Published on Apr 22, 2005
Fred Moolten began writing music and lyrics in 1998, mostly to
amuse himself. But over time he realized that, while he was writing
as an avenue to express his feelings and perspectives, other people
were taking note of the results. The twist came when writer Moolten
chose to allow others to perform his music.
His six song CD features Lisa Hindmarsh (vocals), Ernie Hawkins
(acoustic guitar), and Rodan Weikert (multiple instruments and
back-up vocals). Other performers include Max Leake, Brian
Stahurski, Pete Freeman, George Heid, and Nelson Harrison. Harrison
invented an instrument called the trombetto (hybrid of the trumpet
and trombone), and uses it on “Last Dance.”
Lisa Hindmarsh was a child of ’70s pop music and released her
own debut solo recording, Now I Know, in 2000. It was nominated for
2001 Jazz/Cabaret album of the year by Just Plain Folks (an
association of industry professionals and independent artists).
Ernie Hawkins plays all over the place; festivals, concerts, clubs,
colleges, and workshops. He studied with Rev. Gary Davis, and has
published two CDs. Rodan Weikert’s background is a bit less
flowery, but no less noteworthy. He is an accomplished guitarist
and was included based on his feel for the blues.
Moonlit River is thick with blues, with a touch of folk. It
begins with “Someday Blues,” where Rodan Weikert knocks your socks
off with the mouthharp, building on the aching feeling for which
the blues are known. Ernie Hawkins lays out the rhythm with the
guitar.
With “Someday I’ll Think Of You Without The Blues” Woolten
shares heartache and woe. The dobro is played by Pete Freeman. It
is a sad, sad song but then, that’s what the blues is all about. I
like the melancholy nature of this tune.
“Candle Glow” is seductive and sexy. Max Leake performs on the
piano, and the song has that old-time blues feel to it, taking you
back to the days when you could sit and listen to a piano player
croon and play, expressing the pain everyone feels at some point in
their life. The lyrics are exceptional but don’t override the bold
music.
Nelson Harrison offers his expertise on the trombone on “Waiting
for the Midnight Blues,” another song of lost love, nights missed,
and lonely moments that drag on. The trombone work alone makes this
piece worth listening to.
While all the rest of the songs are sung by Lisa Hindmarsh,
“Last Dance” features vocals by Rodan Weikert. I reluctantly admit
that I don’t care for his voice. It just isn’t to my personal
liking; it sounds a bit silly. Still, somehow the song works. The
temperament reminds me of the old blues recordings — not very
smooth, but rich with character.
Fred Moolten definitely has a talent for writing. I enjoyed this
CD. In fact, I think it’s got some of the best independently
recorded blues that I’ve heard in a while, and the artists that
performed his music did exceptional work. All in all, it’s worthy
of your time and money.