Rumor Mill

When composer J. Ralph set out to compile this soundtrack for a film dealing with global attitudes toward autism, he enlisted prominent artists to sing his songs. By the time he was done, Ralph had assembled a cast that y included Norah Jones, Ben Harper, Bob Weir, Devendra Banhart, Stephen Stills, Vashti Bunyan, Carly Simon, Ben Taylor, Judy Collins and several others. It’s a soft, introspective collection, nearly whispery in its delicate approach at times. Bonnie Bramlett – usually heard belting out the blues – barely raises her voice on the acoustic “Breakers & the Wind.” Martin Carthy – the renowned British singer and guitarist – limits his accompaniment to unobtrusive strums as he projects the words of “Fighters & Factitioners.” It goes without saying that it’s all quite moving.