on UNDERWOODS♣2017-future purchase Text & music by RL, President Emerita of The Stevenson Society of America; a ballad written in Saranac Lake inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson, completed in Waikiki; RL on vocals, guitar & flute.

This is the ballad-mate for Stevenson's 'Winter's Tale' know as The Master of Ballantrae; RL highlights the plight of the female character; RLS was criticized as not giving his women characters a true voice. This composer believes Alison's predominant silences, and via Stevenson's settings and storyline reveals the author's deep awareness of the truest struggles of women. This piece was conceived of while RL, composer first lived in Saranac Lake.

This piece is a work of art. WIthin this original, classic gift from Hawaii, true to the beloved poet of lyrical verse, Rita Leonard has created a portal of wonder for the spirit of Robert Louis Stevenson.

A pure and elegant sound, a rich voice with a celtic presence, and on this album guitar work with a classic influence. This is the final issue of this cd, few in number, signed copy may be found only in Etsy shop 'Gifts by Ivy' where one may visit to search for it; the link being... https://www.etsy.com/shop/GiftsbyIvy?ref=listing-shop2-all-items-count#items

This piece reveals the voice of the artist, Rita Leonard, who has lived in the islands for years and found a mysterious bond with Robert Louis Stevenson who had lived in Hawaii in 1889. This work an original classic and one cannot help but be moved by the dedication to RLS alone. The composer believes and has been open to the influence of the master of lyrical verse upon her work.

Leonard studied at New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA; was ordained Rabbi in 1997; Yiddish was her first language, as dear to her as was Lallan Scots to RLS. Leonard is the second Rabbi to serve on the Board of the Stevenson Society of America, the first was Rabbi Stephen Wise when the SSA was conceived.

The classic poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson, master of lyrical verse set to music by Rita Leonard.

Composer felt the presence of RLS, she wandering as he had; this is a story unto itself. This work evolved over decades of receiving; it all began when reading to her little boy the ‘Verses’ the tunes were born.The music, it has been noted, is true to the Stevensonian essence; each song charming, inspiration knowing not the boundries of time. Poems included on album are written within cd with more historical information presented.

RLeonard is a formally trained musician who has been recording over the years to bring comfort and healing to the core of the soul through sound. As well she is a teacher, rabbi and extraordinarily successful home-school parent.

The music considered by many a perfect match with the poetry classic and heartwarming.

To learn more you are invited to visit www.hawaiirabbi.com where you will find information about Robert Louis Stevenson, the master of lyrical verse, artist, step-parent and guardian spirit of childhood.