专辑简介

Shonti Elder is a dance fiddler, songwriter, teacher and adventurer. Her album combines some of her best songs and tunes of the past twenty years. "Her playing is an amazing combination of classical violin and fiddle - the duality of discipline with spontaneity, precision and warmth." - Goodwin Trent / Anchorage Daily News

For over thirty years she has hosted an acoustic radio program on KSKA, Anchorage Public Radio. Through her exposure to so many styles of music over the years, she has absorbed them into her own compositions. There are silly songs about life with young children and pets "Underfoot", and the mysteries of missing socks "Socks, Socks, Socks". A Dixieland tune, "Crusey Street" sounds authentic, complete with Dixieland banjo, clarinet and spoons. Other songs, including "Closer To Peace" have a decidedly Irish flavor, with haunting penny whistles and sweet harmonies.

Because Shonti especially loves waltzes, there are six of them here; some with gentle lyrics and some that leave you to choose your own imagery. There's a strangely rhythmed tune, appropriately named Basketcase, inspired by her cat Sasquatch. An homage to her husband's grandmother, who found beauty amidst the dust and the rocks of New Mexico, "Hummingbird Hill". Several heartrending songs include "Crying at the News", trying to cope with headlines of misery, "Ashes in the Wind", helplessly trying to protect your children from war, and "Waiting at your Border", pleading to cross to safety from a dangerous nation. Feeling unwelcome in a beautiful land is expressed in , "You'll Never Belong", and enjoying some darling young girls shines out in "Amelia and Ruby". Overall this music will brighten your life with an uplifting feel.