BERNIE JELLEMA

Lions & Clowns

2008-12-14

Holland native Bernie Jellema delivers a concept record for his first recording, a song-cycle that moves from folk to rock to country and back. It reminded me of Neil Young's "Cowgirl in the Sand" opus from NY's second solo CD, or even "Country Girl" from CSN&Y's classic "Deja Vu." Some songs move from slow to uptempo to back again; others feature a decidedly rock or country foundation. The title track, "Summer" and "Heartland" are examples of these musical short stories. If you're in a rock mode, choose "The Whole World" or "Freckles"; "Ribbon," "Poverty Lane" and "Highway" are folk-based -- the latter sounds like a Grateful Dead outtake. Ambitious music, locally provided. Holland artist Tom DePree created the interesting cover. F-Rock LOCAL. 12/08 Michael J.

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 08/2007

    AMY LeVERE
    Anchors and Anvils

  • reviewed 07/2006

    Guy Clark
    Workbench Songs

  • reviewed 05/2007

    Sonny Smith
    Fruitvale

  • reviewed 11/2009

    JAY FARRAR/BENJAMIN GIBBARD
    One Fast Move or I'm Gone

  • reviewed 01/2017

    Whitney Rose
    South Texas Suite

  • reviewed 07/2004

    Dwight Yoakam
    Dwight's Used Records

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.