David Wolfenberger shines on earnest, contemporary folk songs.

This consistently fine set of comtemporary folk comes from the local singer/songwriter behind the bands Marshwiggles and Thom Scarecrow. Ric Hordinski's thoughtful production beautifully frames David Wolfenberger's high, gentle voice and intelligent songwriting.

While Mr. Hordinski provides some patented guitar textures, the outstanding instrumental voice is Emily Randle's violin. Along with Mr. Wolfenberger's own guitar and keyboards and an array of fine musicians, they help bring his earnest lyrics to life, whether he is pulling a Don Quixote in "Windmills" or pondering moral dillemas in "Tentatively Vince Foster."

The latter is one of the 13-song (including the obligatory hidden track)disc's best-sounding pieces, full of Beatlesque touches and a driving beat. "Avebury Circle" moves aggressively away from the CD's pop-folk, using a fragment of an olde English tune wrapped in hip-hop drum beats.

He states his credo clearly in "Apocalyptic Dream #13", which despite the title, is filled with simple articles of faith. "I will not be decieved. I will stand on what I believe...I believe that this universe is really quite small... I believe that somebody started it all."

Blue Jordan Records has proved itself to be the region's most dependable outlet for world-class singer/songwriter albums. Add "Tales From Thom Scarecrow" to that list.

-Larry Nager

Cincinnati Enquirer October 8, 1999