Fred Moolten Snakebite & Valentine CD

With "Snakebite And Valentine", Fred Moolten consolidates his reputation as one of the more remarkable artists to emerge in this new century, offering fans and newcomers alike a masterful blend of emotion, insight, and musical inspiration in genres that run from folk to a touch of blues and even a hint of country.The title, borrowed from the first song, "Corner Of Snakebite And Valentine", reflects a familiar Fred Moolten theme - human experience as a cloth woven from joy and regret. The "snake" is the serpent whose fatal bite sends Eurydice of Greek legend to the underworld, where her love, Orpheus, follows her into the depths to persuade Death to release her, only to lose her once more when he violates the promise not to look back. Anyone who listens to the song expecting ponderous philosophy or mournful harmonies will be joyfully surprised, however. Conventionality is not a hallmark of a Fred Moolten song; rather, each song in this album is unique in its own way. All, in turn partake of the songwriter’s mysterious gift for penetrating to the core of experience through a combination of unsentimental realism, compassion, sorrow, humor, and even frivolity in a mix that varies from one tune to another.The artists who perform on "Snakebite And Valentine" include some familiar to Fred Moolten fans but also important new talents. Vocalist Dale Cinski (tracks 1,3,4,7,9,12), who also contributes his virtuosity on guitar and bass, brings a sincerity to his performance that strikingly enhances the feeling inherent in the lyrical content. Donnie Marsico (8,10,11)conveys a sense of gravitas to songs that derive added force from the maturity of his voice. Maureen Budway (2,5) expresses strength and vulnerability in a combination that perfectly captures the emotionality in the words she sings. Indira Corales (6) contributes her Latin magnetism to the number she performs, "Danzon", and Maria Becoates-Bey is as powerful and authentic as one can get with her blues rendition on the final track - "Midnight Fugue". "Snakebite And Valentine" is the fourth album from Fred Moolten, whose previous work inspired acclaim from critics and music lovers alike. Among comments from critics are:"Irresistible" (Michael Allison - The Global Muse)."Some of the best independently recorded blues that I've heard in a while" (Tammy Childs - The Daily Vault)."The lyrics, all written by Moolten, are original, poetic and touching; happy or sorrowful, they each have a certain poignancy which makes them memorable." (Jenny Ivor - Rambles)."An intriguing exercise in making music that is uniquely American in style and scope, and is well worth giving a listen." (Bob Mackenzie - Sound Bytes).A small sample from listeners who know Fred Moolten exclusively through his songs:"Great songwriting from a true craftsman". "Nothing short of brilliant.""Your songs are touching to the deepest.""Thank you for your wonderful contribution to music.""Particularly poignant.""I love your tunes. You have a unique sound.""Your songwriting is stunning.""Beautiful music… thank you for sharing.""A delight. Well written, careful, considerate, all included in tunes that you can whistle carelessly.""Absolutely love it.""You make beautiful music.""Put me in tears."