I am coming to Big Oak Road a little bit after its initial release, as I only received a copy belatedly. However the album is well worth the wait. The Philly-based band, The River Drivers, brings the discerning listener a wonderful blend of new and used music that will delight and intrigue.

A number of the tracks come from the pen of band member Mindy Murray, and these display a sure-fire songwriter in full flow.

The River Drivers appear to be one of those wonderful folk bands in the original tradition in that they are way up there with heartfelt songs of protest and information about the world, while also exposing the fears and problems of the ordinary citizen be they in Ireland, the United States or any other nation of a world riddled with injustice.

They mine the history of many nations and in fact open the CD with a song written by two band members about the "Children's March," recalling an event in 1903 when children marched to Teddy Roosevelt's "front steps."

"Going Once" is a title that speaks for itself, recalling times past and sadly present when people's lives came under the hammer of the auctioneer. The album also features some great songs recalling the lives and work of miners through the past few hundred years.

But all is not sadness -- although the background of "Isn't It Grand Boys" is death, the rollicking song originally recorded by the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem will raise the most lowly spirits.

One of my favourite songs on offer is "Farewell Johnny Miner," written by a man from County Durham in England named Ed Pickford. It may be a sad tale but it is beautifully written and performed and features such colloquialisms as "deorum" and "knackers yard," giving the song a tale that "everyman" might feel so redolent of this band and album.

It may have been released over a year ago but it is worth the effort of seeking out.

[ visit The River Drivers' website ]