Stan Keach is a nationally-known bluegrass songwriter whose song, Whispering Water, was in the National Top Ten Bluegrass Singles Charts in 2009. But Stan’s greatest talent is working with young people, many of whom have found themselves and their real talent by playing for and with Stan. He’s an amazing man and someone I respect and admire enormously.
So when Stan showed up at my Mount Vernon door in a rainstorm in early July with an as-yet-unreleased new CD, I was of course all ears. The title of the new CD is Cry of the Loon. Stan sells most of his CDs at his shows, but you can contact him directly to purchase one: 207-397-2241, stanleykeach@hotmail.com. You can also contact Stan to book his group, Sandy River Ramblers.
Bear in mind that I loved his Bear in the Barn CD with the Maranacook String Band, so a new CD from that band, with more of Stan’s amazing and creative songs, was a great gift. And that’s what this CD is – a gift to Mainers.
There’s a song about my boyhood hero, Don Fendler, and another about the Brady gang, shot down in Bangor. The song Slow Down (You’ll Hit A Moose) should be played on that AM station available to tourists as they enter Maine on the turnpike.
“Now a moose’s eyes will not reflect,” sings Stan and the band.
“And that’s a fact you gotta respect
“At night, he’s just a big spot o’black
“Until he’s lyin right across your lap.”
‘Slow Down! You’ll Hit A Moose!”
The string band is really good, consisting of Julie Churchill, Lee Stetson, Zachary Greenham, Megan Dood, Dan Simons on one of my favorite instruments, the mandolin, Sam Bryant, and Stan. Guest artists on the CD are Bud Godsoe and Steve Stetson. Steve plays the guitar for Minnehonk Blues – another favorite, and not just because I live on the outlet of that lake.
But it’s Boots from L.L. Bean that may be your favorite. It’s sure to become a classic. It’s an hilarious parody of all-things-Maine, including Down East magazine.
Get a copy of Cry of the Loon CD. And yes, you’ll “get it.” You’re a Mainer.