A Tom Russell update

Mike Regenstreif reports Tom Russell is readying a new folk opera for release and reviews three of Russell's earlier CDs that also have new cuts mixed in.

An excerpt from Bruce Cockburn's memoir

Here's an excerpt from Bruce Cockburn's memoirs "Rumours of My Glory."

Dylan's "Basement Tapes"

Stephen Deusner goes long on Bob Dylan's "Basement Tapes."

A Dougie MacLean update

Brian Ferguson writes about Dougie MacLean who has tough words for the BBC Scotland.

MacLean has a new release -- "Till Tomroow" -- out. Here's a review.

One cut is:

Kyle Carey's Gaelic Americana

Kyle Carey has a new release out titled "North Star" and Angel Romero offer a lengthy interview.

Anais Mitchell with a new release

Ian Youngs profiles the recent musical productions, including the uber-creative concept releases, of Anais Mitchell. A Q-and-A is also included.

Saints & Sinners

Not related to our on-going posting of folk songs/social themes but here is just one lovely-to-listen-to song -- a harmonization of words and music in an inviting rhythm. It's written by Canadian David Francey, with both him and Mollie O'Brien each performing their respective versions.

First the lyrics:

SAINTS & SINNERS

It was Sunday morning in our town
And I sat on my steps and I stared at the ground
And I bowed my head while they shuffled past
All the saints being called to the morning mass

Chorus
And off in the distance there rang a bell
Way off in the distance there rang a bell
And it rang for the saints and the sinners as well
Way off in the distance there rang a bell.

I remember the lessons of Sunday school
And I can't help but think maybe I'm the fool
But I see no sign of a greater plan
Just the joy and the sorrow of my fellow man

Chorus

And here we stand while life rushes past
Between the first breath and the last
And here we stand between East and West
And here we stand between birth and death

I was watching the news the other night
There was a war on the Left
There was a war on the Right
And it's no surprise that it's us or them
It's a long way from heaven to Bethlehem.

Chorus

David Francey



Mollie O'Brien