Thunder in My Arms. Performed by Lissa Schneckenburger. CD. Approx.
38 min. Label: Footprint Records. 2019. Price: CD: $15; DL: $10.
Adult
I am not especially interested in
reviewing music for adults, but I made an exception for this album, as it also
involves children. Lissa Schneckenburger wrote these 10 songs especially for
adoptive and foster parents who care for children with developmental trauma. She
wanted to communicate the emotion of these parents and children through music. Lissa’s
clear, strong vocals are perfect for these pop rock tunes. The instrumental
musicians back her up with professional expertise on guitar, violin, viola,
cello, upright bass, saxophone and unspecified woodwinds, trumpet, trombone,
organ, and drums. “Look Away” exposes the raw emotions of a child who is either
in a foster home or an orphanage. In “On My Own,” a child reminisces about his
original family (but not in a good way). The love of a parent for her adopted
child begins “Since the Day We Met,” and she promises she will always be there.
Although “The 11th Labor of Hercules” is billed as using the Greek
myth as a metaphor, it reminded me of the story of “Tam Lin;” in this case, the
child turns into various vicious beasts, but the mother hangs on to him anyway.
In “I Need Us Together,” it’s unclear whether the parent is keeping the child
calm, or vice versa. The narrator uses various methods to deal with stressful
situations in “Feel Better.” A biological parent mourns for the child she/he
gave up when “They Sent Me a Picture.” A parent promises that “I’ll Stick
Around.” A parent and child alternate their reminiscences, including the
anniversary of the adoption as they “Blow Out the Candles.” Finally, “When My
Baby Cries” describes how the different moods of the baby—crying, smiling,
laughing—affect the parent. Schneckenburger’s music will be of great comfort to
these parents, as well as bring them hope.
Website: https://lissafiddle.bandcamp.com
Website: https://lissafiddle.bandcamp.com
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