This article first appeared in the Nov '96 Valley Views and Journal Herald

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The Puddle Jumpers
"Out of the Shadows"
Golden Goose Records

Highlights: Troubled Road, Crossing the Line,
Out of the Shadows, My Old Friend Jack

Over the last few months I've received many submissions for this column. It has been a challenge to pick which ones to write about, but a joy to listen to such great work. I thought we'd take a look at a few acts, two from outside our area, and one somewhat local group.

First we have The Puddle Jumpers from Washington State. Now this is my kind of music! What do you get when you take rock solid melodic rock, a touch of progressive and a sprinkling of Celtic flavoring? A group that is on its way to the top with infectious melodies and conscientious lyrics.

Their first album, "Out of the Shadows" was released earlier this year and is packaged in a handsome fold-out package complete with lyric booklet. The graphic presentation is slick, and I don't even want to know what the design bill was. But this is much more than a good looking package. This is some of the best music I've come across lately. In a plentiful musical helping of 15 tracks, The Puddle Jumpers deliver the goods with memorable driving folk-rock tunes. The Puddle Jumpers may seem like an odd name for a group - a "puddle jumper" is a type of midsize seaplane which the group members seem to have a habit of flying in. The group was born out of Rick Vartian's affinity for octave mandolin and traditional troubadour music. Rick recruited other musicians throughout 1995 and 1996. You may be surprised to hear such tight music from a group that's only about a year old, but these guys are pros with years of compositional, performing and writing experience.

One thing that impressed me most about The Puddle Jumpers, besides the flawless playing and production, was the supra- intelligent and positive lyrics. In the wake of the Grunge Era, with its negativity and anti-establishment attitude, The Puddle Jumpers have returned the title of musician to a highly respectable status reflecting the artist's ability to uplift and enlighten the masses.

I may have a softspot for this type of music. Sometimes I wonder, "Why isn't there more music like this around?" Fans of Kansas, Jethro Tull will certainly find something here. But this music is also accessible for non-progressive listeners because of its themes and very likable pop sound. You could say it's pop without the slop. "Out of the Shadows" has been climbing the charts on public radio. The group is in search of a major label to carry them. Hopefully it won't be too long before you'll see The Puddle Jumpers on the rack with other great music. For now, if you'd like your copy, contact Rick Vartian: gldgoose@ix.netcom.com or write to: 203 Bellevue Way NE Suite 506, Bellevue, WA 98004.

Hit Me
"Greatest Hits Vol. 17"
Neko Records

Highlights: Light In Morning, Everything I Love Is Taken Away,
Try It Try It

Next up we have Hit Me, a psycho-musical creation of Derek Shivers, a rather innovative and provocative writer/performer from New York.

Derek's press kit was a blast, complete with posters, near-nude pictures of Derek (anatomically correct), POGS and of course: Derek's debut CD (yes... the name can be misleading). It was a bonus to review because it includes an interactive multimedia experience - and let me tell you, it IS an experience.

In the CD-ROM the user can find tid bits about the band, lyrics and a entire world of bizarre images and objects (don't forget to look for the secret room).

Derek sites James Brown and the Beatles as his biggest influences. There's also a large dose of Prince, 70's funk and even George Michael. There's also a touch of Nine Inch Nails here, but it's in a pop context (go figure).

I was hesitant at first when listening to this CD. What I thought would be an out of control hormone trip with overly sexual themes and a superficial attitude, turned out to be something well conceived and mature. My personal favorite is Answering Machine, a song composed from actual messages from an answering machine.

There are some massive, danceable grooves on the album, and I'm sure that he's got the right formula to be a successful artist in his genre.The debut album is being promoted through live shows with a group Derek put together with other NY musicians. If you want to know where they will be or would like to check order a CD, it's easy enough: 1-800-HIT-ME-69 or set your browser at: http://www.panix.com/~bizy

Simple Gifts
"Other Places, Other Times"
Purple Finch Productions

Highlights: Romanian Hora, Kolomeike

A little closer to home we have Simple Gifts, a trio of instrumentalists from Lemont, PA. I ran into violinist and arranger Linda Littleton at the 1996 Regional Northeast Folk Alliance Conference at Split Rock Resort recently.

Simple Gifts, which also features Karen Hirshon and Rachel Hall has been receiving critical acclaim nationally as a top- notch traditional instrumental group. Their CD "Other Places, Other Times" is evidence of this well deserved recognition.

We hear a rounded selection of jigs, hornpipes and other traditional song forms from North America, England, Ireland, Bulgaria and the Ukraine. The arrangements include traditional instruments such as fiddle and mandolin as well as the less familiar banjolin, dumbek, riq and hammered dulcimer. The no-frills production enhances the old time nature of the music. From the first song the listener is pulled into the realism of the performance - it sounds like they're right there playing for you. The musicianship sets a standard for the performance of this style of music and I recommend it to anyone with an ear for the old sounds.

For more info: simplegifts@psu.edu