American Lullaby CD

Ellipsis Arts' American Lullaby features renditions of traditional bedtime songs by a host of country, world, folk, jazz, and bluegrass artists, including Maria Muldaur, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, and Beth Nielsen Chapman. Not surprisingly, this makes for a sweetly eclectic collection, spanning from Kathy Kallick's down to earth "Hobo's Lullaby" to the Moonlighters' "Resophonic Lullaby," which features languidly lovely Hawaiian steel guitars. The album's only drawback, if it can be called that, is that the performances are so detailed that it's hard to imagine falling asleep to them. More often than not, the simplest renditions of these songs are also the best: Suzy Thompson's "Mama Loves" uses just mandolins, fiddle, and voice to create a hypnotic lullaby. Likewise, David Grisman and Tony Price's "Song for Two Pamelas" makes for a beautiful and restful duet between the mandolinist and guitarist. Other highlights include Bill Staines' rugged "Home on the Range," Sweet Honey in the Rock's "Hush L'il Baby," and Mulebone UK's "My Creole Belle." Lovingly crafted and a joy to listen to, American Lullaby is a worthwhile collection of rustic, restful music for children and adults alike. ~ Heather Phares

Liner Note Author: Bernice Johnson Reagon.

Recording information: Excello Recording, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY; Love Circle Studio; New Improved Recording, Oakland, CA.

Arrangers: John La Barbera; Suzy Thompson.

Personnel: Suzy Thompson (vocals, guitar, dulcimer, fiddle); Laurie Lewis (vocals, guitar, fiddle); Beth Nielsen Chapman (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Hugh Pool, Kathy Kallick, Merrie Amsterburg, Bill Staines (vocals, guitar); Carla Murray, Cathy Fink (vocals, acoustic guitar); Marcy Marxer (vocals, electric guitar); Lisa Sokolov (vocals, keyboards); Sweet Honey in the Rock (vocals, percussion); Susie Tallman, Maria Muldaur (vocals); Guy Van Duser, Rick Montgomery (guitar); Tony Rice (acoustic guitar); Steve Tamborski (slide guitar); John La Barbera (steel guitar, dobro); Henry Bogdan (steel guitar); David Grisman, Tom Rozum (mandolin); Stuart Schulman (violin); John Ragusa (bass flute); Jim Rothermel (clarinet, saxophone); John Burr , Larry Luddecke (piano); Paul Henry (upright bass); George Marsh (drums).

Audio Mixer: Hugh Pool.