This episode is a must-see for all Fariņa fans. Richard and Mimi perform several of their own songs and back up Seeger on some other songs. They also talk about their involvement with Joan's Institute for the Study of Non-Violent Action. Oddly enough, there was little talk of Richard's forthcoming novel and no mention of his work on Joan's rock album (perhaps because it was an educational show avoiding commercialism or promotion).

Seeger shows his considerable knowledge of folk music through many observations of Richard and Mimi's music. He notes how Richard combines two or three old traditions on the dulcimer and improvises and accelerates like a sitar player as he and Mimi trade off rhythms. Seeger also recalls their Newport Folk Festival performance, when the couple performed in the rain and inspired the audience to get up and dance and take off their clothes. Seeger describes this as a sight that "I'll never forget in all my life...It was pandemonium...it was wonderful!"

Richard is suprisingly nervous in this video; readers who were enchanted by Hajdu's evocative portrait of Fariņa as the mercurial entertainer who turned every conversation into theatre, every meal into a banquet, may be surprised to find him so demure here, although both of them loosen up somewhat after a few songs, especially on the upbeat numbers, "House Un-American Blues Activity Dream" and "Joy 'Round My Brain."

Production values have changed enormously in 35 years, and the modern viewer raised on flashy MTV videos may feel something missing in this footage. There is no rapid splicing, no computer graphics flying across the screen; the set is a dark, bare kitchen in what looks like a log cabin; there is no studio audience, and when you expect applause at the end of Richard and Mimi's fantastic performances, there is only a brief, awkward silence, followed by Pete saying "WOO-WEE!" But the historical value of this video lies partly in the slight culture shock one experiences. It's like traveling back in time.

Pete clearly admired Richard and Mimi's music, and even predicted that their synthesis of various eclectic styles would be influential: "This is going to be happening all around the world." And indeed, a year or two later, popular music explored a bewildering array of styles (though Richard and Mimi received scarcely any credit for helping to initiate this trend). Pete ended the show by saying, "You ain't seen nothin' yet." Sadly, we would see no more of Richard and Mimi as a duo. This was one of the last--if not the very last--recording of Richard and Mimi, as Richard died a month later.

This is a unique opportunity to observe Richard's dulcimer technique and to see Mimi's guitar playing. I found it fascinating just to watch them moving and talking. It's also impressive to hear Seeger improvise so effortlessly on the duo's songs. Although Richard and Mimi only appear on the show for maybe 35 or 40 minutes, it is nevertheless a priceless piece of history and absolutely a must-see for any fan of theirs. Unfortunately, it is currently out of print, but you can see some clips on Youtube.

Oh, Had I A Golden Thread (Rainbow Quest theme song)

I'm familiar with the Farinas, having played most of their music on dulcimer and guitar. Even so, it was exciting to see a video of their performance, to actually see them, and to watch their playing styles.

Richard ran his left-hand dulcimer bass sequences using his thumb as a noter, with his fingers serving as a sliding guide along the outer edge of the fretboard. In treble, he palmed a noter, gripping it with thumb and forefinger, the other fingers curled in. For multi-string treble note sequences, hammer-ons/ pull-offs, single-note and barre-harmonics, he'd anchor his hand with thumb on the soundboard and play it like a piano.

With his right hand, it looked like he used a Fender full triangle light-guage pick, chasing his fretting fingers and thumb up the scalloped fretboard as far toward the nut as the existing playing range comfortably allowed, unless it was necessary to shade the tone by dropping back to the recession near the bridge.

Mimi and Richard played a dazzling mix of rhythms with dulcimer and guitar, accenting them with open and muted strums, blending them with the same intrigue and enchantment as their vocal harmonies. Into this mix throw a blues harp, maracas, a duck-call and Pete Seeger's 12-string guitar and 5-string banjo. Yes! (Did I mention that I was a fan?)

A review wouldn't be complete without commenting on Richard's lyrics. He has written many beautiful and poetic pieces, but among his work are quite controversial songs criticizing and lampooning irresponsible government and the senseless pursuit of war (this was during the Viet Nam conflict). Like Pete, Phil Ochs, et al, they didn't get much in the way of air play on radio or television. Pete had to be affected by Richard and Mimi's performance of "House Un-American Blues Activity Dream", having so recently been freed from the years of haranguing pursuit by HUAC and the resultant ostracizing, threats and violence to which he and his family had been subjected (HUAC got plenty of air play). A similar song "Bold Marauder" depicts a nation of hubris, making because it can, insatiably seeking greater power and wealth....

At one point all 37 episodes were available on video from Norman Ross Publishing. Unfortunately, all the videos are out of print. Shanachie has released a few episodes on DVD. Sadly the Fariņa episode is not among them, but they are moderately priced and with two episodes per disc, and they are all of great historical importance and worth watching.

Available:
605 - Stanely Brothers & the Clinch Mountain Boys with Cousin Emmy; Doc Watson with Clint Howard & Fred Price
606 - Johnny Cash & June Carter; Roscoe Holcomb with Jean Redpath
607 - Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee; Mississippi John Hurt, Hedy West & Paul Cadwell
608 - New Lost City Ramblers; The Greenbriar Boys
609 - Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem; Mamou Cajun Band
610 - Judy Collins; Rosa Valentin & Rafael Martinez and Elizabeth Cotten