Description

In New England is an album by the American singer and songwriter Bob Stromberg, self-released on Stream Mountain in 1980. The album was recorded on 4-track between February 9th and 22nd 1980 in Little Studio at Stream Mountain in Southwick, Massachusetts; with Bob Stromberg producing for Stream Mountain Music. All songs written by Bob Stromberg except “The Iowa Interstate Tatooed Toad Tune” co-written with Larry Swan and “Melody” co-written with Dennis Moon.

Featuring Bob Stromberg on lead and backup vocals, guitar, piano, and melodica, George Johnson on guitar, and Fred Malouf on bass and guitar.

Bob’s song-writing continues to mature with this heart-warming collection of songs that often mirrors the sophisticated style of Mark Heard. Mostly an out-doorsy acoustic presence supplemented here and there with electric leads – one of those homey sitting-by-the-fireplace-with-a-cup-of-coffee records, with subject matter that includes cottage life («Hembygden»), becoming a parent («Baby Mine»), love («It’s Just You, Dear»), dancing («High Steppin»), childhood memories («Frozen Light») and the self-explanatory «I’d Love To Live In New England». Spiritual themes are covered in «Was It I» (a song about Peter, Paul and the author) and «Child In A Mother’s Arms» (inspired by Psalm 131 and the Sermon on the Mount). On a more humorous note would be «The Iowa Interstate Tattooed Toad Tune», Bob plays a number of different guitars, plus melodica and on one occasion musical saw, while two others supply additional guitar work. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “I’d Love To Live In New England”
A2. “Hembygden”
A3. “Baby Mine”
A4. “Melody”
A5. “High Steppin'”
A6. “Was It I”

Side Two
B1. “It’s Just You, Dear”
B2. “What Do You Say?”
B3. “Child In A Mother’s Arms”
B4. “The Iowa Interstate Tatooed Toad Tune”
B5. “Frozen Light”
B6. “Rivers of Life”