C. Daniel Boling featuring Tom Paxton – It Matters
I’m at an age where ‘60s radical folk songs just sound out of place now. Despite today’s volatile environment, I’m relieved to listen to 2 veterans (Tom Paxton & C. Daniel Boling) who open with new music that’s more optimistic & fun. The rousing “Hidey-Ho” with its catchy “every day I wake up it’s a darn good day for me” is charming.
The duos blend their voices as slick & tasty as the flavor of dark chocolate & salty potato chips. And you know what? It Matters (Drops April 18/Berkalin Records/46:22). Yes, it matters because now’s the time to delight in more optimistic messages. They’ll deviate a little, but that’s OK.
This is a generous set of 16 songs produced by Daniel Boling (guitar/vocals/2nd guitar/banjo) with Jono Manson (tenor guitar/harmony/talking) & recorded in Santa Fe, NM.
“It Matters,” finds the duo in account of all the workers who are nobody’s. But they’re somebody. And would you notice them if they passed you on the street? Yes, this is where folk music matters. The instrumentation is pristine as it always is with Boling & Paxton. A good partnership with clever lyrics & expressive voices.
“Mama Singin’ To Me” is a fine showcase of well-blended human voices. Their tonality brings their experience into focus because these songs are not pop songs embellished with grand solos & big arrangements. These songs are stories, lessons, loaded with messages. Almost a return to the Burl Ives, Kingston Trio era when songs like “(Delia’s Got) One More Round,” Greenback Dollar,” “Reverend Mr. Black,” & “It Was a Very Good Year,” (later a major signature hit for Frank Sinatra. Did he listen to the Kingston Trio)? Were their songs watered down? Or were they simply trying to entertain & be optimistic?
https://folkworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Tom_Paxton.jpg
Folk aficionados of the late Phil Ochs, early Dylan & Joan Baez may not be attracted. But folk songs were always an attraction for children. There are a few songs that still aim toward ending war. That’s fine. But it’s not 1965. Today’s war is with terrorists. Folk music hasn’t sent a viable message or solution against adversaries like that. But I won’t criticize those who just want some peace.
Boling & Paxton’s music is enthusiastic. Songs like “Something Missing In Your Smile,” & “Complain” are also excellent.
Highlights – “Hidey-Ho,” “It Matters,” “Mama Singin’ To Me,” “Old Red Barn,” “Something Missing In Your Smile,” “Complain,” & “God Is Too Big.”
Musicians – Tom Paxton (vocals/8 tracks), Char Rothchild (accordion/tin whistle), Kelly Mulhollan (mandolin/ukelele/banjo/harmony), Jon Gagan (upright bass), Ben Wright (2nd guitar), Mark Clark (snare), Gina Forsyth (fiddle), James Raymond (piano), Bill Hearne (3rd guitar), Lucy Moore (whistling), Pat Wictor (dobro), Clara Boling Storms (talking) & Brant Leeper (B3 organ).
A 6-panel insert is enclosed. Color image of Boling by Berkalin Records. Paxton color image courtesy of Ross Altman. CD @ https://tompaxton.bandcamp.com/album/it-matters & https://danielboling.com/
Song Premiere: https://americanahighways.org/2025/03/03/song-premiere-c-daniel-boling-hidey-ho-feat-tom-paxton/