DREW NELSON

Dusty Road to Beulah Land

2009-02-22

On his third release, Drew Nelson seems to be developing into Michigan's version of John Mellencamp, commenting on the state of life in our corner of the country with a storyteller's insight and a troubadour's melodic passion -- with alternating flashes of anger and grace. Check "Highway 2," "Stranger" and "Farmer's Lament" for the best examples of these references. He's on the side of the working man, urging them to persevere despite the odds and looking to the beauty of what's natural (land, sky, water) and what's true (hope and love) -- for inspiration: "I want a baptism in a trout stream and my religion to be you." Local musicians Rachael Davis, Natalia Zukerman and Claudia Schmidt provide some well-appointed harmonies, particularly Zukerman's additions to "True and Fine." [NOTE: There's a one-minute pause after the last listed number, followed by "I'm a Little Catfish," a song written as a cartoon soundtrack.] F-Contemporary 02/09 Michael J.

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 10/2015

    Joel Rafael
    Americana Music Festival Sampler

  • reviewed 04/2016

    Freddy & Francine
    Gung Ho

  • reviewed 12/2010

    ZACH PETERSON
    Alter Ego

  • reviewed 11/2008

    WHITLEY
    The Submarine

  • reviewed 09/2008

    Rachel Harrington
    City of Refuge

  • reviewed 04/2006

    Sean Watkins
    Blinders On

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.