?=D
Title& (/)r# on!s
La4el& >=P9 (D4*M)NY)
For)at& &?
>rice& G13.BB
Catalog F&>? CCB1<B&?
AB1C res#o%k. +$is is >opf *e%or"s/ 1999 &? reissue of Moondog/s /'art )ongs, ori!inally release" in
Dermany in 1935. 1n 1934, New York &i#y/s famous 02ikin! =f i8#$ )venue0 #ravelle" #o 4urope #o
pro"u%e a %on%er# of $is works wi#$ #$e 9rankfur# *a"io =r%$es#ra. )f#erwar"s, Moon"o! (Louis
Tho)as (ardin, 191<;1999), w$o on%e #ol" an in#erviewer #$a# $e %onsi"ere" $imself a 04uropean
in e8ile,0 fel# %ompelle" #o s#ay on #$e %on#inen# in or"er #o reali'e #$e ima!ine" 4uropean i"en#i#y $e
invoke" wi#$ $is %lo#$in! an" musi%. Moon"o! fel# %ul#urally an" ar#is#i%ally %loser #o 4urope an" i#
was $ere w$ere $e spen# #$e res# of $is life, "evelopin! some of #$e mos# uni7ue an" surprisin!, if
no# lesser known "evelopmen#s in $is vas# bo"y of work. /'art )ongs is one anomaly in #$e
%omposer/s ou#pu# "urin! #$is perio", as ea%$ of #$e son!s are %onsi"erably #ra"i#ional in form wi#$ a
sin!;son!, almos# pop;orien#e" men#ali#y. )ll #$e son!s %onsis# of Moon"o! sin!in! #o minimal,
%a#%$y piano a%%ompanimen#s an" o%%asional per%ussion. Moon"o! sin!s wi#$ a 7uaverin! sin%eri#y
in $is voi%e #$a# re%alls 9o4ert Byatt w$ile #$e pa#$os an" $umor in #$e lyri%s #o son!s like 04nou!$
)bou# (uman *i!$#s0 (0"*at a&out *og rig*tsA>"*at a&out +rog rig*tsA0) an" 01/m Jus# ) (op (ea"0
(0,,,and so I'll &e- till I'm dead>I started *opping '*en +irst I *opped into &ed0) su!!es#s #$e
inno%en# "espair of Daniel %ohnston. +$e simpli%i#y in #$ese son!s, $owever, is mislea"in!, as #$e
repe#i#ive melo"ies are blesse" wi#$ sub#le %$or" s#ru%#ures #$a# !ra"ually #ake on an epi%, even
o#$erworl"ly, feel. +$is sin!ular 7uirkiness an" ra"ian# uni7ueness in approa%$ makes #$is musi%
"is#in%#ly Moon"o!. (i!$ly a%%essible ye# %riminally overlooke", /'%rt )ongs/ musi% reveals a
fas%ina#in! s#a!e in Moon"o!/s ar#is#i% "evelopmen#, blesse" wi#$ #$e un"ers#a#e" beau#y #$a# makes
$is work so #imeless.
,rtist& M==N?=D
Title& nake#ime eries
La4el& M==N?=D *4&=*?
For)at& -P
>rice& G11.5B
Catalog F&M==N?=D BB1-P
48a%# rpro of #$e very rare ori!inal Moon"o! label version of one of #$e earlies# Moon"o! -Ps (soon
af#er reissue" on Pres#i!e as #$e self;#i#le" Moondog -PE bo#$ versions were release" in 195<). ame
musi% as #$e %ommonly available Pres#i!e e"i#ion, bu# #$is $as #$e ori!inal $alf;moon line;ar# %over
#$a# will en$an%e your man#lepla%e so mu%$ more. =ri!inally re%or"e" in New York &i#y, 195<. 9rom
#$e Pres#i!e liner no#esF 0ome#imes Moon"o! #$e eni!ma "efea#s an unpre6u"i%e" view of $is musi%.
,u#, if we i!nore #$e %loak of seemin! ins%ru#abili#y an" %on%en#ra#e on #$e musi%, #$e e8perien%e
%an be as#onis$in!. Moon"o! possesses an a"mirable vir#ueE $e per%eives musi% everyw$ere in life.
+$e %olle%#ion of vi!ne##es %on#aine" in #$is album are fully reali'e" a##emp#s #o in#e!ra#e musi% an"
soun". Musi% an" life/s soun"s are inseparable #o Moon"o!. +$us, #$e %omple#e /-ullaby/ %on#ains #$e
%ry of #$e babyE a s#rin! "uo appears %omfor#ably a# $ome in a /9ro! ,o!/ se##in!E a New York /#ree#
%ene/ in%lu"es ()meri%an;1n"ian inspire") "rum solos, #$e wis"om of a 9ar;4as#ern p$ilosop$er, an"
#$e s#ri"en# blowin! of a poli%e w$is#le %ommen%in! #$e flow of #raffi%. ) vas# amoun# of #$e worl"/s
musi% is par# of Moon"o!/s workin! vo%abulary. +$is reservoir of ma#erial serves $is e%le%#i% approa%$
#o %omposi#ion. Moon"o! %$ooses "ef#ly amon!s# all of musi% #o eli%i# $is surprisin! %ouplin!s. ) pair
of violins bowin! a ,a%$;influen%e" %oun#erpoin# mi!$# be $ear" over a r$y#$mi% pa##ern of &uban
"rummin!. +$e abili#y #o fin" une8pe%#e"ly %omplemen#ary areas of musi% is an essen#ial in!re"ien#
in #$ese minia#ure por#rai#s of life/s many par#s. +$e %oun#less $ours spen# by Moon"o! on #$e
s#ree#s of New York provi"es a %ons#an# s#ream of ma#erial for #$is !rea# silen# observer. Moon"o!/s
musi% is w$a# $e $as foun" in #$e worl" in w$i%$ $e lives. +$rou!$ $im we %an view #$e worl" in a
more perfe%# form.0 ;;*ober# . )l#s$uler.
,rtist&
M==N?=D
Title& +$e Derman Years 1933;1999
La4el& *==9 MJ1& (D4*M)NY)
For)at& A&?
>rice& GAB.BB
Catalog F& *? A4CCAA1&?
AB1C res#o%k. =ri!inally release" by *oof Musi% in ABB4, #$is is a A&? %ompila#ion of re%or"in!s from
#$e las# AB years of visionary %omposer Louis Tho)as (ardin/s (aka Moondog) life, w$en $e live"
in Dermany an" %ompose", ar!uably, per$aps #$e mos# vibran# an" e%le%#i% musi% in $is w$ole
%anon. &?1 is %omprise" of s#u"io re%or"in!s from 1933;1999 ;; son!s for pipe or!an, %$amber
ensemble, piano an" voi%e, s#rin! 7uar#e#, sa8op$one, e#%., an" &?A is an e8%ep#ional re%or"in! of
$is las# live performan%e from )rles, 9ran%e, re%or"e" a mon#$ before $is "ea#$. 9ea#urin!
pianis# Do)iniDue >onty, w$o plays C4 of $is pie%es for piano. 1n%lu"es a 44;pa!e bookle# of
p$o#os, no#es, essays, in#erviews, lyri%s, an" more, $ouse" in a "elu8e $ar" %ar"boar" pa%ka!e.
,rtist&
M==N?=D
Title& *emi8e" No. 1
La4el& *==9 MJ1& (D4*M)NY)
For)at& &?
>rice& G11.BB
Catalog F& *? A445AAB&?
=ri!inally release" in ABB4 on *oof *e%or"s, Remi;ed o, 1 fea#ures #$ree reworkin!s of %lassi%
#ra%ks by visionary %omposerHpoe# Moondog (Louis Tho)as (ardin). +$e firs# #ra%k is a full;on
funkH!roove rein#erpre#a#ion of 0?o! +ro#0 by Christian Becker, #$e se%on" #ra%k as envisione"
by Mr3 Scruff, 0De# ) Move =n,0 uses #$e ins#an#ly;re%o!ni'able, %ir%ular %y%le of s#rin!s an" sa8 of
0,ir"/s -amen#0 #o s$ore up a s#rai!$# "an%e bea#, an" #$e las# #ra%k by ,fro4o4, 0+$e *e#urn =f +$e
*eimemons#er0 fea#ures !ruff, $eavy rappin! by Ferris MC #o #$e fain# a%%ompanimen# of #$e ree"s
an" s#rin!s #$eme of 0Minisym 1.0
,rtist&
M==N?=D
Title& *are Ma#erial
La4el& *==9 MJ1& (D4*M)NY)
For)at& A&?
>rice& GAB.BB
Catalog F& *? A<CCA3A&?
AB1C res#o%k. *elease" in ABB<, #$is "ouble &? %olle%#ion %ompiles an e8pansive bo"y of son!s from
#$rou!$ou# Moondog/s vas# an" e%le%#i% bo"y of work. 9or almos# 5B years, Moon"o! (Louis
Tho)as (ardin, 191<;1999) impresse" an" influen%e" ar#is#s su%$ as Benny =ood)an, Leonard
Bernstein, The Beatles, Charlie >arker, Agor Stravinsky, Frank Ka++a, an" o#$ers. 9as%ina#e"
by #$e %anon form as well as %omposin! prin%iples of #onali#y an" %oun#erpoin#, Moon"o!/s musi%
always e8is#e" be#ween #$e %lassi%al an" #$e 6a'' worl" wi#$ou# ever belon!in! #o any of #$em. (e
$as %ompose" over 5B symp$onies, numerous %$amber works, over CBB ma"ri!als, as well as s%ores
for brass ban"s, s#rin! or%$es#ras, an" or!an pie%es. .$ile mos# of #$e ma#erial Moon"o! re%or"e" is
"o%umen#e" in !rea# "e#ail, #$ere are also many re%or"in!s #$a#, "espi#e #$eir ar#is#i% impor#an%e,
were only available for a very s$or# perio" of #ime. Rare Material is a %olle%#ion of #$a# ma#erial an"
reveals a remarkable musi%al spe%#rum. 1# e8#en"s from ra#$er minimalis# works of #$e early /5Bs, #o
arran!emen#s for s#rin! 7uar#e# of #$e /5Bs, #o opulen# or%$es#ra#e" bi!;ban" pro"u%#ions of #$e /9Bs.
*eissue" $ere on &? for #$e very firs# #ime are four #ra%ks from !racelli, release" on >akap$one in
195<, an" #wo #ra%ks from Instrumental Music, release" on Musi%al (eri#a!e o%ie#y in 1935. +$is
%olle%#ion %omes wi#$ a "e#aile" A4;pa!e bookle# #$a# in%lu"es no#es from Moon"o! abou# ea%$ of #$e
#ra%ks, e8%erp#s from $is bio!rap$i%al poe#i% impressions, an" a %$ronolo!y of $is life. +$is is a
lovin!ly %ompile" sele%#ion of musi% #$a# provi"es an e8pansive, wi"es%reen por#rai# of one of
)meri%a/s mos# %ompellin! an" uni7ue %omposers.
Colleen on
Moondog#! Moo!o" . (Ao$+*bi% Fecords, 1961)
Moondog K Moondog 2
# 4irs& enco+n&ered MoondogNs *+sic %ro+nd 2001, disco2ering hi* K $ike so *+ch o&her
*+sic in *- $i4e K %& % &i*e (hen going &o &he *+sic $ibr%ries o4 B%ris h%d beco*e %n
essen&i%$ 0%r& o4 *- $i4e3 # h%d 9+s& 4inished *- s&+dies %nd h%d 2er- $i&&$e *one-, so *-
4%2o+ri&e (%- o4 disco2ering *+sic (%s going &o &hose incredib$- (e$$-s&ocked $ibr%ries
(here # borro(ed 4r%n&ic%$$-, e%ger &o so%k +0 e2er-&hing, %& % &i*e (hen # s&i$$ n%i2e$-
&ho+gh& &h%& # (o+$d one d%- be 4%*i$i%r (i&h %$$ &he *+sic in &he (or$dY
M- 4%2o+ri&e $ibr%r- h%d Moondog records, b+& *os&$- 4ro* his *id %nd $%&e 0eriods:H/art
So"s, A 1e2 Sou! ,or A 3l! -stru&et, Elp&asZ b+& soon %4&er(%rds # disco2ered
&he Ao$+*bi% Moo!o" %$b+*3 Fro* &he s&%r& # re$%&ed &o (h%& # he%rd (%co+s&ic
ins&r+*en&s, re0e&i&i2e, re$%&i2e$- *ini*%$ b+& 2er- *e$odic *+sicZ e7%c&$- &he sor& o4
*+sic # 4e$& $ike *%king *-se$4 %nd h%d 9+s& s&%r&ed *%king, 2er- &en&%&i2e$-)3 #& (%s on$-
so*e -e%rs $%&er &h%& # 4in%$$- decided &o &r%ck do(n (%$*os&) e2er-&hing &h%& Moondog h%d done, e%ger 4or no& %
sing$e ge* &o esc%0e *e K %ndMoo!o" . h%s &+rned o+& &o be &he *os& be%+&i4+$ o4 &hese 4or *e3
#& is one o4 &hose r%re %$b+*s &h%& (orks on *+$&i0$e $e2e$s %nd 4or (hich e%ch ne( $is&en -ie$ds ne( insigh&s %nd
re(%rds3 <he *+sic on Moo!o" . is so *e$odic %nd &he co*bined 2oices o4 Moondog %nd his d%+gh&er (his (%r*
%nd Fober& 8-%&&-esI+e, his d%+gh&erNs cr-s&%$ c$e%r) so 0$e%s%n&$- in&er&(ined &h%& % 4irs& i*0ression co+$d be one
o4 benign 0$e%s%n&ness3 #ndeed, &he %$b+* is so*e&i*es dis*issed %s % co$$ec&ion o4 [di&&iesN %nd is e2en considered
b- so*e %s &ireso*e %nd re0e&i&i2e3 # 0erson%$$- &hink &h%& &his c%n be -o+r i*0ression on$- i4 -o+Nre $is&ening &o &he
*+sic in % 2er- s+0er4ici%$ (%-, %nd indeed, i4 -o+Nre doing so*e&hing e$se %& &he s%*e &i*e, &he songs 0rob%b$-
(onN& e2en regis&er, since *os& donN& e2en hi& &he &(o *in+&e *%rk3 S&%r& 0%-ing c$ose %&&en&ion &o &he *+sic %nd
$-rics %nd i& soon beco*es c$e%r &h%& &he %$b+* is %n-&hing b+& re0e&i&i2e, e%ch song % 4ine$- (ro+gh& *ini%&+re3
<ho+gh &he %$b+* (%s re$e%sed in 1961, Moondog h%d (ri&&en % gre%& *%9ori&- o4 &he *%&eri%$ in &he e%r$- 0s, %nd
o4 co+rse, i4 &he- 4ee$ e2en *ore %ncien& &h%n &h%&, i&Ns bec%+se &he co*0osi&ion *e&hod (&h%& o4 &he ro+nd, % si*0$e
c%non) is % 2er- o$d one3 #n &he %$b+*Ns no&es Moondog gi2es %*0$e e70$%n%&ion o4 ho( his 0%r&ic+$%r ro+nds (ork
(&he di44eren& n+*bers o4 [0%r&sN %nd *e&res +sed) %nd -o+ 4ind o+& &h%& e%ch ro+nd is in % di44eren& ke-3 #4 -o+ o(n
&he origin%$ 2in-$, -o+ c%n 4o$$o( &he *+sic score 0rin&ed on % be%+&i4+$ se0%r%&e book$e&, %nd indeed i&Ns o4&en % 2er-
ch%$$enging g%*e &o &r- %nd 4o$$o( &he 2%rio+s *+sic%$ $ines %s &he- (r%0 %ro+nd e%ch o&her3 As is c+s&o*%r- in
MoondogNs *+sic, %*ong &he 2%ried %co+s&ic ins&r+*en& %rsen%$ %nd &he 2oices shines &he s&e$$%r 0erc+ssion
0er4or*ed on his &ri*b%s: (%r* %nd cris0 %& &he s%*e &i*e, %nd ins&%n&$- recogni:%b$e3
#& is in gre%& 0%r& bec%+se # (%s so 4%scin%&ed (i&h &he [*ech%nis*sN %& (ork in &his %$b+* &h%& # s&%r&ed &o $e%rn
0erc+ssion in e%r$- 20123 /%2ing re%ched &he 0oin& (here # 9+s& 4e$& &oo %nno-ed (i&h *-se$4 4or no& +nders&%nding
ho( *e&re (orks, # decided &o do so*e&hing concre&e ($e%rn so*e 0erc+ssion ins&r+*en&s) &o ge& [0h-sic%$$-N in&o
&h%& (or$d o4 rh-&h* (hich # co+$dnN& %00rehend 4ro* % &heore&ic%$ 0oin& o4 2ie(3 <h%&Ns %no&her s&or- %nd &his is no&
&he 0$%ce &o &e$$ i&, b+& i&Ns been $i4e-ch%nging 4or *e, %s i&Ns o0ened +0 *ore *+sic%$ %2en+es &h%n # co+$d e2er h%2e
ho0ed 4or3
8h%& *%kes MoondogNs 4%*o+s sn%ke-&i*e rh-&h* (R5) %nd rh-&h*s in 6R8 e2en *ore in&eres&ing is &h%& &he-
0ro2ide % sense o4 i*b%$%nce co+n&ered b- &he 0er4ec&$- in&er&(ined *e$odic $ines, gi2ing % sense o4 si*+$&%neo+s
&ension %nd re$ie43 #n o&her 0ieces, s+ch %s LS%dness,M &he 2oice i&se$4, (i&h i&s [h%$&edN de$i2er-, 4ee$s $ike 0%r& o4 &he
rh-&h*, %nd # 4ind % *ore +0be%& n+*ber s+ch %s L,eho$dM 0$%in irresis&ib$e, % 0er4ec& e7%*0$e o4 *+sic %nd $-rics
co*0$e*en&ing e%ch o&her:
LL,eho$d, &he (i$$o( bo(s be4ore *e K ,+& no& &he o%k #N* +0roo&ingM re*%rk& &he (ind3M
And &his is &he second *%9or (%- in (hich &his %$b+* he$0ed *e %& &he &i*e o4 *%king *- ne( %$b+* #he Wei"hi"
3f #he Heart: i& &hre( % c$e%r $igh& on ho( 2er- s0%rse $-rics co+$d be +sed &o *%7i*+* e44ec&3 A& $e%s& h%$4 &he
songs on &he %$b+* co+$d be +sed %s e7%*0$es: LA$$ #s ;one$iness,M L8h- S0end A C%rk 'igh& 8i&h )o+,M LCo(n #s
U0M %nd L)o+ <he 1%nd%$M %re %$$ (onder4+$ e7%*0$es o4 ho( e2oc%&i2e %nd s&riking MoondogNs $-rics c%n be3 /is
origin%$i&- %$so $ies in his sense o4 h+*o+r %nd se$4-de0rec%&ion, e2iden& in LM%-beM %nd L#*%gine,M %nd in his %bi$i&-
&o kee0 &he *ood 2%ried, h%2ing &he 4%s& %nd (orried L# ;o2e )o+M 4o$$o(ed b- &he de$igh&4+$$- $%id-b%ck %nd
+ne70ec&ed L'eroNs @70edi&ionM3
;%s& b+& no& $e%s&, Moo!o" . is %$so % s+0erb$- recorded %$b+*3 B+& -o+r e%rs ne%r &he s0e%kers %nd &he
2oices are in &he roo* (i&h -o+O $is&en on he%d0hones %nd i& beco*es % re%$ s&ereo &ri03 8hen # (%s in &he 4in%$
s&%ges o4 *i7ing #he Wei"hi" 3f #he Heart, # 4o$$o(ed % (e$$-kno(n 0iece o4 %d2ice 4or *i7ing (hich is &o h%2e %
co+0$e o4 so-c%$$ed [re4erence recordingsN %& h%nd &o &r- %nd co*0%re -o+r o(n *i7 (i&h &he so+nd -o+Nre 0o&en&i%$$-
&r-ing &o %chie2e3 A$&ho+gh *- %$b+* is b- no *e%ns *e%n& &o be so*e kind o4 [&%keN on Moo!o" ., i& (%s &he
on$- %$b+* K o4 %$$ &he 0ossib$e re4erence records (hich #Nd 0+& on &he side K (hich # %c&+%$$- decided &o 0$%-, %nd #
donN& &hink &his (%s o+& o4 $%:iness on *- 0%r&3 #n &he end, &h%& record see*ed &o enc%0s+$%&e %$$ &he I+%$i&ies (hich
# (%s &r-ing &o c%0&+re in *- *+sic: &he coe7is&ence o4 ins&r+*en&s %nd 2oices, rh-&h* %nd *e$od-, % c$ose -e&
rich$- $%-ered so+nd co*ing 4ro* %$$ %ng$es o4 &he s&ereo s0ec&r+*, %nd % sense o4 e70eri*en&%&ion co*bined (i&h
0$%-4+$ness K %nd #N* g$%d &his %$b+* (%s &here &o he$0 *e ge& c$oser &o &h%& ide%$3
Machines were mice and men were lions once upon a time; but now that its the
opposite, its twice upon a time. Moondog
Viking of 6th Avenue
Young Louis Hardin b.1916 (later to call himself Moondog) started playing home-made
cardboard drums at the age of five, during his childhood he was exposed to the Native
American instruments and rhythms that would shape his music. At one point Hardins
father took him to a Native American Sun Dance where he sat on the lap of Chief
Yellow Calf and played a tomtom drum made form buffalo skin. He also played drums in
highschool before losing his sight in a farm accident involving gunpowder, aged 16.
Principally self-taught, he learned the skills of ear training and composition. In
1943 he moved from his native mid-west to New York where he met classical luminaries
such as Leonard Bernstein and Toscanini aswell as legendary jazz performers like
Charlie Parker and Benny Goodman, who would influence Hardins work.
Howl at the moondog
In 1947 Hardin adopted the name Moondog in honour of a dog who used to howl at the
moon more than any other dog I knew of. He developed and embraced a worldview that
embraced Norse mythology and Viking culture as the pinnacle of human civilisation.
From the late 40s until 1974 Moondog lived as a street musician and poet, busking in
Manhattan. Because of his proximity to the nightclub strip of 52nd street, he was
well known to many jazz musicians and fans. In 1949 he traveled to a Native American
gathering at the Blackfoot Sun Dance in Idaho, where he performed percussion and
flute, returning to the Native American music he first came into contact with as a
child. It was this Native music along with contemporary classical and jazz mixed with
ambient sounds of his environment (traffic, ocean waves, babies crying) that created
the foundation for Moondogs music. In a search for new sounds, Moondog also invented
several musical instruments, including a small triangular-shaped harp known as the
Oo, another which he named the Ooo-ya-tsu, and (perhaps his most well-known) the
Trimba, a triangular percussion instrument that the composer invented in the late
40s. His many hours on the street were his way of connecting with the sounds, voices
and rhythms of the city. Taking inspiration from these street sounds, Moondogs music
tended to be relatively simple but characterised by what he called snaketime a
slithery rhythm, in times that are not ordinary Im not gonna die in 4/4 time.
Working in braille and often composing under his cloak
and Viking costume (which included a horned helmet) he
was prolific and eclectic, writing in an impressively
wide range of styles: percussion-driven exotica,
avant-garde jazz, folkish madrigals, neo-Baroque
rounds and canons for both chamber and symphony
orchestras. His layered minimalism went on to
influence young collaborators Steve Reich and Philip
Glass. In 1989 Glass invited Moondog to conduct the
Brooklyn Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, stimulating a
renewed interest in his music. Acceptance as a
recognised modern classical composer has always eluded
him. The ancient and ancestral streak symbolised by
his Viking helmet and garb can be heard in his music
which was melodic and tuneful in an age where
atonality in classical music often ruled.
In 1974 Moondog was invited to give two concerts in Frankfurt and visited Germany for
the first time. He felt comfortable in the land of his music ancestors and despite
having little money and knowing no German, he decided to stay until his death in
1999. He was, to the very end of his life, vital, active and creative. It is hard to
define musical genius. Is it the quality of their music? Their role in history? Or
simply hindsight? In this case it is a combination of Moondogs unique story, unique
mode of composition and unique way of looking at the world. It seems sad that it has
taken the world this long to begin appreciating this sensitive musician. His music
has recently appeared on Henrik Schwarz DJ-Kicks series and Ame, Dixon and Henrik
Schwarz recent Grandfather Paradox album, both of which are highly recommended in
their own right. You can download Moondogs seminal self-titled album here.
Despite his handicap and under difficult circumstances, Moondog stubbornly struggled
as a free artist, committed to his own ideas of life and music, regardless and yet as
a consequence of the world around him. He was a true artist who wrote a most
beautiful and peculiar music that still amazes listeners all over the world to this
day. If nothing else who should be exalted for providing a tangible link between the
somewhat genteel world of contemporary classical music and those on the margins of
society. Moondog, we salute you.