It Takes a Lot of People
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Larry Long & Children of Oklahoma
1. Bound for Glory 02:08
2. Woody Guthrie āLoveā Quotation 01:11
3. It Takes a Lot of People 03:15
4. Woody Guthrie āDirectionā Quotation 00:14
5. Ballad of the Great Land Rush 04:16
6. Woody Guthrie āKidsā Quotation 00:38
7. Barnyard 03:53
8. Talking Fishing Blues 02:29
9. Woody Guthrie āFreedomā Quotation 00:09
10. Boley 04:55
11. Song of Thanks 01:54
12. Oh Freedom 03:53
13. Oklahoma Hills 03:21
14. Oklahoma Waltz 02:58
15. Woody Guthrie āBound for Gloryā Quotation 01:13
16. Talking Okemah Town 02:20
17. This Land Is Your Land 05
The first hometown tribute to Woody Guthrie took place on December 1, 1988 at the historic Crystal Theatre in Okemah, where Woody performed as a child.
The event played before a full house which included Guthrie’s sister, Mary Jo Edgmon, who wrote, āI felt the warmth of my family all around me. Clara, Roy, Woody, George, Papa and Mama. They, too, all sat in this very theater many years ago. When the children came marching down the aisle and onto the stage, I swelled with pride and the tears came. I knew Woody was watching.”
Besides Larry Long and seventy school children there was banjo virtuoso Alan Munde, “Fiddlin’ Pete” Watercott, gospel pianist Shirley Davis, Woodrow (Wotko) Haney and Olen Edwards. This was not only the first time that an African American Choir had ever graced the stage of the Crystal Theatre, but that Woody Guthrieās words were spoken in both the Seminole & Creek language.
One of the featured songs on this collection, collectively written with Okemah youth, entitled āOkemah Waltzā became Okemahās official town song on November 12, 2012 by a unanimous vote of the Okemah City Council.
Plans are presently in the works for Larry Long & the Children of Oklahoma to have a reunion in 2025 during the annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival held each year on Woody’s birthday, July 14th..
released July 14, 2024
REVIEW
Larry Long’s album IT TAKES A LOT OF PEOPLE is a heartfelt testament to the power of community and the deep connections that sustain us. With his signature blend of folk storytelling and soulful melodies, Long crafts a collection that is both reflective and forward-thinking, inviting listeners to consider the roles we each play in the grand tapestry of society.
Themes and Lyrics
At the core of the album is the celebration of collaboration and the realization that no one succeeds in isolation. Long’s lyrics weave narratives of everyday heroes, communal struggles, and the shared hope for a better future. Each song serves as a narrative vignette, offering insight into the lives of people who work together, often in unheralded ways, to overcome challenges and create positive change. The storytelling is intimate yet expansive, drawing on historical context and personal experience without losing the listener in details.
Musicality and Arrangement
Musically, IT TAKES A LOT OF PEOPLE is a rich sonic journey that highlights Long’s deep roots in folk traditions while embracing subtle contemporary influences. The arrangements feature a careful balance of acoustic instrumentationāguitars, fiddles, and gentle percussionācombined with thoughtful vocal harmonies that enhance the communal feel of the record. There is an organic quality to the production that mirrors the albumās themes: just as individuals come together to form a community, each instrument contributes its unique voice to a unified whole.
Standout Tracks
The album is peppered with standout moments that exemplify Long’s artistic strengths. Some tracks use minimalistic instrumentation to let the narrative shine, while others build gradually into spirited, anthemic choruses that evoke a sense of collective resilience. Whether it’s an introspective ballad or a rousing, foot-stomping number, each song resonates with authenticity and the palpable energy of shared humanity.
Emotional Impact and Listening Experience
Listening to IT TAKES A LOT OF PEOPLE feels like sitting around a communal fire, with Long acting as both storyteller and companion. The emotional range of the album is wideāfrom moments of quiet reflection to bursts of hopeful vigorāand this dynamic flow keeps the listener engaged throughout. The albumās pacing is deliberately measured, inviting audiences to savor each story and to think about the larger communal narratives at play in their own lives.
Ultimately, Larry Long has crafted an album that is as much about the people behind the music as it is about the songs themselves. IT TAKES A LOT OF PEOPLE is a stirring reminder of the importance of unity, the quiet strength found in collective effort, and the timeless truth that every voice matters in the ongoing story of our communities. Whether youāre a longtime fan or new to Longās work, this album offers a rich, rewarding experience that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant.
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