Comments for Ralston Bowles, Words: A Wisconsin Songwriter Collection

In a nutshell: Strangely and fortunately enough, this singer-songwriter compilation from the land of cheeseheads features Grand Rapids' own Ralston Bowles, who not only croons the hauntingly catchy "Paper Moon" but also contributes another of his songs, "Fragile," sung by established folk fave Peter Mulvey. Bowles, who indeed has performed in Wisconsin, explains his appearance on the album this way: "My son married a girl from Wisconsin and I do remember going to Wisconsin as a child." So there. Whose stocking to stuff: Anybody who owns a guitar and wishes they were Bob Dylan, or even Mulvey or Bowles. My two cents: Even if you hate the Packers, this is a very eclectic sampler of singer-songwriter gems and an appetizer to whet one's whistle for a full bowl of Bowles. The CD's available by visiting www.kennfox.com/recordings.htm, or by e-mailing foxmusic@execpc.com or foxmusic@gdinet.com.