Customer Reviews

These Are the Roots

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I luckily stumbled on this just browsing the internet.
Diane Zeigler has a talent for writing songs and a very beautiful voice. Her lyrics somewhat remind me of singer/songwriter Lynn Miles in that they are very poetic and uncontrived. I personally love Diane's "Winter Sun" cut. This song, alone, was the clincher for me. This is a CD you don't want to pass up!

What a unique talent!! I had been jonesing for more DZ since "Honeybee" and got this CD at the same time as "Paintbrush". Both are terrific, but this one is a MUST BUY. I am competely stuck on the cuts "These Are The Roots" and "Listen To The Timber Fall". DZ's voice sounds even better with Barry Stockwell's harmonies, and the way the electric guitars take off on "Timber" is the reason CD players come with "repeat" buttons. DZ is never precious, always smart and accessible, and infinitely listenable. This release is made rich with (gulp) accordian, pump organ, mandolin, and a variety of backing vocals (but Stockwell's is best). Listen to "...Roots" and "...Timber" and tell me I am wrong. Better yet, buy this CD and discover your own favorites.

Diane Z. had to take breaks from touring after each of her two CDs-first, she had a baby, then, after this CD, she had to have hand surgery-it's too bad, because she is great live, and these CDs, especially "These Are the Roots" need to be heard-"The Legend of Enoch Arden" is enough to make the purchase worth it!

It's really hard to believe that this CD is an independent release. The production is superb, the musicianship outstanding and the songs are wonderful. After a nearly 5 year "maternity leave" Diane Zeigler has returned better than ever. "These Are The Roots" showcases her incredible voice and her songwriting expertise. Drawing from personal experiences and observations, the CD is a collection of heartfelt songs which will be right at home with your collection of big name folk singers. In a perfect world and with a bit of luck, Diane Zeigler would be as big a folk music name as there is.

In the five years since "Sting of the Honeybee" was released, those of us who work in folk radio often wondered what Diane Zeigler was doing. The answer is: she was honing her considerable skills in preparation for "These Are The Roots", her new CD. This is easily the finest collection of performances by any one in contemporary folk for the last few years. Her talent for writing sometimes haunting and always thought-provoking songs is surpassed only by her ability to use her uniquely expressive voice to bring those same songs to a level no other performer could. If you buy only one album this year, this should be the one. Let's all hope that Diane doesn't make us wait five years for her next album!