The legendary Jefferson Starship is at it again. Moving forward by reaching back, and in doing so, daringly casting a light for a new generation of change-makers riveted by the group's first new studio album in a decade, Jeffersons' Tree Of Liberty. The 18 song CD finds the group harnessing rare gems from the great folk tradition that inspired the rock n' roll hall of fame band more than 4 decades ago. The brainchild of singer/songwriter/band co-founder Paul Kantner (and co-produced by band manager Michael Gaiman, recurring Jefferson Airplane/ Jefferson Starship fixture and Quicksilver Messenger Service founder David Freiberg and Paul Kantner), the album mixes it up with Jefferson's trademark knack for defying fans' expectations as well as their own, introducing a soaring new female voice on many of the songs, Cathy Richardson, and tapping rock icon and original Jefferson treasure Grace Slick to appear on the album's mesmerizing 'Easter Egg' bonus track.

The 19 songs chosen on this CD is a musical tribute to those that touched their hearts and souls…written by Phil Ochs, Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie, Ledbelly as well as traditional folk songs. Other songs include those performed by The Weavers, Pete Seeger, The Kingston Trio and Ian and Sylvia to name a few; and an acoustic mash of a song John Lennon and Bob Marley.  This song selection combined three strong women vocalists and being produced by Paul Kantner, Michael Gaiman and David Freiberg with appearances by Marty Balin and a hidden bonus track with Grace Slick make this CD a top pick of the year. This is the first CD that I've heard in a very long time in which the music is sung with such conviction…that heart and soul comes through loud and clear

Track Listing:

1. Wasn't That A Time
   
2. Follow The Drinking Gourd
   
3. Santy Anno
   
4. Cowboy On The Run
   
5. I Ain't Marching Anymore
   
6. Chimes Of Freedom
   
7. Genesis Hall
   
8. Kisses Sweeter Than Wine
   
9. Royal Canal
   
10. Risin' Of The Moon
    
11. Frenario
    
12. In A Crisis
    
13. Maybe For You
    
14. Comandante Carlos Fonseca
    
15. Pastures Of Plenty
    
16. Imagine Redemption
    
17. On The Threshold Of Fire
    
18. The Quiet Joys Of Brotherhood
    

Life is good as founding member Paul Kantner remains in control of The Jefferson Starship. Long time cohort David Freiberg is still around as is guitarist Mark Aguilar. Cathy Richardson is now the lead female vocalist. She starred in the off Broadway production about Janis Joplin's life. Richardson's voice is powerful and pure but is closer to a Grace Slick sound than Joplin's, which should come as no surprise. Even Marty Balin joins the Starship for a couple of tunes.

Jefferson's Tree Of Liberty finds the Starship traveling in a new and unique musical direction. Succinctly put, this is a folk album. Songs such as "Pastures Of Plenty" by Woody Guthrie, "Chimes Of Freedom" by Bob Dylan, and "I Ain't Marching Anymore" by Phil Ochs are all presented in classic vocal form. Kantner and The Jefferson Starship can't quite escape their rock 'n' roll roots as the instrumental background veers from the classic folk formula. Think the Weavers in rock mode.

The first track sets the tone for most of the album. The old Weavers tune, "Wasn't That A Time," features the voices of Kantner, Freiberg, and Richardson. Richardson provides a wonderful balance on most of the harmonies contained on the album. This old historical folk song is enhanced by the violin of San Francisco music scene veteran David LaFlamme.

Jefferson's Tree Of Liberty is a virtual journey through folk history. The traditional "Follow The Drinking Gourd" is a metaphorical song of the underground railroad and features more harmonies by Kantner, Freiberg, and Richardson. The Phil Ochs protest song, "I Ain't Marching Anymore," is just Cathy Richardson's voice accompanied by an acoustic guitar.

It is interesting to hear a female sing this traditional male song. "Chimes Of Freedom" is the first Dylan song that the Jefferson Starship or The Jefferson Airplane ever recorded. "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine" is the Weavers poignant love song. "Royal Canal" is the old Ian & Tyson tune about prison. Kantner strips the song to its basics and duets with Diana Mangano. "Come with the dust and gone with the wind' is a line from Woody Guthrie's "Pastures Of Plenty" which is presented in a version loyal to the original.

There are some other pleasant surprises contained on Jefferson's Tree Of Liberty. David Freiberg shines on the old Dino Valenti/Quicksilver song, "Cowboy On The Run." This gentle song of protest is resurrected with a modern sound. It's nice to have Marty Balin back. He brings his clear voice to the pure pop song, "Maybe For You." Richard Farina wrote "The Quiet Joys Of Brotherhood" shortly before his death. Here Darby Gould sings the song a capella.

Jefferson's Tree Of Liberty is not only an excellent album, it was also unexpected. Maybe that is the best part of Paul Kantner and The Jefferson Starship's latest release. The twists and the turns take the listener on a wonderful journey through a history of American folk music. It is a journey well worth taking.