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 07/2016

    Eyes Unclouded
    Eyes Unclouded

  • reviewed 07/2007

    JASON ISBELL
    Sirens of the Ditch

  • reviewed 07/2006

    FRED EAGLESMITH
    Milly's Cafe

  • reviewed 04/2012

    THE TRAVELLING MABELS
    Song In A Dream

  • reviewed 01/2005

    Various Artists
    Signature Sounds: 10th Anniversary Collection

  • reviewed 10/2015

    Brooke Annibale
    The Simple Fear

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.