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review by Bill Binkelman Sequoia by Gary Leek is a predominantly sunny and cheery collection of fourteen acoustic instrumental tunes, dominated by the artist's excellent guitar playing, but also featuring him on mandolin, mandocello, banjo and some minimal keyboard patches (used for coloring only). Unlike smoe other acoustic guitar ensemble instrumental albums, this is a more uptempo and "happy" affair. While I wouldn't deny any artist the decision on what inspires him or her when it come to titling a CD, naming this album "Sequoia" might give a potential listener the impression that this is music of sparse majestic beauty - serene, haunting, or mystical (as one might feel when glimpsing Sequoia trees). However, I was put more in mind of farmland,prairies, rolling hills, two lane blacktops, and the rural countryside. I'm sure part of my reaction is due to the presence of mandolin and banjo though, as well as the more upbeat tone of the album. These comments are a reflection of my presumption - please don't take them as a criticism of the recording. I enjoyed the CD; it's ideal daytime driving music, with its gently rocking sense of rhythm, cheerful disposition, and expert musicianship by Leek on his varied instruments. "Needs No Introduction," the opening track, will give you a good idea of what to expect. Multi-tracked guitars are blended with a smattering of mandolin and banjo (all of it expertly recorded and engineered, by the way). The pace of this track is more midtempo when compared to other songs, such as the following cut, "Up to the Sky" which is sprightly and bouncy, kind of like a rural version of Bruce BecVar. "Really Big Trees" (the third song on the CD) is one of my favorites, with its solid driving tempo and sparklng layers of acoustic guitars and banjo-led bridge. I suppose some listeners will think parts of Sequoia may sound too "country" (and I don't mean "country and western" but more in line with Appalachian or rural American music), so if you prefer a more "new agey" sound to your guitar music, this CD may not be your cup of tea. However, there are some more subdued cuts on Sequoia as well, such as the delicate "Little Woods" which almost sounds like it features a harp being played against Leek's guitar (I would guess this is the mandocello). While the music is less "cheery" it still maintains a gentle rhythm and is a far cry from the work of an artist like Will Ackerman, instead landing closer to someone like Leo Kottke. "Old Man's Dream" (as one would infer from the title) is also a more reflective piece - even pensive at times, but only by comparison. Other tracks I particularly enjoyed are "Cornstalks" (which begins in a wistful mood and then "cheers up") and "Desert Blues" (a showcase for Leek's adroit and sure-fingered playing as he blazes across the fretboard on several instruments). "The Monarch," which I think is the only single/solo instrumental track on the CD, closes out Sequoia in gentle restrained fashion. Gary Leek is a skilled musician on all his instruments and his compositions represent a fresh and exciting take on acoustic guitar music (at least fresh to my ears). While not the same "kind" of guitar music as fellow Californian (and fellow "tree fan") Clarelynn Rose, both artists share not just talent but also sincerity and passion. Sequoia should please most fans of acoustic guitar or similar string instruments, provided they don't mind that strong rural thread which runs through a good number of its tracks. For me, I think this will make ideal traveling music for my next trip down Highway 18 from Madison to Milwaukee, Wisconsin or winding through the northwoods of the same state coming back from Bayfield. I can't wait to try it out in either case - Sequoia is music tailor-made for those "sunny day" back-country drives. Recommended. |
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