I'm devoting a lot of playing time to a couple of new Folk CDs from two very different sources: Rick Fielding's This One's the Dreamer and Cordelia's Dad's Spine. Both have one similarity:they feature new spins on some old traditional tunes. Both expand and enhance the definition of "Folk" music.

Mudcatter Rick Fielding's album is a mix of styles with a similar feel. The cuts feature Rick on a variety of instruments,as well as some terrific fiddle and harmonica by his band. The styles range from contemporary singer/songwriter folk like the title cut, to a terrific 20s flavored tune,Ginmill Syncopators, to several outstanding reworkings of traditional tunes. His telling of Patrick Spencer is heartfelt and dramatic,and remains true to the spirit of the old song. Come to Lower Canada is new to me,but what a great re-creation of the spirit of adventure and promise that led thousands to risk everything in order to pass from "soldier to farmer to a King in Lower Canada." American listeners will get a smile from the verse that declares there is nothing to fear from the Yanks and Andy Jackson. Fielding's version of Wind and the Rain is also a keeper. Rick's version of the Lennon/McCartney song In my Life is poignant, and features a very tasty concertina performance by Grit Laskin.

Spine also reworks some classic traditional tunes through the combination of stark,urgent vocal work by Peter Irvine,Laura Risk's unadorned but elegant fiddle-playing,and striking harmonies by Irvine,Cath Oss, and guitarist Tim Eriksen. Irvine accompaniments on frame and talking drum may seem out of place to strict traditionalists,but gives the music depth and momentum. The version of Brave Wolfe,featuring a spare guitar line by Eriksen and Irvine's vocal,is a stand out. Spencer Rifle is a wonderful sexual double-entendre trad tune that is very funny. Return Again is a Plain Song piece featuring excellent accapella singing.

Both albums are excellent examples of the Folk Process in action,taking traditional tunes out of the archives,and placing them in fresh new formats,as part of the living folk tradition.I'm devoting a lot of playing time to a couple of new Folk CDs from two very different sources: Rick Fielding's This One's the Dreamer and Cordelia's Dad's Spine. Both have one similarity:they feature new spins on some old traditional tunes. Both expand and enhance the definition of "Folk" music.