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 03/2004

    Dirk Powell
    Time Again

  • reviewed 02/2017

    Bap Kennedy
    Reckless Heart

  • reviewed 05/2011

    BLACK JAKE AND THE CARNIES
    Where The Heather Don't Grow

  • reviewed 11/2016

    Mike Vial
    A World's That's Bigger

  • reviewed 05/2010

    BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN
    Back to Love

  • reviewed 06/2004

    Jolie Holland
    Escondida

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.