Caroline Keys and Nate Biehl’s Magic Genie was not assembled specifically for this duo-centric volume of Ball of Wax. However, as far as I can tell it may well be true that their only recorded output is songs for various volumes of Ball of Wax (going back to their brilliant interpretation of “John Johanna” for our tribute to Harry Smith‘s Anthology of American Folk Music. I submit Exhibit A. Given their long-running collaboration in various other musical projects over the years, it somewhat boggles my mind that this is possible, that the Magic Genie has only recorded and released five songs over the past dozen years and that this wee endeavor has been the conduit for all of them, but I am deeply humbled at the notion.
All that said, I can see why Caroline and Nate felt they must be part of this celebration of duos, and I am so very glad they penned and recorded the beautiful “Queen of the Forest” for our enjoyment. As always, their voices blend perfectly, enchanting and calming, backed here by a lush, yet upbeat, bed of Farfisa, Bass, Synthesizers, drum machine, and guitars. According to the artists, the tumbling cascade of evocative words are inspired by the elk who hang out around their studio on the edge of the wilderness to “eat our flowers, steal our hummingbird nectar, and sometimes lick our windows.” Sugar and flowers and (salty?) windows are great, but I’m guessing these magnificent creatures are also somewhat enamored of the sounds they hear coming from this strange, unnatural structure. As Caroline and Nate sing, “you know it’s the music.”