"Marveling the While" picks up where "Songbook" leaves off – bringing us further down an aural path of lush production, soulful and sparkly vocals, and featuring guest appearances from Mike Grigoni (Willy Mason, Peter Rowan), Lauryn Shapter, and Chad Hinman (MTW’s producer). With a title inspired by John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, "Marveling the While" explores themes of time and duality, opening with the powerful track, "Love and War", the bitter sweetness of life in "Silver Thread," a tribute to a gypsy mother in "Geraldine," and the spooky, panoramic montage of "Honey Creek." The Starlings raise the bar in this production, reaching a new pinnacle with their use of metaphor, harmonies, and dynamics. They will embark on a 6-month national tour in May, 2008 in support of "MTW."
Released in March 2006, “Songbook” covers a wide terrain of folk and Americana landscapes including the homage paid to elders in the opening track, “Hand to Mouth,” and the wanderer’s story in “Alaskan Fire”. Other stand-outs include the minor-key foot-stompers “Bones to Ashes” and “Rosie,” as well as the elegantly-orchestrated “Sinner’s Glory,” and the old-time sweetness of “Acorn”.