Noel Paul Stookey / Causes Only / Neworld Multimedia
Four out of five stars
It would be next to impossible to overestimate the impact and influence of Noel Paul Stookey, not only on the full spectrum of folk music as a whole, but also on the role he played in transforming the nation’s social conscience. Beginning in the early 1960s with the essential role he played in America’s most famous early trio, Peter Paul and Mary, and well into the 21st century with his endeavors as an artist and activist, Stookey has never given up his commitment to causes remaining crucial to that Essence of the American experience.
So it’s no surprise that Stookey’s newest album is not only titled Just Causes, but shares songs that put each of his ongoing concerns to the fore. As a collection of songs spanning the last 50 years of his career, he advocates these ends by tying every offer on the album to an appropriate charity and ensuring that any profits from album sales go to those organizations with theirs Efforts can continue.
Stookey’s strategy is nothing new. He continues to donate all royalties from his groundbreaking composition “Wedding Song (There is Love)” to the Public Domain Foundation, which then passes these funds on to various charitable organizations. Still, such generosity is rarely found at work, as each of the 15 songs on the set – mostly studio recordings but also some live tracks – addresses a different concern, from nuclear proliferation and environmental issues to reproductive rights and immigration reforms, Down -Syndrome and the need to address Native American protection. It’s a worthy effort to be sure, and more than enough to deserve attention even before the first notes are heard.
Stookey never comes across as preaching or papal. Virtually every song benefits from a gracious and pleasant approach that involves both sincerity and feeling. The serious request shared with “In These Times”, the exciting discourse of “Not That Art of Music”, the gentle swaying of “Familia Del Corazon” and the delicate delivery of “All My Life” not only sound resolute. but also caress and comfort. There is the ease and security one would expect from an artist whose status as an elderly statesman compares him to a father figure, a confirmed endorsement few artists are allowed to receive.
In this sense, Stookey’s nuanced approach finds a special connection through his awesome reading of America the Beautiful, in which he expands and explains the original by adding some meaningful texts of his own. We thank this revered music master for reminding us that beauty actually comes from within.