Time of Wonder
Review by Bob MacKenzie
Probably the first thing that will strike a listener is Stefan des Lauriers' voice. Here is a wonderful melding of some of the worst and most loved voices in American storytelling. While they are speakers and not singers, Sterling Holloway's hesitancy, Andy Devine's post-adolescent vocal shifts, Jimmy Stewart's awkwardness, and Slim Pickens' golly-gee vocal shuffle all can be heard in des Lauriers' singing style.
As a singer, des Lauriers is unique but at times echoes Will Millar, Jud Strunk, and even occasionally Tiny Tim. He also slips into a number of voices that sound like they've been lifted directly from animated cartoons. Set against his quirky songs, this is the perfect voice.
The man pictured on the liner notes looks as though he may live just around the next hill from Fred Penner's log. He may. While Stefan des Lauriers lives in New Jersey, he has strong Canadian connections and clearly stands like Penner with one foot on each side of the border. His lyrics often include Canadian references and his band includes at least one prominent Canadian musician. That musician, Ken Whitely, also co-produced most of the songs on this release.
First glance might suggest that the songs here, several of which extend to about five minutes, are too long to hold the limited attention of children. Some of the subject matter and the very long words also suggest an older audience. Yet the cover art and the style of the music suggests this release is indeed intended for a young audience. This is a contradiction which des Lauriers manages to turn into a strength. This is highly visual music that children of all ages will enjoy.
Whether five or twelve, most youngsters will find something entertaining in the music and lyrics of Time of Wonder. Adults will appreciate the complexity of some of the lyrical themes and the grown-up ideas sprinkled throughout. This is music the family, adults and children, can listen to and enjoy together.
The music here is so eclectic that to choose a favourite would involve a very personal choice. Each song has its special flavour and appeal to set it apart from the others. Some songs do, however, merit special comment if only to give a sense of the quirkiness and diversity of this release.
"Spitting in the Eye of a Hurricane" is like those plastic prisms that show two different pictures depending on how they are held to the light. One perspective reveals a song that considers questions that have existed since before they were raised in Genesis. What is our purpose on this Earth? How and why do things happen? The other perspective of this song about a big wind appears to be a practical man's response to Bob Dylan: "...And I'm asking the wind. It ain't answered yet. ... The answer's not in the air, my friend. It's in your hearts and your hands and your eyes."
"Sunflowers" is another song which seems to have an underlying political agenda. In lyrics and in presentation, "Sunflowers" has very much the feel of such anti-war songs as Ed McCurdy's "Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream" or the Sixties pop hit "One Tin Soldier" as well as Neil Young's "After the Gold Rush." The unlikely metaphor of the sunflower works impressively well in this context.
"Vision of Victory" is a very affirmative song, along the lines of "Lord, You Gave Me a Mountain," that is undercut by its perhaps unwitting allusion to The Irish Rovers' song, "The Unicorn." This reference comes to mind partially because here des Lauriers affects a vocal style reminiscent of Will Millar and partially because he starts the lyric with "A long time ago..." and the listener's mind tends to leap to "...when the world was green." The second influence might be eliminated were des Lauriers to make a slight adjustment of his vocal style on that line.
Musically, "Jet Fuel Folderol" has the pumping feel of a skiffle version of "Crocodile Rock" with a much funnier lyric. This is the song that will probably set the little kids to dancing. Musically, this release is varied and appealing, with fine musicianship. I especially noticed some exceptional guitar work on several tracks. Stefan des Lauriers' unique vocal style and lyrics supported by an excellent band should make Time of Wonder an interesting addition to anyone's collection.
by R. D. MacKenzie.