Dyer-Bennet Records

Dyer-Bennet Records was established in 1955 by Richard Dyer-Bennet, a prominent figure in the American folk music revival, in collaboration with producer Harvey Cort. The label was created as a means for Dyer-Bennet to have full control over the sound and presentation of his music, ensuring that his recordings reflected the quality of his live performances. Dissatisfied with the limitations of earlier recordings, Dyer-Bennet sought to produce albums that authentically captured his voice and classical guitar, while also curating the song selections to mirror the structure of his live concert programs.

History

Richard Dyer-Bennet, born in England in 1913 and later raised in California, was known for his scholarly approach to folk music. His interpretations of English, European, and American folk songs, often dating back to the 13th century, blended rural traditional materials with urban artistry. During the 1940s and 1950s, Dyer-Bennet performed alongside notable figures such as Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, and Pete Seeger, becoming a central figure in the folk music community.

Frustrated with the quality of his previous recordings under other labels, Dyer-Bennet and Cort established Dyer-Bennet Records to have greater artistic freedom. The label produced a total of 15 albums between 1955 and 1974, each meticulously crafted to reflect Dyer-Bennet's vision. Recording sessions took place in the comfort of Dyer-Bennet's home in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, where he set up a control room and recording studio. The albums were well-received for their clarity and fidelity, offering a unique and authentic listening experience.

Significant releases

• Richard Dyer-Bennet, Vol. 7: Beethoven Scottish and Irish Songs (1958): This album showcased Dyer-Bennet's interpretation of Beethoven's arrangements of Scottish and Irish songs. The project was unique in his discography, featuring a trio of musicians including Natasha Magg on piano, Urico Rossi on violin, and Fritz Magg on cello. This collaboration brought a distinct classical influence to the traditional folk repertoire.
• Richard Dyer-Bennet, Vol. 11: Stephen Foster Songs (1962): This album featured songs by the American composer Stephen Foster, recorded using original editions of the sheet music. Dyer-Bennet's interpretation was praised for its authenticity, avoiding the commercialized versions often heard in earlier recordings.
• Mark Twain's "1601" (1962): A bold and unexpurgated recording of Mark Twain's controversial work, "1601", which offered a glimpse into the humor and satire of Elizabethan England.

Legacy

In 1995, the entire collection of Dyer-Bennet Records was acquired by the Smithsonian Institution's Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. The collection, consisting of phonograph records and master tapes, is now preserved and distributed through Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. Dyer-Bennet's contribution to folk music remains significant, with his recordings continuing to influence musicians and scholars alike.