Indie Music

Folk Music CD Reviews Artist: John Amen Title: Ridiculous Empire Website: http://www.johnamen.com Style: Folk Rock/Rock/Americana By Staff Writer L. Anne Carrington North Carolina-based painter, poet, songwriter and musician John Amen has crafted Ridiculous Empire, an album that is totally in solid form. There are only ten tracks on the CD, but each is a fine work of art in musical poetry. Ridiculous Empire takes the listener to another level, away from a world that is very much one of sodden violence. Amen's voice is gamely immersed the album's strongest tracks, "Harbingers & Alcohol," "Madagascar," "Song for Moses," and "Northampton Way." Amen is also a master storyteller that explores a variety of moods and situations in each and every part of his work. It is a splendid blend of true Americana and folk rock, each track different from the last one without being overbearing. He enjoys flexibility, and explores what does and doesn't work, and it shows in this latest creation. In addition to the release of the Ridiculous Empire CD, Amen also has two poetry collections to his credit, Christening the Dancer (2003) and More of Me Disappears (2005). John Amen is a versatile artist who brings passion to both poetry and music, and I recommend taking a read and listen to both. Artist: Heath Street Title: Heath Street Website: http://www.heathstreetmusic.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/heathstreetmusic Rating: 7.8 out of 10 By Senior Writer C.W. Ross Although you'll find several other members in Heath Street the main driving force behind the band is singer songwriter Scott Fruhan. His vocals are what drive the story inspired songs found on this self-titled release. Heath Street got its start in 2000 in Cambridge, Massachusetts's coffeehouses and the hallowed halls of Harvard College. The band list several music influences but the one I heard most in their music was James Taylor. As I listened to each of the songs found on this release words like melodic, soothing, and comforting kept popping into my head. Scott's vocals have a soothing tone that evokes a relaxing feeling as you ponder the song's cerebral lyrics. While most of the songs fall into a melodic folksy-pop style the last track, that for some reason isn't listed either on the CD's jacket or CD itself is, "Ain't Gonna Let My Soul Fly," an upbeat chorus filled spiritual. The only complaint I have about this release is besides the last track the rest of the songs have an almost mono-style to them. I would have liked to hear a little more variety in the songs. Besides that the release is well done and offers up a lot of subject matter to ponder over as you listen to it. Artist: John Oszajca Title: Elephant Graveyard Website: http://www.johnoszajca.com MySpace: http://myspace.com/johnoszajca Style: Folk/Blues/Rock/Alt. Country Label: Dreamy Draw Music Rating: 9 out of 10 By Senior Writer C.W. Ross When John first contacted me about his music I hadn't heard of him before but after reading his press material I started thinking that maybe I was the only person who hadn't. John's music has received rave reviews from major publications like Entertainment Weekly, People, and The Los Angeles Times. Sir Elton John also mentioned him in an interview Sir Elton said, "There are a couple of albums I've been playing. One is by John Oszajca... it's a cross between T-Rex and Beck, and it's good music to listen to." John has also performed with artist like, Jewel, Brian Setzer, Eve 6, and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones to name a few. John wrote all of the songs found on Elephant Graveyard. He also handled- vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, percussion, and drums duties. He's joined on the album by Dave Darling - electric and acoustic guitar, bass, drums, percussion, keyboards, programming, and back up vocals, Ted Andreadis - piano, accordion and harmonium and Graham Hitchcock - stand up bass. Needless to say after reading all of the accolades about him I was anticipating finding some really good music on John Oszajca's latest (his 3rd album overall) release Elephant Graveyard. I wasn't disappointed John blends many different styles to fill the songs found on this release. You'll find touches of rock, folk, alt. country, blues and even some comedy all mixed together to form a dynamite release. I could hear so many different influences in his music from Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and Beck, to Johnny Cash and Wilco. When he was asked about his songs he replied, "My songs are vehicles for story telling, but they're also my way of taking something that is subjective and making it objective; allowing me to move beyond whatever hardship or pain might have been the reason for the song in the first place." One thing that really hit me about this record is that you can tell John's having fun with his music and it really comes through in the songs. He's at that point in his career where he can take his music in any direction that he wants it to go. In his press material when asked about the album's unusual name, Elephant Graveyard John gave the following explanation, "According to popular myth, older elephants instinctively leave their group when they reach a certain age, and direct themselves toward a special area known as the Elephant Graveyard." John laughs, "Then they die there alone, away from the group. In the case of my record, the title is certainly not intended to be a foreboding of any end but rather a personal acknowledgement, however cynical, that this record really represents who and what I am as a songwriter, as an artist. It suggests that if I only got to make one more album, ELEPHANT GRAVEYARD would be it." Let's hope for all of our sakes that John's time to go off to an 'Elephant Graveyard' is far off and that he has many more new releases still left in him. Artist: Tom Bolton Title: When I Cross the River Website: http://www.sensibletom.com Style: Folk/Acoustic/Folk Rock By Staff Writer L. Anne Carrington Australia has always had more than its share of gifted music artists, and Tom Bolton is no exception. Currently, "Sensible Tom" is now making a name for himself on the folk/acoustic circuit, and his new CD, When I Cross the River contains some very strong tracks that would make even the most discriminating folk music aficionado stand up and take notice. Each song is finely crafted and lyrical, resulting from Bolton's long journey into music. When I Cross the River is dramatic heartfelt music with an excellent blend of pop, roots, and rock, combined with powerful vocals blended with both acoustic and electric instruments. "Whose Army," and "Hold the Sun" are, in my opinion, two of the strongest tracks on the album, but the real showpiece of it all is the title track itself, "When I Cross The River." For those that wish for a change from the everyday mainstream of studio-produced, artificial music that all sounds the same after awhile and are craving heartfelt music dotted with a sense of spirituality that can be invigorating at the same time, When I Cross the River is the perfect answer to that search. I highly recommend adding this CD to your collection. Artist: The Near Myths Title: Words to Burn Website: http://www.thenearmyths.com Style: Folk Rock/Acoustic/Pop By Staff Writer L. Anne Carrington Close your eyes and you would think you were listening to the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and even a touch of the Mamas and Papas instead of the actual band of The Near Myths on their latest release, Words to Burn. The Wilson, NC-based group has dedicated this CD to the memory of Nicholas Anderson Oglesby (aka Liberal Andy), who passed away from cancer in 2006, adding a touch of heart to the stellar music presented on these works. Add in melodious harmony singing that can be classified as a throwback to an earlier era of flower children, and four songwriters in the group, and all members being as talented in playing instruments as well as the actual singing, and the ending result is a winning combination. The group introduces various genres of music into one style that they can easily claim as their own. With sounds of the ‘60’s blended with cotemporary, Words to Burn can easily appeal to listeners of just about all ages and music tastes. It also brings back memories of what folk once was and still should be. This is a definite not-miss CD for those who love a little nostalgia with some good, original modern music. Artist: Trapper Schoepp Band Title: A Change in the Weather Website: www.myspace.com/trapperschoeppband Style: Folk Rock/Acoustic Rating: 7.9 out of 10 By Senior Writer C.W. Ross Even though this band is made up of five teenagers that fact is quickly forgotten once the music starts. Lead vocalist and band namesake Trapper Schoepp (lead vocals, guitar) has deep booming tenor vocals that sound way beyond his young tender years. Filling out the rest of the band's lineup is, Tanner Schoepp (bass, alternate drums, vocals), David Boigenzahn (keyboard, guitar, vocals), David Dulak (drums), and Pat (violin, mandolin). A Change in the Weather is the debut release from the band and features 9 original songs. The band's press release compares their sound to Wilco, and Bob Dylan. I can't say that I heard the Wilco sound but I definitely heard the Bob Dylan influence on their music. Songs like, "Running Away From the Day," and "As Long As You're Feelin' Alright" had the meandering folk rock Dylan-esque sound to them. The songs have an originality to them that will peak your interest. One of my favorite tracks on the CD was the 3:45 in length instrumental track, "Jennings Original" that had a real jam band sound to it. The release wraps up with the epic 12 minutes long song, "Falling Back." This song has an ebb-and-flow like that of an ocean wave alternating between grand and melodic in tempo. With A Change in the Weather this band has laid down for themselves a solid musical foundation to build their musical future upon. Artist: Andy Juhl Title: A Simple Life on Land Website: http://www.andyjuhl.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/andyjuhl CDBaby: http://cdbaby.com/cd/andyjuhl Style: Folk/Rock Rating: 8.5 out of 10 By Senior Writer C.W. Ross This is Andy's debut solo album. He's probably best known as the guitarist for the Minneapolis based experimental group the Trimmed Hedges. Besides Andy -(vocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica) you'll also find John Juhl - (drums, percussion, vocals), Brian David -(bass), and Cindy Juhl- (french horn) on the album. From the very first song "And In The Morning" you can really hear the Neil Young influence to Andy's sound. On several of the songs if I would have received this CD in the mail and listened to it I would have swore I was listening to Neil Young. The folk/rock songs have that genuine story behind them along with an ever-present harmonica work that lights up the songs. All of the songs aren't on the folk side though you also find a couple of them where the electric guitar is cranked up and let loose to play with glee. I also liked the 2 instrumental tracks found on A Simple Life on Land on which the instruments were let loose to showcase their musical talents. The two instruments that get a mention for their fresh and intriguing additions to the CD are the banjo parts found on several of the songs along with the, rarely heard outside of orchestral music french horn, found on the song, "Let's Go Around One More Time." It added a unique element to the song that I enjoyed. If you're a fan of Neil Young's music you'll love this release and even if your not I think that Andy brings enough fresh elements and quality song writing to make it worth getting. Artist: Chip Raman Title: Edge of a Song MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/chipraman CDBaby: http://cdbaby.com/cd/chipraman Style: Folk/Acoustic Label: Rosebud Records Rating: 6 of 10 By Staff Writer Michael Dittman Chip Raman's Edge of a Song is a personal gift of an album. With such a soothing, calm voice and an artistic bent that extends to the paintings depicting hands being held and kisses about to be bussed decorating the CD insert, it comes as no surprise that his day job is as a teacher specializing in expressive arts therapy. If you're allergic to nostalgia, you may want to turn to another artist. The third verse of "Edge Of the Wind" the compelling and contemplative opening track of the debut CD begins "I wonder about the edge of a song/Where it touches someone's heart." And that pretty much works as a metaphor for the whole album. There's lots of lyrics about souls, love, and lonesome roads in the Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash influenced sound. However it's not all-earnest heartfelt new age stuff. The CD also includes a live video performance of "I'm In Touch With My Feelings" which displays a much more lighthearted side to Raman than listeners are able to garner from the music itself. Raman's light sunny guitar sound play alongside his Tom Petty-esque vocals in a clearly produced album that attempts to touch the hearts and souls of its listeners in a way that pushes them towards a positive place. File this album under sleepy Sunday mornings with decaf and the New Yorker. Artist: Karmic Whiplash Title: The Nervous System Website: http://www.karmicwhiplash.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/karmicwhiplash Style: Folk/Rock Label: City Duck Records Rating: 8.3 out of 10 By Senior Writer C.W. Ross Karmic Whiplash got started when Brendan Themes (vocals, acoustic guitar, bass), who had decided to go solo after tiring of playing his bass in punk and metal bands and having to deal with other band members decided to give the band thing another try. He hooked up with multi-instrumentalist Travis Lund (drums, harmonica, electric guitar, banjo) and the two of them got started recording The Nervous System, which the guys say was recorded over a one-year period in various apartments and basements in Minnesota. This release features 10- tracks with a running time of 24 minutes. Their MySpace page list their musical influences as, Violent Femmes, Ani DiFranco, and Billy Bragg. Even though Brendan may have left his punk roots for a softer sound you can still hear a punk meets folk rock music in several of the songs with their fast beats and robust acoustic guitar strumming. For the most parts the songs are lively and focus on the vocals, which at times deal with quirky issues. The songs also feature very controlled drum parts that are often soft and melted into the background of the songs. I also liked the little punches of extras that come from the harmonica. Karmic Whiplash's The Nervous System offered enough to keep my attention and is a pretty-well-done project from the duo. Artist: Patrick Coman Title: An Audience of One EP Website: http://www.myspace.com/patrickcoman Style: Folk/Rock/Country Rating: 8.5 out of 10 By Senior Writer C.W. Ross Patrick Coman is a singer/songwriter from Tulsa Oklahoma. His new EP An Audience Of One, features 5 original songs. Patrick has been involved in music and bands since the age of 17 and lists his musical influences as, Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams, Josh Rouse, The Black Crowes, Gram Parsons, Drive-By Truckers, Rolling Stones, and Noel Gallagher. This release takes more of a hard edge then his previous acoustic work. The first four songs found on, An Audience of One, are filled with lively guitar parts and steady drumbeats. The vocals are gritty and emotional dealing with the down and dirty side of life while still keeping a slight glimpse of optimism in them. Patrick (guitar, vocals) is also joined by Erin Nelson (drums, vocals) and Nashville veteran Steve Goodie (upright bass) on track-5 "Maria." While the first four tracks are more rock-flavored track-5 "Maria" goes more of folk/rock ballad ala Bob Dylan for its sound. This release has that little extra musical swagger to it that starts right from the release's cover that is a picture of an outdoor show with only one fan in the audience whipping the bird. I like my music with a little side order of grit and gumption ala Steve Earle so Patrick Coman's An Audience of One EP hit the right spot for me.