Two Great Folk CDs

Subject: Two Great Folk CDs
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 03:11 PM

I'm devoting a lot of playing time to a couple of new Folk CDs from two very different sources: Rick Fielding's This One's the Dreamer and Cordelia's Dad's Spine. Both have one similarity:they feature new spins on some old traditional tunes. Both expand and enhance the definition of "Folk" music.

Mudcatter Rick Fielding's album is a mix of styles with a similar feel. The cuts feature Rick on a variety of instruments,as well as some terrific fiddle and harmonica by his band. The styles range from contemporary singer/songwriter folk like the title cut, to a terrific 20s flavored tune,Ginmill Syncopators, to several outstanding reworkings of traditional tunes. His telling of Patrick Spencer is heartfelt and dramatic,and remains true to the spirit of the old song. Come to Lower Canada is new to me,but what a great re-creation of the spirit of adventure and promise that led thousands to risk everything in order to pass from "soldier to farmer to a King in Lower Canada." American listeners will get a smile from the verse that declares there is nothing to fear from the Yanks and Andy Jackson. Fielding's version of Wind and the Rain is also a keeper. Rick's version of the Lennon/McCartney song In my Life is poignant, and features a very tasty concertina performance by Grit Laskin.

Spine also reworks some classic traditional tunes through the combination of stark,urgent vocal work by Peter Irvine,Laura Risk's unadorned but elegant fiddle-playing,and striking harmonies by Irvine,Cath Oss, and guitarist Tim Eriksen. Irvine accompaniments on frame and talking drum may seem out of place to strict traditionalists,but gives the music depth and momentum. The version of Brave Wolfe,featuring a spare guitar line by Eriksen and Irvine's vocal,is a stand out. Spencer Rifle is a wonderful sexual double-entendre trad tune that is very funny. Return Again is a Plain Song piece featuring excellent accapella singing.

Both albums are excellent examples of the Folk Process in action,taking traditional tunes out of the archives,and placing them in fresh new formats,as part of the living folk tradition.I'm devoting a lot of playing time to a couple of new Folk CDs from two very different sources: Rick Fielding's This One's the Dreamer and Cordelia's Dad's Spine. Both have one similarity:they feature new spins on some old traditional tunes. Both expand and enhance the definition of "Folk" music.

Subject: RE: Two Great Folk CDs
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 03:26 PM

I haven't heard Rick's recording, but I also like Spine. I think they ae doing for appalachian roots music what the Pentangle and Steeleye Span did with traditional English songs, with their modernistic arrangements, yet respect for tradition. Wonderful stuff. Laura Risk is a great fiddler in her own right, with some solo CD's out. I'll have to get Rick Fielding's CD. Thanks for letting us know about these.

-chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Two Great Folk CDs
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 03:54 PM

Woops. Just realized I patched the beginning sentence onto the end in my first post. Scratch the last line and it's a wee bit less redundant.

LEJ

Subject: RE: Two Great Folk CDs
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 04:13 PM

I thought you were just reiterating as all good speakers/reviewers do, LeeJ! Haven't heard the second one, but I totally agree with your most excellent review of Rick's CD. Only thing I would add, is his first CD, is fantastic, too.

kat

Subject: RE: Two Great Folk CDs
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 04:13 PM

I thought you were just reiterating as all good speakers/reviewers do, LeeJ! Haven't heard the second one, but I totally agree with your most excellent review of Rick's CD. Only thing I would add, is his first CD, is fantastic, too.

kat

Subject: RE: Two Great Folk CDs
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 04:23 PM

We're taking reiteration to a whole new level here,Darlin.

Subject: RE: Two Great Folk CDs
From: Burke
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 04:42 PM

I don't have Spine, but are you sure you mean Peter Irvine's vocals? Tim Eriksen is Cordelia's Dad's lead (tenor) singer. 'Urgent' sounds much more like a description of Tim's voice to me as well.

Subject: RE: Two Great Folk CDs
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 06:13 PM

Rick's is truly great I have said many times and Leej, you have it right as far as the mix goes. I also got hung up on La-Sol-Fa which has a wonderful sound about it.

I'll have to chec kh out the other for a fact....Thanks.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Two Great Folk CDs
From: Stewie
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 07:01 PM

You can find extended liner notes and lyrics for 'Spine' on Cordelia's Dad website:

Cordelia's Dad

The other album of theirs that should appeal to folkies is 'Comet' from 1995 which includes a gripping version of 'The Frozen Girl', a lengthy song based on Dr and Mrs I.G. Greer's recording for the Library of Congress. Their other albums are a bit too noisy for my taste, but my daughter loves them.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Two Great Folk CDs
From: DougR
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 07:04 PM

Not familiar with "Spine," but you sure hit the nail on the head with Rick's work. DougR

Subject: RE: Two Great Folk CDs
From: Jed at Work
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 07:44 PM

I have yet to hear Spine, but have been enjoying This One's the Dreamer for the last few months. I too have really enjoyed some new versions of wonderful old songs, and heard a few I hadn't known. I love the guitar and banjo work, as well as the harmonica ... in fact, being a former Bostonian, I'd like to use an old Bostonian expression and say there is some "wicked" harp playing on the album; in particular on Salty Dog.

Sounds like I need to give a listen to Spine also. Thanks for the thread, LEJ.