MISSION STREET PROJECT: Liberty Tree

Mission Street Project

Liberty Tree

© 2006 Erik Balkey (783707262505)

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Rootsy, acoustic songs of social relevance with harmonies.

tracks

1 Should I Go Wordless?
2 Armageddon
3 I Oughtta Get A Gun
4 Cut 'em Down
5 Deja Vu (All Over Again)
6 My Two Sons
7 Unionville
8 Sanctuary Road
9 You Can Stay Here
10 When I Die (Don't Cry For Me)
11 I Love My Country
12 Man in Black
13 West Memphis Three
14 Hard Road
15 Look For The Light
16 Gun-metal Eyes
17 How Come I Roam?
18 Christmastime on Mission Street

notes

"Mission Street Project"
Debut release: "Liberty Tree"
Erik Balkey w/ Laurie MacAllister + Duke Levine

"Mission Street Project" is a musical side project of songwriter Erik Balkey with the intention to preserve and further the tradition of songs that are written on topics of social relevance. In 2005, Balkey made it his mission to collaborate and collect songs and stories for this project with the help of American touring songwriters. The results of his efforts are recorded on “Liberty Tree,” the 18-song debut album of the Project. “Liberty Tree” is the Volume 1 in a new series called “Songs From The American Kitchen Table” and covers topics including the war, immigrant workers, the death penalty, homelessness, family farms and boom towns as well as family, American hospitality and kindness. Co-writers on this first effort include Jonathan Byrd (NC), Ryder Daniels (NH), Freebo (CA), David Holtzclaw (NC), Johnsmith (WI), Laurie MacAllister (NJ), Bonnie Lee Panda (CT) and Pat Wictor (NY). Also featured are songs by Dave Carter, Johnny Cash and John Fogerty.

reviews

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  • important, very important
    author: Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul & Mary)

    "I listened to your CD [Mission Street Project]. You are such a gifted, sensitive, and committed writer. As with your song 'Cut Em Down,' I was moved by your other songs. The production was excellent, honest, dirt under the nails and very, very 'present.' You carry on a great tradition, my friend, one that I and my partners inherited from Pete, Woody, the Weavers and others. Congratulations and good luck. Your work deserves to be heard. It's important, very important."

  • Woody would be proud
    author: Jim Colbert

    As one of the librarians for the Folk Show on WPSU in Pennsylvania, probably a couple hundred discs that I've never heard before pass through my hands every year. For a disc to instantly grab me, to get me to listen to it over and over again - takes a very special disc. Mission Street Project is such a disc. Subtle arrangements with nice acoustic instrumentation that accentuates, not obscures the messages and harmonies between Erik Balkey and Laurie MacAllister that blend wonderfully, this disc is an understated gem. Best of all, it even makes you think... Woody would be proud of this disc, and this project. Highly recommended.

  • A Treasure Trove of New Socially Conscious Songs That Need To Be Heard
    author: Rob Lincoln

    ...Nearly all these songs are recently written either by Balkey or in a collaboration with Balkey... Balkey sings lead on most of these tunes and his sweet tenor voice is always a pleasure to hear. But what becomes obvious is that these are songs that can be covered in many different ways and styles. This CD really should be heard by any performer or publisher looking for provacative material addressing current issues...(for more of this review, go to cdreviewsonline.com)

  • Brilliant!
    author: Ian Charles

    It's another winner from Erik Balkey and some friends, which is a really good album. Can't stop playing it.

  • Fantastic in every sense.
    author: Peter Kessler

    A truly wonderful compilation of songs about everyday life written with great commitment and enthusiasm, and above all, reflecting reality. Deep-going and well-crafted lyrics on top.

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