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Once Upon A Time
Circa Blue
2016 - Orange Blossom Records Inc.. I have enjoyed Circa Blue’s music since our first introduction several years ago. This group of multi-talented musicians can create masterpieces. However, this album seems a bit disorienting with the choice of songs. Primarily, the band includes three ‘Public Domain’ songs. These songs include “Angeline The Baker,” a song written by Stephen Foster and published in 1850 about the loss of a woman slave that was sent away by her owner. When you listen to the lyrics, it doesn’t make sense to have a female vocalist singing the song as the lyrics refer to - “She won’t marry me.” This is another that has been overly recorded in the folk and bluegrass genres. The second ‘public domain’ song is “Rain And Snow,” which is a murder ballad that first appeared in print in 1917 for a compilation of songs called English Folk Songs From The Southern Appalachians. The first public recording appeared in 1965 by Dillard Chandler; later it was recorded by the Grateful Dead, Bill Monroe, The Del McCoury Band and more. The final public domain song, “Cold Frosty Morning,” has a long history of recordings. Nonetheless, Circa Blue’s version is quite stunning as they perform it in an acoustic mentality that shows off their various picking techniques. Like any bluegrass album, this too has two cover songs. The band includes Gordon Lightfoot’s 1983 song “Whispers of The North.” Nonetheless, the casualty of the album comes with their rendition of Juice Newton’s 1981 hit song “Queen of Hearts.” This has to be the worst version of this song I have ever heard and I question why Circa Blue chose to record it. The only thing I can value on their version is the shock of hearing such a horrific rendition! If it had been up to me, I wouldn’t have included these five songs and if they needed to include a cover, I would have suggested keeping “Cold Frosty Morning” as it is quite stunning. As we get to the heart of this project, we are entertained with a few incredible songs. These songs include Brink Brinkman’s song “Carolina Dust,” that tells a compelling story of an elderly man’s life and how he is ready to die. The group includes a wonderful ditty called “Tripped Stumbled And Fell.” Performed in a 1920’s style, this Valentine’s Day mentality song is sure to capture your attention. This song would be a great addition to any wedding dance. The most notable song on this project is “I Sing Your Song.” Performed as a harmonically rich duet, this is a heart-wrenching ballad is about living life after losing a loved one. The last two songs will hit our list of Top Songs of 2018, while earning a nomination each for the Spirit Award’s Song of The Year Award. Other songs on this project include “Before You Leave Here” and the title track. The five members of Circa Blue are extraordinarily talented; nonetheless, I don’t believe that they are committing the appropriate time and energy in choosing the songs that are right for them and the project. I do hope that they can bring it all together for at least one project. I highly suggest downloading the four songs and leaving the rest of the album on the shelf. $$$+
(This review was printed in the September / October 2018 issue of Strictly Country Magazine.)
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