Boston Ravine

Little Moses (Traditional)

Arranged by Boston Ravine

Karl Chelette – Acoustic Bass

Robert Heirendt – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar

Mei Lin Heirendt – Vocals, Fiddle, Mandolin

Little Moses is a traditional song which was recorded by The Carter Family in 1929. It was later recorded by Joan Baez on her debut album in 1960. Although Dylan recorded a version of this song during the Self Portrait sessions, that recording has never been officially released. Bob later included a solo acoustic version of the song in his live sets during the late 90s. This song is a part of the larger arc of Biblical themes which have been an aspect of Dylan’s work throughout his entire career.

“I really love the Carter family so I was intrigued when I saw on the session list that Bob Dylan recorded a version of Little Moses during the Self Portrait sessions. This version has never been released, but I found some live versions of him singing Little Moses solo during concerts in the in the early 90’s, around the time that he recorded his covers albums “As Good As I’ve Been To You” and “World Gone Wrong”. As soon as I felt the inspiration to connect the album to the issue of unaccompanied immigrant children in the US, this song literally “jumped out” at me! Unlike other gospel tunes that tell the Biblical story of Moses, Little Moses focuses almost entirely on his life as a baby, telling the story of an immigrant child being well cared for.” – Robert Heirendt

Boston Ravine was formed in 2018 in Grass Valley, CA. The town, founded during the Gold Rush, was once known as Boston Ravine. The group includes Robert Heirendt (guitar, vocals), Mei Lin Heirendt (fiddle, mandolin, vocals), and Karl Chelette (bass). Mei Lin, now 14, has grown up attending the California Bluegrass Association’s Father’s Day Festival, participating in the Kids on Bluegrass Program and enjoying all-night jams at bluegrass campouts. Steeped in traditional bluegrass, the band also brings their own interpretations of contemporary bluegrass, country, and gospel into their mix.

Website: http://bostonrvine.com