Reviewed by Ian Hayter

This 14-song set from Baltimore's Heider is his first studio album and contains some great music and great themes. After a breezy opening instrumental ("Book Mountain"), Mr Heider launches into "Sha-La-La (The Peace And Harmony Song)" which pretty well sets out his stall in terms of intent. He lays into the anodyne and woolly lyrics of many contemporary song writers, suggesting that most of them are content to sing "Sha-La-La" banalities which won't offend anyone. There are some beautiful melodies here with "Annie Of The Sea" standing out and thought-provoking lyrics in most of the songs. Running through them all is the idea that God is there wherever we are, a sentiment summed up in "God In Austria". The Austrian theme and Mozart influences continue into the lengthy title track which builds to a great climax of folksy dance music and community singing. There's plenty to enjoy here with the most uplifting track for me being "Carry Me", with a nod to the perennial Footprints poem (but only a nod, so don't worry), some gloriously summery music (with guitar work that is reminiscent of the Isley Brothers at their best) and an unrelenting, joyous atmosphere. Let's hope there's a lot more to come from this talented poet and musician.

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