Rich's favorite
Midnight Special CDs of 2001:
Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer:
Drum Hat Buddha (Signature Sounds SIG 1266)
Carter & Grammer managed to make this list two years in a row,
meaning they've not only maintained their momentum of originality and musicianship,
but grown as well. Carter's quirky songs with catchy melodies take flight
in the vibrant arrangements on this CD.
Tom Paxton & Anne Hills:
Under American Skies (Appleseed APRCD1046)
When two masters, who are longtime musical colleagues and friends,
collaborate, the result is a superb CD of original songs and exceptional interpretations
sung with a heart and soul and voice most artists can only dream of attaining.
Cathie Ryan:
Somewhere Along the Road (Shanachie 78047)
On her third solo CD, Cathie Ryan's voice blossoms into a fullness
and flexibility far surpassing her previous efforts. Her interpretive abilities
deepen while she explores a wider range of music from her Irish roots.
Tom Chapin:
Common Ground (Gadfly 271)
On this CD Chapin represents the quintessential singer-songwriter
with a wide variety of serious and humorous songs performed in fine voice
with ideal production for the material. The title song and "A Jangle In the
Air" justify the whole CD.
Bill Morrissey:
Something I Saw, Or Thought I Saw (Philo 11671-1227-2)
The master returns to his original style and substance. Morrissey
has explored a variety of styles from simple folk to rock to blues in his
long career, but he returns to a strongly folk-based sound with this CD. The
brilliant, literate songs are short plays that take you into their characters
lives in a matter of minutes. After listening, you might title this "Someone
I Knew, Or Thought I Knew."
Matapat: Petit Fou
(Borealis BCD 133)
This French-Canadian Trio combines traditional music of Quebec
with original tunes, although it is difficult to tell where the old music
leaves off and the new music begins. Their exceptional musicianship and infectious
enthusiasm make this CD a joy.
Kitty Donohoe:
This Road Tonight (Roheen R005)
After a long absence from the music scene, Donohoe comes roaring
back with a passion. Her captivating melodies enhanced by deeply textured
production with a hint of Celtic intoxicate you with her words. Note that
her song about the September 11 tragedy, "There Are No Words," is not on this CD.
Garnet Rogers: Firefly (Snow Goose SGS-1129)
A regular among my favorites, Garnet Rogers' remarkable baritone,
virtuoso musicianship and dramatic songs make his recordings stand out from
the crowd. He tells several new engrossing musical stories on this recording.
Dick Gaughan: Outlaws & Dreamers
(Appleseed APRCD 1058)
Dick Gaughan writes great songs, but he is the finest interpreter
of other people's songs alive today. Period. He accompanies his expressive
voice with guitar playing that matches the best pickers on the scene.
Tom Russell:
Borderland (Hightone HCD8132)
"The Man From God Knows Where" was an impossible act to follow,
so Russell made no attempt to do so. Instead he has created a solid musical
journey through the land he now occupies near the Mexican border. He probes
love and work from different angles than other writers, and co-writes some
smokin' tunes with friends as well.
Maria Dunn:
For a Song (Distant Whisper MARCD02)
Maria Dunn scores twice in a row with this second CD, and noble
feat for a newcomer. Her songs explore people and places in illuminating and
highly poetic detail, sung with conviction.
And two special compilations:
A Nod To Bob: the Bob Dylan Tribute (Red House RHRCD154)
This CD contains 15-tracks of Dylan songs in honor of his 60th
birthday. I prefer many of the interpretations on this CD to The Man's own
versions. Of special note are Eliza Gilkyson's "Love Minus Zero / No Limit,"
Martin Simpson's "Boots of Spanish Leather," and Rosalie Sorrels' "Tomorrow Is a Long Time."
The Philadelphia Folk Festival 40th Anniversary box set
(Sliced Bread SB744440SL)
While Newport received all the glory, Philly is America's longest
running and largest folk festival. Gene Shay, Philadelphia's enduring folk
music DJ, has been host of this festival since Year One, and he has selected
over 40 of his favorites on this four CD set, which also has video clips when
played on a computer. This is an important document of American folk history
featuring mostly previously unreleased performances.
And finally, not quite a reissue, not quite a compilation:
HARP: Holly Near, Arlo Guthrie, Ronnie Gilbert, and Pete Seeger: A Time For Singing
(Appleseed APRCD 1054)
Holly, Arlo, Ronnie and Pete gave a series of concerts in California
in 1984 that became a single LP named from their first initials. Holly Near
has gone back to the original tapes and re-edited the concerts and expanded
the recording into a two-CD set featuring 15 songs missing from the original
CD. It's a joyous, harmonious recording from people synonymous with folk in
our time.
Rich's favorite
Midnight Special CDs of 2000:
Still on the Hill: Still (Pingleblobber 001)
This quartet creates an enjoyably eclectic sound centered on
bluegrass instrumentation, slightly reminiscent of the Red Clay Ramblers.
They are powerful songwriters and accomplished musicians. The recording has
spunk, originality and variety.
Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer:
Tanglewood Tree (Signature Sounds SIG 1257)
Carter & Grammer go their own way in the crowded pack of contemporary
folk musicians. Carter's unique songs performed with consistently interesting
harmonies and musicianship give this recording a sound all its own. The song
topics alone are far from the usual singer-songwriter subjects.
Priscilla Herdman, Anne Hills,
Cindy Mangsen: At the Turning of the Year (Hand & Heart 2000)
Their sequel to "Voices of Winter" of three years ago, this
one celebrates all the seasons with a fascinating potpourri of songs, from
three of the finest female voices in folk-oriented music. You could spend
many a season just reveling in the harmonies.
Carrie Newcomer: The Age of Possibility (Philo 116711 226-2)
Newcomer's rich alto voice carries her strong melodies with
poetic lyrics straight to the ear and then to the heart. Be warned, there
is some rock on this CD, but it's a powerful performance.
Pete Morton: Hunting the Heart (Harbourtown HARCD 040)
This iconoclastic British singer-songwriter scores again with
his intelligently crafted songs that make great use of language and imagery.
There is no escaping his penetrating performance that brings the songs to life.
Dar Williams:
The Green World (Razor & Tie 7930182856-2)
Somewhat more abstract and more insistent than Dar's previous
work, but redolent with her poetry and passion. She splits the CD about 50/50 between rock and folk
Liz Carroll:
Lost In the Loop (Green Linnet GLCD 1199)
Terrific traditional and original Irish fiddle music performed with pure magic.
Mary Black:
Speaking With the Angel (Curb D2 77958)
A particularly good crop of songs from this well established
artist who is one of the outstanding interpreters of our time.
Maria Dunn: From Where I Stand (Marcdo 1)
An arrestingly powerful singer-songwriter from Canada who writes great historical and social commentary.
Small Potatoes:
Waltz of the Wall Flower (Wind River WR4010CD)
This local duet has come of age with a CD of great songs delightfully
performed. Some of the original songs on this CD are outstanding.
Ed Miller: Lowlander (Wellfield CD023)
A well-chosen mix of original, contemporary and traditional
Scots songs by one of the finest interpreters of the genre currently singing.
Connie Dover: The Border of Heaven (Taylor Park TPMD0401)
A sumptuous bounty of mostly traditional songs in a lush, yet faithful setting, sung gorgeously.
Nickel Creek:
Nickel Creek (Sugar Hill SUG-CD3999)
Some of the hottest picking around with incredible enthusiasm
from a band of hyper-talented teenagers.
Sons Of the Never Wrong: One If By Hand (Gadfly 268)
Their third CD, the first with new member Deborah Lader, is
their best yet. Be warned, this is not your mother's or father's folk music.
They romp through a surreal landscape of ideas and wordplay laid over a montage
of lively sound.
Peggy Seeger:
Love Will Linger On (Appleseed APR 1039)
Peggy finally puts down her sword for a collection of gentle
love songs, which finds her in the best voice of her career.
Cindy Kallet: This Way Home (Stone's Throw STM-2)
Cindy only records about once every dozen years, so this is
an event. She's joined by a group of Maine friends, including Gordon Bok,
for this deceptively simple yet profoundly moving recording.
Rich's favorite
Midnight Special CDs of 1999:
This year two recordings rose above the crowd, and are tied for my number
one picks, while the remainder are in semi-random order.
Tom Russell: The Man From God Knows Where
(An Immigrant Song Cycle)Hightone
88099-2 220 4th Street, #101, Oakland, California 94607. A brilliant concept
album with Iris DeMent, Delores Keane, Dave Van Ronk and others in a 150 year
family journey that captures the meaning of the American Dream. Superbly written
and performed.
Garnet Rogers: Sparrow's
Wing Snow Goose Records SGS1127CD 416-692-4020. Rogers possesses one of
the most beautiful male voices in the folk world, and he expertly uses it, along
with his remarkable guitar playing to bring to life a range of heartfelt, poignant
and thought-provoking songs.
Chuck Suchy: Different Line of Time Little Bluestem Records LBR 102
701-663-7682. Suchy, an unassuming farmer from North Dakota, captures life and
land, in this gentle and involving recording. His rich voice invites you right
into the songs. A wonderful and refreshing divergence from the trend.
Kristina Olsen: The
Truth of a Woman Take-a-Break TAB-2008 P.O. Box 21, Venice, California 90294.
While not all the songs on this CD are hits, Olsen bats better than 500. The
song "Yellow Piper" alone is worth the cost of the CD, but there are
several other great songs as well, including the title track.
Magpie: Give Light
Sliced Bread CDSB7118
P.O. Box 606, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania 19422, and
Kim & Reggie Harris
and Magpie: Guide
My Feet Appleseed
APR 1029 610-701-5755. If you thought great harmonies and insightful protest
songs ended after the 1970s, Magpie and the Harrises bring them back with verve
and conviction.
Eddie From Ohio: Looking
Out the Fishbowl Virginia Soul VSR 006 P.O. Box 7431, McLean, Virginia 22106
This group fuses uncommonly good songs with an infectious, mostly upbeat sound
that keeps your toes tapping and your mind racing from open to close. Outstanding
harmonics and musicianship make their acoustic folk/rock sound effortless.
Pat Maloney:
Perfect Oblivious Moon Ratrick 7487 520-632-0064. Maloney
is highly original, clever, involving, and surrounds himself with just the right
amount of production.
Niamh Parsons: Blackbirds
& Thrushes Green Linnet GLCD 1197. An absolutely gorgeous voice in a well-produced setting
of traditional Irish/Scottish music.
Guy Clark:
Cold Dog Soup Sugar Hill SUGCD-1063. The old master, joined by a number of friends, just keeps
rolling along with more great songs.
Annie Gallup: Steady Steady Yes 1-800-PRIMECD PCD63 800-774-6323. Gallup
walks the tightrope without a net on this innovative, often eerie, unproduced
recording that's spoken as much sung. There's a powerful eroticism in her fine
poetry.
Eric Bibb & Needed
Time: Spirit and the Blues EarthBeat!
R2 75686 800-346-4445. The title says it all, Bibb delivers old and new songs
with his great voice and conviction. Although this was recorded in Scandanavia
in 1994, it first made it to the US in 1999.
Tanglefoot:
Full Throated Abandon Borealis
BCD 115 416-530-4288. A Canadian group with dynamite harmonies and energy, and
songs based on historical events.
James Keelaghan: Road
Hightone HCD8101 Keelaghan's
writing remains first rate, delivered in great voice, but sometimes the over-production
on this CD diminishes its impact.
Rich's favorite
Midnight Special CDs of 1998:
Jackie Tice: Blue Coyote Saja Music 0002 (Box 333, Center Valley, PA
/ email) Released in 1997, we received it
in 1998. My choice for best new songwriter I heard in 1998.)
Where Have All the Flowers Gone: The Songs of Pete Seeger Featuring Tommy Sands, Jackson Browne & Bonnie Raitt,
John Gorka, Richie Havens, Ani DiFranco, Bruce Cockburn, Greg Brown, Tom Paxton,
Nanci Griffith, Bruce Springsteen, Dick Gaughan, Martin Simpson, Odetta, Tommy Makem, and many others.
Appleseed 1024, distributed by Red House (610-701-5755). Timeless material meets great talent inspired by the
greatest folk performer of our century.
Maddy Prior:
Flesh & Blood Park Records PRKCD38 (PO Box 3911887, Cambridge, MA 02139). An arresting journey
of traditional and contemporary songs, with some unusual accompaniment.
From the Heart of Studio A - The FolkScene Collection Red House RHRCD 109. A lovingly assembled collection of artists by
Howard & Roz Larman from 20 years of live studio recordings on KPFK. Included are
Bruce Cockburn, John Gorka, Maura O'Connell, and several more well-known artists.
Iris DeMent performs her best version of "Our Town" on this disc.
Leahy: Leahy
Narada 72438-42955 33 (414-961-8350). The hottest Celtic instrumental music
in years, and essentially acoustic.
Susan Werner: Time
Between Trains Bottom Line 63440-47035-2, distributed by BMG. One of the
most intellectual songwriters on the scene, with a voice that knows how to deliver
a lyric.
Dick Gaughan:
Redwood Cathedral Appleseed
1027, distributed by Red House. Perhaps the finest living interpreter of folk, and songs written
in the folk style (and even an occasional rock and roll hit), as well as a good
writer and dazzling guitarist. He was a major inspiration to Steve Goodman.
Anne Hills & Cindy Mangsen: Never Grow Up Flying Fish CDFF 671. A sequel to Never Grow Old, with guest stars aplenty
from Michael Cooney to Dave Van Ronk. A great choice of songs delightfully performed.
Dar Williams - Lucy Kaplansky -
Richard Shindell: Cry Cry Cry
Razor and Tie 7930182840-2 Dar, Lucy, and Richard get together to perform their
favorite songs, with plenty of variety and insight on this CD.
Cyril MacPhee:
When I Say I Do Brakin' Tradition CD 0907 (902-535-2874). My favorite
new male voice of the year, from the Canadian Maritimes.
Denice Franke: You
Don't Know Me De nICE gIRL DF002 (713-526-8270). My favorite new female
voice of the year.
John McCutcheon &
Tom Chapin: Doing Our
Job Rounder
CD 0411 Two friends infusing life into toe-tapping and thought provoking, mostly
original, songs.
Debbie Diedrich: Ninety Miles Out West Broadway 2 (PO Box 12178, Eugene,
OR 97440)
Susan Piper:
New On The Planet SLICED BREAD CD SB71150 (PO Box 606, Blue Bell, PA 19422)
Richard Berman: Dreamer Aires (no #) (413-253-7570)
Geoff Bartley:
One Kind Word Waterbug WGB-0046 (800-466-0234)
Aileen Vance:
Sweet Life Avenida AM003CD (806-372-4203)
Kate Rusby:
Hourglass Compass 74255-2
Rich's favorite
Midnight Special CDs of 1997:
Number One is a tie:
Babes With Axes (Debbie
Diedrich, Katie Henry, T.R.Kelley, Laura Kemp: Live Axe BWA002 P.O. Box
12178, Eugene, Oregon 97440
Grit
Laskin: A Few Simple WordsBorealis
BCD001 416-530-4288
The rest of my choices are in no particular order:
Connie Kaldor: Small
Café Philo
CDPH1205
Eric Peltoniemi:
Songs O' Sad Laughter Aalto ARC CD001 1730 Dayton Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota
55104
Connie Dover: If
Ever I Return Taylor Park TPMD0301 P.O. Box 12381, North Kansas City, Missouri
64116-0381 816-455-5524
Adie Grey:
Grandpa's Advice Hey Baby! HB1005 888-4HEY-BABY
Waterson:Carthy:
Common Tongue Topic TSCD-188 50 Stoud Green Rd., London N4 3EF, England
Richard Shindell:
Reunion Hill Shanachie
8027
Joyce Woodson: Capistrano
Girl Radish RAD972 615-383-1688
Pierce Pettis:
Making Light Of It Compass
742362 117 30th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212
Kat Eggleston:
Outside Eden Waterbug WBG 0028 800-466-0234
Honorable mention:
Heidi Mueller:
Giving Back Cascadia CM103 206-528-2526
Suzzy Roche: Holy
Smokes Red House
RHR CD 104
Instumental:
Jay Ungar and Molly Mason:
The Lover's Waltz Angel 7243-55561 2 7
Best 1997 Christmas CDs:
Priscilla Herdman,
Anne Hills, Cindy Mangsen: Voices Of Winter Gadfly
235 802-865-2406
Susan McKeown
and Lindsey Horner: Through The Bitter Frost And Snow 1 800 PRIME CD PCD-36
Rich's favorite "Midnight Special" CDs of 1996:
Tied for first:
Cindy Mangsen & Steve Gillette: The Light Of The Day Compass Rose CRM-7CD (PO Box 1501, Bennington, VT 05201)
Lori Lieberman: Home Of Whispers PopeMusic PMG-2005-2 (201-825-7900)
The rest of my choices are in no particular order:
Erica Wheeler: The
Harvest Signature Sounds SSRC-1237 (800-694-5354)
Garnet Rogers: Night
Drive Snow Goose SGS-1125 (Woodburn Rd., RR#1, Hannon, Ontario L0R 1P0 )
Robin & Linda Williams:
Sugar For Sugar Sugar Hill SHCD-1052
Margo Hennebach:
Michaelean 1 800 PRIME CD PCD-022
Grace Griffith:
Grace (technically a reissue) Blix Street G2-10028 (818-763-9151)
Frank Tedesso: Songs From Einstein's Violin Imaginary Road 314 532 840-2
Richard Berman: Love,
Work and Play Aries 002 (413-253-7570)