Released on July 31 to commemorate America's 250th birthday, it didn't reach me until today which turned out to be an apt date (9/11) to play the album. The sadness of that day still reverberates around the world and what better way to reflect upon that day than by listening to songs rooted in American folklore and to hear them played in the format of America's greatest contribution to the world (apart from the movie Casablanca) - Jazz (capital J intentional).
The arrangements are shared between Butler and Fasig with wistful vocals from April Varner and solos all round with Linard utilising the many sounds from his array of keyboards.
Each track has been 'made their own' by a variety of artists and composers yet the Visions Jazz Ensemble manage to offer their own interpretations that neither win nor lose by comparision. The world, at present, is big enough for both.
Simple Gifts: From Aaron Copland's Appalachian Suite - originally a 19th-century Shaker song.
Take me Home, Country Roads: A 1970's hit for John Denver.
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald: Written by Gordon Lightfoot to mark Canada's bicentennial in 1976. It's about a freighter that sank with all hands in Lake Superior.
Not a Bad Man: Patti Griffin's 2013 haunting reminder of the price paid by those who fought in America's wars.
Coat of Many Colors: The late Dolly Parton wrote this one. It's very personal and I'm not sure it is suitable for anyone else although Robinson and Hoberty do help.
Going Home: Based on the second movement of Dvorak's New World Symphony. Varner sits this one out. It's a familiar tune.
Ghost Riders in the Sky: Johnny Cash and Peggy lee recorded this although my earliest memory is of an old Burl Ives 78rpm, However, none of them had a Sam Butler trumpet solo which trumps the previous incantations.
Deep River: You want contrast? Well, Paul Robeson hit big with this one And Varner, whose vocal range begins where Robeson's left off does pretty good.
God Bless America: Some nice touches from Parker's trombone and Butler's trumpet. Mightn't be what Irving Berlin intended but the groove is in.
Revolutionary Tea: It may be all about the Boston Tea Party but for me it's about Fasig's score and his alto solo, Varner's vocal and the excitement she generates.
America the Beautiful: I've heard this anthem a few times today - they should have had Jeff Parker and Fasig blowing - they go down swinging.
Hard Times: Stephen Foster didn't know every US citizen was going to get $5,000 which would go a fair way to nullifying the song title for many. However, there is a caveat ...
Despite some of the lachrymose sentiments expressed, its an interesting album with pleasing vocals, good solos and excellent arrangements. Available via the usual online hucksters. Lance
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