THE JOB OF SONGS: Review

220809_TJOS Poster_Fingers

Release date: Opening on Digital Platforms on November 21, 2023
Director and Writer: Lila Schmitz
Featuring: Katie Theasby, Luka Bloom, The Fiddle Case, Christy McNamara, Christy Barry-Doolin Music House, Anne Rynne, Yvonne Casey, Tunes From Doolin
Genre: Documentary
Rating: Not Rated
Run time: 1 hour 13 minutes
Language: English
Country: Ireland 

Music Connects Us to Our Past and to the Future

Writer, producer and director Lila Schmitz’s feature film debut, THE JOB OF SONGS tells the captivating story of Doolin, County Clare, Ireland’s vibrant history of songs, their musical instruments of choice, the fiddle and flute, going back a millennium, with the spectacular beauty of The Cliffs of Moher as its backdrop. Helping to share the wonderful music of Doolin are Katie Theasby, Luka Bloom, The Fiddle Case, Christy McNamara, Christy Barry-Doolin Music House, Anne Rynne, Yvonne Casey, and featuring Tunes from Doolin. 

Worth noting, in addition to Lili, THE JOB OF SONGS, was headed by two other women, Anika Kan Grestad, director of photography and producer) and FENGYI XU producer.  Also making  their feature film debut. 

The Cliffs of Moher meet the blue-grey water and the ominous clouds.
Location: Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland
Photo Credit: Anika Kan Grevstad
The Cliffs of Moher meet the blue-grey water and the ominous clouds. Location: Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland Photo Credit: Anika Kan Grevstad

Luca Bloom, “the job of song is sometimes to entertain, but it has this way of giving people who don’t have songs, permission to feel things that are really deeply ingrained in them that they don’t necessary intellectually understand.’ 

Anika Kan Grevstad  brings you right into the pubs, on the cliffs and into the homes of Doolin’s residents. The music score and performances are well incorporated into the film, helping to tell the story.

The natural settings of pubs, the Roadside Tavern in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, Irelands and the Fitz’s Pub in Doolin, County Clare, Ireland, where Eoin O’Neill, Kieran O’Connell, Adam Shapiro Christy Mc Namara, Beth Tipton they gather; rhe Music house established by the parents of Christy Barry, and the homes of Doolin’s resident and the majestic Cliffs of Moher, adds to the captivating experience while watching THE JOB OF SONGS.  

A woman with bright red hair plays the flute next to a bright window.
Location: The Roadside Tavern in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, Ireland
Subject: Katie Theasby
Photo Credit: Anika Kan Grevstad
A woman with bright red hair plays the flute next to a bright window. Location: The Roadside Tavern in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, Ireland Subject: Katie Theasby Photo Credit: Anika Kan Grevstad

Christy Barry, “no one knows for certain the effect music has on people but without it, we have nothing.” That is so evident, as shown by the impact on the daily life of Doolin. 

As you learn about their 1000 years of songs and tradition still being handed down and the music they are creating today, keeps the the people of Doolin in close contact with their ancestors and future generations. THE JOB OF SONGS is a really good film that will both entertain and enlighten. leaving you with a greater understanding and appreciation of  the music and culture of Doolin, Ireland.  

Opening on Digital Platforms on November 21, 2023
Distributor: Gravitas Ventures
Director and Writer: Lila Schmitz
Featuring: Katie Theasby, Luka Bloom, The Fiddle Case, Christy McNamara, Christy Barry-Doolin Music House, Anne Rynne, Yvonne Casey, Tunes from Doolin
Genre: Documentary. Music
Run time: 1 hour 14 minutes
Cinematographer: Anika Kan Grevstad
Producers: Fengyi Xu, Anika Kan Grevstad and Lila Schmitz
Executive Producer Bill Guttentag
Consulting Producer: Doug Pray
Editor: Lila Schmitz
 

For more information, go to: https://thejobofsongs.com/ 

SOCIAL HANDLES:
FB: @irishmusicfilm
IG: @thejobofsongs