A new take on an old classic from folk singer-songwriter Mark Dvorak
CHICAGO IL - Folk artist and activist Malvina Reynolds wrote “Little Boxes” in 1962 after watching suburban housing developments crop up near her home in Berkeley, California. The song became a hit for Pete Seeger the next year.
“Pete’s records of course, first led me to Malvina’s songs,” said singer song-writer Mark Dvorak, who is busy working on his nineteenth recorded release. “Her songs are a study in image and melody, and express a true commitment to humanity and the environment.”
When scheduled to perform for a recent live stream event, Dvorak overheard one of the other performers commenting on the grid of “little boxes” that appeared on the screen saying, “I feel like I ought to play 'Little Boxes' tonight.”
“Well, that gave me an idea,” said Dvorak. “I had a few simple verses together in no time, performed it the next night on another live stream show, and began recording it the next day. I had a lot of fun working on it, thinking about Malvina and her songs all the while.”
Dvorak’s new lyrics remark on the peculiarities of working, teaching and performing during the current isolation of the pandemic.
“Great folk songs are flexible and accessible,” he said. “They invite participation and improvisation and adapt quite naturally to new circumstances.”
You can find the lyrics and enjoy the video at www.markdvorak.com. For more information contact Loretta Sawyer Acoustic Arts at www.lorettasawyeragency.com.