The first CD from the eclectic duo that describes their music as "Celtic to Cowboy". Includes "Big Ol' Prairie Moon", "I Will Pass This Way Again", Michael Smith's "I Brought My Father With Me" and more.

13 MP3 Songs in this album (49:46) !
Related styles: FOLK: Modern Folk, FOLK: Traditional Folk



Details:
In their acknowledgements on the liner notes, the two admit that they've been working on "Time Flies" for more than a year, and thank the musicians and writers, volunteers and fans that were involved. "If it weren't for you, we'd probably be selling shoes somewhere, and we'd probably be late for work right now." Legendary Chicago folkie Michael Smith belies the self-deprecation of these musician's musicians in his own liner comments, painting a future where he says "I knew them when." Don't believe the aw-shucks attitude of this pair, or you'll miss a wonderful album.

The title cut is an apt picture of the slightly-baffled acceptance with which Prezioso seems to greet the world. "I'm running around with a hammer and a patch-kit wondering where to start." Hot on its heels is Manning's droll rendition of "Talk a Little Texan to Me Darling," complete with John Rice's deft fiddle, Prezioso's campy impression of cowboy flirtation, and even some well-placed yodeling. "Boy Around the Corner" showcases the pair's voices in a playful acapella number borrowed from the Bobs.

"Quartzite" is a sweet ballad reminiscent of Robert Fulghum's "geek dancing": the older couple content with themselves and their well-practiced pleasures. They show equal craft in the Celtic flavored piece "The Terror Time," and golden oldie "The Best Things in Life are Free." All are good examples of the songwriting that inspires Small Potatoes: sometimes obscure, sometimes not, but all presented in a way to makes the songs their own.

"Avocado" shows Jacquie's sultry range to great advantage, in a sexy paeon to the delights of this trendy fruit. But just as you might be tempted to dismiss Rich as the mild mannered backdrop for his partner's talents, he comes to the fore again with the lilting original "My Last Goodnight." Both are secure enough to step back and let the other shine, or to pool their talents exuberantly. "The Little That I Know" and "Woodcutter's Song" exemplify the playfulness that mark every Small Potatoes performance. It's easy not to notice just how much skill and talent goes into these engaging songs.

Prezioso and Manning have already found appreciation among other musicians, opening for such notables as Cheryl Wheeler. If you're fortunate enough to see them live, you won't regret it. Whether you've savored a Small Potatoes show or are anticipating your first, "Time Flies" is a great way to remember the experience. This album will be a favorite for fans of all stripes: bluegrass, ballads, country, or Celtic. (If nothing else, it caters to that "niche market" where wonderful music is valued!) With Prezioso's traditional-flavored "I Will Pass This Way Again," you'll find yourself looking forward to their return, over and over again.

Cindi Morgan


"These folks are wonderful; fun, energetic, and great musicians. They're two of my favorite performers."
Bill Staines, Singer/songwriter

"100 of your recommended daily allowance of infectious musicality and non-stop energy. I love the Smalls."
Susan Werner, Singer/songwriter


Small Potatoes is Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso. This Chicago-based duo has been touring on the folk circuit since 1993 and in that time they've become sought-after regulars at many clubs, coffeehouses across the U.S. They have made repeat appearances at major folk festivals, including the Kerrville Folk Festival, the Walnut Valley Folk Festival, and Philadelphia Folk Festival. They were one of the "most requested" acts at the 1999 Falcon Ridge New Artist Showcase. Jacquie is also a winner of the 1998 Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Contest.

They call themselves eclecto-maniacs. They describe their music as "Celtic to Cowboy" and say it has taken them "years of careful indecision" to come up with a mix of music that ranges from country, blues, and swing to Irish, with songwriting that touches on all of those styles and more. Their two recordings, "Waltz of the Wallflowers" and "Time Flies" , on Wind River Records, cover all these styles. They both sing, they both play guitars and an array of other instruments. They even yodel. Dirty Linen Magazine called them "one of the most polished, inventive, and entertaining shows on the circuit." Sing Out Magazine called "Time Flies" a "wonderful, wonderfully eclectic" album and said "Small Potatoes might well be leading mainstays on the folk scene for years to come." Their new album, "Waltz of the Wallflowers" appeared on several "Best of 2000" radio playlists, including WFMT's syndicated "Midnight Special".

When you see Small Potatoes perform, you hear two great voices, some fine guitar playing, and a touch of tin whistle, flute, mandolin, bodhran, and other percussion toys. Together they present a truly rare blend of vocal and instrumental abilities, award-winning songwriting, and arranging talents. They have the unique ability to adapt to the style of music they happen to be playing. They seem comfortably at home whether playing an upbeat cowboy swing tune or a tender, traditional ballad--though there are no rules here either, sometimes the traditional sounds contemporary, sometimes the contemporary sounds traditional. And they also pay attention to the little things, the warmth, the humor and a rapport with the audience that makes for a memorable performance.

"[Waltz of the Wallflowers] is smart, funny, wistful, hip -- crosses many msical boundaries (traditional, Celtic, jazz, even American theater) --is beautifully and simply produced. The first song on this album is so amazing...you won't find anything better than this -- it's up there with the best Rodgers & Hammerstein songs you've ever heard."
Christine Lavin
Singer/Songwriter


"They'll never open for me again!"
Cliff Eberhardt
Singer/Songwriter