Norman Foote is a Robin Williams for the world of music, a man who can't help relating to young ones, presumably because he never stopped feeling like one himself. The songs on Step To It are witty and humorous, as well as fine examples of life's valuable lessons, which is nothing new from Foote. His methodology is to investigate a seemingly miniscule part of life and expand it into a subject worthy of grand commentary. Foote, who uses lush instrumentals as backdrops for his very warm, likable voice, is a blessing to this age of bleak cynicism. There has not been question yet about the quality of his material, so each album's success depends on what topics the particular person relates to. This time around, Foote examines the intricacies of webbed creatures, noting that they have built-in galoshes on the spunky "Wonderful Day for Ducks." He gives his guitar playing credit to the "Little Man in My Guitar" and on "The Cat With the Very Loud Purr" speculates on a little animal whose "strength from within" allows it to take on the biggest of bullies (a pit bull). The best song on Step To It is the inspirational pop title track that nearly beckons for widespread radio play. Luckily, Norman Foote keeps adult sensibilities in mind but remains focused on what matters to him most, the children. Sincerity speaks for itself and maybe that is why a fifth album, Step To It, seemed inevitable from the start.
© Peter Fawthrop /TiVo