DARDEN SMITH

Marathon

2010-09-17

I think I've found the godfather of local artist Drew Nelson. Veteran singer-songwriter sings thoughtful, contemplative numbers that hang together thematically - and while Drew helps us understand our own backyards here in Michigan, Smith describes the broad and sometimes desolate expanse of West Texas ("75 Miles of Nothing" is an apt thesis statement). He's performed this entire set on stage with a band and an orchestra, as if it were a long symphony movement. "Sierra Diablo,""Bull by the Horns,""Don't It Go to Show" and "Over My Beating Heart" are the most immediately approachable songs, the easiest to pull out of the intended start-to-finish opus. 09/10 MJVD F-Americana (Texas)

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 03/2005

    Vance Gilbert
    Unfamiliar Moon

  • reviewed 04/2006

    Rachel Sage
    The Blistering Sun

  • reviewed 05/2007

    MARK OLSON
    The Salvation Blues

  • reviewed 12/2009

    JOE SWANK & THE ZEN PIRATES
    HANK WILLIAMS DIED FOR MY SINS

  • reviewed 05/2008

    Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
    Honoring the Fathers of Bluegrass : Tribute to 1946 and 1947

  • reviewed 04/2008

    Eef Barzelay
    Rocket Science Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

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.