Thunder In My Arms

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 11^th 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