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 04/2006

    The Eighteenth Day of May
    The Eighteenth Day of May

  • reviewed 02/2005

    Jess Klein
    Strawberry Lover

  • reviewed 11/2004

    Robyn Hitchock
    Spooked

  • reviewed 04/2009

    EILEN JEWELL
    SEA OF TEARS

  • reviewed 02/2006

    VARIOUS ARTISTS
    Texas Unplugged: Vol 2

  • reviewed 11/2007

    BOCA CHICA
    Transform Into Beasts

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.