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 06/2011

    EILEN JEWELL
    QUEEN OF THE MINOR KEY

  • reviewed 07/2006

    WAILIN JENNYS
    Firecracker

  • reviewed 04/2007

    GREG BROWN
    Yellow Dog

  • reviewed 10/2015

    Caroline Aiken
    Broken Wings Heal

  • reviewed 03/2013

    SHOOTER JENNINGS
    THE OTHER LIFE

  • reviewed 01/2005

    Mike Doughty
    Skittish / Rockity Roll

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.