Congratulations on your first full length CD, Steve, and thank you for inviting me to be part of your back up team. I'd like to mention a few of 'my favorite things' about this CD. Of your original material there are a number of songs which juxtipose a fast-paced, upbeat rhythym with some hard and gory historical content. Some of these include choruses your audience will pick up readily. "The Dixieland Express" is a wonderful contribution to train songs/lore. On the lighter side, a sweet song, "Okie Moon" is one to which I hope Woody is taking a heavenly moment to give a listen. Along with 'signature-style songs' this CD includes a signature departure song, a beautiful waltz, Emily's Song. It has a rich, melodic complexity as well as lyrics which paint a vivid visual portrait of a time in the historical development of NY. Some original songs are touched with a gospel sound which really moves me. At times I've described Steve as someone having detailed knowledge of the history of the world at his fingertips. Indeed, I've enjoyed workshops Steve's conducted where this historical knowledge is interwined with expertise inthe background of singers, song-writers and their songs.
This has turned into Part I of my enthusiasm about Suffet's, "Now The Wheel Has Turned." Steve, I always enjoy your music...let the music spread.
thanks for everything, jessica