Autumn Faves - WXPN's Fred Knittel & Judson Claiborne

As the leaves turn color in Pennsylvania, we've been speaking with our friends and compadres from around the globe. We like to share what keeps them motivated, what makes them tick, what nostalgia is triggered by the changing season.  Music, food, films, yoga positions, home remedies; all of the great condiments of life.  For our fourth fall '11 installment, we caught up with Fred Knittel & Judson Claiborne's Chris Salveter.



Fred Knittel


As host of WXPN's Folkadelphia show and proprietor of Be Frank Records,  it's an understatement to say Fred is a torch-bearer and enthusiast.  He's shared the following:


For me, autumn is a time for introspection, a time to turn inward, ponder, and slow down. As the leaves turn color and fall off the trees, I find myself revisiting certain films. It's something about their pacing, their themes, their cinematography, and the difficult questions they often raise about life that keep me coming back. Here are a few top movies of my Autumn:




Autumn Sonata (dir: Ingmar Bergman, 1978)
 It's Ingrid Bergman's last feature film and one of the last films directed by Ingmar Bergman. The rich earthy colors, the long shots (care of legendary cinematographer Sven Nykvist), and the musical centerpiece of Chopin's Preludes makes this a go-to Fall film for me.


Three Colors: Red (dir: Krzysztof Kieslowski, 1994)
The final chapter of Kieslowski's Three Colors trilogy (and his last film) features an amazing chemistry between the two leads Irène Jacob and Jean-Louis Trintignant. The mood of the movie just reminds me of Autumn, so I find myself watching it and thinking about it during these months. 


Days of Heaven (dir: Terrence Malick, 1978)
Seriously one of the most beautifully shot movies I've ever seen. As the weather gets colder and the nights come quicker, I imagine the landscapes and scenes that play out in 'Days of Heaven'.


My Night At Maud's (dir: Eric Rohmer, 1969)
Another one with Jean-Louis Trintignant (much younger, of course)! Jean-Louis plays a character who finds his strict moral code compromised by his brief relationship with the bold Maud. In my opinion, a perfect movie to reflect on and talk about during this time of year.


In the Mood for Love (dir: Wong Kar-wai, 2000): Wong Kar-wai is a master of all things visual. You can actually physically feel the longing between the two central characters; you see it in the slowed down scenes, the drifting cigarette smoke, and the significant glances. Without fail, I watch this movie every Fall. 

Relaxing in Delaware Water Gap, PA

Chris Salveter  / Judson Claiborne


When he's not on the road, Mr. Salveter is in Chicago making music and teaching yoga (we've heard demos of the new Judson Claiborne record, and we're excited).  He's taken some time to share with us his top five inspirations of this particular fall season:





The Music of Ted Lucas 
Folk dude from the 60's & 70's...An amazing writer who will remind you of how nice it is to get stoned.

Cambodian Grrl Self Publishing in Phnom Penh
Artist & Writer Anne Elizabeth Moore's brilliant account of her zine-making workshops for teenage girls in Cambodia. 

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Supported Bridge Pose) 
For back pain sufferers, the supported bridge pose offers a set of challenges to the body and mind that together provide an entryway into the benefits of having a yoga practice. Like most yoga poses, the supported bridge pose involves the entire body.

The Legend of Old Gregg
WTF?

Michael Zerang
One of the finest percussionists and improvisers I've ever heard & seen. So fortunate to be in the same town with this guy.