Time for some music education. What I love about writing this column is the opportunity I have to share my discoveries with you. For several weeks, I've been getting questions about San Miguel from a man named Dave Barnard. Little did I know that when we met he was also going to give me a CD of his son's recording. Titled "Shane Barnard and Shane Everett," the CD begins with a beautiful song called "Breath of God."

Dad tells me, with great pride, that Shane is tops in the field of Christian music and hopes to translate the songs into Spanish one day and bring the music to Mexico. I immediately imagine this young man playing at Schreiner. He has the kind of voice I love, interesting with an edge. The CD was produced in Franklin, TN. The cover is a work of art in shades of green, reflecting a spirit of praise and worship in nature. And a song called "Psalm 118" uses the verse "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it!!!" to express a spirit of thanksgiving. Shane Barnard has written most of the songs and music.

My Southern Baptist upbringing leaves me with a huge appreciation for worship in song. And this CD is a beautiful expression of love and forgiveness. Let's find a way to bring this group to our area!
For more information go to: www.waitinroomministries.com

Rounder Records never disappoints with their new releases. I was thrilled to see that David Broza now has an album with them. If you've heard David at the Kerrville Folk Festival, you have never forgotten him. His flashing hands beating out Flamenco rhythms while his voice cries out the song are soulful experiences that run deep and never leave your imagination. He first played Kerrville as the leading artist in Israel, and he also conducted writing workshops around the country. Now he lives in Spain, and his new (7th) CD is called "Painted Postcard."

When I first met David and Ruth, I was mesmerized by their intensity and presence. David's music conveys that same presence. This CD has a letter from David, written in March from Madrid. He explains the influences in his life that led up to this moment. He does not mention a terrible accident that he had. I have not seen him since that accident, but I know he has continued to transform and grow. That's just what David does.

His first album, produced in 1978 in Israel, was all Hebrew poetry by three Israeli poets. By his third solo album in 1983, he was incorporating more and more Spanish influences. He moved to the USA in 1984 and for six years traveled America, "meeting with poets, musicians and writers and performing for new audiences. The big challenge was how to bring my Hebrew music to audiences in Grinell, Iowa, or Memphis, Tennessee." He also used the work of American poets in his 1989 album, "Away From Home."

I was glad to see one of my favorite Broza moments on this album, "Chileno Boys." Other songs include "A Time of Trains," "Painted Postcard," (a poem by Yehonatan Geffen), and "Isadora" (a favorite image of mine, this dancer with scarf, heart and eyes always flying). I was traveling with students once in Turkey. Wearing a long flowing scarf and feeling like Isadora, I was crossing a street when the scarf caught on a car bumper. The moment became too real, as I remember her demise with her scarf catching in the wheels of the convertible that was carrying her. I did not become Isadora in that moment. So much for my role playing.

Let's bring David Broza back to Kerrville. For more information, see www.broza.com
My third and last discovery is a CD entitled "Broken Hearts of Bluegrass." Sporting a soulful photo of Bill Monroe on the cover, produced by CMH in Los Angeles (Ricky Skagg's label, I believe), this is the quintessential bluegrass moment. A high lonesome sound exploring the beat of the broken heart. Remember, there are times that only bluegrass will suffice. Ask the Poverty Playboys. Ask E.C. Willmann. Rod Kennedy tried to bring bluegrass to this area, but after several years had to give that up.

A new surge of interest in traditional music ("O Brother Where Art Thou"), brings bluegrass to a wider audience than ever before. This album hits the stores on August 13. You heard it here, first. The CD includes songs by Bill Monroe (of course), Lester Flatt, The Osborne Brothers, Mac Wiseman, The Stonemans, Jim and Jesse, and Rose Lee Maphis and Joe Maphis. I do see a shortage of the woman's voice on the CD. Otherwise, it's a perfect collection! For more information you can fax CMH at 323-669-1470.

As I finish this column at 7:00 a.m in the morning, I'm loading up my travel van (a '79 Chevy) and heading to Santa Fe. I'll be back by the time you are reading it!

Remember, support live music. Kerrville has plenty of opportunities. Remember, the Tish Hinojosa tickets for the September 29 concert are on sale. Get yours quickly. Seating limited. Don't miss out of the first Concert for Literacy and Learning, with proceeds benefiting Families and Literacy and the Wayne Kennemer Scholarship Fund for the THMF. Free Leonard and down the road.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com

www.texasheritagemusic.org

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