Geoff Bartley One Kind Word CD

Having started and shaped the careers of many of Boston's singer/songwriter stars, local legend Geoff Bartley continues to put out some of the best music anywhere. Singing of peace and friendship, life and death, Bartley demonstrates the truthful talents that have put him on stage with the likes of Tom Paxton and on par with countless other renowned performers. With the gently flurried instrumental "Snowfall," the friendly and casual singalong "We're All Alike," the strikingly arranged poetry and guitar of "Natural Law," the countrified feel of "One Kind Word," the lonely shanty-ness of "A Letter From Prison," and the gently calypsoed "Welcome to the Spiral Dance," the breadth of Bartley's offerings is as impressive as their depth. Paying precise tribute to Blind Lemon Jefferson, Bartley also takes tips and hints from other musical heroes and colleagues (including guests John Gorka, Jonatha Brooke, Les Sampou, and Catie Curtis), adding his own experienced wisdom and creativity to forge songs that reveal the individual as much as the overall goals and rewards of music. ~ Matthew Robinson

songwriter/guitarist is the godfather of the Boston folk scene, feat. 11 originals, co-written w. John Borka, also inc. Lemon Jefferson's "See That My Grave Is Kept Clean"

Recorded at Wellspring Sound, West Concord, Massachusetts.

Personnel: Geoff Bartley (vocals, guitar, electric guitar, ocarina, harmonica); Matt Leavenworth (fiddle); Billy Novick (flute, wooden flute, pennywhistle, soprano saxophone); Michael Rivard (upright bass, bass guitar); Ben Wittman (drums); Ricardo Monzon (percussion); Greg Greenway, Selena Wilson, Lisa Wilson, Jennifer Kimball, John Gorka, John Lincoln Wright, Jonatha Brooke, Les Sampou, Catie Curtis (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Eric Kilburn.

Recording information: Wellspring Sound, West Concord, MA.

Personnel: Geoff Bartley (vocals, guitar, harmonica, ocarina); Matt Leavenworth (fiddle); Billy Novick (soprano saxophone, penny whistle, wooden flute); Seth Connelly (piano, lap steel guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, dobro); Matt Jensen (Hammond B-3 organ); Mike Rivard (acoustic & electric basses); Ben Wittman (drums); Ricardo Monzon, Earnesto Diaz (percussion); Lisa Wilson, Selena Wilson, John Gorka, Jennifer Kimball, Greg Greenway, Jonatha Brook, Catie Curtis, Les Sampou, John Lincoln Wright (background vocals).

Dirty Linen (8-9/99, p.68) - "The key to a timeless, memorable song is the ability to express universal emotions simply....ONE KIND WORLD...makes this task seem easy from the opening notes of the country folk title tune..."