2009-02-13
Blue Feather is Grand Rapids' own Nicholas Thomasma and Liz Dieleman. They've taken an idea from a Richard Bach book (Illusions) for their name and that is what I found most intriguing. This is guy/girl vocals over delicate 6- and 12-string guitars. They've invited a few guests to play on this, their first album. Most notably, Karisa Wilson (violin) adds something to the narrative which is "Sandalwood, Leather, and Sweat". She also plays on the pretty, but depressing "Winter In Michigan". (Listening to this song in February will do nothing to cure those winter doldrums.) Jason Lester plays trombone on the song "Stranger Than Fiction" adding a playful note to the visuals that the song offers. Reviewed by Rebecca Ruth.Dirk Powell
Walking Through Clay
Various Artists
Sail Away-The Songs of Randy Newman
JOANNA NEWSOM
Ys
Danielle Howle
Thank You, Mark
JOHN MCCUTCHEON
This Land: Woodie Guthrie's America
COWBOY JUNKIES
RENMIN PARK
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