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 12/1969

    JACKSON BROWNE
    Time The Conqueror

  • reviewed 10/2009

    HOPE SANDOVAL & THE WARM INVENTIONS
    Through the Devil Softly

  • reviewed 05/2014

    CLARENCE BUCARO
    Hills To Home

  • reviewed 08/2007

    JOE HENRY
    Civilians

  • reviewed 09/2009

    LEE HARVEY OSMOND
    A QUIET EVIL

  • reviewed 03/2008

    Basia Bulat
    Oh My Darling

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.