January 28, 2010. I am happy to announce the release online of a new documentary short, Eight Songs for a Wheat Harvest. Dividing the short into nine parts will allow for faster loading of the QuickTime clips. All 12 minutes of the short can be viewed in the Flash format HERE.

Featured in the documentary is the music of Ken Benshoof performed by the Saint Helens String Quartet, both based in Seattle. The opening titles are used to introduce the viewer to the composer and players as they prepare to record the piece. The Quartet was awarded a Artist Support Grant from the Jack Straw Foundation, and the recording engineer setting up in the clip is Doug Haire. The recording of Ken's wonderful piece made it possible to use his music (commisssioned by the Quartet in 2004) in this project. Thanks to both Ken and quartet members.