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 09/2005

    Maggi, Pierce and E.J.
    The Silver Album

  • reviewed 04/2014

    BRADFORD LEE FOLK & THE BLUEGRASS PLAYBOYS
    Somewhere Far Away

  • reviewed 07/2007

    HACKENSAW BOYS
    Look Out

  • reviewed 11/2006

    DAMIEN RICE
    9

  • reviewed 01/2005

    Various Artists
    Signature Sounds: 10th Anniversary Collection

  • reviewed 01/2013

    JOHN DRISKELL HOPKINS AND BALSAM RANGE
    Daylight

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.