Barbara Dace

REVIEW BY: BAY ALLEN

Barbara Dace was the 2024 recipient of the Choen/Grappel Recording Grant through Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering; a grant to support the first CD of an autoharpist for the purpose of supporting, archiving, and spreading the music of the autoharp with a broader listener-base.  

Having heard Barbara’s beautiful songs firsthand on more than one occasion, I am honored to offer this review of her new album.  “36 Strings” is a compelling album, where her autoharp and voice meld together in beautiful synchronicity.  The title track, "36 Strings"…the number of strings on a basic autoharp… causes the listener to quickly realize that an instrument is more than its physical makeup, but should be measured  by what it is capable of in the hands of a true musician.  Barbara is such a musician.  Her lyrics are heartfelt, her melodies catchy, and they invite the listener into her world…a beautiful world!

She moves you with personal stories unfiltered, and offers songs capturing the beauty of her surroundings such as “Santa Monica Pier”, and every line is well written, imaginative, and relatable.  Her intimate playing makes you feel like you are right there next to her.  Dace’s songs have an innocence and venerable spirit to them.  Her voice, with a gorgeous vibrato, is perfectly accompanied by her autoharp.

A standout on the album is perhaps “My Daddy’s Harp”.  It’s a cathartic rollercoaster of song!  “My Daddy’s Harp” tells the life-story of not only an autoharp, but the heirloom of music that is passed on from generation to generation from parent to child. A truly touching song that brings a tear to the eye, and even transcends the music, causing the listener to think of their own parents, and loved ones who have passed on…but can never be forgotten.

This album is a gem of storytelling. And her performance embodies raw emotion coupled with wonderful musicianship. A recommended album for not only those who like autoharp music…but those who long to hear any genre of music with weight and meaning.