2009-02-22
On his third release, Drew Nelson seems to be developing into Michigan's version of John Mellencamp, commenting on the state of life in our corner of the country with a storyteller's insight and a troubadour's melodic passion -- with alternating flashes of anger and grace. Check "Highway 2," "Stranger" and "Farmer's Lament" for the best examples of these references. He's on the side of the working man, urging them to persevere despite the odds and looking to the beauty of what's natural (land, sky, water) and what's true (hope and love) -- for inspiration: "I want a baptism in a trout stream and my religion to be you." Local musicians Rachael Davis, Natalia Zukerman and Claudia Schmidt provide some well-appointed harmonies, particularly Zukerman's additions to "True and Fine." [NOTE: There's a one-minute pause after the last listed number, followed by "I'm a Little Catfish," a song written as a cartoon soundtrack.] F-Contemporary 02/09 Michael J.VARIOUS ARTISTS
Keep the Light Alive: Celebrating the Music of Lowen and Navarro
REX MOROUX
Royal Street Inn
The Del McCoury Band
The Promised Land
Robert Earl Keen
Live at the Ryman
NU-BLU
Nights
SEAN HAYES
Flowering Spade
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.