The Music in the Wood

AMG Review of The Music in the Wood

Aaron Badgley
All Music Guide

For their third release, Tanglefoot remained a four-piece, but with new member Francis Skrezeszewski replacing Bob Wagar (yet not joining the rest of the band in production chores). Also, for the first time, the group had outside musical assistance, with Rob Ritchie providing piano. The result is a much better CD than its predecessors, with a fresh, energetic live sound. The band remains faithful to its folk roots, but they also seem to have tapped into a new found energy. Subject matter continues to be about Canadian history and historical figures, with some tall tales to make it just a bit more interesting. The band also re-records "Jack the Green," from their debut CD, with a new vitality not found in the original. The music keeps the listener's attention, as do the superb harmonies found throughout the CD. This CD is a great introduction to this band, and an example of the excellent folk music being produced in Canada. Once again, the copyright text is well worth reading for a good laugh.