Nice things in clay pots
I don't understand how fans could quibble about 'December's Child' - overall it's a quality Mark Olson recording. It contains the idiosyncracies of his earlier stuff which can be endearing enough. Most of the songs on 'December's Child' are well-crafted and the homespun nature of the material manages to comes across as genuine. Perhaps that's because it is. When compared with 'My own Jo Ellen' I found this album to be equally rewarding. This is how music "felt" on rare occasion in the early 70's, before slickness became hipness. Think early, countrified Neil Young rather than Gram Parsons, a little frayed and shabbily endearing. Gram was a genius with a breadth of vision rarely matched in popular music. Mark Olson is a greatly talented musician whose gentle muse can refresh and inspire.

Any engagement with the songs of Mark Olson is destined to be a heartfelt encounter with a deeply intimate world. From his time as the founder of The Jayhawks through the course five Creekdipper albums, his is a world to which he opens to us completely and unconditionally. Through his music, Mark Olson has treated us moments of joy and hardship, he has offered us the hand of friendship and bathed us in love and he has led us along the dusty trails of the remembrance and paved the road to the future with hope and opportunity. Fittingly, the dynamics of Olsonýs recordings have always reflected the tones of his compositions. Always rich in organics, a Creekdipper song has traditionally been imparted with the means it requires to serve its cause yet, an inherent discretion has dictated restraint. And while the Creekdipper recordings might have evolved from what was initially a collaboration between Olson, Victoria Williams and Michael Russell into a more cast orientated foray; the essence of their pursuit has not been lost. Mark Olson's latest Creekdipper sojourn, "Decemberýs Childý, not only encompasses the contributions of Williams and Russell, but those of the bandýs live contingent, Joshua Grange and Dave Wolfenberger. It also sees Olson reunited with Jayhawk Gary Louris for the first since his departure from the band in 1994.

While the latest Olson/Louris co-credit is certain to solicit a little extra attention, it is but one in a number of magical musical moments that constitute ýDecemberýs Childý. Even though the honeyed overtones of ýSay Youýll Be Mineý is certainly a welcomed addition to the album, the song does resonate a rather familiar 'Jayhawkish' feel. Not that this is a particularly bad thing, as the longing captured within its verses readily aligns itself with the overtones of the album's other recordings. It is simply that the most intriguing moments on this recording seem to be those where Olson explores more eclectic overtures. These can be found in songs such as ýBlack Dog Mossesý ý a sprawling gem that literally jumps up and bites you on the ass. And while it might not be anywhere near as forthright in temperament as the albumýs closing contribution, ýCactus Wrený presents yet another glorious encounter with Olson's musical versatility. But if the virtue of ýDecemberýs Childý were to be attributed to a single, then it would undoubtedly be Mark Olsonýs remarkable empathy. ýClimb These Steps (We Will)ý, ýDecemberýs Childý and the exquisite ýStill Have a Friend in Youý are all shining examples that highlight this claim. It is indeed a special world into which Mark Olson solicits our presence. And it is one for which ýDecemberýs Childý will long stand as an enticing open invitation.

Alta's Song, December's Child, Nerstrand Woods, Climb These Steps, and How Can This Be? are wonderful songs--good feelings abound. I can appreciate the Carter family-styled Cactus Wren, but to be honest I usually skip this track. The inclusion of One Eyed Black Dog Moses--which the band usually closes their live performances with--seems unnecessary and plods along compared to the other songs. Say You'll Be Mine--the ballyhooed collaboration with Gary Louris--is a nice respite from the lo-fi proceedings.

With each release I grow to appreciate Olson's skill as a songwriter. I can't imagine any other performer penning a song as personal and affirming as How Can This Be. More good news--fiddler Mike Russell has a big role here. Let's hope he tours with the 'Dippers this time around.

Victoria Williams, whose spirit and nature jumped out of My Own Jo Ellen on practically every groove even though her involvement was minimal, is not nearly as visible here. This is a Mark Olson CD, not an Olson/Williams CD.

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