(I hope this reproduces properly as I did not format it as cleanly as I
do my playlists.)
Favorites of 2015
First, an explanatory note:
I refrain from calling these "The Best of 2015" because the following
list is but one listener's biased opinion. I have culled these from the
many good recordings that crossed my CD player this year. I'm sure I
forgot to include several notable recordings. They say the CD is waning,
yet all told, I estimate The Midnight Special received at least 1000 new
recordings, and I listened to about 500 new recordings, of which about
250 made it into the WFMT library, and about 150 received airplay. I do
not include reissues and most compilations among these favorites,
although there is a major exception this year. As the cut-off date is
November 25, some of the newest recordings will not be considered until
next year.
Sometimes the mediocrity completely overwhelms me, while at other times
I marvel at the creativity and brilliance. There are ten favorites this
year. It boiled down to being exceptionally discriminating or a list of
25. I probably could have halved these or doubled the number yet again.
There was ample good music, but only these ten grabbed me. While I
thought about these choices long and hard for several weeks, if not most
of the year, had I made the list a day earlier or a day later it might
have been slightly different.
If a good friend visited from out-of-town with only an hour or two to
spare, and asked me to play my favorites from 2015, I would play the
following. Actually, I have purchased quantities of several of them to
give to friends for the holidays.
By way of explanation, I have annotated the CDs on the list, arranged
alphabetically.
Matthew Byrne: Hearts & Heroes self 79444-00525 (matthewbyrne.net)
Matthew Byrne, a young newcomer, hails from remote Newfoundland. The CD
is a mixture of traditional and traditional-sounding songs, and a couple
of exceptionally beautiful instruments showing of his guitar virtuosity.
His interpretations show a respect for and intelligence about the music
that makes this album special.
Dave Gunning: Lift Wee House of Music 2015 (davegunning.com)
One of the many top notch singer-songwriters from Canada, another artist
from the Maritimes, in this case, Nova Scotia, Gunning collaborates with
a wide range of co-writers to sing about an array of topics and subjects
that keep this album exceptionally entertaining, from songs with
political overtones to old-fashioned love songs cleverly expressed.
Gunning also is a fine singer and guitarist and this album will hold
your attention from first to last track.
Lori Lieberman: Ready for the Storm Drive On 11511-14 (lorilieberman.com)
Lori Lieberman's voices remains as gorgeous and expressive as it was 40
years ago, but now is even more nuanced and knowing as it expresses some
exceptionally good lyrics and memorable melodies. Although most of the
songs are broken-hearted love songs, there are few quite interesting
vows and explorations that keep the CD interesting throughout. "Three
Days" literally is a heart-stopper. Lieberman co-wrote most of the
songs, so each has a slightly different flavor and feel. The production
is simple and appropriate, never masking her superb voice.
Jim Malcolm: The Corncrake self 80992-14431 (jimmalcolm.com)
Jim Malcolm is now the dean of performing Scottish folk singers. Unlike
many Scots singers, he spends most of his time at home in rural
Scotland. His obvious affinity for the music gives this album
authenticity, but he never buries the lyrics beneath an exaggerated
Scots burr, although the dialect remains intact. As usual, he's chosen
mostly traditional and traditional sounding songs to share. Beyond the
material, his truly lovely voice proves that traditional singers can be
enjoyed for their beauty as well as for keeping the great songs alive.
Malcolm was once the lead singer of the popular group Old Blind Dogs and
that band has never been quite as good since he left. Meanwhile, he's
impressively grown as a solo artist.
Tom Paxton: Redemption Road Pax 010 (tompaxton.com)
Tom Paxton creates one amazing album after another. He's been at it for
over 50 years. Not all of are equal brilliance, but a good Tom Paxton
album surpasses most other singer-songwriters with ease. It's uncertain
if this will be Paxton's last album of new material, but he ties up a
few loose ends with songs about aging and retiring, as well as one
exceptional love song, "Central Square." His sense of humor remains
intact with a pair of humorous songs. No Paxton album would be complete
without some humor. He also retains his political edge. In other words,
this is the full Paxton buffet. However, he ends with "The Parting
Glass," perhaps a message to his fans that he is leaving. Thus, this
album is worth savoring as an example of the genius who has given us so
many great songs.
John Roberts & Debra Cowan: Ballads Long and Short Golden Hind 111
(goldenhind.com / debracowan.com)
Put together two of the most serious and humorous traditional singers of
our time and be prepared for an album that honestly brings to life
traditional music with a knowledge of the genre rare in our time. They
compliment the traditional songs a few contemporary traditional sounding
songs, including one with a definite wink and a nod. John Roberts a long
time practitioner of the art of traditional music finally found a new
singing partner worth his mettle in Debra Cowan, who possesses a most
pleasing voice and love of the music. It's not merely that they do
justice to the material on this CD; it's obvious that they enjoy it.
Elaine Romanelli: The Hour Before self 88295-24554 (elaineromanelli.com)
In an era of singer-songwriters with dubious production values, Elaine
Romanelli shines like a super nova with just her and her grand pianos.
Her utterly haunting performance leads down the mirrored corridors of
lost love with highly original reflections and melodies that tug and
pull emotions. While normally producers gum up recordings, in this case
Si Kahn, mostly known for his labor and political songs, brings
Romanelli to her full glory via sparseness. Of all the singer-songwriter
recordings received this year, this one most unnerved me with its
simultaneous simplicity and complexity.
Tom Russell: The Rose of Roscrae - A Ballad of the West Frontera 9
(tomrussell.com)
Tom Russell operates on Daniel Burnham's edict: "Make no small plans,
they have no magic to stir men's blood." Picking up where The Man From
God Knows Where left off over a decade ago, this magic rollicking,
rambling two CD epic includes a score of guest performers, both living,
recorded especially for this album and deceased from various audio
archives. Thus, the album includes Walt Whitman and Lead Belly along
with Maura O'Connell, Guy Clark and Eliza Gilkyson and even the Swiss
Yodel Choir of Bern and the Norwegian Wind Ensemble. It ranges from rock
to nearly acoustic, with bits of spoken poetry and narration. The
original songs are Tom Russell instant classics. This is a mind bending
journey through American history and the Irish diaspora best enjoyed
with a sip of single- barrel aged bourbon.
Happy Traum: Just for the Love of It Lark's Nest 00261-42584
(happytraum.com)
The title of the album sums it up. Happy Traum, the preeminent guitarist
who started during the folk boom and accompanied many great artists,
along with several albums with his late brother Artie, sat back, took
stock and with a deep, subtle passion recorded an album of his favorite
traditional and contemporary songs and instrumentals. Although well on
in years, his fingers still do their dance on the guitar as agilely as
in his youth and he sings with the experience only years provide. Many
older artists attempt to go back and mine gold, but Traum succeeds. He's
accompanied by many talented artists including John Sebastian on
harmonica; Abby Newton, cello; Martin Simpson, guitar and David Amram,
the one-man orchestra.
Joy of Living - A Tribute to Ewan MacColl
Damien Dempsey, Martin Carthy, The Unthanks, Seth Lakeman, Marry
Waterson, Jack Steadman & Jamie MacColl, Dick Gaughan, Eliza Carthy,
Chaim Tannenbaum, Steve Earle, Jarvis Cocker, Paul Buchanan, Paul Brady,
Norma Waterson, Karine Polwart, Martin Simpson, Christy Moore, Billy
Bragg, Rufus & Martha Wainwright, Kathryn Williams, David Gray
Compass 748572 (compassrecords.com)
The contributors to the 21-tracks of this two-CD set read like a who's
who of contemporary British folk, along with some surprises such as the
Wainwrights and Steve Earle. The songs were selected by Ewan's children
from his marriage with Peggy, Neill, Calum and Kitty. They included well
known songs, some of which have slipped into the folk tradition, and
some of Ewan's lesser known songs. If you're not familiar with Ewan
MacColl, a Renaissance man, actor, writer, and singer, this is a
fascinating introduction. For Ewan's fans this is a confirmation of the
artistry and validity of his work. He would have been much more famous
in the U.S., save for his politics that kept him out of this country for
a decade or more. MacColl ranks high in the pantheon of traditional and
contemporary folk artists and should never be forgotten. This set does
him justice.
Rich Warren
The Midnight Special & Folkstage
www.midnightspecial.org
98.7 FM WFMT Radio & nationally syndicated
5400 N. St. Louis Ave. Chicago, IL 60625
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