Search - John Mccutcheon :: This Fire: Politics, Love & Other Small Miracles

John McCutcheon has been described as "the rustic renaissance man of American Folk Music," a moniker flawed only by its understatement. He is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammer dulcimer. A songwriter whose work has been covered around the world. A storyteller "with the depth of fine literature" (Washington Post). An author of award-winning children's books. A recording artist with 30 CDs and 6 Grammy nominations under his belt. An archivist who has produced over a dozen albums of traditional musicians. A teacher, a poet and a political activist. The question is not how he does so much but how he does it all so well. "This Fire," McCutcheon's 30th release is subtitled "Politics, Love and Other Small Miracles." It takes listeners on the same far-ranging ride concert-goers have been raving about for 35 years. Whether taking on the foibles of American politics with his trademark humor ("Not Me," "Dick Cheney," "Boob on Our TV," "Oprah Seat"), telling the story of a young Native American athlete's response to racism ("SuAnne Big Crow"), or singing a moving love song ("Drive All Night," "Simple Man") John's straightforward delivery and poetic flair never fail. Audiences who have been waiting for the powerful "Forgive Us" since its first public appearance in late 2006 will find its recorded debut here. All the songs are by McCutcheon with a few notable exceptions. "Hope Dies Last," the stunning opening track, was inspired by Stud Terkel's book of the same title. John joined with frequent songwriting partner Paul Reisler to pen "Fiddler's Last Dance," a heartbreaking story of fated love. And he resurrects Pete Seeger's infamous "Waist Deep in the Big Muddy" just when you thought nothing would ever feel like Vietnam again. Thirty five years and now thirty albums in a career that never seems to flag, John McCutcheon still paints with a broad palette, a keen wit and a big heart.