CD REVIEW: McCutcheon blends stories and songs in stellar style

By Diana Nollen

Folk master John McCutcheon weaves such shimmering webs of stories and songs that once you're lured into his realm, you'll be stuck for good.

His “Untold/Unsung” double album gives you the best of all of his worlds: the most engaging storytelling style I swear I've ever heard, combined with his virtuoso strings, from banjo to hammered dulcimer, enveloping lyrics you just can't let go, sung in his slightly weathered voice. Even on the longest tracks, I wanted to hear more.

The first disc was recorded live at the 2008 National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tenn. Every story leads to a song more mesmerizing than the one before, as he talks about the challenges of being the unhip father of teenage boys, the characters he's met on the road and the power of forgiveness.

So many times, the stories spoken and sung bring tears to your eyes. It's simply not possible to hear without crying his father's sage wisdom woven through the Lord's Prayer on “Robbery/Forgive Us” or the tale of an injured softball player being carried around the bases on “Sara Tucholsky.”

The Wisconsin native's stellar collection contains many joyous moments, as well, eliciting plenty of smiles and laughter. Right after the teary softball tale comes “Forget About,” where lilting folk instrumentals create a gentle calypso bounce that immediately lifts your spirits. And when he talks about his sons, you can just see their eyes roll as you laugh out loud.

The only thing better than listening to this two-disc set would be to hear McCutcheon in person. Fortunately, you can, when he brings his wit and wisdom to CSPS in Cedar Rapids on Sunday night (4/25/10). It's been 10 years since he's graced that resonating stage. This is an opportunity too good to pass by.

FAST TAKEInformation: www.legionarts.org/music/McCutcheon.htm and http://folkmusic.com/homepage

Title: “Untold/Unsung” (double album of storytelling and music)

Artist: John McCutcheon

Label: Appalseed Productions

Performance: 7 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2010, at CSPS, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids

Tickets: $17 in advance at www.midwestix.com or $21 at the door