Dance on the Earth
Artist: Beth Ferguson
Year:
1997
Genre:
Folk›Singer-Songwriter
Album tracks
"Dance on the Earth" by Beth Ferguson
CD Review by Gene Wilburn, Northern Journey Online, www.northernjourney.com
Ontario singer-songwriter Beth Ferguson was raised in the rich musical tradition of the Ottawa Valley. A member of a musical family, Ferguson began playing music and writing songs, eventually performing with a blues band called the Honky Tonk Wildcats.
In 1990, Ferguson joined forces with Heidi Anderson to form the innovative acoustic duo, Too Mad Crows. The group performed at various Canadian and U.S. venues for several years, and released an independent recording of original material. During this period, Ferguson also became a central figure in Ottawa's famous songwriting collective, Writer's Bloc, and contributed to the group's collaborative recording, Writer's Bloc '93.
In 1994, Ferguson joined forces with three other women to form Malaika, a multicultural vocal group that has rapidly gained international recognition. In addition to her contributions to Malaika, Ferguson has also released a solo album, Dance on the Floor. The title track is a celebration of the life and work of Canadian author and activist, Margaret Laurence. Other highlights include "Mrs. Johnson," an energetic portrayal of an eccentric hometown character, "Only the Stories," a wistful recollection of youth; and a love song, "Breathe You In."
Produced by Ian Tamblyn, Dance on the Floor features many of Ottawa's finest session players and singers, including Rebecca Campbell, Lee Hayes, Fred Guignion, Peter Kiesewalter and Ian Tamblyn.
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CD review by Joyce MacPhee
With Dance on the Earth, Ottawa resident Beth Ferguson illustrates that she is much more than a member of the female a cappella group, Malaika. While membership in the phenomenal quartet is a great accomplishment in and of itself, this new album showcases Ferguson's considerable talents as a solo performer.
A singer/songwriter with an unmistakable alto voice, Ferguson ably accompanies herself on acoustic guitar and piano. She wrote all of the well-crafted tunes with the exception of "My baby's sad", which she co- wrote with her life partner Chris White. Ferguson is backed by an impressive cast of musicians, including Peter Kiesewalter, Fred Guignion, Ross Murray, Anne Bourne and Ken Kanwisher. Fellow Malaika member Lee Hayes and the ubiquitous Rebecca Campbell contribute harmony vocals. Producer Ian Tamblyn's genius is apparent in the gorgeous arrangements and instrumentation.
Women are celebrated in this recording. The title track pays homage to Canadian author Margaret Laurence, while "Mama would say" is a tribute to Ferguson's mother. The most moving song on the CD is "Learning how to fall", a piece describing Ferguson's emotional and spiritual struggles with breast cancer. "What is mine" is an inspirational feminist anthem of faith and hope.
Ferguson's heritage as a native of the Ottawa Valley town of Renfrew is evident on several tracks including "Mrs. Johnson" (a tune about a small town character), "Only the stories", "That river" and "Wedding day waltz". The former is a child's whimsical account of her big sister's wedding and really sets toes to tapping. Finally, to round out this album of women's life experiences, Ferguson includes two gentle love songs, "First rush" and "Breathe you in".
Listening to this CD will elevate your spirits, no matter how grey or rainy the day. You will want to listen to it often because of the rich rewards it offers.