Another Day, Another Time: Celebrating the Music of Inside Llewyn Davies

Another Day, Another Time follows a group of folk musicians as they assemble at New York’s Town Hall to perform a concert celebrating the music from the Coen brothers’ 2013 film Inside Llewyn Davies. Featuring footage captured in rehearsals and on stage, this documentary gives viewers a closer look at some of the artists responsible for bringing the American folk revival movement of the 1960s to life on the big screen.

Produced by T Bone Burnett, the concert includes performances by several of the artists who played on the film’s original soundtrack, including Oscar Isaac, Marcus Mumford and Chris Thile, as well as folk legends Patti Smith and Joan Baez. Staying true to the tradition of the genre, many of the songs are steeped in history – telling captivating stories of love, misery, joy and regret.

Oscar Isaac, who plays Llewyn Davies in the film, sings a beautiful mournful rendition of Hang Me, Oh Hang Me, while the Avett Brothers’ toe-tapping That’s How I Got to Memphis creates more a joyful vibe.

One of the most riveting acts, however, comes in the form of Rhiannon Giddens, who skillfully performs two very impressive Celtic pieces.

Despite the famous names involved, the atmosphere, both on and off stage, is relaxed and informal and there is a real sense of shared passion. As Chris Thile explains: “What everyone is going for here is to create an experience that could be had around a campfire – but in a town hall.”

While Another Day, Another Time could perhaps have been improved by the inclusion of further background information on some of the artists and songs, the sheer talent of the musicians, and the fact that they appear to be having a genuinely great time, makes this documentary a delight to watch. Another Day, Another Time can be highly recommended to any fans of folk music.

Melanie Weaver

Another Day, Another Time: Celebrating the Music of Inside Llewyn Davies was released on 13^th December 2013. 

Watch the trailer for Another Day, Another Time: Celebrating the Music of Inside Llewyn Davies here: