This review is written by Kevin McCarthy, 7/04
"Kevin and Maxine’s Celtic & Folk Music CD Reviews"
http://www.icogitate.com/~celticfolkmusic/index.html
mailto:celticfolkmusic@icogitate.com
It has to be a bit daunting, with the no-carb craze
currently in vogue, to be a pairing called The Granary Girls. But Patty
Kakac and Jodi Ritter have forged ahead anyway with their latest
release, "Wild Roses," an offering that both explores and epitomizes the heart and soul of the Midwest.
Based in Minnesota, this duo has produced what could be
described as a 'Prairie Home Companion' companion piece, full of mood and
place-provoking music about good, hard-working, compassionate people
grounded by the land they inhabit.
The title song, "Wild Roses," is the opening cut. Elevated by
Kakac's and Ritter's engaging harmony singing, this love song compares and
contrasts the roots of said plant with those of the human kind--roots
that allow both to inhabit a sometimes inhospitable environment.
"Freight Train" ponders choices in life and what we would do
differently if given the chance. That contrasts with "Travelin," a
bluegrass-inflected cut about home looking pretty good when faced with
constant moving about.
World War II changed or, worse, ended the plans of many, as
depicted in "I Wanted To Be A Cowboy." Shackle or unfetter? That is the
question posed regarding love
and the differences in male-female expectations presented in "White
Spotted Black Horse."
Shackling is again the subject matter in "Burying Tree," a dark, matter-of-factly presented offering that provides a land-based
version of a captain going down with the ship.
"Diamonds In Her Soul," "Caramels & Velvet" and "Didn't
Have Much" highlight the best of human spirit and decency. Generosity
triumphs and provides ample payback of all manner against selfishness
and hoarding.
"A Gift Of Years" is a touching and endearing series of memories to a departed mate.
With a variety of guitar, autoharp, fiddle, harmonica and banjo
backing, this is an earnest release aimed at the heart, with straightforward tales about
the dignity and satisfaction to be found in simple living and living
simply.
Also deserving of mention is the water color-splashed liner notes, a beautiful mix of yellow, green, pink and blue hues.
Patty Kakac on vocals, guitar, autoharp and harmonica and Jodi
Ritter on vocals, bass, guitar and rhythm are backed by Rachel Nelson
on fiddle and frailing banjo; Tom May on guitar and vocals; Muriel
Poehler on lead and harmony vocals; Bruce Kelly on lead guitar;
Terry Kennedy on harmonica and banjo; Steve McKinstry on pump organ and
Hammond B3, Marge Ford on button box accordian; and Tom Kelin on
Uilleann pipes.
All songs by The Granary Girls, unless as noted.
Copyright © 1998-2008 Kevin & Maxine’s Celtic & Folk Music CD Reviews. All rights reserved.
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.
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