One More River
Folk music isn't frenetic or reliant on "attitude.''  It isn't hip, it's timeless. Folk music is made up of tall tales and histories, digging deep into tradition, shared life experiences and the meaning of childhood and family. All of that resonates through the simple beauty of this recording featuring longtime folkie Bill Staines.Staines' vocals are soulful and conversational; the instrumental clarity offered by Staines and other fine musicians is an added layer of expression, from the shiny bright of penny whistle and violin to the darker hued bass and guitar.Among the selections are "Leatherwing Bat,'' in which a little bat, an owl, redbird, and other feathered Romeos speak of their love travails; "Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit,'' whose joyful response to his rabbity lot in life is simple: "Every little soul's gonna shine, shine.''"So Sang the River'' is Staine's own uplifting anthem to the waterways of America; "One More River,'' a Noah's Ark tale, is an inviting singalong.  A 1998 Parents' Choice® Gold Award.Reviewed by Lynne Heffley, Parents' Choice® 1998--FromParents' Choice®