Domenic DeCicco "Seeds of Evergreen"
Twin Arrows, 2014
This guitarist/singer has a light touch with his vocal delivery reminding me of Jan Duindam at times. The arrangements vary as there are some thicker sounds that come through, although a flute offset the double bass nicely at times. There are plenty of strings, which work well if you particularly enjoy that in the arrangements. I think it works here for the most part, as there is a bit of depth to the airier melodies. This music will satisfy many a soul.
© David Hintz
Katharina Busch "Ten Hours on a Bus"
Own label; 2014
Zurich’s Katharina Busch has a voice that blends a cute pop folk voice of these modern times with a sultry lounge singer and just a few pinches of old time folksinger in there as well. The band sticks with the basics, instrumentally and stylistically as they balance sounds and form in a way that will appeal to a wide audience. The music is moving, so it is easy to focus in, sit back, and enjoy and not worry about where you file it in your album collection. There are plenty of folk moves and outright folk songs to appeal to the most strident Folkworld fans. Yet the flexibility and variety is what appeals most to me.
© David Hintz
Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad "Steady"
Easy Star; 2014
Nice easy going dub reggae here, more akin to UB40 than Augustus Pablo. It is a little too bright and sunny for me, although that makes this a better party record than the first Joy Division record (this and 99.99% of all other records do that as well). It is not for me, but if you like this sort of music, they do it well enough. And probably better still in a live setting.
© David Hintz
Joseph Myers "Puzzles and Places"
Timezone, 2014
Myers has a fine handle on the modern folk rock style put forth by folks such as the Fleet Foxes, Iron & Wine, and such. He has a breathy highly expressive voice, that when the phrasing clicks, can be magic. The instrumentation is flowing and dances around his voice well. There’s even some female vocal accompaniment late in the album that is a nice surprise. The quality is quite high on this album and some of the songs would fit well on any giant’s album of this genre. It appears he has a decent following in Germany, so hopefully this album will get around enough to catch the attention it deserves.
© David Hintz
Backbeat Soundsystem "Together not Apart"
Easy Star; 2014
No folk here, unless it is the ‘folk of the city’ with urban hip hop moves on top of reggae beats and other soulful musical infusions. It is not too bad song by song although the overall effect is a bit tiring, especially in the vocals. Then again, I like drone bands, so if this is your particular cup of tea, indulge.
© David Hintz
Rupert Wates "The Rank Outsiders Ball"
Bite Music; 2014
Not much folk here, either aside from a few acoustic guitar moments, but there is an intriguing carnival lounge jazz style, which will have you scratching your head. You may have a smile on your face, as this is intriguingly brisk music with smooth focused vocals. Wates is an Englishman who lives in the USA and recorded this in Toronto. It is a fine combination, and generally anything from Toronto is worth a listen. He has also lived in Paris and frankly; there is much of a French flavor in the style, without the obvious accent in the singing. If anything, there is a universality of time and place that ultimately succeeds here, while retaining a personal style. I don’t even want to pin it down more than that, so I will just lean back and listen some more.
© David Hintz
Current Swell "Ulysses"
Nettwerk, 2014
This record grabbed me from the opening passages and held me every step of the way. The vocal work is warm with conviction and accessibility that does not often work together as well as it does here. The band has just enough interesting sounds mixed into the classic folk-rock instruments to keep things fresh throughout these twelve songs. This is heartland Americana, but it moves into more universal and ethereal places due to the skills of everyone involved. It is of little surprise to see how they have built a powerful fan base in recent years. Based on the quality of this album, it could even get a lot bigger.
© David Hintz
Slowman "Happy Boy"
Slow; 2014
From Sweden comes this finely composed singer songwriter album. The arrangements are well thought out with enough contrasts to create a rising drama in some of the cuts, like ‘What Do We Do Now’ for example. The vocal work is strong and although there is a mainstream feeling that is ever present, the quality and sincerity is such, that it should move a lot of listeners. There are some cuts that work on an Americana level as well.
© David Hintz
Michael Ward "With Dogs and Fishes"
Own label; 2014
This is a rather straightforward bar room rocker with a heart on the sleeves approach. There are some interesting songs for folk rock fans such as the driving and topical ‘Working for the One Percent’, which cooks up a rhythm far better than most. There are some interesting rhythms here and there and one extended jam that is not half bad. I think you could do a lot worse, but you better be ready to rock. I would queue up when these guys came to town.
© David Hintz
Leonie Singt "Leonie Singt"
Gut Feeling, 2014
Here is a breezy record that subtly has a lot going on, even as you can relax while listening. Leonie Felle is quite the stylist with her assured and low-key vocals. There is a lounge element, but the music is either brisk or challenging. This album is more creative rock than folk, but there is a quiet contemplative folk element running through many of the songs. And yes, I heard correctly, the drummer plays a saw on one song, which is always cool. The accordion even more folk filled, although there is a dark undercurrent almost reminding me of Pere Ubu at times. This is an interesting record that is better to listen to than to try and describe—a sign of significant creativity.
© David Hintz
Jack Day "The First Ten"
Bucket of Brains; 2012
Where has this record been hiding the last couple of years? I get skeptical when I receiving something at least two years old, but London based Jack Day’s ten songs really blew me away. This is powerful ringing acoustic guitar and vocals singing great modern folk songs. Actually, they could be songs from about any era beyond the great finger picking stylists of the 1960s. There is even a touch of piano and backing vocal to add to the basic formula. This is folk music that sounds both familiar and original and is worthy of your time, if you are interested in folk music at all.
© David Hintz
Tidemore "By the Sea"
Time Zone, 2014
I miss the strong folk duos of old. Tidemore takes me back to those times. They remind me of a cross between Dulcimer and Foley & Kavanaugh with a bit of Tir Na Nog and other like duos in this sound. The male voices have a care and deep thought resonating within. The arrangements go beyond the fine acoustic guitar work with a psychedelic folk sensibility. What’s more is that these songs have a lot of surprise shifts in them and are quite gripping. This is an excellent folk album and one like I don’t hear often enough, any more. Germans and Europeans, consider yourself fortunate to have Tidemore and head out to the clubs for a taste of them live.
© David Hintz
Jim Photoglo "Halls of my Heart"
Grifftone; 2014
Apparently, Photoglo’s songs have made their way to some famous artists such as Faith Hill, Garth Brooks, and the Everly Brothers, to name but a few. He also presents his songs on his own albums, this being his third. It is light folk to singer songwriter styled, with some gospel moves and pop rock moves working their way in to the mix. The title cut is a touching look at some of the past rock stars that influenced him. Ultimately, it is a mixed bag with some songs that move me, while others seem a little too simple and straight forward, although those would work well with the right audience. It is worth a spin to see where you fit in to this music.
© David Hintz
Robert Coyne + Jaki Liebezeit "Golden Arc"
Meyer Records, 2014
Robert Coyne is the folksinger songwriter, guitarist and keyboardist here. He is assisted by his cohort on drums and adds a cellist at times for just a slight variation from the stark approach. The drums are nice as they add a heft and thrust to the music, even while keeping a folk approach. Coyne has a sensitive voice that is more ethereal than cloying. The songs are interesting and there is even an odd lounge style to the folk. It is not as steeped in a tradition as it is light and modern. Intriguing.
© David Hintz
C+C=Maxigross "Ruvain"
Vaggimal Records; 2014
It is a close call between what is stranger, the band name or the music. I will say it is the band name, although I am sure there is a good meaning there somewhere. Musically, these Italians blend folk, rock, lounge, and even some classic old time rock’n’roll reminding me of Lesley Gore into a fresh and vibrant sound. They pop out at you with brisk catchy hooks and pull back into mysterious soundscapes as if they are taking a walk in the park. The delicate psyche folk songs are quite enchanting. There is some sprightly gypsy folk in here, too, as there is a sense of fun and discovery around every corner of this album. If you are looking for something new and/or something to brighten your day, then look no further.
© David Hintz
James Hill "The Old Silo"
Borealis, 2014
This is travelling folk rock music, spritely bold and direct. The sound is strong and clear and James Hill’s songs will connect quickly with most listeners. There is some fiddle accompaniment on one song followed by strong electric guitar rhythms on the next. Yet, it is ukulele that accompanies his singing as much as anything. Hill hails from Nova Scotia, where there are plenty of fine folk roots to draw from. He moves outward into various rock and blues moves and integrates them well into his music, with a fine array of arrangements.
© David Hintz
Spencer "Echoes of Loneliness"
Ambulance; 2014
This is hard rock with nary a trace of folk music. It is accomplished and has a slightly modern feel such as the Bunnymen mixed with classic rock. It even gets a bit electro-progressive as it finishes up. I enjoyed it, but it deserves a spot in your music collection with the other heavy rockers, new and old.
© David Hintz
Terry Emm "Starlight"
Azez; 2014
This album has a variety of styles unified by the steady warm vocals of Terry Emm. It ranges from lighter folk to thicker rock sounds, with a full string section that can take the arrangement to new levels. There is a comforting air about it all, and although it gets a bit mainstream with the strings, it is worth a listen to folk fans that enjoy easy listening as well. I would have preferred more edge to these songs.
© David Hintz
Hion Martell "Riffs in a Box"
Viskningar och Vral; 2014
More hard rocking music from a band that practices truth in advertising, or at least album titling. There is some old fashioned R&B in the mix as well, when blasting brass instruments manage to keep pace with the electric guitars. And there are sappy rock ballads for those that prefer that. For me, the heavier cuts did manage to get my toes a tapping. Nothing to see here, folkies, but if you want a good night of rock’n’roll in the clubs of Sweden, Hion Martell will deliver.
© David Hintz
Esther Rose Parkes "The Other Country"
Own label; 2014
Here is a straightforward, pure folk record with female vocals, a couple of guitars, and just a bit more for variety. Immediately, Parkes has a Sandy Denny style voice, although she is not quite at that level. That is no disrespect as that is a high level to shoot for and Parkes comes close to enough to warrant a close listen. The stand-up bass is played starkly and adds a jazz component, while there are strings, keys, and a mournful harmonica on a couple of cuts that keeps things in the folk universe. The vocals are the star and the songs and lyrics are attractive and interesting throughout. Fine job here, with some real highlights such as ‘Mud River’ and ‘Green Coat with Collar Down’.
© David Hintz
Gretchen Peters "Blackbirds"
Scarlet Letter; 2014
It is quite an honor being elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and thankfully Gretchen Peters is not resting on these laurels and continues to write… and sing. Her voice has a bit of country and blues in it with clarity and deep-rooted emotion. The music blends those two genres and has a folk and folk rock approach. It is not rooted in Nashville or Memphis and has a fine universal appeal. Her writing comes through in imagery and phrasing with lines like ‘when all you got is a hammer and everything looks like a nail’. This is a quality album that can work its magic on as wide an audience as possible.
© David Hintz
Jon Brooks "The Smiling & Beautiful Countryside"
Borealis, 2014
I never get tired of classic storytelling and murder ballads in folk music. Brooks has this style down cold. He has a slightly raspy voice that is quite expressive with some decent acoustic guitar accompaniment and some percussion to keep the drive alive in these songs. Brooks is Canadian, but he has toured Europe, which is great, as these songs should work just as well on stage as they do on this album.
© David Hintz
David Hope "Scarecrow"
Deep Dive; 2015
This is a gritty bluesy folk rocker. Hope’s raspy voice almost can be a bit much at times, but fortunately the guitar work, electric and acoustic running together, is up to the task of laying down a tough foundation so that the songs are complete. The title cut is a fine example with its slide guitar moves undulating around the steady pace of the rest of the instruments. It is as tough as it is gripping. Other songs are lower key, which is a nice offset. Gentile music lovers maybe should look elsewhere, although if you like finger style guitar, there are some lovely passages in the quieter songs. Even the quiet songs have an inner strength to them, but offer nice variety in this fine album.
© David Hintz
George Taylor "Rain or Shine"
Own label; 2014
George Taylor plays the blues, but there is even more folk and other rootsy styles present. He has a countrified voice with song structures that flow rather than focus on stinging guitar licks or pyrotechnics. Basically, his Americana roots are wide reaching and pull in a great amount of musical history in forming his style. The songs are good and he has a gentle touch as he wraps his voice around his lyrics. Not a bad effort at all here.
© David Hintz
Barry Ollman "What’ll it Be?"
Own label; 2014
From Loveland Colorado (near where I used to live) comes a fine singer songwriter. Barry Ollman has a gentle style with voice and music, but melodies are rich and lyrics are interesting. Graham Nash is even a guest on the opening cut and his spirit and style is not far off from the rest of the album, either. I like the touch on the acoustic guitar as well as the brush drumming on some cuts. There are some rockers as well and a few shifts in tempo and volume that keeps the album lively. Good quality music for the taking.
© David Hintz
Lili Haydn "Lili Land"
Own label; 2014
Is this Franz Joseph Haydn’s great granddaughter (to the 13th power)? Well, they both play classical violin and compose, but that is probably where the similarity ends. Lili Hayden’s mother was a comedienne engaged to Lenny Bruce once and her father was one of the major LSD proponents and producers, along with Owsley Stanley. If that is not enough, she grew up on the commune of Father Yod and the Brotherhood of the Source! (see my DC ROCK LIVE interview with Merrell Fankhauser for more). So with this pedigree, we thankfully end up with an original album that plays rather well for just about any pop rock music fan, who is willing to explore a bit. There are some folk moves within and some modern classical moves as well. It is a tricky approach as it is full out modern, but has a lot of charm. Kate Bush meets Cyndi Lauper? Perhaps, but the spacey psyche workout of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Kashmir’ is in a world of its own. Explorers, enjoy the journey to Lili Land!
© David Hintz
The Stone Hill All-Stars "Away"
Own label; 2015
It is always a pleasure to hear a record from this veteran Baltimore bunch. They feature the usual folk-rock roots band instruments along with a brisk chirpy accordion (no surprise that a previous band from the two core members was called the Polkats). There songs are snappy with great little hooks and playful instrumentation. The lyrics offer some fun stories to chew on as well. This is simply classy roots music that can appeal to all ages along with music lovers who appreciate song craft. There are some jazzy moves, heartland folk moves, and some world touches--lots of good stuff melding together into tasty songs. Try them out!
© David Hintz
The New Madrids "Through the Heart of Town"
Own label; 2014
Scotland via Austin? Not only does this record sound like that, it was even recorded in Austin for even more of that Americana approach these lads take. They do it quite well. The instrumentation is slick and on the mark, but the vocals are the real star. They really grab the emotion of the song and even foray into a bit of soul at times. The album does not quite finish as strongly as it stars, but it is a quality work every step of the way. I would enjoy this band on any continent.
© David Hintz
Mike Osborn "In the Dog House"
Own label; 2014
Perhaps it is San Francisco roots, but there is something unique in the way Mike Osborn presents the blues that warms me up more than most. The traditional licks are there delivered with style and drama. His vocals are on the warm side and are probably the key to why the songs dig in a bit deeper for me. The guitar work often matches the warmth as if he were playing a trumpet with careful muting I am not sure how it works, other than being creative after playing guitar a long, long time. However Mike Osborn got there, be glad he did.
© David Hintz
Christian Lopez Band "Pilot" [EP]
Own label; 2014
This five song EP is a classy little appetizer from this fine teenage West Virginia singer songwriter. And this does have class, both in production and songwriting for starters. These are warm engaging melodies with polished instrumentation played with heart and arranged with a variety of approaches. It all unifies into roots based music that is good enough to broaden appeal to people who like good hooks and energized pace. All five songs flow together well, but have you time for one, check out ‘Amiss’. Nothing amiss here from this recording and I already know his live show is solid.
© David Hintz