Album Review of
A Stranger in This Time

Label: Cavalier Recordings

Genres: Folk

Styles: Contemporary Folk, Folk

Written by Joe Ross
May 8, 2017 - 12:00am EDT
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Today’s successful folksinger like Tim Grimm uses a similar approach that has worked for folksingers for generations. Capture a sense of place (“These Rollin' Hills” and “Finding Home”). Create powerful images of people encountered along the way (“So Strong”). Tell stories from the heart (“Thirteen Years”). Provide some social-political protest vibe (“Black Snake”). The album's title is found among the evocative lyrics of "These Rollin' Hills" that is both nostalgic but also foreboding. Grimm has released two earlier albums, and this one builds a fuller, more sumptuous and collaborative soundscape. Tim was supported in writing and production of the songs by sons Jackson Grimm (guitars, banjo, octave mandolin, vocals) and Connor Grimm (bass), as well as his wife, Jan Lucas (harmonica, vocals). Tim pushes folk tradition boundaries with drums and percussion by guest Hannah Linn. Guest fiddler Diederik van Wassanaer appears on two tracks. For a more traditional banjo and fiddle-driven sound and story of that wronged woman seeking revenge, check out “Darlin’ Cory.” If Cory lived today, she might do well to heed the advice and wisdom imparted in “Over the Waves.”   (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)