Kevin Henry's musical retelling of J.R.R. Tolkien's -The Hobbit, though first written in the early-'90's, did not find its way to disc for nearly eight years. The finished recording, Bilbo's Great Adventure is a collection of 24 songs clocking in at just over an hour, with a handful of recurring musical themes that contain subtleties that not only make each reprise distinctive, but welcome. Lyrically, Henry does an excellent job of relating Tolkien's story without merely borrowing the author's own words (quotation marks are used in the lyric sheet on the rare occasion when he uses lines taken directly from the text). His language is both terse and evocative, and weaves effortlessly into the folk/country melodies, though always in service of the story. And while the story is what's important here, these aren't just dry, folkie ramblings. Henry incorporates catchy choruses and phrases, as well as tasteful shadings, textures and instrumental hooks to augment his own vocal and deceptively simple acoustic guitar. Touches of dobro, mandolin and lyrical Stratocaster bends, lend a traditional folk and country feel to the primarily acoustic arrangements, while elsewhere, modal acoustic guitar lines, various early percussion instruments and flute bring out a haunting, ancient tone. Though Bilbo's Great Adventure is best when digested in one sitting, individually many of the songs also work as little vignettes capable of standing on their own, which makes the album more than just an hour-long story that grows tiresome after the first couple of listens. Tolkien fans should be pleased with Henry's respectful take on The Hobbit, while those unfamiliar with the book will hear some fine songcraft and performances, as well as the telling of a classic story that does justice to the original.

All Music Guide, 2001