BERNIE JELLEMA

Lions & Clowns

2008-12-14

Holland native Bernie Jellema delivers a concept record for his first recording, a song-cycle that moves from folk to rock to country and back. It reminded me of Neil Young's "Cowgirl in the Sand" opus from NY's second solo CD, or even "Country Girl" from CSN&Y's classic "Deja Vu." Some songs move from slow to uptempo to back again; others feature a decidedly rock or country foundation. The title track, "Summer" and "Heartland" are examples of these musical short stories. If you're in a rock mode, choose "The Whole World" or "Freckles"; "Ribbon," "Poverty Lane" and "Highway" are folk-based -- the latter sounds like a Grateful Dead outtake. Ambitious music, locally provided. Holland artist Tom DePree created the interesting cover. F-Rock LOCAL. 12/08 Michael J.

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 02/2010

    HARLEM PARLOR MUSIC CLUB
    SALT OF THE EARTH

  • reviewed 11/2010

    NU-BLU
    Nights

  • reviewed 01/2004

    Ralston
    Carwreck Conversations

  • reviewed 09/2009

    MONSTERS OF FOLK
    MONSTERS OF FOLK

  • reviewed 06/2011

    SMALL TOWN SON
    Burning Good Rubber

  • reviewed 07/2017

    John Dennis
    Second Wind

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.