Search - Joe Weed, Norton Buffalo, Phillips :: Swanee: The Music of Stephen Foster

Timeless songs fairly well interpreted

Kent | Bellingham, WA | 01/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Given that Foster's original lyrics would often be found offensive today, the performers on this recording took broad license to change them. It mostly works. The arrangements are clean and skillful but I wouldn't call them inspired or brilliant. The great thing about this recording is its appeal to multiple generations. The songs are familiar to me and my 80 year old parents and my 5 year old won't stop playing it."

Great stuff.

fluffy, the human being. | forest lake, mn | 12/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i have a half-dozen discs of stephen foster songs, and this is by far the most enjoyable. these are modern acoustic versions that breathe new life into these old, old songs. I am glad this is not just another recital of his songs where an attempt is made to be true to the sound of the 19th century. that has been done and done and done to death. the modern folk form employeed here makes these songs fresh again. all throughout this is a beautiful cd. one of the cds i have listened to more often and with more enjoyment than 98% of the other cds i've heard in the last 5 years."

Hard to decide between 4 and 5 stars...

Hoosiertoo | Indiana | 10/05/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

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Two years after I bought it, this CD sees a lot of time in my player, and the liner notes alone are worth the price.



I bought it in Bardstown Kentucky at My Old Kentucky Home State Park.



Foster's music lends itself to these interpretations, and these arrangements are quite well done, the three earlier reviews (the 2 from "a music fan" and the one who decried the anchronistic arrangements) notwithstanding.



In many respects, this is a better CD than 2004's "Beautiful Dreamer - The Songs of Stephen Foster."



I heartily recommend it.



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