FOLK MUSIC FOLKS. . . THE NON-POP PERFORMERS

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Significantly, Steve and Maureen wrote many of the tunes in the album. Their songs "Summer in the Northland" and "Blue Skies" speak of the longing that many of us feel as a result of being pulled from the land by our society's centralized economic structure. "Pickle Jar", "Your Deeds", and "Ballad of the Buffalo" — the title song — address similar issues, but do so even more directly . . . and none of the music is done in the hackneyed "angry young folk singer" style. Rather, the duo delivers material with all the gentleness of a mother kissing a sleeping baby.

The album is nicely rounded out by a couple of old Tin Pan Alley standards — " Kinda Lonesome" and "Don't Fence Me In" — plus a trio of fine instrumental numbers. Steve and Maureen's recording is available for $8.00 postpaid from Lonetree Records, Dept. TMEN, 4748 Southeast Horstman Road, Port Orchard, Washington 98366.

"UTAH" PHILLIPS

Because this kind of music is so personal, it's generally better — if possible — to hear a folk singer's live performance before listening to his or her recorded work. In a concert setting, the artist will usually introduce or lead into songs with anecdotes or comments that add to the entertainment value of the performance and can help the listener better understand and enjoy the music.

Then again, in the case of Bruce "Utah" Phillips, telling stories and making music serve somewhat separate purposes. Stories constitute a good part of his show and often have his audiences rolling in the aisles. But Phillips is also a very aware, dedicated man . . . many of his humorous tales are, in fact, thinly disguised commentaries on serious social issues.

His songs, on the other hand, are generally anything but political. They address the need for men and women to feel . . . to laugh, to cry, and to love. "Utah" is widely renowned as a songwriter (in fact, many prominent folk artists, including Doc Watson, use his material), and when you listen to his tunes, it's easy to see why. Compositions like "Daddy, What's a Train", "Queen of the Rails", "I Remember You", and "She'll Never Be Mine" are strong, meaningful expressions of human sentiment and experience.

In my opinion, "Utah" Phillips ranks as one of America's most valuable natural resources. He plays folk festivals and clubs throughout the country, and if you get a chance to see him, by all means do. Meanwhile, you're sure to enjoy any of his several albums. For a list of those recordings — and their prices — send a request to Philo Records, Dept. TMEN, The Barn, North Ferrisburg, Vermont 05473.

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