The mix of rock sounds and folk like messages have been with us since the early 60s. Here are the same ideas 3 score years later…
Rufus Wainwright carries his father’s baton well on this collection of twelve songs divided into three Acts. Teamed with Blake mills-George Eeoring/g, Matt Chamberlain/dr, Dave Faragher/b, Mitchell Froom/key and a horn section, Wainwright gives a gospel’d “This One’s For The Ladies” and gets dramatic on “Hatred” while his minstrel dna is exposed on pieces like “Damsel In Distress” and “Peaceful Afternoon”. A dash of Elton John is felt during “Romantical Man” and “My Little You” with all of the songs strong in concept and delivery.
Consisting of Matthew Mingus/dr, Tim Feerick/b, Tilian Pearson/voc, Will Swan/g and Jon Mess/voc, the band Dance Gavin Dance is a hard hitting team that ranges from bluesy tune like “Three Wishes” to harrowing themes like “Strawberry’s Wake.” The rhythm team is assertive and up front on the lyrical “Prisoner” and the harmonies are impressive on the fervent “Calentamiento Global”. Plugged in passion.
Mark Olson sings, plays guitars and dulcimers while taming up with Ingunn Ringvold on voice and various keyboards and percussion, while supported by Lewis Keller/b-dr, Danny Frankel/perc and a handful of cameo guests. The pair come off like a modern day Ian and Sylvia, with rich harmonies on the poppish, hippie and upbeat “Pipestone I Won’t Be Back” as well as the folksy “Children Of The Streetcar”> A dash of Eagles is felt on “Elmira’s Fountain” as well as the strumming “You’ll Find The Morning” while they sound sing sincerely to the harp strings on the pretty “Christina Hi”. 21st Century flower power.