Customer Reviews

Earth & Sky: Songs of Laurie

5 star:		(7)
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In addition to being a great vocalist, instrumentalist (fiddle), and producer, Laurie Lewis is a songwriter of the highest caliber. "Earth and Sky" is a mere sampling of what this amazingly gifted woman can do. She is just as good on-stage as she is in the studio. I highly recommend this CD to ANYone who loves great lyrics and music. It rates at least a 6 on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the best).

Vocalist, instrumentalist, and bandleader Laurie Lewis displays her many musical talents and abilities with the release of Earth & Sky: Songs Of Laurie Lewis. This outstanding CD collection draws from Laurie's three "Flying Fish" albums, as well as four previously unreleased tracks. Very strongly recommended listening for fans of bluegrass, folk, and homegrown country music, Earth & Sky includes Girlfriend, Guard Your Heart (2:41); Green Fields (4:48); Don't Get Too Close (3:34); Love Chooses You (4:31); Texas Bluebonnets (4:10); Fine Line (4:48); Old Friend (3:56); The Maple's Lament (4:51); The Bear Song (3:50); The Light (3:55); The Point of No Return (3:55); Restless Rambling Heart (3:37); I'd Be Lost Without You (4:53); The Hills of My Home (2:38); Haven of Mercy (5:05); and Magical Light (3:55).

Other Laurie Lewis albums allow you to enjoy her remarkable affinity for Bill Monroe and other bluegrass classics. On this album, her own songs are showcased, and it is an incredible collection. There is some awesomely serious songwriting talent on display here -- every song is full of heart, intelligence, informed by eyes that seem to see a lot more of both human nature and the natural world than most others manage to notice. Lewis's albums are always notable for their excellent song selection, and this album helps us understand why: what she herself writes is unfailingly beautiful, intelligent, and musically top-notch.

And it would be remiss of me not to comment on her incredible vocals. She effectively uses her voice as a complex, rich instrument, and it sounds better and better with every release. Her mastery and control of her voice just seem to be on an ever-upward curve. At some points in her songs, I listen to what her voice does just within the space of a single word, and I'm amazed.

Whether it's Lewis's vibrant fiddling matched to the great story of "The Bear Song," the plaintive "Love Chooses You" (with incredible resonator guitar backup by Jerry Douglas) or the norteno/swing-inflected "Texas Bluebonnets," this is a collection you shouldn't miss. It will be one of your favorites right out of the box, then will grow on you even more with every hearing.

You know those moments in life that you'll always remember where you were and what you were doing? The day I first heard "Earth & Sky" is one of those days for me. I was spellbound from start to finish. If you love masterful songwriting, get this cd! If you love great song-enhancing arrangements, get this cd. If you love performances from the heart, get this cd. If you love great music, get this cd.

I agree with the others that "Maple's Lament" is just one of the most unique and greatest songs ever. Singing along w/the soulful harmonies of "Haven of Mercy" is an absolutely religious experience, likewise w/"Hills of Home". And what a gift Lewis gives to the world in sharing the insights of her dying grandmother in "I Saw the Light".

Thanks, Laurie!

This is rapidly becoming one of my favorite CDs. Why is Alison Krause so well known(admittedly,she's great), and Laurie Lewis (who is just as good) so little known?

This album offers good, quality bluegrass from start to finish. Laurie Lewis writes and sings from the heart, without excessive embellishment. Her voice is suitable to the music, and her arrangements and instrumentation are mainly free from gimmicks. Like life, her work speaks for itself. On the whole, I would give this four stars, but for the presence of a masterpiece on this album.

What makes the album special is "The Maple's Lament." This song is the saddest piece of existentialism I have ever heard. Accompanied by the mournful wail of a solo violin (being played on two strings), the singer tells the tale of the maple tree, its memories and its days in the sun. I won't ruin the surprise any further for anyone who may not guess the point. The solo violin is beautifully played.

I had not heard of Laurie Lewis until I heard her on satellite radio playing "The Maples Lament" from the CD. I'm a great fan of such music and bought the album based on that single song. Wow! This has become the CD I listen to most. All I can say is buy it you won't be disappointed.