Whenever I come across a CD with the words “Family Classics” in the title, accompanied by a track list that features well known folk songs, my Pavlovian response is to run away as it brings back memories of cheaply produced sing-along tapes geared for children that would become torturous additions to long card rides (even a car ride of just a few miles would seem like a journey to Mordor when Bert and Ernie were singing on the car stereo.)

So, when I received a copy of “Puff & Other Family Classics”, my initial response was skepticism based solely on my preconceived notion of family recordings of this type. However, knowing the artists who created it – I had a feeling that this CD would be different.

It is.

Much better.

This is a brilliant recording – a collection with stunning interpretations of songs that many of us grew up with. This CD will be enjoyed by all generations, and I predict it will be enjoyed for by generations yet to come!

This wonderful gem of a CD was features three voices at the center – Peter Yarrow, his daughter Bethany Yarrow, and Bethany’s musical partner Rufus Cappadocia. While Rufus does not use his voice, he makes the cello sing and adds to the intricate harmony of the album.

Bethany and Rufus have been performing together for the past several years. Their interpretations of folk songs have thrilled audiences while upsetting some folk “purists”. I’ve enjoyed their music as I always felt that folk music is a living tradition and these songs need to come alive for the performer – not simply be presented as a museum piece. Audiences who are open minded have fallen in love with their unique sound. They have developed a “folk groove” that speaks to a new generation discovering folk music.

Peter Yarrow has been performing with Peter, Paul & Mary for over 40 years. Their audiences expect to hear the harmonies and song settings that the group made world famous. While they continue to add fresh new songs to their repertoire, it is very difficult for them to re-invent their own classics.

Teaming Peter with his daughter and Rufus allowed all performers to hear the music with new ears and reach a new audience. It is a blending of traditional folk with a world beat backbone. In some respects, the recording is sort of a middle ground between the styles of PPM and Bethany & Rufus and become accessible to fans of both groups. In addition to the trio, guest artists were brought in to augment the sound. Included among the guests is Paul Prestopino, a fixture as an instrumentalist for Peter, Paul & Mary concerts. Paul provides subtle accompaniment on the new CD on guitar, slide guitar, mandolin, banjo, Jews harp and harmonica. Other guest artists include Chuck Campbell on pedal steel for “You Better Mind”, percussionist Gaston Jean Baptise, George Schuller on drums, Aaron Corness on shaker, Rob Arthur on organ and background vocals from Chantal Hendricks, Ron Clarke and Marion Clarke.

The 11 songs on the CD represent a diverse sampling that will be familiar to anyone who grew up during the folk revival. It becomes a perfect introduction for new generations. Old chestnuts such as “Blue Tail Fly” become joyous celebrations instead of stereotypical folk fodder. Bethany Yarrow has a talent for interpreting songs such as “Cindy” to make it a living and meaningful song for contemporary standards.

The version of “The Cuckoo” contained in this collection may be the most evocative version I’ve ever heard. The slow and graceful version featuring Peter and Bethany blending their voices captures the beauty inherent in the song and often missed by other interpretations.

I especially enjoy the fact that the CD does not talk down to its audience. Songs such as “Long Chain On” and “You Better Mind” challenge the listener – young and old – to face realities of how we treat each other as human beings and what our rewards will be. Even a song such as “Frankie and Johnny” is treated with respect for the audience – not downplaying nor sensationalizing the material.

Of course, a “family” album that features Peter Yarrow would not be complete without a version of “Puff the Magic Dragon”, and the new duet with Bethany becomes a delight. There is something special about the blending voices of the father and daughter, and you can actually hear the pride and love that is shared between the two. After hearing the song hundreds of times during my lifetime, it still manages to give me goose bumps and this version is a worthy rendition.

This is a joyous CD and it deserves a special place in the library of all folk music fans – no matter what your age may be.

http://www.bethanyandrufus.com/

http://www.peterppaulandmary.com/