From: petefyfe_at_aol_dot_com
Sent: 18 December 2011 04:36
Subject: Pete Fyfe review &
sleeve
Attachments: Suzy Bogguss - American Folk
Songbook.jpg
SUZY BOGGUSS - American Folk
Songbook CD and Songbook (Loyal Dutchess Records LDR 1006)
When I took my first faltering
steps into the world of ?folk' music my music teacher presented me with a book
of American folk songs edited by Alan Lomax. That memory is once again evoked
by this glorious collection of songs and what better way than to reminisce than
with Suzy Bogguss. It sounds very much as if Ms Bogguss and I travelled the
same road for isn't it best that in the first instance you should ?enjoy' what
you're performing and if possible invite everybody in who'll listen? If that is
the case then this comes across in a presentation that is simple yet effective
utilising amongst others the skills of musicians including Jerry Douglas
(dobro), Stuart Duncan (fiddle & mandolin) and John McCutcheon on hammer
dulcimer. Along with long time associate Pat Bergeson on guitar Suzy's lyrical
style is all encompassing with an easy going approach that will appeal to
anyone who feels a kinship with predominantly traditional ?folk' music. Opening
with the unrequited love song "Shady Grove" of which the melody in the UK is
more recognisable as that employed by Fairport for "Matty Groves" (but nowhere
near so gory) the catalogue of 17 tracks reads like a top of the pops list of
those we have loved. "Shenandoah", "Red River Valley" and Stephen Foster's
"Beautiful Dreamer" are all treated with dignity never allowing the arrangement
to become indulgent thereby giving an honest, orderly representation of the
chosen material. The hardback book is well laid out with piano accompaniment
and guitar chords and Suzy's informative notes make for interesting reading but
not (thankfully) in a scholarly way. This project was obviously put together by
someone who wants to convey the message that ?folk' music is good for the soul
and if you'll allow it you too can become an advocate. If the CD and book get
the kudos they deserve I hope it won't be too long before another recording is
in the offing - perhaps with "The Titanic" and "Jesse James" amongst them? www.suzybogguss.com
PETE FYFE