Review: Elizabeth LaPrelle, Lizard in the Spring

Subject: Review: Elizabeth LaPrelle, Lizard in the Spring
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 10:36 PM

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

Subject: RE: Review: Elizabeth LaPrelle, Lizard in the Spring
From: Barry Finn
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 01:12 AM

Thanks Dan for the heads up on Elizabeth's new CD. Her 1st was a knock out. You so right about her singing. The 1st time I heard her it took the room full of yapping folks about 5 seconds to go from a dull roar to stone silence & it remained that way long after she finished. Any hints as to what she sings on the CD?
For anyone that hasn't heard her or heard of her she's just an awesome talent, she takes her listeners, in a flash, to the birth places of the songs she sings, "SHE PUTS YOU THERE"! You can't beat that kind of singing.

Barry

Subject: RE: Review: Elizabeth LaPrelle, Lizard in the Spri
From: Barry Finn
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 01:27 AM

Sorry, my computer can't do links anymore.
Hear Elizabeth here, once you hear her you'll want more.

see www.cdbaby.com/cd/elizabethlaprelle2

1 Awake, Awake
2 East Virginia
3 Sail Away Ladies
4 Texas Rangers
5 Peg & Awl
6 Moonshiner
7 Liza Up A 'Simmon Tree
8 Blind Bartemus
9 Casey Jones
10 Three Little Babes
11 Payday at Coal Creek
12 Handsome Molly
13 Hangman
14 Beware Young Ladies
15 Little Darling Pal of Mine
16 Pretty Saro
17 Sweet Roseanne
18 Mole in the Ground

Enjoy

Barry

Subject: RE: Review: Elizabeth LaPrelle, Lizard in the Spring
From: Leadfingers
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 05:51 AM

Caught a little bit of Miss LaPrelle when I was over in Virginia ! She really IS something else !

Subject: RE: Review: Elizabeth LaPrelle, Lizard in the Spring
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 06:29 AM

The first I ever knew of Elizabeth LaPrelle was on a Mike Harding playlist when her first CD was released.
This is not auspicious.
However, playing back that broadcast for another reason altogether, I was deeply and lastingly impressed with her performance and sought out Rain & Snow instantly.
Devon Sproule recently gained the distinction of becoming the first US artist to land on the cover of fRoots this century (since Ry Cooder, in fact).
If she becomes the second I will not be surprised.
She is a perfect example of the creation music rooted in a community and with a sense of place.

Subject: RE: Review: Elizabeth LaPrelle, Lizard in the Spring
From: greg stephens
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 09:33 AM

Well what a fabulous performer. Just had a listen, fantastic. Are such good interpretations of old music common nowadays in the USA, or would she a bit of a one-off?

Subject: RE: Review: Elizabeth LaPrelle, Lizard in the Spring
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 10:35 AM

Greg, Elizabeth really is unique. She has learned much of her material and appreciation of Appalachian mountain music from such folks as Sheila Kay Adams, and rather than try to update the songs, she has stayed very true to the old style. Her remarkable strong voice is perfect for the mountain music she sings.

What makes this even more amazing is that Elizabeth is not yet 20 years old! (Well, maybe she is by now, but not by much!) Many of us first heard her just a few years ago at the FSGW Getaway, when she was still in high school. She is now a student (3rd year?) at William and Mary College in Virginia.

Hearing Elizabeth always makes me feel better about the future of traditional music!

Nancy

Subject: RE: Review: Elizabeth LaPrelle, Lizard in the Spring
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 12:05 PM

At Ramblewood, Elizabeth spoke about how the traditional style went out of fashion and how the older women in her community were ridiculed for singing in the old way. It was an embarrassment.

She learned the technique of singing with her lower teeth placed slightly forward from an "elder". It creates the diction and slightly nasal tone typical of Appalachian song.

Her voice is so sweet and her delivery so simple and straightforward. She is a wonder. Another must buy for my CD collection.

Thanks, Dan, for the review. Does anyone know if the rest of the LaPrelle family has any recordings available?
Mary

Subject: RE: Review: Elizabeth LaPrelle, Lizard in the Spring
From: Big Mick
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 03:23 PM

And what a marvelous young woman she is!! I am continually amazed at the depth of talent, the respect for tradition, and all wrapped up in a normal young person with a great attitude. Elizabeth is fully aware of her talent, and the acclaim she is getting, without any pretentiousness whatsoever. She is a delight to know, and she is a delight to watch as she hones her craft.

I told Jean Ritchie that she needed to meet this wonderful young woman, in order that she could see that all she (Jean) has worked so hard to promote and preserve is in very good hands in our Elizabeth.

I can't wait to get this CD.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: Elizabeth LaPrelle, Lizard in the Spring
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 08:28 PM

Mick, I think I had already met her when you told me...she had been writing for permission to do one of my songs on her first album- I think that the song was, "West VA Mine Disaster," and then asked if she could come to see me, on the family's way to vist a relative in our area. She and her parents came in the afternoon, had tea with us and we had a good visit, talking about songs and the singing of them. They are are fine folks.

Looking over the contents of her second record, I believe she may have two or three Ritchie Family versions on this album, too. I'll know when I hear them. She'll do them well.

See you in August at the picnic, Mick and family?      Jean

Subject: RE: Review: Elizabeth LaPrelle, Lizard in the Spri
From: Ferrara
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 11:50 PM

Sinsull asked, Does anyone know if the rest of the LaPrelle family has any recordings available?

Yup. Her mom's brother, Jon Newlin, and his wife Amy are members of a North Carolina string band called the Hushpuppies. Jon and Amy are two of the accompanists on Elizabeth's CDs. Jon plays fiddle, Amy plays banjo and sings. Like Elizabeth, they stay very true to the roots of the music.

Jon and Amy came to our house to accompany Elizabeth in her first house concert. They blew me away, especially Jon's fiddle playing. I ordered their CD and have enjoyed it very, very much.

Subject: RE: Review: Elizabeth LaPrelle, Lizard in the Spring
From: Linda Goodman Zebooker
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 09:43 AM

Elizabeth LaPrelle is teaching at Augusta Heritage Center in Elkins WV during Week 5, Vocal Week, August 5 -12 .

Subject: RE: Review: Elizabeth LaPrelle, Lizard in the Spring
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 02:57 PM

Thank you, Rita. Another CD for the list.

Subject: RE: Review: Elizabeth LaPrelle, Lizard in the Spring
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 03:07 PM

Lizard in the Spring is available there too. Free shipping if you use PayPal.
Got them both.
M

Subject: RE: Review: Elizabeth LaPrelle, Lizard in the Spring
From: Ferrara
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 08:52 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Review: Elizabeth LaPrelle, Lizard in the Spring
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Aug 07 - 02:40 PM

Just had a chance to sit down and listen to this one. Simple, straightforward and innocently complex. Sounds like I am describing fine wine - and that's about it. Elizabeth just gets better and better. I'd give a preety penny to see a battle of the "Sweet Roseanne"s between the LaPrelles and Barry Finn.


This is a brilliant collection of traditional songs and ballads sung "mountain style". Some fun, some bitterly angry, some plaintive. Don't miss it!