FolkWorld #59 03/2016

CD & DVD Reviews

Ron Pope & the Nighthawks "Ron Pope & the Nighthawks"
Brooklyn Basement; 2016

Artist Video

www.ronpopemusic.com

This has all the earmarks of the newer Nashville sound that is less steeped in tradition but more welcoming to younger musicians flexing out into other territories. Not that the roots are cut off, as Pope and his band show a flair for Americana and country music, even as they rock out with plenty of energy. This is a strong album that has elements of that full rock band sound or Springsteen and Petty, but still retains the focus on a core song. Pope and his band are not quite in that league, but if you like that style and really dig Americana roots music, then you may want to indulge in this. There is also a good mix of lower key acoustic songs and moments.
© David Hintz


Vellamo "Koskenkylã"
Soiva Records; 2015

vellamoband.wordpress.com

The band is steady, the guitar clever and rocking, and the lead female vocals are spritely and cute. So although this is a sharp modern pop record, there are strong sounds in here as well. The key is the smart moves that the band regularly employs to bring out the melody and enhance the drama through the varied volumes and tones. The vocals pull back into a quieter drama at times and grab you no matter what the style. This is just a very good record.
© David Hintz


Peter Gallway "Muscle and Bone"
GallwayBay; 2015

www.petergallway.com

This electric singer songwriter folk-rock music has an underlying toughness, I suppose also known as muscle and bone. Gallway is from California, but does not share obvious west coast influences. Instead, it is more of a universal sound channeled through indie rock where he just boars into his songs and stretches them out to great lengths: 5:44 to 10:01. It is all pretty good, but only occasionally has me digging in to be attentive to lyrics and rich musical passages. Still, this is a decent effort at working out themes in longer formats.
© David Hintz


Doug Prescott Band "Wasteland"
Own label; 2015

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This album is a mix of barroom bluesy rockers and Western cowboy rockers with that twang of mystery. Musically, it cooks. Lyrically, it was way too predictable and song-wise; it is a bit of a letdown. Good ideas, but I bet this band succeeds more sneaking in a few of these between piping hot cover songs late on a Saturday night in a big bar room.
© David Hintz


Scott Krokoff "Realizations & Declarations"
Own label; 2015

www.scottkrokoff.com

Clichés and Hyperbole? Thankfully, it is only in the title as the songs are far subtler. Krokoff has a full band folk rock approach that is more warm than not. Just seven songs to sample here, but if you like something in between Josh Ritter and a sensitive bar band, you may want to give Scott Krokoff a listen some time.
© David Hintz


Wendy Webb "This is the Moment"
Spooky Moon Records; 2015

www.wendywebbmusic.com

I was thinking that this was nice country rock as the album started, but Wendy Webb had a few tricks up her sleeve. Her vocals had some surprising soulful qualities and the backing musicians enhanced this ever so subtly. The brass helped out and the rhythm players could swing just enough. The organ was also prevalent throughout and was a welcome addition to the basic expected instrumentation. Webb is originally from Iowa, but now lives in Florida and I would imagine those diverse environments certainly help the creative juices flow when it comes to song writing. At least based on what I am hearing, there is enough creativity coming from somewhere, as these songs are quite good.
© David Hintz


Jillian Speer "Daggers & Suede" [EP]
Speerit; 2015

www.jillianspeer.com

This six song ep features some ‘speerited’ rock songs that touch on folk, but also have a hip hop R&B vibe on Dum Dum Dai. Her vocals also channel Sheila Chandra on that cut. The rest of the time, she shows a fine fire down deep. That would follow a difficult recording career that began and ended in 2001. That is, until now. This is an interesting return and shows plenty of talent in the writing and performance. Speer has a talent with her guitar as well as her voice. Hopefully things will grow more steadily and more organically this time around.
© David Hintz


Renaissance "Symphony of Light"
Symphonic Rock Recordings; 2014

www.renaissancetouring.com

This was issued as Grandine il Vento the year previously, but was reissued with three additional cuts, two of which are part of their recent set list. If you have not seen them live (and hopefully you can and will), the reconstituted Renaissance that has been active for the past six years feature the essential and still brilliant voice of Annie Haslam along with original guitarist and writer, Michael Dunford. The third key component has been Rave Tesar who plays keyboards and conducts the band. He is the producer of this LP, as well. Sadly, this is the last Dunford record as he has passed away. And this is one he can be proud of as all the classic style is here, along with a slightly updated feel that is hard to place. Perhaps it is more sounds from the keyboards—they feature two keyboardists, which can create more sonics than anything they did before on record or live. The rhythm section is strong, more relaxed at times, but can push the tempo when needed. Haslam is the star as she sounds like she has been maintained in a cryogenic chamber, with a magnificent ageless voice that comes alive again for this record and the live shows. I cannot imagine any Renaissance fan not enjoying this. I did and will again and again.
© David Hintz


Renaissance "Live at the Union Chapel"
Symphonic Rock Recordings; 2015

www.renaissancetouring.com

If you want the live experience of Renaissance, but their tour does not reach your hometown, then I certainly can recommend this DVD. It is a multi-camera presentation that captures the band in close-up as well as in front of some lovely architecture. And of course, the band is strong as ever with a set that mixes newer songs with old favorites. And if you have seen the band like I have, this is a good document to return to. It is well mixed in addition to the excellent picture quality and 5.1 surround sound is an option. Also, there is a 25-minute interview with the band that reveals some of the secrets to their success (hint: they all like each other and love playing Renaissance songs together). Go out of your way for pretty much anything this band does. They are not getting any younger, except Annie Haslam’s voice may be better than ever, as impossible as that sounds.
© David Hintz


Katy Guillen & the Girls "Katy Guillen & the Girls"
Own label; 2014

www.kgandthegirls.com

No simple roots country album, here, as these three girls know how to rock. There is a bluesy rock feeling throughout and being from Kansas City that works pretty well there. But the powerful electric guitar licks with sharp production that accentuates the bite in every chord is what really sets this above so many generic rockers. The lead and backing vocals has a strong presence as well as these songs will stick with you like a big KC barbecue feast. If you want something on the folkier side, head elsewhere because this baby rocks and thankfully is smart enough with the songwriting to attract us with feet in both the rock and folk camps.
© David Hintz


Fleming Borby "Somebody Wrong"
Divine Records; 2015

www.flemmingborby.net

There are plenty of roots showing in these eight songs, the real reason to listen to Fleming Borby is his mastery of adding a serious pop approach. This was recorded in Austin and sounds like it, but the songs have an almost Zombies like pop style at times—well not the exquisite harmonies, but good vocals still. Borby is from Denmark, so there is some exotic roots in here as well, perhaps from the Balladeers or Cy, Maia & Robert, but I am probably stretching a point. This may be closer to a poppier version of the Sadies, which should sound good to you. This sounds good to me.
© David Hintz


Mark Davis and the Inklings "Because There’s Nothing Outside"
Bitemark; 2011

www.markdavisandtheinklings.com

This older record made its way to me and it earned a late, but deserved listening session due to its quality. While not the most profound record, the gentle style of this Californian comes through well. The music is relaxed folk rock in the singer songwriter style of many a west coast artist. There are a lot of Christian spiritual explorations in the lyrics and all songs seem to have some sort of attempt at discovery going on. Thoughtful songs and the ones that nail a melody down are quite good any time of the day or year.
© David Hintz


Steve Howell & the Mighty Men "Friend Like Me"
Out of the Past; 2015

www.stevehowell.ws

If there is smooth jazz, can there not be smooth blues? It doesn’t quite sound right and although I could describe Steve Howell’s music as such, it is important to remind people of the sharp corners evident. The songs are silkier and not as fiery as many blues artists, instead focusing on thoughtful vocals and a mix of carefully picked electric and acoustic guitars atop a mannered rhythm section. While not for everyone, I think folk fans would enjoy this style of blues more than the clichéd blues rock artisans. The songs are a mix of traditional cuts along with some of the classic blues writers over a long era and up to folk rocker, John Phillips. I found this style excellent and the arrangements even varied from relaxing to mysterious and dangerous. This is a great approach for the blues in the 21st Century.
© David Hintz


Tyler Edwards "Too Young for Love"
Own label; 2014

www.tyleredwardsmusic.com

Even with just six songs here, one can tell that Tyler Edwards has the songs and style to make a presence on the modern folk scene. He reminds me a bit of Josh Ritter with warmth in the delivery and a strong presence that elevates some of the cuts from basic folk music. It is not overly folk-rock either, but there is strength and power in the delivery. This is quite decent foray into solo work for this former member of the band Anthem.
© David Hintz


Kristina Stykos "Horse Thief"
Thunder Ridge; 2015

www.kristinastykos.com

I particularly enjoyed the guitar and violin duels as well as Stykos’ mandolin moves. All of this is carefully integrated into the relaxed folk rock atmosphere with vocal work that is anything but relaxed. Stykos has a direct approach that reminds me more of Patti Smith than most folk artists. But the music comes together, even as strange things like hip hop rhythms sneak into the mix. The songs still retain a sense of calmness on the exterior, even as there is a biting toughness within. Kristina Stykos has done a great job balancing everything here.
© David Hintz


Beth Malcolm "Better by Noon"
Own label; 2015

www.bethmalcolm.com

This is an accomplished album. That said, the accomplishment is respectable, but I really do not know how to describe this in personal terms, as it sounds like good basic singer songwriter material. More rock than folk, and more produced than not, I don’t see people ‘turning off their (proverbial) radio’ for this, but I am not sure that this is enough to stand out on its own. But, as an item to sell while showcasing a fuller approach on tour, this is fine as is.
© David Hintz


Echo Bloom "Blue"
Songs & Whispers, 2015

www.echobloom.com

This is a decent Americana folk album. It has all the requisite ingredients: guitars, banjos, and violins; earnest male vocals; strong female harmonies; and there is some piano. Yet they ‘go big’ at times with ethereal vocals and rising crescendos with strings such as at the end of ‘Veins’ which is quite nice, actually. There is a lot more here to recommend than not including a touch of psyche folk in ‘The Returning of the Doves’. The core sound is acceptable, if not like many other records I have heard in recent years, but the extra touches they have with careful quiet moments create an extra layer of interest.
© David Hintz


Amy Antin "Already Spring"
Meyer Records, 2015

www.amyantin.de

If you like the female folk styles of ‘old masters’ like Joan Baez and Carolyn Hester, then give this album a listen. Amy Antin does not exactly sound like them as her deep voice takes her songs to different areas, but the pleasant guitar picking and vocal precision dig deep into these songs and make them a serious presence as you listen. The recording was in the kitchen of the record label, which makes sense as a simple comfort is needed more than an elaborate studio set up. She also sounds like an interesting person, educated at the PhD level and born in New York City and living Köln, playing her folk songs and painting. And doing it well.
© David Hintz


Sandy Kilpatrick "The Shaman’s Call"
Own label; 2015

www.sandykilpatrick.com

Some singer songwriter albums really make a lovely time to spend listening to--others not so much as it all appears the same. Thankfully, this is the former style as Kilpatrick can really send his voice soaring, yet in a very personal way. The backing musicians are top notch from the stand-up bass to the occasional trumpet. Rarely does quiet and intimate sound this big, yet not grandiose by any measure. The acoustic guitar work also has a rippling and delicate quality. All in all, this was a pleasure.
© David Hintz


Rachel Garlin "Wink at July"
Tactile; 2015

www.rachelgarlin.com

This has a relaxed feeling that moves into enthusiastic pleasure depending on the song. Rachel Garlin has a singer/songwriter folk-rock style and she and her band sound like they really enjoyed laying down these tracks. Although from the vibrant city of San Francisco, she focuses her songs wherever she finds an interesting story. I kind of preferred the lighter folk cuts, although the snappier cuts balanced the album out nicely.
© David Hintz


Johnny Duhan "Creation"
Bell; 2015

www.johnnyduhan.com

Make no mistake about it, if you want a pure folk outing without any add-ons, you are quite secure with trying out a Johnny Duhan record. And you will not be disappointed with this latest effort, as the songs are penetrating, yet gentle. His voice sounds like it has a thousand years of experience ingrained, while the delicate guitar strokes echo visions of the past. He also has a lot of players to assist making the arrangements varied enough over these 16 songs to hold the fleeting attention of the plugged in generation. I could go on, but you get the idea, this is pure and high quality folk music from this Irish songwriter that Mary Black, the Dubliners, and Chritsty Moore all respect enough to cover.
© David Hintz


Penny Nichols "Golden State"
Pensongs; 2015

www.pennynichols.com

This California album has some of that laid back singer songwriter style that is all too common out there. Although the style often succeeds in generating a good atmosphere to listen to original music and this album has some of that. It does not always stand out enough for me, but there are some very sharp songs that make me sit up and take notice (Gudalupe and Winter Fires are two examples). Forays into funkiness and light rock are not quite as good as the more mysterious folk rock and Latina influenced numbers. Mixed bag, but some real highlights are within.
© David Hintz


Pete Morton with Full House "Game of Life"
Fellside, 2015

www.petemorton.com

Pete Morton is back with a merry band of folksters known as Full House, delivering up a fine array of folk music. There are quiet contemplative pieces and energized songs full of life and excitement, such as ‘Related to Me’. Like any album, especially when there are a lot of songs (15 here), you will find favorites among songs of lesser interest. But the quality is there in all of the songs, so your favorites may different than mine. And while that does not make an album for the ages, it makes an album of fine folk music that just about every music fan will like at some level.
© David Hintz


Lucinda Williams "The Ghosts of Highway 20"
Highway 20; 2016

www.lucindawilliams.com

Lucinda Williams is alive, well, and very active as this album is a double CD featuring 14 long songs of original music with one Bruce Springsteen cover (Factory) and one with words by Woody Guthrie. The style is that familiar blues folk rock approach that works well with longer material as the atmosphere and pace develops into a long stroll that you take imagining a mountain range and a western sunset. It opens with an even more experimental variation in ‘Dust’ before heading into a delicate acoustic guitar number. Yet it is the great guitar points and counterpoints mostly from the great Bill Frisell and Greg Leisz that add so much character the already high quality of the songs and vocal work.
© David Hintz


Mario Nyeky "Riding with the Elephant"
Meyer Records, 2015

www.marionyeky.com

Supported by just one double bass player who adds backing vocals, Mario Nyeky handles all the lead work with great delicacy. His songs are quiet and contemplative, yet he can build drama where he and Pierce Black elevate things into great heights. The guitar work is delicate and emotive and his vocals have an intense comfort within. There is also a steady melodic flow in the music that makes this such a pleasure and will work on so many music lovers. This is a fine album by someone worth going out of your way for.
© David Hintz


Poems for Laila "Tik Tak"
Broken Silence, 2015

www.nikolaitomas.de

This long running folk band is back with another engaging album. There are the expected elements of Eastern European traditional folk roots along with sounds from Western Europe and America as well. The vocal work is exquisite with balanced male and female voices working together or separately to sharpen each and every lyrical phrase. The music is delicate and thoughtful, bringing in just enough electric sound and unique percussive moment to the mostly acoustic and bass sounds. This is a highly appealing album, intelligent and subtly pulling on emotional strings just enough.
© David Hintz


West of Eden "Look to the West"
Own label, 2016

www.westofeden.com

Here is a pleasant album for those of you who like a little of the full band folk rock sound without pushing the rock end too much. Jenny and Martin Schaub each take lead vocal spots and work together as well with a full band backing them. There are strings and accordions to spice up the usual guitars, bass, and drums, which help give a bit of variety to the proceedings. And there is a bit of tempo in ‘Wilson Line’, a classic rail themed song, as well as a traditional take on Paddy Fahey’s/Sweel. All in all, a nice effort that breezes by nice as the proverbial summer breeze, with a few gusts to remind you that something interesting is happening.
© David Hintz


The Jason Serious Band "Kin"
Own label; 2015

Artist Video

www.jasonseriousband.com

Munich based (but Baltimore bred?) singer songwriter Jason Serious has very little European influence in this album as far as I can hear. This is strong country music with nods to Americana folk. It is mixed for me, for as often is the case, the more country an artist goes, the more I fade away. But there are some strong songs for more folk fans such as ‘Jessie’s Reel’ or even ‘Sand Dollar Darling’, which has a bit of country mixed in to an excellent folk song. The vocals and lyrics are married well, so if you like this genre, you should like this an awful lot. I could hear plenty of skill and vision here.
© David Hintz


Shaï Sebbag "Transe"
Own label; 2016

www.shai-sebbag.com

Based on the title and the artwork, I sensed a new age vibe was forthcoming. Well, maybe a bit as this is all rich sounding instrumental acoustic guitar music. But there is some Fahey and Basho in here as well as agreeable melodies that are search of the big new age sound. Maybe fellow Frenchman Michel Haumont is the best comparison here. The instrumental music gives way to some female vocals at the end as the new age moves creep in a bit more. Still, there is a decent balance between finger style guitar fans and lighter new age fans and that’s the new age line I am happy to walk.
© David Hintz


Diana Jones "Live in Concert"
Goldmine; 2015

www.dianajonesmusic.com

I am not a huge fan of live albums, but when you have the following ingredients: 1) a sparse crew of guitar and mandolin and vocals; 2) good recording; 3) good songs; and 4) performers that exude a precise and powerful presence live, then you have a successful album. And of course, we have all of that here. I found Jones’ songs riveting and her voice steady and strong. The guitar and mandolin combinations were more than enough instrumentally to help keep thing rolling along through nineteen original songs. This is a strong album and makes me want to dig in to the studio work now, which is also an important component of a live album.
© David Hintz


Benji Kirkpatrck "Hendrix Songs"
EDJ Records, 2015

www.benjikirkpatrick.com

Yes, this is an album of 12 songs by Jimi Hendrix. But no, it’s not Randy Hanson or Frank Marino, it is Mr. Kirkpatrick who instead gives us his take on these rock monsters by playing them all on bouzouki, along with banjo and mandolin. He keeps the energy going and adds quality vocal work, so it is easy to listen to and enjoy. Sure it’s a gimmick that may not stand the test of time by staying on your record shelf after a couple of listens, but it is worth at least a couple of listens to any Hendrix fan. And for the record, ‘Angel’, ‘The Wind Cries Mary’ and ‘Burning of the Midnight Lamp’ all work very well. There are a few that don’t, but most do.
© David Hintz


Yat-Kha "Live at Stray Dog Club"
Sketis, 2015

www.yat-kha.ru

This album has material that was released in England in 2011, but seems to be the complete concert from 2011 with 15 long songs (it would be a double LP on vinyl). The recording is decent and the band is quite clear with guitar, bass, drums, and vocals and some mandolin, clarinet, and other Russian instruments when they go a bit folkier. It is quite the mix of rock and folk, sometimes quite heavy, other times delicate acoustic. Delicate is not really the right word as the vocals may remind you of Captain Beefheart fighting off Tom Waits, all sung in Russian making them about as clear to English speakers as Beefheart’s lyrics. Musically there are moments where you feel like you are braving a tough Siberian winter, where others are warm campsite indigenous folk songs. Quite a mix and there certainly is a bit of magic here.
© David Hintz


Folkbeat RF "In Mixt"
Sketis, 2015

www.folkbeatrf.com

German CD Review

Traditional Russian folk songs sung to electronica with beatbox percussion? I am not the biggest fan of folktronica, but this is better than most. As long as the singing is strong, you will generally get attention and the female vocals are powerful here. The electronica is also more subtle than most and even the beatbox is smoothed out in the studio. So this is not a bad effort at all if you want to check out modern folk interpretations (and the Russian style is clearly there throughout).
© David Hintz



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