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 09/2008

    TONY LUCCA
    Canyon Songs

  • reviewed 06/2007

    KIM RICHEY
    Chinese Boxes

  • reviewed 05/2007

    Neil Young
    Live at Massey Hall, 1971

  • reviewed 10/2008

    Bruce Robinson
    - The New World

  • reviewed 10/2014

    YAEL MEYER
    WARRIOR HEART

  • reviewed 07/2016

    Honey Island Swamp Band
    Demolition Day

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.