This is the first of five solo acoustic CDs recorded and engineered by Danny Z at Bluetilt Studios in Hamilton, Ontario, between November 2003 and May 2005.
On the opening track, �Let Me In�, as well as �Delta Stomp� and �Winter Sun�, Famous Framus (Michael MaGarrey) takes an obvious cue from Led Zeppelin III, specifically Jimmy Page�s popular rendition of the traditional �Gallows Pole� as well as �Bron-Y-Aur Stomp�. Although �Gallows Pole� is also included, as a hidden track, on Off the Floor, Famous Framus opts to do the song his own way, employing a regular acoustic guitar rather than the National Resonator guitar with which he�s more readily identified.
Naturally, you�ll also hear modern influences by Widemouth Mason and the Black Crowes, as these bands also took inspiration from the likes of legendary roots-blues artists like Mississippi Fred McDowell, Tampa Red, and Robert Johnson. The majority of these tracks is of the �neo-blues� variety, but the kaleidoscopic soundscape of Famous Framus incorporates equal elements of rock, hoedown country and folk music.
His powerful, punchy vocals are not unlike those of fellow Canadian musician Ray Materick and, like the latter songwriter, Famous Framus writes intimate, thought-provoking lyrics without being pretentious in their delivery. He�s a latter-day Bob Dylan for a new generation of music fans, and this is particularly evident on �Bells of St. George�, which borrows from the �Serenity Prayer�, adopted by Alcoholics Anonymous.
Before rocking out with �Delta Stomp� and �Gallows Pole�, the otherwise energetic pace is slowed down with the catchy and introspective ballad, �Happy Birthday (to me)�, which lauds a newfound sobriety rather than the oblivion that characterized past years. |
