I just got Rick Spencer's new CD, Waiting For Me, hot off the press. I get his newsletter, so I knew it was in the works, and there was something about the way he talked about working on it that made me suspect it was going to be special. Well, it blew me away.

This is all Spencer and all original songs, brilliantly played, by Rick, on guitar, mandolin, bass, English concertina, and dulcimer, with themes ranging from roads we all travel -- honor, love, quests - to history we didn't know -- I didn't know -- to rich New England landscapes -- and, to the sea.

I can't say I have a favorite song because just when I think, "Yes! This is the one," the next one grabs me. It's like having a buffet of your favorite foods and an endless appetite.

Spencer even did the cover art -- a vibrant abstract painting that is as rich as the songs within. It's clear he's doing what most of us only hope to do: go beyond what we've ever done before.

If you go to his Catfeather website, http://www.catfeather.com/listening_room.htm you can hear some of the cuts, and you can read Spencer's poetic lyrics. Happy Holidays everyone!