Robin Field

Reason in Rhyme

“Not even the bravest philosopher would sing to a book of logic underneath the bough.” So claimed Will Durant in his book The Story of Philosophy.

Robin Field is the composer and lyricist of his own one-man concert act called Reason in Rhyme (originally Three Questions), an introduction to philosophy inspired by Ayn Rand’s Objectivism. In this show, which he has performed to enthusiastic audiences in both the United States and Canada, he does indeed sing a sincere tribute to logic. “I wrote it in 1978 after about a dozen years of studying Objectivism. I’m still very proud of it.”

The show has been recorded several times. This version (January 24, 1981, at the Convention Center in Big Bear Lake, California) was its first performance for the general public, rather than invited guests. The evening was produced by Cris Todd and Marina Dorcy, sound system provided by Dick Todd, video production by Video Events of Hollywood. Field worked with a grand piano, a drummer (Frank Hargrove), two microphones, an easel, and three marking pens. The audience of about 400 adults, teenagers, and children gave Field a standing ovation.

The video soundtrack has been re-edited, repaired (especially during the songs “Cause & Effect” and “Awareness”), and digitally remastered for this release. This recording is continuous—songs are not accessible by separate tracks. Also included here as Bonus Tracks are two demonstration recordings Field made in Hollywood at about the same time, taken from a scratchy 45-r.p.m. master, the only copy in existence.

Program

Tracks

  1. Reason in Rhyme, Part 1 19:52

    or download

  2. Reason in Rhyme, Part 2 20:08

    or download

  3. Reason in Rhyme, Part 3 18:37

    or download

  4. The Universe (demo) 3:58

    or download

  5. Living (demo) 3:05

    or download

Liner notes (PDF)

Download all

Copyright © 1978 Robin Field