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Madison Greene was a late addition to the new band stage at Cornerstone 1999, but after they played there was a buzz going around.  The band is now back with their latest CD, which is a much truer representation of their live sound than any of their previous recordings.  …think the dancer's mad could be described as a modern day psalter, featuring beautiful arrangements, a truckload of exotic instruments, and drums, drums, drums.

The music on this CD doesn't fit neatly into any box.  It is a folk-based sound loaded with tribal, world-music rhythms and Celtic undertones.  There are times when Burlap to Cashmere comes to mind, but that is not a fair comparison.  At the heart of their sound are the drums and percussion of Jason Beck, who collects these instruments from around the world.  Vocals are shared by the brother/sister team of Michael and Lissa May Blair, both of whom have strong voices that compliment the band's sound.  Michael's voice has a rich Celtic flavor, while Lissa's exhibits a beautifully lilting charm.  Rounding out the band is the third Blair sibling, Bone, who hangs out primarily on bass, while Beck's wife, Erin, on violin and other string instruments.  Just to give you an idea of what you are in for, a list of other instruments on the disc includes mandolin, Appalachian dulcimer, didgeridoo, bullroarer, and host of others I can't even begin to pronounce or even describe.

Like the book of Psalms, Madison Greene moves from songs of praise to cries for mercy and then again to fits of shaking their fists in the air.  One of the more moving songs is "Understatement" with its very timely indictment of America for its capitulation to abortion and immorality.  But the world and our society are not the only targets of the writer's wrath.  The church itself gets its comeuppance in "Collide" with the microscope turned on our own hypocrisy and Pharisaical legalism which reveals itself in our ingrown Christian subculture.

 "Sisters Keeper" looks at those lost on our streets, as the singer deals with his own apathy, singing, "I am not my sister's keeper and I refuse to grant her comfort" and then later, " I know that Jesus wept for her and I should show her how.  If I am not my sister's keeper, who am I, and how?"

"God and the Beast" echoes the prophecies of Revelation, while "Apology" is a down-on-my-knees, sackcloth and ashes psalm of repentance and forgiveness.  Other standouts include "Departure" and "The Eastern," which ends the album as a creed of affirmation in a Triune God.  One other song bears mention, as "Tribal Call" gives the full-on treatment to the church standard, "How Great Thou Art."  (Forgive me, but it reminded me, in a good way, of that big Ewok celebration party at the end of one of the Star Wars films)  Too often the musicians of today look with scorn on the traditions of the faith, but in this case they breathe new life into a great song, making it relevant for yet another generation of listeners.

The title of the CD is the second half of a quote from an anonymous source: "For those who hear not the music think the dancer's mad."  A sentiment which accurately reflects the way the world views Christians and Christianity.

While many indie bands are toiling in hopes of that "big break" and a major label record deal, Madison Greene is a band that is best suited as an indie project.  Their sound is fresh and original and would only be smothered if a label got a hold of them.  But having said that, they deserve a good long listen and a wider audience.  Based in Michigan they tour mostly in the Midwest, but make it to the East Coast from time to time and hopefully will begin to branch out more.

Ken Mueller 12/5/00