Customer Reviews

Refuge Rock Sublime (Dig)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This album is just plain fun. What a great combination: traditional Jewish liturgy and themes with Appalachian melodies and genre. Does that make this "Jewgrass?" Loved the album. Too much fun.

If you have seen the movie Georgia and your ears survived the gravelly, off-key attack that was Jennifer Jason Leigh's stellar performance, you probably came away thinking "Gee, that chick from St. Elmo's Fire can really sing!" That chick AKA Mare Winningham (who plays Leigh's older sister in the movie) is actually quite the musical talent. She not only can sing, but she also writes her own songs, music and lyrics. Her first two CDs are harder to find "What Might Be" and "The Lonesomers." The first is folk with a jazz twist, and the second is more country-cross over. Go buy them both now! You won't be sorry.

RRS is her third CD (if you don't count the Georgia soundtrack). Winningham recently converted to Judaism, and this is a very personal, spiritual, and lively CD that nearly defies categorization. It's Blue Grass-Jewish-folk-country-Appalachian...let's call it Jew-Grass! Any way you listen, it's beautiful. From the reverent "What Would David Do?" to the laugh with joy "Convert Jig" ("I will be a Jew like all of you and dance the convert jig. I will be a Jew like all of you and never eat a pig.") this will have you humming the songs long after the music's stopped...which might be all you can do with a couple of them (unless you've studied Torah) since they're in Hebrew.

I love Mare Winningham as an actress, but I didn't know she sang until someone told me about this CD. She found her spiritual heart in her 40's with her conversion. This compilation sounds like a love song to the people of her heart. Her voice is soulful and sweet, and the melodies flow from someone you have no doubt is genuine in their words. I listen to this over and over in my car. The last song, Hatikva, is the Israel national anthem, and is one of the most beautiful tunes I've ever heard. I love this CD. Love it.

There is something truly "sublime" about Mare's voice. It transcends musical genres, and she has blended her love of bluegrass/country with meaningful lyrics and created a truly unique piece of music. Seeing her live with an adoring crowd heightened the experience!

I have been a fan of Mare Winningham since I saw the tv movie "Freedom", in 1981. I love this cd!! Mare's vocals are flawless, and the arrangements are wonderful. I would recommend this cd to everyone who loves sweet, soulful music. I am already hoping for a volume two!!

I remember the 1st time I ever saw this actress named Mare Winningham - the movie was "Off the Minnesota Strip" and I was enthralled with her performance. I still remember it 28 years later.
Her singing voice struck me much the same way. She reminds me of Laura Brannigan. Once you start listening, you don't want to turn it off.
I am a huge admirer of this talented, classy woman and would highly recommend anything with her name on it.
By the way - anyone know how to get a copy of "Off the Minnesota Strip"? I would love to see it again.

Mare has done a rare and courageous thing here, sharing her deepest feelings of spirituality and stepping away from what her audience thought they knew about her music. The songs are beautiful,the singing heartfelt. She expresses her beliefs in her own special way. I love this CD and hope to see more like it.

I really enjoyed this CD. I'm not really big on county or bluegrass but this CD pulls it off in a really nice subtle way while retaining the feel of the traditional melodies. Also, Mare Winningham has a really beautiful voice- very melodic and calming. Her voice fits really well here.

this recording is a mixture of old and new melodies creating a stirring
mix of spiritual music.

I have recently listened to this CD without knowing it was all religious music in Hebrew. There are some songs in english but they are few & far between. Mare Winninghams voice is still great but this is another genre for her & I don't know that it suits her well. I'm not impressed w/this CD's content or orchestration (production).