This Fall by Amy Martin

But rather than simply handing us the treasure, she takes us with her underwater. In this way, she allows us to see her in process, sometimes confused, other times convinced. She isn't trying to teach us a lesson. She's inviting us to join her in a question.

For instance, when Martin howls out a lament over the violence of modern society in "Ring Around," she dives right into the places where she herself is a tacit accomplice to everyday crimes:

"I've heard the shots outside my window in Chicago

I've wondered who might be wounded

And then closed my eyes and gone back to sleep

Columbine, Cabrini Green, Columbia River Valley

It's all the same

Just a different set of weapons

And different names on the graves..."

This notion of "going back to sleep," or perhaps failing to wake up at all, is also raised in "My Fellow Americans." The percussive opening sounds the alarm. Then, Martin begins to sing the stories of characters named Luisa, Enrique, Dolores and Immanuel. As the song develops, we begin to understand that the Americans being addressed here are not only U.S. citizens, but all the Americans of the western hemisphere. She asks us to make connections between the lives of these two types of Americans in the chorus:

"My fellow Americans

Do you know where your good dollar goes?

Do you know who you're paying?

My fellow Americans

Can you forgive us?

We know not what we do

It's easier that way."

Martin's serious, personal exploration of these heavy topics is a welcome relief from the feel-good pop that dominates the airwaves. However, she has also included more buoyant songs on the album, such as the delightful "Rake and Ramblin' Girl" and the gentle, relaxed "First Snow."

Another interesting feature of the album are the three songs based on chapters of the "Tao Te Ching," as translated by Ursula K. Le Guin. The airy, up-beat "Taoing" opens the album with a mixture of hope and mystery, while "What is Complete," featuring beautiful lead guitar work by Mason Tuttle, provides a cooling salve to the wounds exposed in other songs. "Prayer to Mamagod," a plea for a deeper, more personal understanding of peace, and "Open," a song of gratitude for the joy, loss, pain and growth of relationship, are also highlights.

In the post-September 11th world, it is encouraging to know that artists are making a response not only in words but also in action. If you're struggling to find your voice and hoping to make a difference, "This Fall" is the album for you.

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CDBaby has agreed to reduce their commission on sales of "This Fall," to assist the fundraising effort. $14 of every CD sold through CDBaby will go to the Afghan Institute of Learning and RAWA. Learn more at www.amy-martin.com.

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"This Fall" was recorded live, with no overdubs, at The Recording Center, Missoula, Montana.

Richard H. Kuschel, engineer.

Paul Donaldson, drums.

Mason Tuttle, vocals and lead guitar.

Mike Freemole, bass.

Sue Silverberg, additional vocals.

Amy Martin, vocals, guitar and piano.

All songs by Amy Martin.

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