Steve Bell Sarah Bell

Item: Sons & Daughters
Author: Michael Dalton

Sons & Daughters

(2005)

Reviewed by Michael Dalton

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Label Signpost MusicThe Phantom Tollbooth2005

acoustic folk singer-songwriter

Sons & Daughters marks a change in Canadian singer-songwriter Steve Bell's relationship with his daughter, Sarah Bell. It's for good reason that this recording is not called "Fathers & Daughters." Now that Sarah has matured into a young adult, the relationship is more of a fellowship between a brother and sister in Christ.

Sarah's collaboration on this project had its origin in a cameo appearance on the Juno (Canada's equivalent to the Grammy awards) award-winning Simple Songs. Those who heard her soft, youthful voice wanted to hear more.

The result is a collection of songs that the Bells admit may not provide the cohesiveness that some might look for, but which they personally liked. Steve Bell wrote, or adapted from other writings, six of the twelve main tracks. There is a short bonus track of Sarah singing when she was four years old.

Lyrically, the songs range from the deeply profound "Every Present Need," adapted from a translation of a poem by St. Francis of Assisi, and the adaptation of "Psalm 116" from the Anglo-Genevan Psalter. On the other side, there are the simple but poetic lyrics of "In The Morning," and the feel-good vibe of Paul Simon's "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)." "Getting Ready For Glory" is a song that Carolyn Arends wrote after hearing Steve tell the story about his grandma spending the end of her life memorizing psalms and hymns "preparing for glory."

The familiar hymn, "I'll Fly Away," sounds better than ever with an energetic and hybrid bluegrass/jazz feel. The acoustic reigns throughout the recording with an occasional touch of pedal steel and the electric. Alex Acuna provides outstanding percussion. The sparseness found on some cuts makes for relaxing listening.

The seamless harmonies make me wonder if being related provides an advantage. Recalling when Selah featured the vocals of a brother and sister leads me to think there just might be something to it. On "Feelin' Groovy" brother Jesse Bell is the lead voice with Sarah providing the perfect harmony, Steve providing additional vocals and Micah Bell playing bass--a family collaboration that makes the song sound better than ever.

Another noteworthy song is "Hosea (Come Back To Me)," which comes from Listen, the recording from the Monks of the Weston Priory. Sarah sings the words, which are written as if God is speaking. "Come back to me / with all your heart / don't let fear keep us apart ... the wilderness will lead you / to your heart where I will speak."

Fans of Steve Bell will not want to be without this recording. Those who aren't familiar with his work will find this a unique and varied introduction to two gifted individuals.

Steve's next project will be a recording of past songs that have brought the most comfort to people. He is also working on a recording that will consist of covers of Bruce Cockburn songs. If you get to know his work, it's likely that you will eagerly anticipate his every release.

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