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Review
The Old Time Herald,
Summer 2001
Kristin Garau
writes:
"...an inspiring
piece of work..."
"... wears
better with each listen..."
"One
aspect of the album's success is found in the contributions from accompanying
artists. Fratar's primary partner on two recordings, Peter Kessler is striking
once again on mandolin and guitar. His is the feisty fretwork on "You Turn
Away". Pianist Ellen Hoffman sheds her own jazz stylings to contribute
keyboards to the cozy title track. Bassist Bill Amatneek, who has shared
the stage with the likes of David Grisman, Jerry Garcia, and Bill Monroe,
provides the steady beat to many of the tunes. Longtime Kate Wolf musical
partner, Nina Gerber lends her nimble finger work on lead guitar for "Girl
Get on the Way". Veteran artist Suzy Thompson contributes on both harmony
and fiddle."
"Fratar
writes, arranges, and sings a dozen songs, slowly swaying between lonely
ballads and warm, lazy tunes. Even paced and comfortable, this album
wears better with each listen."
"Along
with the stellar musicianship from these accompanying artists, the vocal
harmonizing is equally fine. Fratar blends the deep richness of her
own vocals with Kate Brislin, Suzy Thompson, and Peter Kessler for nine
of the album's 12 songs. The vocals come across stylized and smooth.
Each combination adds another delicate layer to the sensitivity of the
song." |