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 06/2010

    COWBOY JUNKIES
    RENMIN PARK

  • reviewed 09/2007

    CHRISTINE LAVIN
    Happydance of the Xenophobe

  • reviewed 01/2004

    Mindy Smith
    One Moment More

  • reviewed 05/2008

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

  • reviewed 10/2003

    Rachel Sage
    Public Record

  • reviewed 04/2014

    AMBER NICOLE
    Lead You The Way Back Home

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.