Chara River, the first relase of original music by singer-songwriter, Kerry Rutherford, is hard to assign to one particular genre of music. It has been described by some as indie-chick-newage-folk-rock. Kerry writes and si... more »ngs about her journey of self-discovery, about her quest for meaning in this complex world, about trying to rise above the limiting attitides of mundane reality and ultimately about celebrating the joy of life and love that can only be found inside oneself. A philosophical fan from Illinois described this CD lyrically when he wrote, "The music flows like a river, sometimes through a shaded region, then quickly moves over and down a rocky slope and ultimately ends at the Oasis, the serene locus of harmony. It's like a journey that goes through quite a few mood changes. The last song is like a reflection on the journey, a discovery of truth or meaning."« less
Chara River, the first relase of original music by singer-songwriter, Kerry Rutherford, is hard to assign to one particular genre of music. It has been described by some as indie-chick-newage-folk-rock. Kerry writes and sings about her journey of self-discovery, about her quest for meaning in this complex world, about trying to rise above the limiting attitides of mundane reality and ultimately about celebrating the joy of life and love that can only be found inside oneself. A philosophical fan from Illinois described this CD lyrically when he wrote, "The music flows like a river, sometimes through a shaded region, then quickly moves over and down a rocky slope and ultimately ends at the Oasis, the serene locus of harmony. It's like a journey that goes through quite a few mood changes. The last song is like a reflection on the journey, a discovery of truth or meaning."
CD Reviews
Familiar yet Fresh
Gabe Logan | Northeast Indiana | 01/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I find the "indie-chick-newage-folk-rock" tag used the the Amazon review to be rather fitting.This CD just picks up momentum as it goes along.There are some interesting moments along the way.David Bell's Spanish-style guitar solo in "The Seed" adds a nice flavour. The solo is perhaps a little too loud in the mix,but I'm sure the guitarist isn't complaining! Things start off nicely enough.Then Kerry kicks it up a notch with the Byrds-esque jangle and upbeat tempo (not to mention the stick-in-your-head chorus) of Comin' Home.Rounding things out are 3 more uptempo songs,with "Take Me Somewhere" being the rocker of the bunch,which also features an electric solo from Monsiuer Bell,on which he does a fine job for a self- admitted "not a rock soloist",which means the solo fits the song. Things get mellow again with the title track,which closes out the album,and where the new-age influence definitly show through.Kerry's voice sounds (to my ears anyway) like a cross between Joni Mitchell,Edie Brickell, a just a dash of a non-annoying Alanis Morisette,but ulimatly she sounds like....Kerry Rutherford.Who in a vast sea of faceless,commercial music,has set afloat a buoy of originality."
Great music for anyone
Steve | Ames, Iowa USA | 01/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I think that this CD has a lot of great material. The songs are written well, and the music is enticing. I hope that Kerry keeps making music like this, because I really enjoy listening to it."
Music in 3D
John | Miami, Florida | 01/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I really enjoyed this CD on multiple levels. In terms of the music, there was a nice variety of styles. I felt as if I was on a sonic journey, exploring musical abodes that transcended definition. I really enjoyed the sound of the ethnic percussion and the interplay of Kerry and David's guitars. In addition to this, I found the lyrical content to be of great interest. The lyrics have a nice subtext to them; there is a veiled nature to them, allowing the listener to discover new meaning each time. As a whole, the CD highlights this stratified nature. It's CD's like this that can be listened to again and again. I think that anybody would find this music to be an excellent addition to any CD library."
Soul-found Loving Energy
Kim | Seattle, WA USA | 01/06/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is not only the musical strength of this album but it is even more so the words. The soul searching depths of love and questions and answers, every detail of Kerry's lyrical choices are so powerful that they brought together two people who did not yet know that they were in fact seeking each other out.
A lifetime of Thanks to Kerry who not knowing it or me at that time, allowed two gentle people to explore themselves and the potential passions that they held within their core. And who through exploration of Kerry's thoughts and creativity, were allowed to truly love.
This album is a must for seekers, lovers, dreamers and folks of earthly peace. You know who you are, seek for yourself this album."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1