Making you glad to be alive ... (The Song Makers project volume one)

Member Name: takethis

Product:	The Song Makers project volume one
Date:	15/01/03 (102 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful, Sincere, Money to charity

Disadvantages: none!

From the Label

The Song Makers Project is a collection of songs from some outstanding, unsung artists and some familiar acts, Billy Bragg, Eric Bibb, Bert Jansch and Ted Hawkins. The album spans the fields of Folk, Roots and Acoustic music. You will enjoy discovering acts such as Emily Slade, Jezz Hall and Sam Genders. The three of them were voted the class of 2001 by Folk Roots magazine. The other artists involved are similarly talented, producing a fine album of melodic, soulful music.

10% of the profits from this album will be donated to the Charity Shelter.

From me
I expected this to be a pleasant collection of gentle, enjoyable songs - and it is, but it's so much more too. It's a must-have for anyone who likes folk-blues and storytelling music. It's an album that restores your faith in human nature - our ability to love, be loyal, forgive and our desire to touch others lives.

*Tell 'Ol Bill - Eric Bibb*
Even though this is a well established singer I hadn't heard much from him before - but I won't miss out in the future. His fingers seem to trip effortlessly over the strings to create a varied sound. Despite the sad lyrics of the song, the effect is uplifting and optimistic. The perfect song for a weekend morning or warm day with the windows open.

*Damned Understanding - Maureen Munroe*
At first listen I enjoyed this song, never imagined it would grow on me the way it did and it's now one of my favourites of the collection. I love the idea behind her story - someone who treats her lover or friend very harshly, but despite it all he stands by her to "...hit the ground first and you're there to catch me when I fall".

*The Milkman of Human Kindness - Billy Bragg and the Blokes*
This live version explodes with the celebratory, defiant sound the Billy Bragg brings with him. It combines perfectly light hearted lyrics with a heart warming message "I
am the milk man of human kindness, I'll leave an extra pint"

*Mahalia's Dancing Shoes - Roger Askew*
Reminded me at first listen of Dave Matthews Band, though their voices are very different. More upbeat than the previous two it introduces a further depth and richness to the album.

*Stranger - Nicky Taylor*
Is a haunting, spell binding song, with dream like melodies that draw in and surround the listener and captivate the senses.

This is a musical joureny which leaves you glad to be alive - not in a sicky pop anthems way, but in a more profound, less tangible manner. To take pleasure from even the simplest things in life and to cherish every emotion. Sadness can make the happiness sweeter and being the best person you can be costs nothing.

This is a beautiful collection of songs from an incredibly talented group of musicians, you have the feeling they have really lived and that they pour their lives, experiences and emotions into their music. We are just lucky we have this opportunity to share in them.

You can find this on Amazon.co.uk

Audio CD
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Nesta
ASIN: B000063584
Catalogue Number: NC1001

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