FolkWorld #53 03/2014

CD & DVD Reviews

Scott Cook "One More Time Around"
Groove Revival; 2013

www.scottcook.net

This is nice, really and truly nice. And I wish I could like it, but it occupies an overly comfortable place for me and does not often rise above the uninteresting directions. The playing is nice, the voice is warm and there is some accompanying playing. He has included a booklet discussing the guitar chords along with the lyrics, which may be helpful to players, although I might recommend skipping the opening ten-page essay. I certainly would not walk out on this guy in a coffee shop, but as for this record, I have many more I want listen to more on my listening pile. As for you, well try his web page where you can dozens of favorable reviews and see if this is something you would like.
© David Hintz


New Country Rehab "Ghost of Your Charms"
Kelp Records; 2013

Artist Video

www.newcountryrehab.com

Country (music) has long been in need of rehab in my opinion, although there has been no shortage of alt country and Americana acts over the last 20 years that have remedied the situation fairly well. This Canadian quartet is a fine edition to this rehabilitated music. They have only a guitar and a fiddle on top of the drums and stand-up bass, but with brisk and thoughtful playing (and certainly some overdubs), they create a nice thick sound that leaves plenty of room for their fine vocal work. The songs are on the money and get you moving and toe tapping pretty much right from the start without pause. Whether it is rootsy folk rock or a bluesy honktonk cocktail that will rock your socks off, these songs should grab you and take firm hold. Yet, there is a pleasant calm underlying the rocking passages, dues to the sincere vocal work most likely. This is an excellent record that a lot of indie rock fans will enjoy.
© David Hintz


Chauncey Bowers "Rumors of Reason"
Black 9 Records; 2013

www.straytrombone.com

This is acoustic guitar lead, mostly full band folk rock music for the most part, that is part grizzled and hearty enough to stay folk and not drift into bluesier territory. A few songs get there in a bar-room rock house band sort of way. They lyrics draw attention in a story telling sort of manner. “Something to Cry About” had me moving away from distraction and focusing deeply on their content (I wish this was routine, but it just does not always happen despite best intent). He kept me into his music the whole way through, and I imagine he can hold an audience in hand from the stage as well.
© David Hintz


Labus "Deceptive Cure"
Own label; 2013

www.labus-music.de

If you like positive laid-back music, Labus may be worth a listen. The opener “Come on Soul” has some nice complexities with strings and guitar and percussion while still maintaining a breezy nearly island-folk style. There are some quieter piano and voice moments as well as fuller light rock that retains that breezy style that feels like lounge jazz but plays it fairly straight. Well, there is some saxophone on top of the piano in one song that is pure lounge, although the vocals are lighter folk singer songwriter style. There are days when I would scratch my head over an album as lightly eclectic as this. But this is a day that I happily absorb the unique style of Labus. He may lightly polarize opinions, but I think more people will be intrigued and happy with this music.
© David Hintz


Enter the Haggis "The Modest Revolution"
Own label; 2013

www.enterthehaggis.com

This venerable Canadian band has hit album number ten with this fine release and they are still going strong. They have achieved great success by doing things the new old-fashioned way with a DIY approach that keeps them close to a strong and sincere fan base. And then there’s the music. They write warm approachable hearty singer songwriter rock songs with roots everywhere in the vicinity. The playing is silky with violins and horns weaving around the more familiar rock sounds. It is much smoother and easier to envision than haggis itself (which I have eaten in Scotland and actually it was ok). The twelve songs flow by with energy and conviction, as expected. I was not expecting too many surprises and that is just fine, when you can hook people in with the approach they all know and love. Ten albums strong and I would not be surprised to see another ten to come.
© David Hintz


David Serby & the Latest Scam "David Serby & the Latest Scam"
Own label; 2014

www.davidserby.com

David Serby has twenty original songs he wants you to hear and has released them on this two-CD set. It is a lot of music, but it never gets boring as the Americana rock mixed with honky-tonk beats and spirit will keep toes your tapping and your head bobbing. There is some fine songwriting in here as well with interesting lyrics delivered with passionate clarity. This is from California and there is some of that trademark jangle in here and plenty of power-pop moves as well as it balances genres nicely. It is an awful lot of music--two sets worth, but the band is crisp and subtly innovative to keep it flowing. If you are a fan of the Long Ryders and many of the other alt-post punk Americana bands of LA, give these discs a spin.
© David Hintz


Raina Rose "Caldera"
Own label; 2013

German CD Review

www.rainarose.com

This fan funded record shows that a lot of people were smart to invest in Raina Rose as she delivered a record that they can all enjoy. These ten songs have a strength of character as they shift from country-esque folk to pop-rock to lounge torch singer original material. Well, not terribly torchy, as Raina Rose mostly shows a controlled touch in her vocal work and enhances the drama of her songs. She will no doubt continue to increase her fan base as she tours this material and gets the record in the hands of more thoughtful listeners.
© David Hintz


Butchers Blind "Destination Blues"
Paradiddle, 2013

www.butchersblind.com

If Blues is the destination, then Butchers Blind never quite gets there. But it does not take too many songs into this CD to see that their true destination in is a broader American roots based rock music. When it works, they evoke some nice pop rock hooks ala latter day Husker Du or the Replacements. When it works less for me, it is lighter fare, which could appeal to a lot of people as they still do it well. “Drowned” is a more folk based cut that has a lovely guitar and mandolin sound with effective vocal work. This is quality music that allows you enough variety in the songcraft that you should easily find something to enjoy. No doubt, the full live show would be every bit as strong.
© David Hintz


Susan Cattaneo "Haunted Heart"
Own label; 2013

www.susancattaneo.com

This is a well-named album, as not only is the heart haunted, but the music effectively creates a haunting feeling throughout, either overtly in the prelude or subtly in the smooth arrangements. The songs melt right into you and the top-notch band blends perfectly. There is even some haunting carnival music in the title track that is reminiscent of the movie soundtrack “Carnival of Souls”. This is balanced between several genres and does not classify easily. While that does not work every place, this time it does. So for universal pleasure you may want to try to tackle this. Although it may not all be pleasure, it will be a fascinating thoughtful and introspective journey.
© David Hintz


The Harmed Brothers "Better Days"
Fluff & Gravy; 2013

German CD Review

www.theharmedbrothers.com

If you like the Felice Brothers and other full bands who play a contemporary thoughtful brand of Americana, then the Harmed Brothers will fit snugly into your world. They have a breezy style, but there are thoughtful lyrics and hearty melodies to pull you in. And even though the overall songs have a smooth flowing style, there are guitars and banjos jutting out of the mix as well as some fine piano punctuation that gives a counter rhythm to some of the songs. This is one solid album from a band that knows the genre and has something to offer that is skilled enough to stand out from a crowded field.
© David Hintz


Kevin O’Donnell "Deep is the Well"
Ceolwind; 2013

www.deepisthewell.com

The song cycle album is a concept that has caught on well, offering many fine albums since the days where the ‘rock opera’ helped burgeon in full album concepts. Kevin O’Donnell has done this style proud with a lovely Irish folk affair documenting multiple generations of Irish immigrants in Illinois. This is all historical fiction, but through both his music and storytelling, you may have the feeling that you have heard some of these songs before. You get a full Irish feeling throughout although it does have an even stronger Irish-American hybrid sound. I would say the music leans more Irish mostly, but the vocals have the rich timbre of a classic country and western crooner. The CD release also contains keys for multimedia files at the album’s website which fleshes out the songs further. It is nice to see so much thought and effort being put into a release and thankfully the music holds up to the storytelling. There is a fine team assembled to create this music and it is nice to see the name Finbar Furey among the players.
© David Hintz


Lou Dominguez "We the People"
Own label; 2013

www.loudominguez.com

Bob Dylan once kicked Phil Ochs out of his limousine and told him off by saying ‘he was not a folksinger, he was a journalist!’ I don’t see a whole lot wrong with that any more than I do with folksingers in limousines, but I am drawn to that statement when I hear the topical songs such as on this record. A few of them have decent enough poetry although a couple of them sound like a soapbox speech with guitar. There are some personal songs from the heart, which offer some welcome balance. This is good old-fashioned folk music clearly set in 2013.
© David Hintz


Suzie Brown "Almost There"
Own label; 2013

www.suziebrownsongs.com

If all cardiologists understood the human heart as well as Suzie Brown does in her music, we could save a lot more lives. OK, that line is rather obvious in this extremely rare situation that we have here: a cardiologist (Harvard grad no less) releasing an album of her original music. I guess the other cliché that comes up is that she should stick to her day job, but based on this evidence, she should continue doing both. She has a light country approach with a nod toward pop music. I like the folkier moves in “28 Days”, which moves in mysterious ways along a lovely acoustic guitar melody. The songs are all catchy and lyrically decent enough, although I’m not sure about the advice to ‘not throw away my receipt for love’. Eleven songs later, you should leave this album with a good feeling as the mood and music should put a smile on your face and leave you ready to face your day or evening.
© David Hintz


Chris Eckman "Harney County"
Glitterhouse, 2013

www.chriseckman.net

This is a rather classy folk album here. Chris Eckman has a band assembled that offers subtle support for his songs where he plays acoustic guitar, keyboards, and leads the vocals. There is an intriguing rock current running through a few songs in the manner of Michael Gira’s folk arrangements. They seem to share a dark sense of mystery in their songs, although Eckman’s are a little more out front, even as they retain the depths of strong poetic vision. Check out “Requeim for the Old Skool Heavy” and examine all the fascinating shifts in the song, as well as the fascinating arrangement. Although leaning toward deep introspective moments, he lightens the mood at times to lend even more depth to the album. First rate job, this, and one to give careful listen to many times over.
© David Hintz


Che Sudaka "1111 Lives"
Cavernicola Records; 2013

www.chesudaka.com

From what I can tell, this is an Argentinian ska/roots band playing on Ship A38 in Budapest, Hungary. I was not sure if this is a ship on the beautiful blue Danube, but it turns out that it is a nightclub. Suffice it to say this is a live and very lively recording. The recording is good and the band and crowd are clearly in sync to having the most festive of nights out. The band rocks quite hard at times with some nice scorching guitar, without lapsing into the clichéd punk/ska hybrid. This is hard not to enjoy at least for a listen or two at the right time.
© David Hintz


La Zikabilo "Todos a la Mesa"
Actimusic; 2013

www.lazikabilo.com

Gypsy music without the punk is the quickest way to describe this. So much is made of revved up gyspy rock or punk music that it is easy to forget about the purer forms. There is still plenty of energy here, but it is more in the brass and percussion. The guitar solos that work best are the acoustic variety with that Spanish flavor that works so well. This is world music that comes from south of someone’s border and although the style is what we have heard long before, these sounds easily flow to any region that will have them.
© David Hintz


Harpeth Rising "Tales from Jackson Bridge"
Own label; 2013

www.harpethrising.com

This fascinating Americana album from the heartlands of Indiana has some surprising twists and turns. Sure, there is the mix of contemplative folk stories with rustic banjo picking with the interesting addition of violin and cello. But there are some Celtic instrumentals, jazzy moves and humor to liven things up. The playing is top notch and the female vocals and harmonies can carry you away. I swear there is one jazzy number that almost sounds like the Andrews’ Sisters (a line I never thought I would write in my lifetime). There is also an instrumental version of “House of the Rising Sun” that sounds like Curved Air unplugged. Definitely for the eclectic minded, but far from crazy for the more standard Americana lovers out there. Try out “Four Days More” and if that does not grab you, I am not sure what will.
© David Hintz


Calum Ingram "Making it Possible"
Wooden Hearts Records; 2013

www.calumingram.com

Far from the safe folk confines, comes this classically trained cellist. It is even further from classical music however, as there is a lot or road qualities such as in blues and rock mixed in here, along with a few folk moves. There is an accessibility to this music, even as it gets quite adventurous. That is helped along with good melodies and a mix of interesting male and female vocal parts. This music is quite intriguing and not easily categorized. It is for people who appreciate a balance between creative expression and still enjoy a reasonable level of accessibility. That works for me.
© David Hintz


Dawa "This Should Work"
Las Vegas Records; 2013

Quite simply, this DOES work. In fact, it works extremely well. First off, it is one of the best presented CD packages with a die-cut cover and artistic photo cards within that work in conjunction with the cover. Often I will get suspicious of the musical content from packages this nice, but here the fruit is sweet and nourishing. There is a modern folk current in here, but the songs are quite majestic even when the instrumentation is light. In addition to guitar, there are a lot of strings and harp, so the tones are rich and fulfilling. It is as if Americana music went to the Julliard School of music as there is both roots and technique that don’t often marry as well as this. It is not too much of a challenge to step into Dawa’s world as the music is so inviting, but you will be left with a sense that you have heard something special.
© David Hintz


Jan Seides "Siren Song"
Panda Productions; 2013

www.janseides.com

This is an eclectic collection of original songs by Austin’s Jan Seides. It seems ages ago when Austin had a specific sound. These days, you can hear just about everything in that musical Mecca. And in these 12 songs you get some vaudeville jazz, country, folk-rock, and probably a few other combinations. She is playful yet has a firm grasp on the heart of song which she and her musical aides develop well. Purists may want to look elsewhere, but if you have imagination and a sense of adventure, you will want to check out this album.
© David Hintz


Ian McFeron "Time Will Take You"
Own label; 2013

www.ianmcferon.com

This Seattle songwriter is NOT recording with Jack Endino and has instead headed off to record this album in Nashville, which no doubt rolled out the red carpet for these songs. This is the expected modern Nashville sound, country music infused with occasionally strong rock moves, expert playing, and super slick production. That may appeal to a lot of people more than it appealed to me.
© David Hintz


Loveflowers "Bridge or Barrier"
Mile Music; 2013

www.loveflowers.se

As I listened to this album from a band I had no information on, I kept wondering what was going on. It is actually rather fun trying to geographically place the sounds while trying to figure out the influences. This sounded American, but there is everything from blues to psychedelic rock with lots of twists, turns, and detours in these songs. Well, it turns out this is a Swedish band taking their hack at Americana. With that in mind, this all makes sense as it has roots, but they are viewed through a prism. The most important thing is that this is a pleasant journey with fun songs that are easy to get into with their fascinating arrangements and harmony male/female vocals throughout.
© David Hintz


Pierodread "Real Vibes"
Goodfellas; 2013

www.pierodread.com

This is a sharp reggae record with strong sounds and all of what you would expect. Still, there is something about an Italian singing about Babylon, Jah, and weed in a Jamaican accent that gives me the creeps. If you can get over that, this record will have you up and moving.
© David Hintz


Jan Rørdam "Extraordinary Heart & Soul"
Own label; 2012

www.janrordam.dk

Artist Video

Extra credit for the album title (and song), as it is one that seems simple, but yet has no doubt never been done before. Jan Rordam’s heart and soul is on display in these 12 self-penned singer-songwriter folk based songs. He has a warm and gentle approach reminding me of Al Stewart, Dan Fogelberg, Shawn Phillips, and many more in this field. The songs have distinct feelings, but tie together well as this is a pleasant listen from start to finish. Whether it lasts with you will depend on your preferences, but most people will enjoy it on some level.
© David Hintz


Dana Pomfret "Float"
Own label; 2013

www.danapomfret.com

This is timeless singer songwriter material that although based in folk, has occasional jazz elements that sneak into the mix. It is subtle and Ms. Pomfret’s vocal style enhances it with just a quiver of expression. She reminds me some of Phoebe Snow, although her voice is not as deep and distant here. Instead there is a calm sense of purpose in the poetry and storytelling in these songs. This is a fine effort that should please a wide array of music lovers.
© David Hintz


Valeria Caputo "Migratory Birds"
Vintage Factory Lab; 2012

valcap.wix.com

This immediately strikes you with a classic singer songwriter style where folk is the basis for the song with arrangements that take it into more all purpose music. The strings are rich, the backing vocals atmospheric, and there is thoughtful space maintained in the songs. All the better to focus on acoustic guitar patterns and Ms. Caputo’s classic voice. Italian born, her songs are all in English, yet do not sound confined to any one geography. There is some jazz and ambient moves in here as well and even with these shifts, Caputo holds it all together for a highly satisfying listening experience.
© David Hintz


Garland Jeffreys "Truth Serum"
India; 2013

www.garlandjeffreys.com

From the blues soaked ‘Spoonful’ sound-alike title cut to the rhythmic blues rock numbers, Garland Jeffreys still manages to write infectious songs. Of course, he is able to recruit top-notch players to breathe further life into these songs, with a great sense of rhythmic diversity here. Just as I was sensing a few less than memorable songs here, he explodes complacency in “Collide the Generations” which does all of that with its not so hard 1960s psyche-rock jamming. Quite impressive from a veteran who just hit the age of 70 last July. In addition to the rock, you would never guess that by his vocal qualities, which still possess clarity and energy. This is a fine record with a lot to offer.
© David Hintz


Christian Masser "Cool Water"
Own label; 2013

www.facebook.com

Artist Video

The German Johnny Cash? Perhaps. There is as much of a folk feeling as there is country, of course that can be true of Johnny Cash as well. Basically, the vocals are deep and talked as much as sung. There is a cover of “Help Me Make it Through the Night” along with some other recognizable songs as well. This is nice, not world beating, but it has a certain class and charm to it.
© David Hintz


Shorts "Shorts featuring Zan Zone"
Randomaxe; 2013

www.zanzone.com

This is breezy indie rock with some worldly rhythms and a certain European style to it. I am not sure what style exactly, as this really does not work for me. When they have a lighter worldly rhythmic vibe working it is decent as they can play, otherwise I was anxiously awaiting for the next disc to work its way around on my CD player.
© David Hintz


Hubertus Rösch "Better World"
Own label; 2013

www.hubertusroesch.com

Artist Video

Here’s a classic folk album with many fine ingredients for fans of the varied folk offshoots. The two steadiest sounds are the stinging acoustic guitar chords and the distinct lead vocals. Thereafter, there are electric sounds that work in with some tasty lead guitar that takes things in a psychedelic folk direction. This all invokes the essence of people like Meic Stevens or Trevor McNamara, although Rosch does not have the lyrical touch or profound songwriting abilities of Stevens, especially. Still, this is a great sound that easily pulls me into its world (even as it goes on a little too long here). Give it a listen and see, there still are not enough records like this coming out these days.
© David Hintz


Lloyd Williams "Time"
Broken Silence, 2013

www.lloydwilliams.com

The moment I begin to think of comparing someone to Nick Drake, I get shivers up my spine and try desperately to come up with another comparison. But this time, I will stick to my first impression, even if Lloyd Williams leans a little bit toward the real world, than that of Nick Drake’s nearly impenetrable personal world that he created through his songs and singing. What is especially nice to hear, is that his style comes through consistently even as guitars, banjos, and violins move in and about these melodies. And although this is mostly deep and contemplative, there are some lighter moments such as the playful instrumental “No Silence Left”. This is a fine record that will linger in your memory more than most, even after the first hearing.
© David Hintz



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