Customer Reviews

Live at Wolf Trap

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I first heard John at a performance on a football field in Fredericksburg, Va. It was after sunset. Boys were tossing balls, girls were doing cartwells, fire flies were creating a light show and most of us were on blankets with a picnic. This artist made us feel like we were all one big family. He got us to sing and laugh like the children on the field. He is magical, human and down-to-earth. The collections on this album show his diverse ability to draw pictures of different live events.(Stole and Sold From Africa, Christmas in the Trenches). His political humor should be taken to heart inside our capital's beltway. (Going, Going, Gone) He's given our family a new singing tradition at birthdays. (Cut the Cake). Bring John McCutcheon's music into your home and you will bring new light to your life.

I've listened to John McCutcheon since our college coffeehouse days in the mid-1970s. I have to say he just gets better all the time. This is my favorite of his 25-plus albums because it captures the flavor of his live shows--his wonderful musicianship on a number of instruments, his rich signing voice, his warmth in interacting with the audience, and his wonderful storytelling.

The set shows the many sides of John McCutcheon. "Calling All the Children Home" and "Christmas in the Trenches" are two of his best-known compositions. A couple instrumental cuts exhibit his virtuoso hammer dulcimer playing. He sings a couple traditional folk songs ("The Water is Wide" and "Joe Hill") and collaborates with his pal Tom Chapin. He even sneaks in a couple topical songs for which he is famous.

I have loved John McCutcheon ever since I was about seven or eight. His music is terrific and I have been to three of his concerts. This album is a must for anybody who knows John McCutcheon. Calling All the Children home is such a wonderful track and John almost always seems to start his shows off with it. Another one of my favorite songs on this album is Christmas in the Trenches. I understand that John McCutcheon does a lot of benefit concerts....

There are few CD's that I find myself returning to time and again. And this, most certainly, is one of them. I purchased it in l998 and in modern times have added it to my I-Pod. John never ceases to both please and astound me with his voice, his attitude and his stunning musical ability. Though his name might not be as well known as others, his talents exceeds that of many performers who are better known. I strong recommendation as music for the soul

If you like John McCutcheon, you'll love this CD of a live concert. Many of the cuts will warm your heart.

I have long been a John McCutcheon fan, although I have never gotten the privilege of hearing him perform live. I was first introduced to his music when I heard Christmas in the Trenches on Thistle and Shamrock, hosted by Fiona Richey. It moved me then, and it has never failed to move me since then. Listening to John McCutcheon is a pleasure.