- Acoustic Bass – Billy Peterson (tracks: A2, A3, A4, B1, B3)
- Arranged By – Billy Peterson (tracks: B2, B3), Larry Long (tracks: A3), Michael Johnson (5) (tracks: B2, B3)
- Artwork [Front] – Angelique Merasty
- Beanpod – Steve Faison (tracks: B3)
- Bells – Steve Faison (tracks: A3)
- Body Percussion [Heartbeat] – Steve Faison (tracks: B1)
- Congas – Steve Faison (tracks: A2, B3)
- Design – Joe Niznik
- Drum, Vocals [Indian Vocals] – Mitch Walking Elk (tracks: B3)
- Engineer, Mixed By – Chopper Black
- Flute – Larry Long (tracks: B1)
- Flute [With Wooden Mouthpiece] – Dave Karr (tracks: A1)
- Guitar – Michael Johnson (5) (tracks: A1, A3, A4, B2)
- Guitar, Vocals – Larry Long (tracks: A1, A2, A4)
- Harmonica – Bruce Kurnow (tracks: A4)
- Harmony Vocals – Claudia Schmidt (tracks: B3)
- Harp [Classical] – Bruce Kurnow (tracks: B4)
- Mastered By [Metal Work] – RS*
- Mixed By – Lynn F. Peterson*
- Music Consultant – Marian Moore (2), Rick McArthur
- Percussion – Steve Faison (tracks: A4)
- Photography By [Back] – Jacqueline Long
- Photography By [Front] – Ron Miles (4)
- Production Manager – Rick McArthur (tracks: B4)
- Production Manager, Producer – Billy Peterson (tracks: B4)
- Rainstick – Ron Miles (4) (tracks: B3)
- Slide Guitar [10 String] – Leo Kottke (tracks: A2, A4)
- Twelve-String Guitar – Larry Long (tracks: B3)
- Violin – Peter Ostroushko (tracks: A4, b3)
- Vocals – Claudia Schmidt (tracks: A1, A4), Larry Long (tracks: A3, B1, B2, B3), Michael Johnson (5) (tracks: B2)
- Vocals [Dakota Recitation, Prayer], Art Direction – Amos Owen (tracks: B3)
- Vocals [Indian Vocals] – Sherry Blakey Banai* (tracks: B3)
- Words By – Ron Miles (4) (tracks: B2)
- Written-By – Bob Killian (tracks: A3), Larry Long (tracks: A1, A2, A4, B1 to B1 to B4)
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Side A
Love Will Lay Hatred Down 6:26
Mad About The Way Things Are 3:45
Light A Candle 4:20
Talk, Talk, Talk 5:35
Mad About The Way Things Are 3:45
Light A Candle 4:20
Talk, Talk, Talk 5:35
Side B
Your Love 3:03
Grizzly Bear 2:45
Road To Freedom 3:28
Water In The Rain 13:00
Harp Interlude 1:05
NOTES
Michael Johnson appears courtesy of RCA Records
Mitch Walking Elk appears courtesy of Shaiela Records
Leo Kottke appears courtesy of Private music
Peter Ostroushko appears courtesy of Red House RecordsManufactured on cassette and LP
Mitch Walking Elk appears courtesy of Shaiela Records
Leo Kottke appears courtesy of Private music
Peter Ostroushko appears courtesy of Red House RecordsManufactured on cassette and LP
REVIEW
Larry Long’s *Sweet Thunder* is a profound and evocative album that intertwines folk storytelling with historical reflection. Originally released in 1987 and reissued in 2023, this collection showcases Long’s commitment to social justice and cultural preservation.
The album’s centerpiece, “Water in the Rain,” is a 13-minute tribute to the 38 Dakota men executed in Mankato, Minnesota, in 1862. Featuring Dakota poet Amos Owen, the track combines spoken word, traditional instruments, and heartfelt vocals to honor this somber chapter in American history. The St. Paul Pioneer Press praised it as “a project of moving depth and emotion that demands repeated hearing and rapt attention” .
Other standout tracks include “Love Will Lay Hatred Down,” inspired by peace movements, and “Light a Candle,” which emphasizes hope and resilience. The album features contributions from notable musicians like Michael Johnson, Peter Ostroushko, Claudia Schmidt, Leo Kottke, Billy Peterson, and Bruce Kurnow, enriching its musical tapestry.
*Sweet Thunder* is more than an album; it’s a heartfelt journey through history, culture, and the enduring power of music to inspire change.
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