artie traum...

“Back in 1954, some high school friends took me to a concert at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. There, on stage, was this tall, skinny guy, standing alone in the spotlight before hundreds of young people, playing his long-neck banjo and singing for, and more importantly with, the crowd. He sang about all manner of things that I had never heard addressed before, and his energy, enthusiasm and engagement with the audience captivated me, electrified me. I suddenly saw music in a whole new light. It could address social issues and relate to the joys and sorrows, the history and universality, of people everywhere. I watched Pete on stage and I thought, ‘I can do this too!’ As I sang along on ‘Wimoweh’, ‘Wasn't That a Time’, ‘If I Had A Hammer’, and ‘Irene Goodnight’, I felt the thrill of being part of something vast and important. I thought that music was going to change the world.” – Happy Traum

Happy Traum passed along his musical discoveries to his younger brother Artie who was also drawn into the folk music web. (Artie and Happy Traum are pictured below.) Artie joined Happy to become part of a clique of folkies that gravitated from the outer boroughs into Manhattan. The focal points were Washington Square and Greenwich Village, the clubs heaving with new discoveries and new friendships.

Artie Traum was born 80 years ago today.

A guitarist, producer and songwriter, Artie Traum's work appeared on more than 35 albums. He produced and recorded with The Band, Arlen Roth, Warren Bernhardt, Pat Alger, Tony Levin, John Sebastian, Richie Havens, Maria Muldaur, Eric Andersen, Paul Butterfield, Paul Siebel, Rory Block, James Taylor, Pete Seeger, David Grisman, Livingston Taylor, Michael Franks and his brother, Happy Traum.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Artie became a part of the Greenwich Village folk music scene in the late 1950s. Early on, he co-wrote songs for the Brian De Palma debut film, “Greetings” - the first role for Robert De Niro - with Eric Kaz and Bear.

In 1969, Artie joined forces with his brother, Happy, in a duo. Their self-titled debut album, Happy & Artie Traum was cited by the New York Times as "one of the best records in any field of pop music."

The Traums were managed by Albert Grossman (manager of The Band, Dylan, Janis Joplin, etc.). The duo performed at the 1969 Newport Folk Festival on stage with James Taylor.

In November, 1971, both Artie and Happy Traum (together with Bob Dylan, David Amram and others) participated in an extended Record Plant (NYC) session backing up Allen Ginsberg in various songs and chants. Allen Ginsberg wrote the liner notes for the duo's album, "Hard Times in the Country.”

During the 70’s and 80’s, Artie produced The Woodstock Mountains Revue featuring himself with his brother, Happy, along with Roly Salley, Pat Alger, John Sebastian, Arlen Roth, Maria Muldaur, Rory Block, Eric Andersen, Paul Butterfield and Paul Siebel.

In the mid-1980s, Artie teamed up with the singer/songwriter, Pat Alger (Thunder Rolls, Unanswered Prayers). The duo recorded the album, From the Heart.

Artie's 1994 release - the jazz project, “Letters from Joubee” - captured #1 on the Smooth Jazz Radio Charts.

In 1999, his “Meetings with Remarkable Friends” - which included tracks featuring Artie playing with The Band, Bela Fleck, Jay Ungar and other notables - received the “Best Acoustic Instrumental Album” award from the NAV.

During later years, Artie enjoyed a small side career as a documentary filmmaker. In 2002, his film, “Deep Water: Building the Catskill Water System” (co-produced and co-directed with Tobe Carey and Robbie Dupree), was featured at the Woodstock Film Festival.

Two years later, Artie co-produced “Hudson River Journeys: A Celebration of America's First River” for WMHT Public Television. The latter film featured artist Len Tantillo and Pete Seeger.

Artie Traum also wrote numerous guitar instruction books, and hosted many video productions for his brother’s business, “Homespun Tapes”.

Click the link below to experience some of the highlights of Artie Traum’s music.

happy traums masterpiece