This review is written by Kevin McCarthy, 4/06
"Kevin and Maxine’s Celtic & Folk Music CD Reviews"
It's aptly titled "Closer," for it certainly presents the
essence of the Lui Collins, the artist.
It could alternately and
accurately be titled "The Lui Collins Experience"
as nestling back into the recording studio after a lengthy absence,
Collins provides testament here to two of her artistic passions: music
and poetry.
22 entries grace the musical menu, consisting of 10 songs, 10 spoken poems and two instrumentals.
The instrumentals are what is to be expected from Collins:
the banjo not only living but thriving, aided by guitar, mandolin and
bass.
The poetry is immediately accessible, consisting generally of pastoral
ramblings, often but not always idyllic in nature, and
enthusiastically
described and delivered. For those who lament the sometimes
impenetrable, incomprehensible fortress of meter and verse, fear not
for Collins brings the listener along as a silent but intimate
companion.
Although not being one typically over-enthused with 'cover'
songs, Collins makes some excellent choices and presentations here.
Patty Griffin's intriguing "Making Pies" and Cheryl Wheeler's touching
"His Hometown" are equal in quality to the originals--due to the distinctness of Collins' voice and delivery.
"All the Pretty Birds," "Blood Red the Stain" and "Step Into
the Water," the latter featured on an earlier release, are deserving of
mention. Collins also contributes a jazzy, fun version of "Red, Red
Robin."
Whether it be in song or poem, the physical landscape is a
primordial element in Collins' consciousness and creativity. Employed sometimes as
metaphor, other times directly, it is a wellspring she draws from time
after time.
Good for us.
Ownership, copyright and title of this folk music CD review belongs to me, Kevin McCarthy. Ownership, copyright and title are not transferable or assignable to you or other parties regardless of how or if you or other parties use, copy, save, backup, store, retrieve, transmit, display, publish, modify or share the CD review in whole or in part. Please read the "Terms, Conditions and Disclaimer" section on my web site for additional information about using, quoting, or reprinting this CD review.
Send inquiries to: celticfolkmusic@icogitate.com.
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