Album Notes

"Keys to the Kingdom" - With her son Sam Amidon as producer and 11 great back up musicians, Mary Alice Amidon, renowned Vermont folksinger and multi-instrumentalist (here heard on banjo, accordion, and piano as well as vocals), has stepped out on her own to make an album of songs old and new with many original compositions to add to the mix. Quite a bit of variety here, ranging from the up tempo old time feel with back up band, some wtih a bluesy jazz feel and some very tender, beautiful songs. "I have been privileged to enjoy a life of performing and teaching children and adults, both with my husband Peter and my sons, Sam and Stefan now in their mid twenties. Since they were 4 and 7 years old we have sung and played music as a family, so it is with a delight that they are all playing on this album. I'm also excited to include here some very recently composed songs and tunes, on a creative roll in my midlife, so enjoy! This album represents a variety of music in my life, from gospel to old time, from my own original songs and tunes to traditional American and African American songs. I've enjoyed the opportunity to present this collection of songs as solo project for adults, stepping out a bit on my own."