New CDs for friends and fans

Rose Dueck: Longing. Produced by Jim Woodyard.

This is a CD of 11 original songs by Rose Dueck, graduate of Columbia Bible College (20+ years ago). The lyrics are intensely personal: reflection and introspection on themes ranging from spiritual devotion/longing to family, aging and the memory of a friend. Because of its personal nature, the album will be enjoyed most by those who know Rose. The words are insightful and contain some original turns of phrase (e.g. “Sparrow-watcher” for God).The music (Rose plays all the keyboard) is a homogenous soft contemporary pop/rock sound.

The songwriting uses essentially one musical template for the range of subject matter and emotional content; there is a sense of sameness to the tunes. The main strength of the album is Rose’s lovely mezzo voice. She could afford to explore the upper reaches of her range more. The production is well done with good mixing so the vocals are clearly audible. Jim Woodyard’s guitar is superb and I would have enjoyed hearing more of it.

The CD can be ordered through email.

Steve Bell & Sarah Bell: Sons & Daughters. Signpost Music.

For this reviewer, Sons & Daughters is a welcome return to “vintage” Steve Bell after the heavily produced pop style of Waiting for Aidan.

Daughter Sarah’s somewhat breathy, but well-tuned sweet young voice is a good addition. The cameo appearance of sons Jesse and Micah on “Feelin’ Groovy” shows that all the apples have fallen right under the tree. Maybe the next album will be a full family effort!

Half the tunes are Steve originals and his fans will recognize his songwriting style. Only Psalm 116 seemed to lack ideas and was a bit boring. The other six tunes are from a variety of writers ranging from Alfred Brumly (“I’ll Fly Away” – 1932; I’m not sure this arrangement really worked) to 17-year-old Diana Pops (“Subtle Shiver”; definite promise here).

Just over half the texts are spiritual reflection; some from ancient sources, others contemporary/original. Others tell a story (“Getting Ready for Glory”), make a social comment (“Everything’s Lies”) or are just for fun (“Feelin’ Groovy”).

Steve’s fabulous guitar playing, featured specially on the instrumental track “Air Jam,” is again the mainstay of the instrumentals. But Mike Janzen’s fine piano (sometimes jazz) is prominent and gives the album a different feel than some earlier ones, as do the mandolin, cello/viola, bass and percussion parts. The instrumental arrangements work well with Steve’s style.

I recommend this album to fans and newcomers alike.

Sara Jane Schmidt is a Winnipeg piano/theory/pedagogy teacher and church musician.