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review by Bill Binkelman Clarelynn Rose, one of my favorite artists (and favorite people, for that matter), has released her third CD of solo acoustic guitar music, Meadow Run. Graced with some beautiful nature photos on the tri-fold digipack, the music contained within is equally pleasing - exhilarating and refreshing, yet also calming and reflective (even when the song itself is sprightly). Fans of Rose's previous recordings (The Redwood Sidthe and Elegant Tern) are already aware of this guitarist's unique way with crafting sublime music which occupies two moods at the same time (another musician capable of this is Steve Eckels), and Meadow Run once again displays this combination of mellow and spirited in its twelve tracks. For those who don't know it, Clarelynn Rose is not just a talented musician but also a dedicated forester whose many efforts to educate children on the spiritual and moral rewards of responsible forest stewardship are part of why I am such a huge fan of hers. Of course, it helps that she is one of the best acoustic guitarists playing today, too. As in the past, she continues (in the liner notes) to cite both Alex de Grassi and John Renbourn as inspiration and influences (if you don't recognize those names, you're no fan of guitar music!). Meadow Run sees her subtly evolve her compositions to include a slightly more renaissance-era type of flair, much the same way Eric Tingstad does in his collaborations with long-time musical partner Nancy Rumbel. Rose goes so far as to include the use of a 13-course baroque lute on the medieval sounding "White Roots," one of the more moody and introspective pieces here, carrying a faint echo of "Greensleeves" within its 3:43 playing time. Other aspects of previous recordings also surface, such as a touch of Celtic influence (on tracks like the opening song, the playful yet subdued "GuiGui [The Turtle and The Salmon]" or the true-to-its-title "A Jig for John"). Rose refers to her music craft as "Zen guitar" and the simple beauty and grace of songs like the sparkling jewel-like title track and the one that follows it, the gently meandering "The Honey Song," are indicative of an artist who strives for balance and peace, but starts the journey within herself first and foremost. It is Rose's music's duality (of which I wrote above) which most endears me to her music, i.e. how her finger work can be swift and dexterous on songs like "Night Tide" or the Celtic-ish rollicking "West Wind" yet the gentle nature of her strumming and picking keeps the music inviting, warm, and soft as sun rays peaking through the canopy of trees in one of her native California forests. Even when a track is lively, the mood is never frenetic or hurried, instead being more like a brisk refreshing walk along a nature trail. Now, as if this review isn't enough incentive to buy this CD, remember that Clarelynn's label, Heartwood Music, donates 10% or more of its profits to environmental education programs, with over $500 donated to date. For an independent artist, that is both impressive and a sign of "putting your money where your mouth is." Meadow Run is one of the best acoustic music CDs of the past year and comes with my highest recommendation to fans of solo guitar recordings. And, next time you're in the forest, hug a tree. Clarelynn Rose - and I - will appreciate it. |
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