Customer Reviews

Sing Down the Moon: Appalachian Wonder Tales

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

 

 

SING DOWN THE MOON is a lovely synthesis of music and storytelling, a piece that excites the imagination and stirs the soul. These richly textured southern tales are told with great good humor and lyric beauty. The music is pure, true, and sometimes heartbreaking. I first heard some of these stories at the feet of my Grandaddy, and listening to this work reminds me of those evenings. Its just the way my Grandaddy would have told 'em . . . if he'd been a poet, and a composer, and if he'd had a few terrific actors and a genuine old-time band in his living room.

SING DOWN THE MOON is something rare and true, my friends - a long, cool drink of springwater. You may not know you're thirsty for it, but you'll recognize the empty spot it fills once you commence to drinkin'.

Mary Hall Surface and David Maddox have done it again! They take familar and not-so familar tales and magically weave them into a delightful collection of stories. The music is cleaver and the lyrics creative. Characters come alive with rich voices and personalities. I put the CD in my car and before long both me and my husband were singing the songs of Jack and the Beanstalk and all the others. Truly fun! You've got to hear it!

This is a wonderful CD to listen to with the whole family. The stories are based on familiar Mother Goose type rhymes (Jack & the Beanstalk, The 3 Little Pigs, etc.), but are given an interesting twist with their Appalacian locale and enchanting melodies. There is just enough suspense to keep even a 12 year old boy listening. Moreover the catchy melodies are certainly memorable. I would recommend this musical story for everyone!

David Maddox and Mary Hall Surface have done a fine job. The storytelling and the music worked their magic with this listener and her grandsons.

More than just a sequence of songs, SING DOWN THE MOON's vignettes are coherent storytelling experiences. These fresh and charming musical reimaginings of traditional fairy tales will enchant "young'uns" of any age. Surface and Maddox have have infused familiar yarns with tunes and idioms evocative of Appalachian folklore and the results are wry, whimsical and delightful.

It is such a pleasure to listen to fresh and delicate music married to energetic and imaginative lyrics. This is a creative team that has produced some wonderful material together and nothing better than this CD.It's both sophisticated and yet warmly accessible. Enjoy.

This CD will enchant you and your children. It's a great set to take on a long car trip. Wonderful story telling and memorable tunes.