Sometimes it takes the Canadian postal system a lonnnnng time to get things to your door...and sometimes it's really worth the wait. Two CDs I've recently received, surely fit into that category.

Frank Hamilton's "Long Lonesome Home" (ITR records) is a real treat. As I've mentioned several times, the old "Nonesuch" Folkways album he did with Pete Seeger many years ago has been in constant rotation in my life since I was 14. (probably 'cause it's fun, spontaneous, and the guys picked good tunes to play) "Long Way Home" couldn't be more different in many ways but will probably be just as popular around here. The songs are mostly traditional, and are well-sung and played. A couple of surprises are the Woody Guthrie reminiscenses (I love that stuff) and a recreation of the sound of the Weavers. Frank's wife Mary is a big part of the music here and long-time sideman (and Byrd) Roger McGuinn lends a hand.

Erik Darling (also a former Weaver) has produced an album (Child, Child. on Folk Era) that is tight as a drum. The vocals and instrumental work are seamless and always interesting. Like Frank's most of the material is traditionally based (they both have recorded "Jay Gould's Daughter"(!) on their new albums)but Erik's reworkings are more quirky and seem really geared to his simple but highly original guitar style. He was the first folk guitarist I heard to use tenths, and 40 years later they're still in his music and still effective. A Most enjoyable album.

These two recordings are so unlike anything I've received for radio play in the last couple of years, that I wonder how much exposure they'll get. Neither artist is a traditional "purist" in approach, and neither is a "singer-songwriter" in the way that term has come to be known. Erik Darling does write a bit about his personal feelings, but hardly in a way that someone used to the Ani DiFranco style would relate to.

Both these artists wear their music like comfortable clothes. The skills are there, the investment is undeniable (for anyone who might care about that aspect) and the results are: folk-related music with SUBSTANCE. That's all I ever ask for.

Rick

P.S. Thanks Frank.