The Soul of a Wanderer by Jed Marum

Working with Jed on the record are extraordinary Scottish fiddler and folklorist, Brian McNeill, legendary Canadian folk musician, Rick Fielding and "Stan Roger's favorite side-man," Curly Boy Stubbs. In his own words, introducing the new album Jed said,

"The album is a collection of American, Irish and Scottish stories told in traditional and original folk-style songs. The stories come from Patrick O'Brian and Tim O'Brien - from Bob Wills, Bill Staines and Andy M Stewart - from my Dad, from my grandfather and from my heart."

Jed Marum is a popular performer working throughout North America's Celtic and Folk festival, club and concert venues. His songs and recordings have been licensed for use by other recording artists as well as for use in both TV and Hollywood film releases. Jed's first album on Boston Road Records was published in August of 2000 and has received international broadcast and critical acclaim. Irish Music Magazine called STREETS OF FALL RIVER "a collection of excellent quiet listening." England's World Music Magazine said "A sterling collection of mostly self-penned songs..." the album is "an excellent package that deserves to be heard." Jed has received high ratings for radio airtime in Europe, including 3 consecutive periods among Europe's Most Played Artists and an overall ranking at #25 for a solo track (GRACE by Frank and Sean O'Meara) in Ireland for the year 2001.

SINCE RELEASE; THE SOUL OF A WANDERER

The album was released in November of 2002. It has received numerous "rave" reviews and is regularly heard on the radio airwaves in the US, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, England, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and Germany (a long list of reviews can be found at jedmarum.com). The following review was published by Pay The Reckoning, in July of 2003 and is reprinted here by permission.

"Jed Marum - THE SOUL OF A WANDERER (Boston Road Records BRR022)

Marum, a New Englander by birth, now living in Texas, combines his love of American and Irish folk traditions on an album of traditional material, self-compositions and contemporary songs by other artists. Produced by Paul Mills, renowned for his work with the legendary Stan Rogers, the tasteful arrangements are superbly captured on an album which is remarkable for its clarity of thought and execution.

Marum himself plays high-strung and 6-string guitars, harmonicas and, of course, provides the lead vocals. He is assisted by a talented crew, who share his views on understated, quality musicianship - Rick Fielding (guitar, mandolin, autoharp, backing vocals), Mick Lane (backing vocals), Brian McNeill (fiddle), Dennis Pendrith (string bass), Wendy Solomon (cello), Curly Boy Stubbs (resophonic guitars, mandolin) and Betty Blakley Waddoups (whistle, backing vocals).

Such is the consistency of this collection that it's no easy task to single out one or two tracks from the 15 on offer. However the listener will remark how well his own compositions such as 'Desolation Island', 'Banks Of The Mobile' and the eponymous 'Soul Of A Wanderer' complement classic and timeless pieces of Americana such as Bob Will's 'San Antonio Rose'.

Regular visitors to Pay The Reckoning will not be surprised to find that we homed in on the Irish material on the CD. Marum's version of 'Garden Where The Praties Grow' - which some might regard as a typically Victorian piece of sentimentality - rehabilitates the song. He got it from his father, who got it turn from his grandfather, Martin Little from Galway. The song has prospered from its journey over many miles and over many years!

We would also commend Marum's version of 'Drill, Ye Tarriers!'. One of the most sparse arrangements on the album - just Marum's guitar and vocals - this is also one of the album's most powerful cuts and goes to demonstrate why so many superb musicians welcomed the opportunity to work with the album's author. When a musician is this good, he attracts quality collaborators like a flame attracts moths!

However pride of place on the album is reserved for the closing track, 'Sarah's Mountain Time'. Using the tune 'Go Lassie Go', Marum's elegy to the deceased Sarah, '... my dear young friend Sarah ...', is a typically understated, honest and deeply affecting tribute.

If soulful, distinguished musicianship gets your vote, then get along to http://www.jedmarum.com or http://www.bostonroadrecords.com"

c Pay The Reckoning, July 2003

YOUTUBE

There are a few short video clips available at Youtube.com if you search on Jed Marum you'll find them.

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