| CD REVIEW (This review was also published at www.701.com) |
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| Considering this is his 7th CD release since 1993, it is somewhat amazing I had not previously heard of Hamilton's Shawn Brush (a.k.a. The Krooked Cowboy). I could see that, perhaps, if he weren't that talented, but he obviously has it in spades, at least on this particular CD. While his vocals have a distinctive, but instantly recognizable tremble to them, his tone is pleasantly full. The guitar-picking is very complementarily balanced with the lyrics, neither overshadowing nor interfering with the other. The amazing guitar work in the beginning track, "40 Thieves", shows his beginnings as a bluegrass steel guitar player in a band called Timberline, and, in fact, since going solo, he has won two Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards. As proof of his cleverness with lyrics, you need look no further than his previous CD titles - In the Land of Giants (Shawn has Morquio's Disease); 1999 Plus Shipping and Handling (released in 1999); Steel Town (for Hamilton and, of course, his steel guitar); and his 2001 release, Brush Kutz. But not to "judge a book by its cover", the songs themselves are well-crafted lyrically and instrumentally. He cites several influences on these original compositions, and these are especially evident on solid tracks like "Rhythm of the Road" (Johnny Cash), "Harder to Hold" and "How Long" (John Prine), but there is also a roots-blues feel on "Before I Knew". I was very drawn to the catchy "Blue Sky", a standard folk-blues ballad hinting at (but never fully disclosing) a dark, compelling tale of betrayal and regret belying the surreal morning-after blue sky and happy children, although, at almost 7 minutes in duration, it's a wee bit too long. Another favourite, especially for the wonderful ringing guitar and shifting rhythm, is "All Points Between". I didn't care much for "The Man Inside of Me", perhaps because it's too intimately introspective, although it's obviously a heartfelt plea to be accepted for one's interior rather than exterior qualities, and that's certainly a valid philosophy to uphold. Luckily it is followed by the more lighthearted and laissez-faire "What in the World", about a youthful fantasy, which brings to mind his influence by Woody Guthrie (and Arlo, as well). For fans of the folk music genre, and Shawn Brush specifically, this one is certainly high-calibre weaponry for Shawn to use in his fight for world domination against modern corporate musical dictatorship. |
| MIA (Miscellaneous in Action) - Shawn Brush |
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