Reviews

Artist:Bryan Clark
Album:Gossip Inspiration And Slander
Label:Rain Feather
Tracks:19
Website:http://www.bryanclarkmusic.com/

Bryan Clark was a new name to me, and seemingly, is a not so new name on the Americana scene with very new ideas. Not least this debut release Gossip, Inspiration and Slander, which seems him in reality release not one CD but two, simultaneously; an acoustic and an electric CD.

The acoustic album is in essence a musical journey, during the course of which traditional Bluegrass encounters modern Americana roots music. The instrumental tracks will resonate with hardcore bluegrass lovers whilst vocally sound tracks such as Angelyne, Midnight Kisses and Nights Like These, with their combined flavours of Americana, country and bluegrass, are sure to be well received by both country and Americana radio. This acoustic CD incorporates the talents of several musicians. Chosen specifically by both Clark and producer Erick Jaskowiak, they include, amongst others, Casey Driessen on fiddle, Chris Pandolfi on banjo, Matt Flinner on mandolin and acoustic bassist Bryn Bright.

Then there is the contrasting electric CD, in which the pace, the ante and the production are all upped. Interestingly I am normally more in favour of acoustic production but I found it fascinating hearing the tracks which are on both CDs produced in the two very different styles. A few tracks are the same and there are a few different ones on each which is great; plenty of variety rather than simply being given a whole CD of ten songs in two different forms. Bryan claims that if he had to give the end product a name he'd call it 'Texas-Americana.' I can see this CD being quite at home in the flatlands of Texas, not to mention the numerous places it has already found ears to listen. After all, what's not to love?

Helen Mitchell

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