The first review of Songs of Hope and Freedom has just come out in the December issue of Acoustic Live magazine...

'The Great 2008 NERFA CD Haul'
Richard Cuccaro

Gathering Time -- Songs of Hope and Freedom

Gathering Time is a trio of singer/songwriters comprised of Glen Roethel, Hillary Foxsong and Stuart Markus whose paths crossed in a serendipitous fashion when each found out how well their voices blended with the others. The comparison that jumps out at this listener is their sonic resemblance to Peter, paul and Mary. The selection of songs and the way they sing them fuels this impression. The cover of 'Light One Candle' by Peter Yarrow is one example. 'Crazy Horse,' by Fast Folk stalwart Josh Joffen, has a 60's feel in its remembrance of a lost heroic figure. Each of the three singers has a solid, smooth delivery so necessary for songs that seek to buoy the spirit. However, when Hillary takes the lead and Glen and Stuart sing backup, there's an exceptional power in the presentation. Although there's a similarity to Mary Travers, Hillary's voice is more rounded in tone. While all songs are keepers, some favorites would have to inclde 'Crusader' by Foxsong, the album title track by Markus and 'I Must Go' by Roethel. The future looks bright for Gathering Time.

Because we've had requests to release our setlists ahead of time, here's what we're planning to play this weekend...

Saturday 12/6
Folk Music Society of Huntington
Huntington, NY

Can't Find Our Way
Remember Me
Crazy Horse
God Knows
Train Coming
Prayer for Peace
Louisa
Songs of Hope and Freedom
Halley's Comet
Light One Candle

The Water is Wide
Get Together

Sunday, 12/7
The Place
Livingston, NJ

Can't Find Our Way
Remember Me
Crazy Horse
God Knows
Train Coming
Prayer for Peace
Louisa
Halley's Comet
Songs of Hope and Freedom

Because/Enlightened
Sincerely Yours
View from the Side of of the Road
Crusader
The Range Rover
Moonlight Row
Wishes
Light One Candle
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
Get Together

... can be seen here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/foxsong/sets/72157606429368104/

Check 'em out and have vicarious folk-fest thrills!  

... well, it ain't quite the Rolling Stone, but 'round these parts it's the next closest thing:

Yee-ha!  

We're just rolling home after a great evening playing to a full-to-bursting house at the Minstrel Coffeehouse in Morristown, NJ. We had the pleasure and privilege of opening for Aztec Two-Step, and it's hard to imagine anyone much nicer to share a stage with. If you're not familiar with Rex and Neal, do yourself a favor and check them out -- and if you're in the area, be sure to visit the Minstrel and have a great time too... and tell 'em Gathering Time sent you! ;-)

We had such a wonderful time at Garden Stage last Friday night! Thanks to all our friends both old and new who came out to support us, and kudos to Joanne Dezego and her hubby Steve for keeping this fine concert series going... and thanks too to Ric Kranz, the wonderful chef who fed the band and crew!   

If there's anything much better than driving down the road to meet your friends on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning and hearing YOURSELF on your favorite radio station, well, then, there's no telling what that might be.

Well, okay -- it might have been a little better in a convertible, but that's about all that could improve on it.