Scott Alarik's CD release party at Club Passim
 by Kathy S-B  ·  19 September 2006

On Friday, September 15, there was a joyous celebration at Club Passim for Scott Alarik. Scott has just released his new CD “All That is True: folk songs old and new.” There were many jokes about how long it’s been since the release of his last recording. But, gee, Scott, it really was high time that you got yourself into a studio and laid down these tracks.

Many of you may know Scott’s name because of his masterful folk music articles and reviews in the Boston Globe, Sing Out, or any other number of music publications. I had long been a fan of Scott’s way with words before I ever saw him on the stage at the me & thee and I was simply delighted to put a face and a singing voice to the eloquent writer whose articles I so admired. So it was with great pride and enthusiasm that a contingent of me & thee volunteers made the trek into Harvard Square to cheer Scott on at his CD release party last Friday night.

Scott shared the stage all evening with Hanneke Cassel and Jake Armerding. Both musicians ably accompanied and enhanced all of Scott’s songs and even did a tune or two of their own. Hanneke, a most talented fiddler in her own right, produced “All That Is True.” There is a great subtleness of sound throughout the entire recording. Just the right touch of instrumentation where it’s needed and at the same time there’s a minimalist approach that makes the entire experience of listening to the CD a real pleasure. It’s as though each song beckons you to listen.

Scott Alarik’s voice is akin to the sensation of wrapping oneself up all warm and toasty in front of a roaring fire. The delicious feeling of the heat along with the vibrant dancing flames resonate to one’s core—much like Scott’s deep rich voice. His passion for not only his own original music but for the folk music masters of the past comes through in each and every song of this wonderful new CD.

A reminder: Scott’s collection of articles, Deep Community: Adventures in the Modern Folk Underground is a must read for any and all folk fans.

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