There is a well-known female singer—perhaps she's more specifically country than folk—who, judging from comments I've read here on Mudcat, is a real favorite of a lot of people. She's very attractive, and although she's not a kid anymore, she's "maturing" beautifully, she's most lovely to look upon, and her voice is a pleasure to listen to.

But half of the time, I can't tell what in hell the woman is singing. I recognize the songs okay; she's right on pitch. And her voice is lovely. But she mush-mouths the words. And, unfortunately, she is not the only one.

And what does this have to do with Bob's CD?

Bob and I have known each other for fifty-four years, and we've been singing with each other and at each other off and on for most of that time. I didn't really notice this about Bob's singing at first because it sort of sneaks up on you. I don't think I have ever heard Bob sing a song where I didn't hear and understand all the words. Every one of them. Bob's enunciation is as good as it gets. Precise, clean, crisp, and clear.

But here's the real beauty of it:   You don't notice it! It's not as if he's obviously taken elocution lessons ("How now, brown cow?") or sings in stage-English. He just speaks and sings clearly.

Bob tells how Bill Higley, his folk music mentor when he was thirteen or so, would stop him in the middle of a song, saying, "What? What was that? I can't hear the words!" and make him sing it over and over again until he was satisfied. And Bob got it. He probably doesn't even have to think about it anymore. He just does it. Second nature.

Add to this his smooth, rich baritone voice and a range of songs that encompasses everything from what might be called the "standard folk repertoire" to an occasional country song to Woody Guthrie songs to John Denver when the spirit moves him, and back around the horn again, occasionally surprising me with songs I've never heard him do before—or never even heard before. He's got a couple of those on this CD.

Bob dropped by a few weeks back and presented me with a copy (thank you, sir!) and I've listened to it about umpteen times since then. When you get your copy, pour yourself a cuppa coffee or tea. Or a beer, or a glass of wine. Then kick back and prop your feet up. This is a casual and pleasantly relaxed CD, and Bob gives you the "program notes" as he goes along. It's like spending an evening with him, either at an informal house concert, or just sitting and swapping songs with him.

I'm looking forward to the next one, Bob.

By the way:   easy does it, ladies (and others. . . .).   Bob's married to the lovely Judy.

Don Firth