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review by Michael Debbage In the liner notes, Joseph Brenna gives a run down on the origin of each song and describes the title track as the Middle East meets the Midwest. While the latter would probably effectively describe the musical themes of folk, blues and New Age, the art work and healing aspects of the album certainly delivers an underlying Eastern mysticism. If I were pressed to compare I would say it was Billy Joe Walker Jr. meets Will Ackerman with a broad brush of Brenna. A recovering cancer patient, guitarist Joseph Brenna took a couple of years off though this did not stop him from carrying his guitar everywhere. During this time, Brenna explored a lot of acoustic material and instrumental themes. But it was not until a few years later that he began to collaborate with producer and co-writer Rob Gordon, and this project is the fruit of their labor. The two most impressive aspects of this recording are Brenna's precise technique and the crystal clear production of Gordon which is an understatement. Much like Will Ackerman, there is not an emphasis on melody which allows the listener to appreciate the precision of the playing along with its clarity. In fact, the majority of the songs are short and concise and translate more into an exercise rather than a compositional outing. This is not always the case, as reflected in the plucky and well rooted "Travelin" that exudes the style and grace of Billy Joe Walker Jr. Equally as effective is the strolling and stirring "Mississippi John" and "Dondiego's Rose," the latter dedicated to the memory of his grandmother. Or for that matter check out the self-described "Pluckin' Replies" encased in ragtime and country blues. Those of you that prefer fine melodies and well structured compositions may find this project a little difficult and impersonal. However, if you also enjoy fine technique and exercises in interludes then this mood setter will certainly be an enjoyable listening experience. |
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