I have a singer/songwriter/picker friend in Germany who is prolific in his recording of contemporary and traditional folk music. On Jan's newest CD he is accompanied by the usual supporting cast of Charlie Woodward and Art Faller. This time though, Fred Grittner has added his considerable talent to the project, as did a lovely young lady by the name of Tamara Friedrich.
Like me, these musicians are all big fans of John Stewart, so his artistry is (thankfully) again featured on this release as he has been on previous Guitars Across the Water Productions.
Darkness & Light has everything going for it. Fantastic songs, great harmonies, and fine musicianship. The first cut Come Summer is an instrumental written by Jan that sets the table for the next twenty-four cuts on the CD. For me the sequencing of the selections really keeps the listener engaged with the playlist.
The execution of favorites like Guy Clark's tunes, The Cap and Better Days would make that writer proud. The Last Last Thing On My Mind by Tom Paxton is a wonderful interpretation as well.
Other covers that standout include I Don't Have to Crawl, Tim Hardin's classic Black Sheep Boy and the Gordon Lightfoot love song Beautiful. Jan's self-penned The Trembling is a moving work that really showcases his muse.
And because this is my blog... my personal two favorite songs are Navajo Rug and Lay Down Your Weary Tune Lay Down. Tamara's vocals give these two folk standards a subtle richness along with the omnipresent Art and Charlie factor. (Kudos to Angel Annie on the cover art too).
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