Beautiful Dreamer:
The Songs of Stephen Foster

American Roots Publishing

Unbelievably, there’s never been an album tribute to Stephen Foster. But American Roots Publishing (more than a record label, the nonprofit organization seeks to “develop, nurture and protect artistic diversity within the distinct regions of the United States of America”) has solved that problem.

This is one of the finest assemblages of various artists in a long time, playing some of the best Americana music ever written. Roger McGuinn is perfect casting for “Jeanie With the Light Brown Hair.” BR5-49 does a great version of the obscure “Don’t Bet Money on the Shanghai,” a song about cockfighting. The instrumental “Autumn Waltz” by Henry Kaiser is anything but mainstream. And up-and-coming singer Grey De Lisle is delightful in her rendition of “Willie We Have Missed You.”

Musicians playing supporting roles include Yo-Yo MaEdgar MeyerMark O’ConnorCowboy Jack ClementPat McLaughlinGreg Leisz and Buddy Miller.

Tracks
1. RAUL MALO: Beautiful Dreamer
2. ALISON KRAUSS: Slumber My Darling
3. BR-549: Don’t Bet Money On The Shanghai
4. ALVIN YOUNGBLOOD HART: Nelly Was A Lady
5. JUDITH EDELMAN: No One To Love
6. THE DUHKS: Camptown Races
7. JOHN PRINE: My Old Kentucky Home, Goodnight
8. HENRY KAISER: Autumn Waltz
9. BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN: In The Eye Abides The Heart
10. DAVID BALL: Old Folks At Home (Swanee River)
11. MICHELLE SHOCKED & PETE ANDERSON: Oh! Susanna
12. GREY DE LISLE: Willie We Have Missed You
13. MAVIS STAPLES: Hard Times Come Again No More
14. OLLABELLE: Gentle Annie
15. ROGER McGUINN: Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
16. SUZY BOGGUSS: Ah, May The Red Rose Live Always
17. WILL BARROW: Holiday Schottisch
18. RON SEXSMITH: Comrades Fill No Glass For Me

Total time: 1 hour

 

External Links
artist’s website
amazon.com
ccnow.com