Many of us who care about traditional music have been delighted to discover in Elizabeth LaPrelle an exciting new voice. When folk songs are collected, recorded and released to wider audiences, they often become musically sanitized - cleaned up of the stylings that make a region's music unique. Elizabeth embraces the Appalachian singing traditions and makes them her own. Whether she is singing an unaccompanied ballad (and few performers can sing as beautifully and mournfully) or leading a string band, the soul of the mountains shines through her work. This does not mean, though, that Elizabeth's performances are reproductions or museum pieces - far from it. It is Elizabeth's special talent to bring an old and disappearing music new energy and vigor.

Elizabeth's new CD, Lizard in the Spring, bursts with this musical energy. The accompaniment - when it is there - is simple, straightforward banjo, guitar, or fiddle. The songs show all of the quality and respect for old time music as those on her first album, but perhaps a little more diversity. The gospel song "Blind Bartemus" and aptly named "Sweet Roseanne" demonstrate Elizabeth's versatility as well as her skill. And if all of that talent isn't enough, Elizabeth has impeccable taste. With this collection as the last one, I keep hearing songs I want to learn.

Elizabeth's first album, Rain and Snow, is one of my favorite CDs. I expect Lizard in the Spring will join it as one of those frequently in the CD player.

Dan Schatz