10th Planet Records is proud to present, “down in my heart,” Robin Dale Ford’s second solo outing and her first on our label.
While Robin’s first rockin’ record, “state of grace,” was called ‘a pop gem’ by reviewers, “down in my heart” marks a departure for Robin, a return to her earlier days of Old Time stringband music and the banjo.
There are two tunes on the CD in the Appalachian style, “Merry Golden Tree” and “Angeline the Baker,” but then Robin makes a bid to bring the traditional styles into the modern world by performing some of her favorite songs by some of her favorite songwriters.
To top it off, she throws in two of her own poignant originals, “down in my heart,” the title cut, based on a book of the same name by the late poet-laureate of Oregon, William Stafford (who wrote upon hearing the song, “...I was elated to find myself woven so gloriously into culture”) and “Obsolete American,” a view on the last days of the Cold War.
In between are such soulful songs as Gene Clark’s (the Byrds) “Set You Free This Time,” a haunting and definitive version, and Jesse Winchester’s sunset hymn, “Glory to the Day.” Add to this not one, but two Bob Dylan tunes, “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You go” and the heart wrenching “Seven Curses,” Bruce Springsteen’s “Reason to Believe” and Willie Nile’s glorious “Vagabond Moon,” and you have a classic collection in folk styles that is as new and refreshing as anything you’ve heard in a long time.
Review:
“The warm and clear voice of Robin Dale Ford accompanied by a single banjo makes an irresistible musical combination, from the playful “Vagabond Moon” to the plain beauty of the Appalachian song “Merry Golden Tree,” Ford has crafted a magical recording.”
~Dirty Linen (#58, June July ‘95)