From INSIDEOUT, Jul-Aug '09. Copyright 2009, John Cronin
If you have seen the documentary film Pete Seeger: The Power of Song, you have seen Jim Brown at his best – as filmmaker, storyteller, and a master weaver of music, performance and visual art. Jim cut his teeth making films about Hudson River pollution in the early 1970s. He is a straightforward filmmaker in the way Steinbeck and Hemingway were straightforward writers. His art is a beautiful blend of story, design and style that mysteriously reveals more than what is apparent. But story always come first. I have watched the simple but probing storytelling of Power of Song move an audience to cheer. Known best for his music documentaries, Jim also made Wasn’t That a Time, Peter Paul and Mary: Carry it On, and Three Pickers. Watch for Pete Seeger: The Power of Song on PBS. You can learn more about Jim at www.jimbrownproductions.com.
JOHN CRONIN: So, let’s start at the beginning. You grew up in the Hudson Valley, in Croton?
JIM BROWN: Yeah, actually when I was first born my family lived right on the Croton River. The Croton River was really untainted and remains untainted – and, actually, except for the garbage dump at Croton Point, a good part of the river that I had access to was idyllic.
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