Search - Elliott Sharp :: Commune: Music For The Film

"Commune" is a new documentary on the Black Bear Ranch by the maker of the acclaimed films "The Shvitz" and "My Friend Paul." Black Bear was an experiment in hippie/yippie/politico/sex/drugs/cult communal living in Northern California from the mid-60's to the mid-70's and the film examines the roots, the theory, the practice, the downfall, and the present. From 1968 to 1972, in addition to his blues, improvisation, and solo guitar experiments, E# played in such psychedelic bands as Colonel Bleep, St. Elmo's Fire, and Death & Taxes. Joined by Sim Cain on drums, he revisits these days in his score to "Commune" with raging and sweeping electric guitars; Fahey-esq 12-string ragas; rootsy songs reminiscent of The Band, Byrds, and Dead; poignant National Steel solos; and the bubblegum hit "Mountains Laughin'" sung by Michelle Casillas.