DARDEN SMITH

Marathon

2010-09-17

I think I've found the godfather of local artist Drew Nelson. Veteran singer-songwriter sings thoughtful, contemplative numbers that hang together thematically - and while Drew helps us understand our own backyards here in Michigan, Smith describes the broad and sometimes desolate expanse of West Texas ("75 Miles of Nothing" is an apt thesis statement). He's performed this entire set on stage with a band and an orchestra, as if it were a long symphony movement. "Sierra Diablo,""Bull by the Horns,""Don't It Go to Show" and "Over My Beating Heart" are the most immediately approachable songs, the easiest to pull out of the intended start-to-finish opus. 09/10 MJVD F-Americana (Texas)

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 04/2008

    Silent Radio
    Silent Radio

  • reviewed 08/2009

    ANNIE & ROD CAPPS
    My Blue Garden

  • reviewed 10/2003

    Natalie Merchant
    The House Carpenter's DaughterThe House Carpenter's Daughter

  • reviewed 10/2008

    GRAYSON CAPPS
    - Rott-n-Roll

  • reviewed 10/2004

    Acoustic Syndicate
    Long Way Round

  • reviewed 05/2009

    ERNESTO HERNANDEZ
    West Off Bridge

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.