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 06/2010

    PETE BERNHARD
    Straight Line

  • reviewed 01/2007

    KEITH SYKES
    Let It Roll

  • reviewed 09/2008

    RODNEY CROWELL
    – Sex & Gasoline

  • reviewed 09/2007

    AXTON KINCAID
    Songs From The Pine Room

  • reviewed 01/2011

    ABIGAIL WASHBURN
    City of Refuge

  • reviewed 10/2004

    Song of the Lakes
    Poets Say

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.