Appalachian music reviews

BIRDS FLY SOUTH is a haunting collection of music in the finest
Appalachian tradition. All of the songs on the CD are very special in their own way, but "Just A Rose Will Do" and "Birds Fly South" are real highlights! This is not to say the other songs are not "winners" too. They are. But I recall hearing "Just A Rose Will Do" when I was a boy. I had not heard it in years. It will make you teary-eyed with its absolutely haunting melody and moving, funereal words. In fact, that's where I used to hear it sung--at funerals at country churches in my boyhood (almost seventy years ago). You cannot imagine how much it means to find this recorded--by such a fine duo and so movingly. And may I say that I am proud to live near the two young people who, together, make up the team Zoe Speaks. They are the real, genuine article and I heartily recommend this fine, fine recording to anyone who wants to get in touch with his soul and, in fact, his deepest, finest feelings. Sharing Kentucky with these two young people makes me proud. I am a Kentucky poet and this music is a mountain spring like the one my poetry comes from.

Charles Semones
Harrodsburg, Kentucky 40330 (...)

Susie Glaze is an extraordinary singer who has taken her immense talents to a whole new level with "Blue Eyed Darlin.'" What unifies this eclectic folk-bluegrass collection is Ms. Glaze's gorgeous voice which emanates like a force of nature straight from the heart. There are seven original songs on the album which she inhabits so deeply they feel truly timeless. This is stark American music that is drawn from a primal well of love, loneliness, and yearning. It's quite simply a stunning piece of work that should be shared with your friends. And if your friends aren't knocked out by it, then it's probably time for new friends.