Raelene Bruinsma – Dancing Stars & Moonlit Mountains

Raelene Bruinsma’s debut CD dancing stars and moonlit mountains is brimming with joy. Her live shows shimmer with her love of song-writing, singing and performing. The CD stays close to the spirit of her live performances with both warmth and spirit. That is not to say that all the songs are lyrically upbeat. There is a great variety of music here lyrically and melodically. Themes traverse the political as well as the personal and the songs are mainly originals with a couple of covers included. Annie Ross’s Twisted is obviously close to this singer’s heart! As well providing most of the songs, vocals, guitar and flute, other skilled musicians are sprinkled throughout the recording. The most well-known of these is Mal Webb who contributes some mean trumpet licks. Congratulations Raelene, and many encores!

Review by Christina Mimmocchi

Recently I had the delight to listen to the new CD release by Raelene Bruinsma. “Dancing Stars and Moonlit Mountains” is a fine uncluttered acoustic album with lots of soul. From the opening bars of the upbeat blues number “Climb the Mountain” with its raw energy to the mellow “Summermoonlight” and “Dancing
with the Stars” Raelene’s smooth and at times soaring vocals draws
the listener into her world. “The Trouble With Timing” is a clever play on words that most people will relate to. There is a change of pace with the jazz number “Twisted” with Raelene’s voice in full flight and some fine trumpet solos. Raelene has written all but two of the 13 tracks
on the album and has gathered a fine bunch of musicians to bring out their best. Humour, pathos and songs to make you want to dance – it’s all there on Raelene’s new release.

Review by Carmel Charlton, President WA Folk Federation