Customer Reviews

Simple Gifts: Benjamin Luxon and Bill Crofut Sing Folk Songs at Tanglewood

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The reviewer below got it right on the money. These are unique interpretations done by two of the most interesting singers ever to walk out on stage. Benjamin Luxon sings the British angles on most of these songs, while Bill Crofut's gentle baritone provides the American sides. They often mix the songs together, each singing the other's verses, while they contrast the differences in others.

Many of the songs are hilarious, while some are gentle, moving ballads. Old Blue is one of those in which Bill Crofut solos, then has the audience join in. It's done in a simple style, as a man sings about his unconditional love for his dog. Ben Luxon takes on Johnny, I Hardly Knew You, an anti-war song with a vengeance. He begins it solemnly, singing about a crippled veteran returning home, with a gentle, murmuring voice. As the woman he loves bewails his condition, Luxon unfolds the power of his voice and emotions, forcing us to see and feel her anguish at the fate of her man. Then, she gently welcomes him home. Benjamin Luxon walked two sides of the musical fence- classical, including opera and oratorio, and folk music. This was a voice that could be rich and ringing, displaying openly a large, coffeee colored bass baritone. Then there was that floating gentle head voice, almost ethereal in its beauty. (This is unusual in his range, believe me!) I Gave My Love An Apple shows him using that kind of voice, and it moves me to tears listening to it. Bill Crofut sings in his own way, though he does remind me a bit of the great Pete Seeger. The accompaniments are simple and elegant, reminding me of singing sessions around a campfire. This is one of the best albums of any type I have ever heard, in any genre. I cannot recommend it highly enough...

This record lifts the spirit and educates the ear! The songs all have a madrigal sound and a happy lilt. Do not be deceived by the ordinary songs you think you know; these are unique interpretations. Let Crofut teach you to love, this is NOT new age, it is timeless, like the best of Pete Seeger.