Good and True, from Mary Beth Orr’s album The Singing Horn, is a luminous blend of folk tradition, classical refinement, and heartfelt storytelling. Inspired by the birthing song of the Dagara Tribe as described by Sobonfu Somé, the piece feels both deeply rooted and ethereal; an intimate celebration of life, connection, and identity.
The artist’s voice carries a warmth and clarity that instantly draws you in, weaving tender melodic lines that feel timeless. Her French horn, rich and resonant, becomes more than accompaniment, acting as a second voice conversing with her singing in phrases that seem to breathe and sigh. On the other hand, Greg Scheer’s guitar and bass provide a gentle, grounding pulse, giving the track a quiet strength beneath its graceful surface.
The arrangement is unhurried, allowing each note and word to linger. There’s an almost ceremonial quality to it, as if the music itself is a blessing—an affirmation of what it means to be good and true in the face of life’s complexities. The song sits perfectly within The Singing Horn, an album that bridges the worlds of folk and classical, raw emotion and refined artistry. The song is more than a beautiful performance; it is a reminder of music’s power to honor life’s milestones and deepest values. Poised yet profoundly human, it leaves the listener not just moved, but uplifted.
