Si Kahn Been A Long Time CD

This is Si Kahn's first album in six years, so Been a Long Time seems an appropriate title. His style of political folk hasn't changed though, and his new label, Sliced Bread, seems a perfect fit. Kahn's themes circle around unfairness ("Houses on the Hill") and social injustice ("Brown Lung Blues"), and evoke a Depression-era feel. "Just a Lie" is one of the most memorable songs on the album, filled with cutting lyrics delivered to the rhythm of an old-time banjo. Kahn implores to those who believe that going back to an earlier time will solve their problems too: "Tip your hat/wave goodbye/good old days/is just a lie." There are also songs that look at growing up in rural America, including the title track and "Grandma." Both of these songs celebrate the memories of a grandparent, the stories they told, and of how they remain with one even after death. All of these cuts are aided by a strong supporting cast including Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum. The combination of mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and banjo create a lovely acoustic palette, placing these songs in the best possible light. Lewis also sings "First Time Lover," an emotionally bare song that celebrates passion and love without guilt. While the instrumental setting of this album may seem closer to bluegrass, Kahn's material and delivery are pure folk. Producer Pete Wernick deserves credit for getting all of these people into the studio to record this wonderful music. Been a Long Time is political folk at its best, and will be greatly appreciated by fans who have been waiting six years for a new Kahn album. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.

new songs by one of America's best known political songwriters, backed up by a band led by Lauri Lewis, featuring top notch bluegrass & old timey arrangements

Recorded at Rancho de Ville Studios, Boulder, Colorado from November 17-21, 1997. Includes liner notes by Pete Wernick.

Personnel: Charles Sawtelle (guitar); Pete Wernick (banjo); Bonnie Carol (dulcimer); Tom Rozum (mandolin); Laurie Lewis (fiddle).

Recording information: Rancho DeVille, Boulder, CO (11/17/1997-11/21/1997).

Photographer: Robert Corwin .

Personnel: Si Kahn (vocals, guitar); Laurie Lewis (vocals, fiddle); Charles Sawtelle (guitar); Pete Wernick (banjo, background vocals); Mike "Woody" Woods (banjo); Sally Van Meter (dobro); Tom Haver (dulcimer); Bonnie Carol (hammered dulcimer); Tom Rozum (mandolin, background vocals); Anita Dolen (fiddle); Todd Phillips (bass, background vocals).

Engineers: Charles Sawtelle, Bradley Kopp, James Tuttle.