Meaning: The quote you provided is from Alan Lomax, a prominent American musicologist, folklorist, and ethnomusicologist known for his pioneering work in the documentation and preservation of traditional music and culture. This quote captures a moment when Lomax was describing the powerful and resonant voice of a musician he encountered during his field recordings. The musician's voice was so compelling that it could be heard from a great distance, and Lomax emphasizes the impact and significance of this encounter.

Lomax's work in documenting traditional music and culture took him on extensive field recording trips across the United States and around the world. During these journeys, he sought out and recorded a wide range of musical expressions, from blues and folk songs to work chants and spirituals. In the process, he encountered numerous remarkable musicians whose performances left a lasting impression on him.

The specific quote you provided seems to refer to a moment when Lomax encountered a musician with an exceptionally powerful and expressive voice. The phrase "literally, half a mile away" emphasizes the sheer strength and carrying power of the musician's voice, suggesting that it was so compelling that it could be heard from a significant distance. This description underscores the impact and resonance of the musician's performance, highlighting the visceral and profound effect it had on Lomax.

Additionally, the quote touches on the musician's circumstances at the time of the recording. Lomax mentions that the musician was "at his peak then," indicating that he was delivering a particularly exceptional and impassioned performance. Furthermore, Lomax notes that the musician was "naturally, dying to get out of the place he was in," suggesting a sense of urgency and longing in the musician's demeanor. This evokes a poignant and compelling image of an artist yearning for freedom or release from their current situation.

The quote also alludes to the musician's appeal for pardon to the governor. This detail adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, hinting at the broader social and historical context in which the musician's performance took place. It suggests that the musician may have been entangled in a legal or personal struggle, adding depth and significance to the recording and the musician's emotional state at the time.

Overall, this quote captures a moment of profound musical and emotional impact during one of Alan Lomax's field recording expeditions. It conveys the power and resonance of a musician's voice, the intensity of their performance, and the broader context of their circumstances, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human experience that Lomax sought to document and preserve through his groundbreaking work in ethnomusicology and folklore.

In conclusion, the quote you provided offers a compelling and evocative glimpse into the world of traditional music and culture as documented by Alan Lomax. It encapsulates a moment of profound impact and emotional resonance, shedding light on the power of music to transcend distance and communicate deep-seated emotions and experiences. Lomax's work in preserving and celebrating these musical expressions continues to be a vital and influential contribution to the understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural traditions around the world.

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