The Bottom Line
The Fiddlin' Foresters are often referred to as the U.S. Forest Service's "official old-time string band". They are a sanctioned information and education function of the USFS - but don't let that put you off.
I know nothing about "old-time string bands". I do know good bluegrass. This group plays fun toe-tapping music, even enjoyed by those with only a casual country and western music interest. The group adds value by playing music within view of the most beautiful forests in North America.
I know nothing about "old-time string bands". I do know good bluegrass. This group plays fun toe-tapping music, even enjoyed by those with only a casual country and western music interest. The group adds value by playing music within view of the most beautiful forests in North America.
Pros
- "In The Long Run" maybe the only album devoted entirely to forest resources.
- Their version of "Cold Missouri Water" gives me goose bumps.
- I am now a Jane Leche fan! Glad she is in forestry...
Cons
- They tend to tour only in the Western States.
Description
- Eighteen musical tracks sprinkled with bluegrass, folk and gospel.
- In the Long Run is sold by the Rocky Mountain Nature Association who receive a portion of the sales.
- In the Long Run should only supplement attending a Fiddlin' Foresters concert.
Guide Review - Review: The Fiddlin' Foresters - In The Long Run
OK, so this group is not Mountain Heart. In fact many of them are nearly my age and either career U.S. Forest Service employees or volunteers that have had full time jobs for decades. The guys in the group can sing fair enough and are talented instrumentalists. The gal is the one I am totally impressed with.
Jane Leche is a public affairs specialist for the USFS Rocky Mountain Region who grew up in Washington State where she learned to play guitar. When she steps up to the mic, I am constantly reminded of a Joan Baez voice (anybody remember her?) without the political agenda. My favorite songs on the CD are a soloing Jane Leche on Kent Lewis' Song of Wyoming and James Keelaghan's Cold Missouri Waters, the longest track on the CD.
Still, Leche and the group do have an agenda - conservation of our natural resources. It includes the classic tune Smokey the Bear written by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins in 1952.
In March, 2005, after more than ten years of traveling throughout the country providing conservation messages, the Fiddlin’ Foresters finally recorded In the Long Run, their first CD as part of the Forest Service Centennial celebration. In the Long Run, released in June 2005, features 18 of the songs and tunes used in their programs.
Jane Leche is a public affairs specialist for the USFS Rocky Mountain Region who grew up in Washington State where she learned to play guitar. When she steps up to the mic, I am constantly reminded of a Joan Baez voice (anybody remember her?) without the political agenda. My favorite songs on the CD are a soloing Jane Leche on Kent Lewis' Song of Wyoming and James Keelaghan's Cold Missouri Waters, the longest track on the CD.
Still, Leche and the group do have an agenda - conservation of our natural resources. It includes the classic tune Smokey the Bear written by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins in 1952.
In March, 2005, after more than ten years of traveling throughout the country providing conservation messages, the Fiddlin’ Foresters finally recorded In the Long Run, their first CD as part of the Forest Service Centennial celebration. In the Long Run, released in June 2005, features 18 of the songs and tunes used in their programs.
