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With the Eye of a Skeptic... by Abbey K. Davis
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***** (Five Stars)
You might be skeptical about Bill Price before you hear his music, but With th...***** (Five Stars)
You might be skeptical about Bill Price before you hear his music, but With the Eye of a Skeptic and a Few Other Likely Stories will leave you sure about his talent, not only with music but with songwriting, timing, and vocals.
It's easy to compare a folk album to a Bob Dylan one, but even though Price at times sounds a little like the folk legend, he deserves better than a simple comparison. His songs tell stories in a smart, witty, wordy way - like Jason Mraz without the fluff. Price surely is the master of wordplay.
While the music on With the Eye of a Skeptic is great, (it's classic folk filler with a healthy twang), the lyrics are the main point, and the album's real treasure. On "Skeptic's Lullaby", Price sings, "People's lives they are unraveling - relationships bizarre/now men they drink their madness and curse their jezebel/while the women bathe in sadness - tell themselves it's just as well". The entire album is full of such lyrics, without an obvious rhyme or pointless word thrown in to fluff anything up.
References to history, popular culture, and other artists are everywhere. Even songs without obvious references are smart and modern. On "Blue Period Blues", Price gets funky and sings with style, "She inspired every stroke but bohemians go broke/so he painted in the dark/but he painted from the heart/but all she would ever say is, 'Do you call that art?'"
With the Eye of a Skeptic is definitely art. Its modern folk with a twang and a groove that will leave you feeling like you got your time and money's worth.
Key Tracks: Blue Period Blues, Election Day, Last Word
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With The Eye Of A Skeptic is the title of a extraordinarily strong album by Bill Price
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Price is not only skeptical; he is also intelligent, and he can tell magical and marvelous stories w...Price is not only skeptical; he is also intelligent, and he can tell magical and marvelous stories which become magnificent songs accompanied by an assembled band which also hits the nail on the head in the many details. Beautiful. Beautiful! The music reminds one of the Grateful Dead in its best moments, also of Little Feat and of the Jayhawks, essentially played in an especially acoustic manner. Relaxed, yet played with precision. There is also the brilliant voice of Stasia Demos singing back-up. In short: a jewel of an album composed of natural diamonds. The listener can hear two tracks from the album, and hear how beautifully each track fits into another. On hearing then the second time, the listener hears details that completely escaped him the first time. I absolutely recommend this album.
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With the Eye of a Skeptic... by Joachim 'Joe' Brookes
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Decisions matter, whether in the microcosm of private life or in the larger web of states and their ...Decisions matter, whether in the microcosm of private life or in the larger web of states and their policy-makers. Later people sometimes regret decisions more or less; other decisions hold true. It doesn't matter whether they are made on the small stage of the family or by well-known statesmen or women at important meetings captured in group photographs; decisions have meaning.
Bill Price, in many aspects has made the absolutely correct decisions. Price, who also plays with "The Brains Behind Pa," decided to present his thirteen new compositions with a band rather than as a single, guitar-playing troubadour. He chose the exactly right mode. In the group we find musicians who were part of earlier Price-CDs. We hear from accordion player Garry Bole and bass man Jeff Stone again, also players in "The Brains Behind Pa."
Steady drops wear away stone. Even in the review of "Bones and Apples," I questioned the level of recognition of the artist. Perhaps more fans have come along. However that goes, the composer has successfully achieved an album filled with exquisite music of the best quality. The CD with the awfully long title," With the Eye of A Skeptic and A Few Other Likely Stores," is an undiluted acoustic album, even with the few tracks with Stone on the electric bass. Therefore, almost an acoustic album.
Beyond any criticism, it is crystal clear that this is a fantastic album. Numbers infused with Country, Folk, and Blues over the drum beat undertake a moving trip throughout the body of the listener. The music travels like the circulation of blood because it doesn't take much time until it reaches the heart.
Around such handcrafted music is much emotion. In this album we find not only desire, melancholy, and sadness in minor key, but also all types of themes from this insightfully observant songwriter in his compositions. In the booklet which accompanies the disc, all of the lyrics are printed along with notes, in the truest sense of the word, from the composer for each track.
In the opener, "Hear Me Out," a great number with a delightful country beat and rocking riffs on acoustic guitar, Price presents an integrated impression. Right at the start Price performs with a female singer. Stasis Demos, who sings as well as a woman can sing, gives Price real competition. It is great that Demos did not hold back or become a back-up singer. In each song the other named musicians play a key role, whether it is the super groovy twelve-bar blues, "Blue Period Blues," or the delightful rock and roll, "Fixer-Upper, the numbers have an "upsetting" appeal. I mean that in the most positive way. "Red Cloud," a song about an indian of the same name living from 1822 to 1909, shows self-doubt on the part of the composer. This does not in any way detract from the music; rather, the melancholy comes through as a quiet breath. This track is a CD highlight.
Bill Price offers the very best in singer/songwriter music, and it is certain that this long-playing album with the long title will win Price new fans. He has certainly earned it.
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With the Eye of a Skeptic... by Ron
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We know him from The Brains Behind Pa, a kind of Dylan tribute band that captivated us with the magn...We know him from The Brains Behind Pa, a kind of Dylan tribute band that captivated us with the magnificent and beautiful "Old Hat" and later "Better For The Deal". Previous to that, Bill Price had released his first solo album "Bones & Apples." In 2007, with the "The Circus and The Gallows" EP, he unleashed upon us a second powerful solo release. The EP contained only three songs, creating a longing for more, a craving ultimately satisfied with the album "With The Eye of A Skeptic", Price's new thirteen track CD.
The new release, unlike his previous work, is a CD in which we have become better acquainted with Bill's acoustic sound, despite a full band consisting of seven musicians accompanying him. Bill produced the CD himself in collaboration with Michael Graham. The entire CD is very "telling" such as the title indicates, with thirteen stories about the most divergent subjects like everyday ones to the profound, such as politics and relationships. He paints as if using murals of sound about American life in all its aspects and in an intriguing way for the listener. He immediately demands attention with his first song "Hear Me Out" and through the end of the album with a farewell song, "Last Word," leaving the listener with striking words that make you think about those who are leaving or dying. Once again there is that voice that reminds us once in awhile of a young Bob Dylan, above all in "Sticks and Stones". Also very beautiful and peaceful is "Junkman" where, as in other songs, Stasia Demos draws attention with her especially stunning vocal harmonies. "Henry's War" is about what the war does to people and the deep scars they leave behind. Every song is about another intriguing story according to Bill's own and distinct view, because he is an excellent story teller using a mix of poetry and acute observations to compose his lyrics. Like his previous work, this work is another album that grows on you the more you listen to it and slowly but surely grips you as one of those records you will return to again and again in days to come.
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With the Eye of a Skeptic... Review
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Proving himself to be a thought provoking songwriter with an unerring ability to hit the nail square...Proving himself to be a thought provoking songwriter with an unerring ability to hit the nail squarely on the head, Bill Price's recently released "With The Eye Of A Skeptic & A Few Other Likely Stories" is a collection of acoustic band work-outs that swing between the gently introspective ('In A Flying Dream') and more up-tempo rockers ('Blue Period Blues').
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With the Eye of a Skeptic... by Maurice Hope
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Singer-songwriter Bill Price has a fine eye for detail, and likewise an ear for a good melody. When ...Singer-songwriter Bill Price has a fine eye for detail, and likewise an ear for a good melody. When you put them together as on "With The Eye Of A Skeptic..." alongside the help of a fine cast of musicians everything you could wish for falls into place, perfectly.
Price reminds me of another mighty fine acoustic musician, singer-songwriter by the name of Chuck Brodsky of whom I will speak of in detail at a later date via a review of his live twin-cd set, Two Sets. However, Bill Price is the man presently under the spotlight, and how I love his songs, the bustling melodies and, with him accompanied by Garry Bole (accordion, melodica), Stasia Demos (harmony vocals) Jamey Reid (drums), Jeff Stone (upright bass) and Paul Holdman (acoustic lead guitar) and Grover Parido (cello) plus, Price himself figures on Resonator, rhythm acoustic guitar, bouzouki and harmonium as a feast of folk, country and as is the case on 'Blue Period Blues', rockabilly flavoured fare spill forth on this his third full-blown album.
Price's ability to combine poetic lyrics and imagery rich in organic tones coupled with, sympathetic support of the players ensure "With The Eye Of A Skeptic..." is an album to saviour. It is one that the listener will, repeatedly, return to and enjoy --a little better on each and every occasion. As in such tracks as the beautifully constructed 'Foot In The Dirt', 'Junkman', a fabulous, nicely paced tune lined with splendid female harmonies and 'In A Flying Dream'. While the final track 'Last Word' and the infectious opener with a terrific 'won't let go' beat 'Hear Me Out' (possessing some mighty accordion, harmony vocals; Holdman play a cittern solo and even harpsichord) has him stand up and speak his mind. Wonderful stuff.
For the songs where a little extra dash is added we have 'Waterfall #2' a wry and quite funny 'Henry's War' (like with all the sings it has some well thought out notes and, as on this occasion help make the lyrics even more addictive) and on completely throwing off all inhibitions the sing-a-long 'Sticks And Stones' featuring excellent cello, a fine rhythm section plus the imaginative 'Fixer-Upper'.
Every angle is covered as lyrics and informative song notes are listed in the well-presented CD sleeve; if you are looking for someone who writes great songs then you need not look any further.
Maurice Hope
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With the Eye of a Skeptic... by Kev A.
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It appears that Bill Price has been hoovering up the 'small' stories. Those stories born and raised ...It appears that Bill Price has been hoovering up the 'small' stories. Those stories born and raised in Americana, which have been loitering with intent, and just needed someone to write them down and serve them up. With a delicious little bit of music, of course, and thus turn them out splendidly.
The album is a superbly literate set of 13 songs, one of the best of which, "In A Flying Dream", epitomises Bill Price's exceptional ability to make words into pictures: 'In a flying dream, Custer was a poet, In a flying dream little Big Horn was a band, In a flying dream Napoleon conquered his fear instead, China's Great Wall was only sand.'
Even better, though, is the WWII veteran soldier's anthem, "Henry's War", self-explanatory except that there is still a war raging for this stalwart of battle, and it's closer to home...
The whole set is so beautifully simple you wonder why on earth it hasn't been done before, until you remember that the simple things are, more often than not, the hardest to capture.
In this world crowded with literate singer-songwriters (and quite a few duds besides) it ain't easy to get the recognition that should come their way. I have to hope that Bill gets the acclaim he deserves pretty soon, before we are all viewing this world with a dubious eye.
Kev A.
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With the Eye of a Skeptic... by Scott Shoger
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5 stars
There's not much to quibble with on Bill Price's second solo full-length "With the Eye of...5 stars
There's not much to quibble with on Bill Price's second solo full-length "With the Eye of a Skeptic," a well-crafted and-executed, rather dense, 13-song set that sees Price considering politics, relationships, a sense of place, his own ethos and philosophy, his dreams for the future, the natural world and a good deal else.
Price gives shape to the album by opening and closing with two list songs: in the front, it's "Hear Me Out," which asks the audience to sit back and let him talk for a while ("A hymn or a dirge - the strangest things emerge - a song can cleanse the soul"), and in the back, "Last Word," which considers the resounding impact of what a person does or says before his departure. Both tunes get at the things Price does best - that is, turning a familiar phrase or idea in just a little different direction, "hear me out" being not just a plea for an interrogator to hold up but also the songwriter's gentle introduction, "last word" referring to the traditional last words on a death bed or upon leave taking, as well as those particular last words that stay with you once a person has gone. That notion of last words is an appropriate comparison to the experience of listening to a record - after all, the listener may not remember a dominant theme or bombastic moment, but simply a catchy riff or an oddly pronounced word that has a certain, maybe unconscious appeal.
Price's lyrics are uniformly rich and thoughtful, full of internal rhyme and double entendres, sophisticated without being verbose. He picks interesting subjects, approaches them from what seems an honest and somewhat unique perspective and does so with chops enough to allow him to go just about anywhere with his ideas. Price excels in character studies: on "Junkman," which reflects on a neighborhood figure whose collections won't afford him what he's really seeking, or the perceptive "Henry's War," which sees the narrator trying to get inside the head of a WWII vet ("You can pick your battles, you cannot pick your war / Henry Moore ain't no more"). Price doesn't hide his politics or passions: "Blue Period Blues" is an appropriately bluesy track that refers to Picasso and Duchamp, "In a Flying Dream" depicts an ideal world where Price's heroes Woody Guthrie and Elizabeth Cotten are known to every schoolchild, and "Skeptic's Lullaby," which Price considers this "theme song," is a largely dark and cynical tune (although lightly executed musically) which exemplifies, according to Price's liner note, the notion that "we should have pessimism of the intellect and optimism of the will." He explores a couple well-chosen metaphors elsewhere: "Election Day" standing in for all the choices we have to make in life, "Fixer-upper" being a thing to look for both in a spouse and a house.
Price is also attuned to the natural world, and while I wasn't as compelled by his American Indian-inspired tune, "Red Cloud" (which goes on a bit too long and thuds on the phrase that's roughly a "tipi divided" cannot stand), I thought "Foot in the Dirt" an excellent change of pace - it's the hymn that he promised in the opening song and it strikes a non-religious note ("Eye in the sky, foot in the dirt / For the steps up to heaven are made simply of earth") with a balanced simplicity.
As an aside, Price's music and arrangements tend to be a bit too pretty for my taste (hence the John Denver comparison I've applied to him, which is limited to his music, because his song craft and lyrics have nothing to do with the cloying Denver). And I find his voice a bit affected at times, with an extra hiccup or two stretching out a line. But that doesn't detract significantly from his song writing, and is, to a certain extent, a matter of taste more than anything; the evidence of craft, experience and care is undeniable.
Price, who can be heard as both a solo act and with the Dylan-inspired band The Brains Behind Pa (which features bluesman Gordon Bonham, among others), has outdone himself on this release, which displays a level of care right down to the annotated liner notes, which give the lyrics alongside a brief and illuminating explanation for each song, all in a handsome Gothic font and layout that's consistent with the gargoyle on the cover.
The backing band is uniformly excellent, so I guess I'll have to note them all - Garry Bole's accordion and melodica give the album a rich texture, Jamey Reid and Jeff Stone are solid on drums and bass, respectively, Paul Holdman turns in unobtrusive lead acoustic guitar lines, Stasia Demos offers a little harmony on background vocals and Grover Parido plays cello on a few tunes, with excellent multi-track work on "Sticks and Stones."
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With the Eye of a Skeptic... by Martin Smit
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This is old-time country dance, girl/boy harmonies against a roots rocking band led by the jubilant ...This is old-time country dance, girl/boy harmonies against a roots rocking band led by the jubilant skitter of the cittern (a sort of large bodied mandolin.) This is not all though; this is the personal, political, the thoughtful, the wishful, the dreamer making songs, the watcher singing.
We hear about the Junkman who learns about life in the bits and pieces he collects, the secrets we throw away without even knowing it. We debate within a blues swing room about the soul of modern art then to the strains of a lilting lullaby-like tune we are taken flying.
In his dreams, in this flight, years roll by jumbled, villains are given the chance to be heroes, history is scrambled, and re-sighed, re-written hope is rescued from the cynic's prison.
Price may see these things, these choices, with the eye of a skeptic, but his belief in good, in the right decisions maybe being made, the fact that the future is really fragile and can be broken into something beautiful is what makes this collection a gift.
In the song ''Foot In The Dirt'' the simple act, the lucid description of how it feels - just to cast away the heavy of the day and... walk, touches this listener because that escape has often been MY escape too.
So jump slow and jump calm into these songs and stories, get caught up in the seemingly effortless virtuoso playing of all involved and welcome this gentle raconteur into your home.
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With the Eye of a Skeptic... by Cary Allen Fields
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Bill Price is a songwriter capable of creating a sweeping panorama or focused snapshot of American l...Bill Price is a songwriter capable of creating a sweeping panorama or focused snapshot of American life within the space of a song, each evocation a compelling story that leaves you a better person for having listened."
Cary Allen Fields - Host of Redbud Radio & The Fields of Bluegrass Radio Hour
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With the Eye of a Skeptic... by Dani
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One has to have quite a passion for small print, when reading the name Bill Price, to immediately th...One has to have quite a passion for small print, when reading the name Bill Price, to immediately think of the band The Brains Behind Pa. This band might not be very well-known, but we have written about them quite positively in a past life.
Their record 'Better for the Deal' is already more than three years old, but is still played often in villa H. This is not without its reasons, and the same goes for Bill Price's solo record: The man has a gift of writing songs. Somewhere on his website we read that he sometimes had doubts about why he became a songwriter: Either because at a somewhat early age he came to the conclusion that he had an opinion about almost everything, or because he found out at the same time that he would always be an average guitar player. As far as I am concerned, it is irrelevant for what reason he decided to 'get into music.' As long as he keeps on making records of the same level as this 'Skeptic.'
Bill claims to be influenced by Dylan and The Beatles. I could have told you that: The melodies flirt with pop music, the clarity and naturalness that also typified Lennon-McCartney. Price's lyrics are always about something: The man has a gift of using words and is capable of very sharply writing down what his acute eyes see. Things that some of us sometimes wonder about, but usually tend to forget, are enough inspiration for Price to write a song about. Participating in a local election is immediately a reason to write a song about the choices you make every day; Bill can write about the phenomenon in such a way that you, as in a dream, are able to view the world and your own life from above. He is able to portray the falling and rising of mankind and realize, as one should, that the journey is more important than the destination. Anyway, Bill Price can write songs. Add to this that he is accompanied by a very competent band, with Garry Bole's accordion occasionally taking the lead, and all the ingredients are present for a very arresting record. Something 'Skeptic' truly is. But please listen for yourself!
(Dani)
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With the Eye of a Skeptic... by Cis Van Looy
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Price knows how to write a decent song. This has been demonstrated in great detail on 'Bones & Apple...Price knows how to write a decent song. This has been demonstrated in great detail on 'Bones & Apples' and 'Better For The Deal' by The Brains Behind Pa, a collaborative project with guitar player Gordon Bonham.
A few musicians who are part of this musical collective, such as bass player Jeff Stone and Gary Bole (accordion), also play on Price's second solo attempt that, with strong input by guitar player Paul Holdman, is evolving more toward folk. This does not mean the record puts you to sleep. On the contrary; the first track 'Hear Me Out' swings quite a bit thanks to acoustic, but very dynamic rhythms. Another unmistakable plus are Stasia Demos' harmonies, which are a nice addition to Price's somewhat nasal sound. In the thirteen songs Bill Price does not only refer to personal experiences, but social issues are addressed as well in songs such as 'Junkman' and 'Red Cloud.' Politics aren't ignored either. This is not a bitter pamphlet that is stuffed down your throat, but a personal statement about American society that is nicely wrapped in subtle music that invariably leads to very nice listening. Pay attention to the songs 'Henry's War' or 'In A Flying Dream.' The accompanying book of lyrics contains some more info from the writer about each individual song.
Cis Van Looy (3 stars)
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With the Eye of a Skeptic... by John Gjaltema
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3 out of 5 stars
The CD title 'With The Eye Of A Sceptic & A Few Other Likely Stories' (Grass Mag...3 out of 5 stars
The CD title 'With The Eye Of A Sceptic & A Few Other Likely Stories' (Grass Magoops Records) immediately shows that Bill Price has a story to tell. The Indianapolis, Indiana singer-songwriter has written an album containing thirteen songs that last nothing short of 67 minutes. It might be a bit long for an album, but that might also be a reviewer whining. Anyway, Bill Price definitely keeps you captivated. His style is slight acoustic rock. The careful guitar play is remarkable, as are the meticulously written arrangements. In addition to Price himself, Paul Holdman is responsible for this guitar play. By playing multiple guitars, the sound is more varied. Other instruments used are the accordion, the melodica, the bouzouki and the cittern. Furthermore, the rhythm section keeps the songs, of which half last more than five minutes, snappy. The 8.42 minutes lasting Red Cloud is one of the highlights. In this song Price argues that we, despite all good intentions, are often quite hypocritical: "I looked a little deeper and I wondered / just exactly what my pose would've been / Would I have been cursed - had the roles been reversed / If I'd have worn the moccasin." Available through CD Baby.
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With the Eye of a Skeptic...
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(3.5 out of 5 stars = very good indeed)
"What's the deal with stories," Bill Price wonders on the...(3.5 out of 5 stars = very good indeed)
"What's the deal with stories," Bill Price wonders on the cover of his new CD 'With The Eye Of A Sceptic...'. Or: "Why do they attract us so much? Why do we love telling them?" And he appears to know the answer to these questions. "First and foremost," he thinks, "stories can teach us a lot about ourselves." They show us the true nature of our own being. "But," he writes, "there is another aspect that attracts us. Something deeper, in fact. And that is that we keep reminding ourselves we are alive by telling stories. Stories help us to be in touch with others. And as long as we are in touch with others, we are alive and well." This is why he calls stories a 'currency of human contact.' We feel like this is quite an interesting theory, since after close consideration it is hardly deniable and contains a lot of truth.
The fact is that Price's wise words lead us to listen through headphones with above average interest to his new CD. And it did not disappoint at all. His version of Americana appeared to also leave room for other genres, such as pop, folk, jazz and rockabilly. That way, he ensured we experienced plenty of variety. And the fact that Price, despite the presence of a complete band, still chose to have a completely acoustic sound, seemed a plus to us as well. But in our view, the majority of his stars he receives are a result of his... stories! The creative brain behind The Brains Behind Pa captivates in thirteen 'likely stories,' which are almost always characterized by a ray of light at the end of the horizon. We thought the best ones were the ones in which Stasia Demos provided the harmonies and Garry Bole supported the songs with his accordion. Examples are 'Hear Me Out' and 'Waterfall #2,' to just name a few. We especially want to recommend this record to people who appreciate guys like Bob Dylan and a John Wesley Harding. Especially the oeuvre of the last one is an excellent reference.
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With the Eye of a Skeptic... by Bengt O. Tederborg
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Bill Price has made a few albums already, partly on his own, but also as a member of The Brains Behi...Bill Price has made a few albums already, partly on his own, but also as a member of The Brains Behind Pa. This new album contains several strong songs that tend to wake your curiosity and interest. It is based on acoustic folk rock.
Perhaps story-telling is the most noticeable human trait as art.
Perhaps all her evolutionary strengths – and, as a result, also weaknesses, rest on this spoken ability to find representation of past and present, and pass it on in various ways. However, the stories must give some meaning, which has not escaped Bill Price in his "Likely Stories". It is certainly not epic stories written with a beginning, middle and end, but rather a collection of both personal and general reflections.
Price also provides background to his reflections. The project is ambitious and often very successful. The secrets are in the details and in Price's ability to bring out essential meanings both in the lyrics and in the music.
Surrounded by a band with a majority of acoustic instruments, such as double bass, drums, guitars etc., he gives us thirteen songs with, in most cases, considerable melodic strengths. The result is uniformly created and varied music, scoring several points in the lyrics. Musically, it's about carefully ornamented folk music. Dylan is an obvious influence; the earlier Van Morrison another one. Price has a good voice, although he obviously has a ways to go in order to reach his role models' uniqueness and total presence.
The band is quite superb. It is versatile and tight, moving between slower stuff, mid-tempo songs and numbers that are almost like 50's rock 'n roll. The guitarist Paul Holdman is especially a find. His solo, for example, of almost 9 minutes long "Red Cloud", the best song, is excellent. Elegance and intensity are an unusual combination here.
"Stories keep us alive and aware, and they give us a context in this world", writes Price. (Psychologists might claim they keep instinctual anxieties in check.) I agree with him on that point and his contribution to that context should be explored more often.
Bengt O Tedeborg
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With the Eye of a Skeptic... by Espen Strunk
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4 out of 6 stars
GAFFA's review: 4 out of 6 stars
Countrified root-record with literary aspira...4 out of 6 stars
GAFFA's review: 4 out of 6 stars
Countrified root-record with literary aspirations
Even though the songwriter Bill Price from Indiana – who is not to be confused with the British producer and sound technician of the same name – has been performing folk music for the last thirty years or so, the present record is only his second long-playing album using his own name. Price has previously explored the American grass-root music tradition with The Brains Behind Pa – where the reference to Dylan is less than coincidental – and, even though the music is still intentionally traditional acoustic folk music, this time he is very much present in the style of the lyrics, where the level of ambitions is extremely high and sound. In the record's notes, Price contemplates the fascination of the story, and once again delivers thirteen of its kind. The tracks are supplied with additional explanatory texts and subtitles in the accompanying textbook. The Dylan-inspiration is true to form in the elaborated texts and the namedropping of a gallery of characters that stretches from Woody Guthrie, Elizabeth Cotten and general Custer to Picasso and H. D. Thoreau, while the music in certain points, evokes an acoustic Grateful Dead and also the late Warren Zevon. Tight, but brilliant.
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With the Eye of a Skeptic... by Ruud Heijjer
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Idealist.
Bill Price alternates CDs with his band The Brains Behind Pa with solo efforts since 20...Idealist.
Bill Price alternates CDs with his band The Brains Behind Pa with solo efforts since 2002.
In the thirteen songs on his second full-length solo CD singer/guitarist Bill Price chooses to play folkier music than on predessessors 'The Circus & The Gallows' and 'Bones & Apples' and on the two CDs with his group The Brains Behind Pa. although BBP- keyboardist Gary Bole and BBP-bassist Jeff Stone contribute in a serving way here too. Still, Price's vocals and guitar determine the sound, together with semi-acoustically soloing guitarist Paul Holdman.
Against an often swinging, folky background Price again proves that he personalizes all kinds of themes as a storyteller: politics, relationships, dreams (about the future), American history and inner cities. In the process he uses symbols and metaphores which cannot always be decoded instantly, but he explains every song in the booklet that goes with this beautifully issued CD. Apart from that, he links them thematically, also because opener 'Hear Me Out' and closer 'Last Word' turn it into a real song cycle.
3.5 stars (good, certainly for the devotees)
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With the Eye of a Skeptic...
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The third full-length solo album from Indiana's Bill Price. In addition to recording solo, Price is ...The third full-length solo album from Indiana's Bill Price. In addition to recording solo, Price is also the driving force in the band The Brains Behind Pa. With the Eye of a Skeptic & A Few Other Likely Stories is a nice, laidback album driven mainly by acoustic instruments. Some might lump this album into the Americana category but in our opinion this would be more appropriately labeled mid-tempo folk/pop. Although far more normal than such a comparison might suggest, some of Bill's tunes...and particularly his vocals...occasionally remind us ever-so-slightly of the bizarro obtuse underground band The Frogs. Not only are the songs on this album smooth and reflective...but the release also features really beautiful packaging that includes a lovely lyric booklet. Thirteen keepers here including "Junkman," "Foot in the Dirt," "Red Cloud," and "Last Word." Nice, sincere, and intelligent.
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With the Eye of a Skeptic...
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The singer-songwriter-guitarist Bill Price grew up on the music of light rock's iconic figures, such...The singer-songwriter-guitarist Bill Price grew up on the music of light rock's iconic figures, such as Bob Dylan and the Beatles. So it's no surprise that when it came time for him to pick an instrument he chose the guitar right way.
When he first hit the stage he primarily covered songs from the performers above but, with time, his repertoire expanded to include more and more of his own songs. Price's introductory album, entitled Old Hat, came out in 2002, followed by Bones and Apples in 2003, and Better for the Deal three years later. 2007 brought a three-song single called The Circus and the Gallows.
His most recent disc, With the Eye of a Skeptic (2009), contains thirteen songs. They are not really even songs, but more like musical stories. Although in reality it is not a one-man guitar production, the listener can easily picture the performer sitting on the stage alone as he starts into one of his short narratives. The collection includes 13 original tales, or whatever you want to call them. The song titles alone, from In Flying Dream to Waterfall #2, and from Red Cloud to The Last Word, catch your attention. The songwriter paid great attention to detail on this recording, providing the listener with lots of additional information in the 15-page booklet that accompanies the CD. For example, he briefly describes the events that inspired a given story, and provides "explanatory" sub-titles for the compositions.
Although the poetic lyrics, teetering on the border between pop and folk, are somewhat tedious, they are accompanied by a musical background that makes Bill Price's newest release much more palatable.
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With the Eye of a Skeptic...
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Indiana songwriter's third solo outing.
The full title of this album, Price's third solo release,...Indiana songwriter's third solo outing.
The full title of this album, Price's third solo release, is "With the Eye of a Skeptic & a Few Other Likely Stories."
When not performing as a solo singer-songwriter, Indianapolis, Indiana-based Price fronts the roots rock band The Brains Behind Pa. Recorded over a three year period at the Lodge Studios in Indianapolis, owner Michael Graham shares the production credit with Price. Supporting Price are Brains Behind Pa alumni Garry Bole (accordion, melodica) and Jeff Stone (upright bass), plus Stasia Demos (vocal harmonies), Paul Holdman (lead guitar, cittern and bouzouki), Grover Parido (cello) and Jamey Reid (drums, percussion).
Price penned the thirteen songs and of those the standouts are the melodically energetic and muscular opening number "Hear Me Out" and the ballad paced "Foot in the Dirt." Both lyrics reference connectedness, the former bids us communicate honestly and truthfully with our fellow man (as does the closing number "Last Word"), while "Foot in the Dirt" bids us celebrate life by exploring the physical beauty of this planet. Elsewhere, "In a Flying Dream" name checks historic figures-past and present-then paints their achievement(s) in a surreal topsy-turvy light. If there was a conclusion to draw from the latter, it's that Price much admires the music of Elizabeth Cotten. In terms of the melody employed "Skeptic's Lullaby" is an ironic title, while (the opening part of) the album title surfaces in the lyric.
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With the Eye of a Skeptic...
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Just a blurb...!
Just a quick note here...
Quite frankly, Bill Price's new album, 'With The Eye ...Just a blurb...!
Just a quick note here...
Quite frankly, Bill Price's new album, 'With The Eye Of A Skeptic & A Few Other Likely Stories' is not really my style, at all. So, the fact that I'm taking a moment to write a quick blurb about it is just as much a mystery to me.
I had heard Bill many months ago on some sort of industry/promo compilation and for some reason his name stuck with me, so it was odd to receive this album in the mail a few weeks ago. I honestly put off listening to it for a while (not on purpose), but when I finally did, I was glad I had chosen to listen.
I can't say that this is a record that will be widely accepted, but the album is quite an adventure! If nothing else, go purchase the album's opening track, 'Hear Me Out' on iTunes.
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Indianapolis Songwriter's Cafe at Boulevard Place Cafe 5/16/08
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Friday's initial installment in the monthly Indianapolis Songwriter's Cafe seemed a success on all a...Friday's initial installment in the monthly Indianapolis Songwriter's Cafe seemed a success on all accounts: The show was well-attended, the three singer-songwriters -- Bill Price, Frank Dean and Brent Bennett -- turned out inspired performances, no one tried to talk over the singers (and thus no one was thrown out), merchandise was sold and there was free food. I got there about a half-hour into the show, but things went on for a good three hours with only a short break -- and one got the sense that all three guys could go on all night.
To the music: Bill Price, long-haired, with Lennon-like glasses and face and a Technicolor vest, has a clean, bright and accomplished guitar sound with intelligent, often witty lyrics. "Blue-Period Blues" refers to Picasso's turn-of-the-century monochromatic stage in a clever tune about the relationships of artists; "Election Day" employs the familiar phrase to encompass all manner of things in which people have a choice; "In a Flying Dream" suggests some alternate histories where awful things didn't happen against a very mellow James Taylor-style backing.
My favorite tune by Price was the psychologically insightful and fully-realized "Henry's War," about a WWII veteran with an over-solicitous wife who answers every question directed his way, even those about his own background that he is uniquely qualified to answer. "You can pick your battles, you cannot pick your war," goes the chorus, and like most of Price's tunes, the phrase works specifically in the context of the song, and more generally as a maxim. Unlike a war tune played with near-entire seriousness (John Prine's excellent but somewhat dated Vietnam ballad "Sam Stone" comes to mind), Price's tune was quite funny at times, but also ably turned towards more dramatic and weighty territory.
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The Circus & The Gallows
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18 out of 20
I couldn't really find out a lot about Bill Price as a person. My research showed...
18 out of 20
I couldn't really find out a lot about Bill Price as a person. My research showed that this CD is the fourth album and had been previously released in the United States in September 2007. Mr. Price describes himself as singer and songwriter, which is quite alright, although I see (or hear) him deeply rooted with blues-rock.
The three songs on this album had been recorded on the same day and all I can say is: Hats off!! These songs have style, especially the Hammond organ and guitar. The melodies carry me away and there is just the right combination of commercial appeal, raw energy, and uniqueness. In particular the last piece "Go Away Nicely" nails it with a touch of melancholy, the fantastic sound of the organ and guitar. It strikes a chord of every Moore, Clapton and Pink Floyd fan.
Terrific disk, unfortunately barely available, try Kuenstlerpage or Amazon, it's worth it!
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The Circus & The Gallows by Joachim "Joe" Brookes
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7-8 out of 10
The guitarist and singer Bill Price, who lives in Indianapolis, is a member of the ...7-8 out of 10
The guitarist and singer Bill Price, who lives in Indianapolis, is a member of the band The Brains Behind Pa. He recorded together with Garry Bole, Gordon Bonham (also members of The Brains Behind Pa.) and other musicians a 3-track-CD full of magnificent melodies, great guitar sounds and hook lines.
At times Paul Holdman's guitar playing reminds me of Carlos Santana and besides the soft voice of the protagonist the horn section performs very well, adding a touch of big-band-character. You'll feel that all musicians recorded the songs in the studio together live and the fun transferred to the listener. Due to the fact of having several guitars involved in all of the three songs, this CD offers multi-layered sound.
"The Circus & The Gallows" was the latest CD they recorded completely analog in The Lodge Studio. That's what makes the sound so warm and comfortable.
Garry Bole delivers great Hammond interludes and the songs sound really voluminous. Dan Dolan plucks gently the bass throughout and the drummer Jamey Reid's drumming is diverse.
The brass takes center stage in the opening track "The Circus & The Gallows", in "Lookin' Crooked" the guitars do as well. "Go Away Nicely" is a wonderful song to be listened to more than once or twice. It emphasizes the songwriter capabilities of Price, besides you can't appreciate the guitar parts otherwise, they deserve multiple listens.
"The Circus & The Gallows" is already the second CD, after "Bones & Apples", and we are already anxious to see the third masterpiece, 'cause Bill Price' gentle rock with solid guitar sounds has that je ne sais quoi.
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The Circus & The Gallows by Freddy Celis
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Finally released in late 2007, even though pre-recordings were made in 2003. Left-overs from "Bones ...Finally released in late 2007, even though pre-recordings were made in 2003. Left-overs from "Bones and Apples?" Not quite, it only includes three songs, and those three songs only come by means of a coincidence of circumstances. Bill had written the songs, and he says they begged for horns. They needed horns and it was possible that friends who had worked on "Brains behind Pa" were enthusiastic to try it out, and so these three songs were included.
The title track is a song in line with what we heard on "Bones & Apples," but with a different use of the horn section, the number has something of a Van Morrison style, but naturally Bill's voice is completely different, even though instrumentally it hits right on the mark. And now for "something completely different," to put it in Monty Python terms, "Lookin Crooked" is unexpectedly pure blues, extremely clever with beautiful piano and sax passages, and with some Hammond organ, Gordon Bonham can finally live up to his role as a blues guitarist.
"Go Away Nicely" delves further into the bluesy realm and is a somewhat straining, driving song, but in this way so beautiful, the Gordon guitar solos is celestial. I am sorry that this is only an EP! This is what he should give us on a full CD. Bill, bring on horns again, give Gordon enough room and write a more of these songs right away.
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The Circus & The Gallows
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Bill Price combines elements of R&B and a taste of funk that adds considerable authority to his bras...Bill Price combines elements of R&B and a taste of funk that adds considerable authority to his brass-soaked singer-songwriter sound and cooly assured vocals on his "The Circus & The Gallows" EP
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Better for the Deal by Gabriele Buvoli
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It is not easy to find the right way to present a musical masterpiece like this one, by an unknown b...It is not easy to find the right way to present a musical masterpiece like this one, by an unknown band from the Midwest, since really great albums like this one are so few and far between. Indeed, Better for the Deal is truly a splendid album: what makes it stand out even more is that it is the result of efforts put forth by this band for the debut release of their original songs, which perfectly bring together their love for Bob Dylan, traditional folk music and the blues.
The brains behind the project belong to Bill Price, also a solo singer-songwriter and the author of all the album's tracks, not to mention the band's lead vocalist, and Gordon Bonham, a guitarist who boasts a respectable blues resume, but is also perfectly at ease with folk rock material, adding a refined touch that never overpowers and provides each track with just the right strokes.
Garry Bole, a multi-faceted musician, also does a very respectable job, dividing his talents among the piano, the Hammond organ, the accordion and the mandolin, with a delicate touch that is much appreciated. The rhythm section, which consists of Jeff Chapin on drums and Jeff Stone on base, boasts significant experience both in rock-blues and jazz, bringing this musical circle to a full close.
Each and every one of the fifteen pieces contained in Better for the Deal is worth listening to, and some are of such high artistic value that they stand out above the others, all of which are very good to begin with. If Look out Below is a perfect opening track to loosen things up with its Hammond and electric guitar phrasings, The Other Side of the River gets the band's collective feet wet in the very pleasant waters of acoustic country rock while Mudroom is a faster, gripping electric track. With Drowning of Thirst, a languid ballad that features noteworthy acoustic threads and a melodic opening, the band is allowed to return to its territorial roots; Business Burlesque is a song that, despite the excellent interplay between Gordon Bonham's electric guitar and Garry Bole's electric piano, remains the creation of the songwriter, Bill Price.
Running Still shines thanks to Bonham's blues phrasings on his National Resophonic; Cold Enough to Snow oozes Dylan from all of its pores; Lookin' Crooked is another workout on the piano for Bole and a phenomenal song; Silver Spade is decidedly the high point of the album: here we are in the presence of one of the most heartfelt folk rock ballads that I have had the pleasure of listening to in recent times, with the piano that crosses it from beginning to end, intertwining with the acoustic guitar in breaks and restarts that really leave their mark.
Those Drier Slide Blues is one of the last stops, a valid country-blues acoustic piece; instead, the closing track is a wild ride through country rock in Ship of State, sealing a truly remarkable album, not only for the quality of its musical offerings, but also for the talent displayed by the artists. Let's hope it is the first of many more to come.
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Better for the Deal by Huub Thomassen
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The Brains Behind Pa is a remarkable band name that is based on a Bob Dylan track that I am actually...The Brains Behind Pa is a remarkable band name that is based on a Bob Dylan track that I am actually unfamiliar with. This Indianapolis band ultimately revolves around singer - songwriter Bill Price, who wrote and co-produced all fifteen songs. After releasing the EP Old Hat in 2002, the 2006 Better For The Deal is the band's first official album. I don't have a clue why the album was sent to us for a review two years after it came out. This is not a problem, however, since the saying 'Better late than never' applies in this instance. I mean, despite being more than seventy minutes long, the record does not let down for a second.
Tapping into the loosely present basic influences of traditional blues and folk, Bill Price plants a delightful bouquet of eclectic songs. This is because every track has been embellished by some aspect of nineteen sixties pop, bebop, rock(abilly) Cajun, bluegrass, funk, jazz or soul. They're all pearls with a heartwarming, groovy sound that makes you take in influential names, sometimes while leaning back and sometimes while tapping your foot. What do you think of names like JJ Cale, The Band, The Doors, Jerry Garcia, Spirit, Don McClean and Bob Dylan?
Some songs have a swampy and funky rhythm, while others are characterized by meandering organs, a crystal clear piano sound or the spacious sounding guitar. In his poetic lyrics, Bill Price turns out to be an engaged observer with an opinion. 'In the city of Indians - city of bone, city of promises gone, city of gloss, city of history lost', he sings in the phenomenal acoustic 'City of Indians'.
Bill Price's somewhat affected voice - a little reminiscent of Steve Wynn - is rooted in the right musical foundation as a result of the more than terrific performance of his band. Guitar player Gordon Bonham is magnificent, but the performances of his friends (especially from his band The Gordon Bonham Bluesband) drummer Jeff Chapin, organ player Gary Bole (also on the mandolin and the accordion) and bass player Jeff Stone create a refreshing and colorful sound. Better For The Deal is an album filled with multi-faceted songs that are still exceptionally cohesive.
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Better for the Deal
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Rating: 5/5
The Brains Behind Pa, the American guitar band lead by Bill Price, was apparently out...Rating: 5/5
The Brains Behind Pa, the American guitar band lead by Bill Price, was apparently out to achieve high quality while working on the album. They spent two years in The Lodge studios in Indianapolis perfecting their material. The complete album is an admirable masterpiece.
The album contains 15 compositions, so you can enjoy over 70 minutes of music. Bill Price is credited with writing all the songs. The style of the album can't be labeled using a single category. Price and his fellow musicians play all styles that go well with a guitar - folk, blues, bluegrass, rock and rockabilly. However, their mixing of styles doesn't end up in a chaos. The tracks on the playlist fall into place like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Omitting a single piece would make the system fall apart. This music has soul. The listener wouldn't question the place of harmony on the scale of perception for a second. Some of the songs (e.g. Ugly Street and Running Still) make you feel like you are speeding along a desert highway in Nevada, riding a racing motorcycle or sitting at the wheel of a multi-thousand-cubic-centimeter-engine Chevrolet.
To cut a long story short, Better for the deal is a proper well-rounded album with full sound, stretching the possibilities of guitar music to the limit. It represents a refreshing trip away from the hollow environment of contemporary pop music.
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Better for the Deal by Ronald Bervoets
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Bill Price not only is a good songwriter, he also is an absolute wonderful singer. It took him two y...Bill Price not only is a good songwriter, he also is an absolute wonderful singer. It took him two years to finish this record, and you can hear that in the result. It's an abolute perfect recording, 15 great songs in a row.
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Better for the Deal by Freddy Celis
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"Terrific lyrics. Perfect production. Inspired playing.This CD just gets better and better each time..."Terrific lyrics. Perfect production. Inspired playing.This CD just gets better and better each time I hear it. One of those rare CD's that you can play over and over and each time you hear it it continues to reveal itself to you. Bill Price, the songwriter of the band, is a genius. I felt this same feeling with his album 'Bones and Apples' (2003), and 'Better For The Deal' confirms it three years later."
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Better for the Deal
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CD rating: 17 out of 20
The bassist Jeff Stone joins as a new member on the second production cal...CD rating: 17 out of 20
The bassist Jeff Stone joins as a new member on the second production called "Better For The Deal" (already released in 2006) by "The Brains Behind Pa". In contrast to the first album there are only new songs by singer/songwriter Bill Price released. Influences from folk, blues, bluegrass, folk rock and rockabilly are noticeable.
However the musical content is similar even with the new material. The style is immediately recognizable as "The Brains Behind Pa". Greatly performed songs, to some extent relaxing, but also with an impelling groove. The cooperation with Jeff Stone is very positive.
Almost all of the songs have been recorded in a studio as a live-session. That gives it a fresh character. The sound is convincing and you hear and feel they must have had a great time and fun recording.
"Better For The Deal" is a little different from their debut album, but as great. Highly recommended.
Highlights: "The Other Side of the River", "Mudroom", "City of Indians"
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Better for the Deal by Adolf 'Gorhand' Goriup
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The band Brains behind Pa was founded in Indiana and released the second album called "Better For Th...The band Brains behind Pa was founded in Indiana and released the second album called "Better For The Deal". Unlike their first album, "Old Hat" which contained more traditional songs, the new one has 15 compositions of Bill Price. The members around Price (vocal and guitar), are: Gordon Bonham (vocal, guitar), drummer Jeff Chapin, bassist Jeff Stone and multi instrumentalist Garry Bole (several keyboards, mandolin and accordion).
The CD starts off with "Look Out Below". The groove of electric guitar, Hammond organ and electric piano accompany Bill Price's vocals and drums & bass set electrifying rhythm, followed by country-rock and rock 'n' roll pieces but also quiet ballads and blues songs like "Lookin' Crooked". Bole is on the piano where Bonham plucks the guitar, together with vocals and rhythm; you have a very soulful and sentimental blues. "The Point Of Departure" is country/Cajun rock at its finest. Bole is brilliant with the accordion.
Last but not least I wanted to mention the wonderful ballad "Silver Spade". With a simple arrangement and great voice sings Price to the piano while guitar, bass and drums stay in the background.
This band created a fantastic album. This is first-class pleasure to listen to.
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Better for the Deal
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8.5 out of 10
The debut album "Old Hat" produced by this band from Indianapolis was released in ... 8.5 out of 10
The debut album "Old Hat" produced by this band from Indianapolis was released in 2001. At that time it mainly leaned toward folk and blues, the style changed a little in the meantime. Although you can still hear the roots of the protagonist considerably, the sound as well as the song writing of "Better For The Deal" is much more approachable. Not to be confused with flat, polished or over the top. All of the songs make this a real insider tip.
The absolute king of the hill is Bill Price, who wrote, co-produced and except for one, sung all of the 15 tracks of this long player. I found it very interesting that although this album is inspired by the influences by other acts, the band and Bill Price nevertheless created their very own piece with clever and accomplished songwriting.
This long player starts off with "Look Out Below" and "The Other Side Of The River" with a touch of J.J. Cale. Price doesn't sound quite as scratchy as Cale, but they are not a long way away from each other. The atmosphere is swampy and muggy, dull like a hot summer day. "Mudroom" is brisk, and the feeling reminds a little of Guy Clark.
The Brains Behind Pa bring out the big guns at all of the 15 songs. The tracks are vibrant and lead from an initial, "Oh Well" to a fascinated listening.
The song "Ugly Street" for example has an intoxicating groove and with the songwriting very well done, it takes you by storm. Spartan and simplified, still refreshing and impressive, pulsative. Besides J.J.Cale, there is a hint of Tom Petty in, "Better For The Deal" and here and there I can't help it but think of Mark Knopfler.
And here another song "Cold Enough To Snow" which very well could be penned by the godly Townes Van Zandt (R.I.P.). The only song not vocalized by Bill Price (rather lead guitarist Gordon Bonham) is a singer/songwriter-highlight and very enjoyable. This album can compete for bragging rights with "City Of Indians", "The Queen Of Martyrs", "The Point Of Departure" or "Those Drier Side Blues", amongst others, if you're open to it.
"Better For The Deal" is like the chosen one, the beloved you don't want to live without, but whose heart wants to be captured. If taken the time and love to do it, you'll be rewarded! This long player gets better and better the more you listen to it.
Ultimately "Better For The Deal" can be voted with 8.5 out of 10 and is responsible for the new "The Brains Behind Pa-Addiction" of the reviewer. An album for gourmets!
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Better for the Deal by Freddy Celis
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This band, with one of the most original names I've ever heard, was started in 2000 by songwriter Bi...This band, with one of the most original names I've ever heard, was started in 2000 by songwriter Bill Price and guitarist Gordon Bonham. Shortly after, they were joined by Garry Bole.
This trio made their debut in 2001 with 'Old Hat', a collection of seven traditional folk and blues songs, written by Bob Dylan and some of his predecessors, like Woody Guthrie. Of course a sequel with original material just had to be forthcoming. Before it came out, the band linked up with Jeff Chapin and Jeff Stone, respectively a drummer and a bass player, to give the band a fuller sound. Add the fact that Garry Bole can play practically every instrument imaginable and you know that this band will take you anywhere you want to go. And with "Better For The Deal" this sequel has now finally become a fact. This time, Bill Price wrote all the songs himself. Which really makes you wonder why there were so many cover tunes on their debut album, because song writing is something he really has a knack for.
Their songs combine great lyrics with a variety of styles that is so enormous it just leaves you stunned. The diversity of the tracks knows no limits. From 'rootsy' pop ballads ("Silver Spade") and sturdy rock ("Ship Of State" and "Mud Room") to beautiful Americana ("Look Out Below"), Alternative Country ("The Other Side Of The River -Drowning Of Thirst"), blues ("Lookin' Crooked-Those Drier Side Blues"), and even Cajun ("The Point Of Departure"). There's nothing you could think up that these guys couldn't play - and how! Bill Price doesn't only come across as an amazing songwriter, but also a fine singer.
There are moments when his voice reminds me of Dan Stuart of Green On Red. It's only fitting that our front man brought out his own solo debut in the summer of 2003, even before they started recording this one in 2004. Two years were spent working on this album, which is something you can really hear. They were clearly not skating over thin ice. A fantastic album by Bill Price and his band. Fifteen strong tracks in a row. I would say: Buy it; you can't get anything "Better For The Deal"!
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Better for the Deal by Benny Metten
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It is and will always be a great name for a band! My lady always puts on a big smile when she hears ...It is and will always be a great name for a band! My lady always puts on a big smile when she hears their name. The Brains Behind Pa, just try coming up with something like that! The band started in 2000 when singer-songwriter Bill Price and guitarist Gordon Bonham put their heads together and hauled multi-instrumentalist Garry Bole on board a little later to start an acoustic trio. In 2001 the three of them 'canned' their debut CD "Old Hat". This CD was a collection of seven traditional folk and blues songs, and you could consider it as the running jump to what just had to follow. We are, of course, talking about an album with (more) original material. Before they started recording, Jeff Chapin and Jeff Stone, respectively a drummer and a bass player were brought in.
And now, with "Better For The Deal" there's finally a new album. For this album, Bill Price wrote all the songs himself. And it must be said, the man has some great tunes up his sleeve and apparently knows his way around just about any kind of music. His song material is a real melting pot of influences. It can go practically everywhere. From roots to pop (the piano ballad "Silver Spade") and rock ("Ship Of State", "Mud Room") to Americana ("Look Out Below"), Alternative. Country ("The Other Side Of The River", "Drowning Of Thirst"), blues ("Lookin' Crooked", "Those Drier Side Blues"), Cajun ("The Point Of Departure") - hey, anything goes! It looks like this quintet could turn their hand at just about any kind of music. And with Price on board, they don't just have an amazing songwriter, but also a fine singer. That reedy quality his voice has sometimes makes me think a little of Dan Stuart of Green On Red. Really interesting stuff!
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The Brains Behind Pa
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"With educated licks and lyrical finesse... The Brains Behind Pa remains one of my favorite groups a..."With educated licks and lyrical finesse... The Brains Behind Pa remains one of my favorite groups and I've enjoyed watching their positive reception around the world of independent global radio. Always exploring the boundaries of a full song...I find myself wishing they could release about three albums a year ."
Eddie Russell
Country Eastern West / Outlaw For Peace
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Better for the Deal by Patrick Donders
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The Brains Behind Pa is Bill Price and Gordon Bonham's homage to Bob Dylan. You couldn't really call...The Brains Behind Pa is Bill Price and Gordon Bonham's homage to Bob Dylan. You couldn't really call it a tribute band, but together with Jeff Stone, Garry Bole and Jeff Chapin their goal was to make music in the spirit of Bob Dylan and his predecessors. Roots music with a message is what you could call it.
"Look Out Below" is a bluesy and smooth start that sounds like they could have been sitting right next to Robert Cray in a hot car, gliding through the suburbs of a big city. Which isn't so strange, considering Gordon Bonham's blues background. The Brains Behind Pa is a full-time job for these gentlemen and they all play somewhere else as well or solo, with Bonham always sticking to the blues.
Bill Price, the band's figurehead and songwriter, isn't the greatest singer and sings, just like the old maestro, with a wobble. He uses a lot more melody but the vocals are not the strongest part of The Brains Behind Pa, which I would call combination of Price's epistles and his companion's bluesy guitar sound. The songs on "Better For The Deal" can be roughly divided into two categories. "Look Out Below" is a prime example of one of these, but there are enough numbers where the smooth blues sound doesn't predominate, if you mean the other category. There are moments that the maestro is honored in the most exemplary way. Where "Better For The Deal" makes it greatest contribution is in the balance between these two and the expert musicianship of the players in general.
Gary Bole can play the mandolin beautifully and when Bonham gets a chance to do his own stuff, it's a hit every time. These gentlemen aren't doing themselves a favor by presenting this as an homage to Dylan. It would also do just fine standing proudly on its own two legs.
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Better for the Deal
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Bill Price and his colleagues The Brains Behind Pa explores the American music tradition with both w...Bill Price and his colleagues The Brains Behind Pa explores the American music tradition with both wit and finesse. Guitar player Gordon Bonham give the songs a kind of bluesy streak, which benefits the material fine. A very enjoyable album, that sometimes run into real 70's Little Feat-territory!
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Better for the Deal by Jörgen Boman
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Scattered, but still charming and perculiar.....
This record opens with a track that could have b...Scattered, but still charming and perculiar.....
This record opens with a track that could have been an outake from Dylan's "Slow Train Coming". It's no coincidence either, as it turns out. Bill Price, the man behind the spaced-out bandname The Brains Behind Pa, has long since come out of the closet as a fanatic Dylan disciple. The record suffers from some lines here and there, that for dylofiles, appear ridiculously parodic when spoken the personal tongue of Dylan's. After the first couple of songs, one starts to think: Are there really artists who still believe that the best way to show their admiration for somebody is to copy him?
It all improves on the simpler, more country-tinged tracks. Then, Bill Price lets go of his dylanisms and dares to be personal. A #3+ rating is saved by tracks such as "The Other Side Of The River", a tasteful country tune, built up by a punkish accordian. Suddenly, the man who adored Dylan and The Beatles rips apart, becoming something of a savage Perssons Pack. It's that punkish accordian that's the key to this record.
And since I love everything sounding as if it was recorded in San Fransisco in 1969, I capitulise when I hear "City Of Indians", a gorgious country ballad that sounds like something Jerry Garcia could have written after a couple of heavy puffs on the porch during a break in the touring schedule.
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Better for the Deal
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Bill Price is very much the leader of the group: he writes all the songs, he sings and the web site ...Bill Price is very much the leader of the group: he writes all the songs, he sings and the web site address bears his name. Is it because of his nasal and nonchalant voice that resembles that of Dylan or of Phil Leish or because of the notes of the organ and the accordion that make one think of the Band that accompanied Bob in the great era? Songs where the songwriters are obviously fucked in placing them on the backs of persnickety radio d-j's. Between Dire Stait guitar solos and Chris Rearien swing. The 15 tracks of this third CD deal with the environment, crime, loss, drugs, love and America in a diverse instrumentation [that is] clean-cut and decidedly laid back.
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Bones & Apples
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CD rating: 17 out of 20
And with the same package as the fantastic 2007 "The Circus & The Gallows...CD rating: 17 out of 20
And with the same package as the fantastic 2007 "The Circus & The Gallows" from American Bill Price, I got his album "Bones&Apples", released in 2003 in the US.
Mr. Price and his peers deliver 16 songs and it is to feel his songwriter qualities, but there are still a lot of his rock & blues capabilities in them. The elements of the electric guitars and the compositions remind me of the Dire Straits with Brothers in Arms, which wouldn't be a bad reference at all. "The Man is too strong" from the Straits crosses my mind hearing the "Bound to save us all" with its quieter acoustic parts.
Price and his band perform their songs on such a terrific high level, in all aspects: composition, instrumentation and production. The vocals cease a little and sound sometimes a little undeveloped but that is only a very small downer.
Within all the singer & songwriter albums I've received lately I want to say that Mr. Price stands out like a sparkling diamond and this is not because some of the other productions are really bad quality, it rather is due to the compact and consistent strength of Mr. Price and his band. I haven't heard such nice implemented Hammond organ and blues and/or blues-rock-guitar in quite awhile. His pieces are not new and not innovative, but simply perfectly performed folk/blues/rock-music to listen to.
This album isn't exactly the high quality of the above-mentioned 2007 production, but is an outstanding album and I can recommend it to all the fans of blues/folk & rock music. Particularly Dire Straits Fans.
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Bones & Apples by Joachim 'Joe' Brookes
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"Bones & Apples" dates from 2003 and still sounds like an apple picked fresh from the tree.
Just ..."Bones & Apples" dates from 2003 and still sounds like an apple picked fresh from the tree.
Just as on the single-CD "The Circus & The Gallows", Price couldn't be without his fellow band mates Gordon Bonham and Garry Bole. There are no horn instruments this time. Bill Price is, as with all of his songs, romantic and rocking. Yes, rocking, and that's a surprise.
After a short, dreamy introduction with "Wild-Eyed & Blue", which Price sings and accompanies himself on the piano, the musician who resides in Indianapolis expresses his own personal style. The first example of is the second track "Hid In The Shadow Of His Hand". It rocks and Price wouldn't be Price if he wouldn't offer us an unexpected gift: The song takes a turn after four minutes. On the one hand he slows down the tempo but on the other hand we hear a gentle, dolce guitar with a jazzy excursion. This ambiance stays until the end of the almost six and a half minute song. That's good; it emphasizes what a great songwriter this man is.
And another song of this nature follows, differently arranged though. Dynamics are the key. "Big Numbers" is a mix of drive and melancholy, carried by an acoustic guitar. This track also shows how an electric guitar, played with a bottleneck, can make an impact on both levels. The ice is broken already after 3 songs and there is a lot more to hear on this CD.
Put the metal slide aside, give the guitar a twang, and you are in the middle of a rocking country piece: "40/40+" is the name of the song and the brilliant Paul Holdman takes the lead. Price sets the stage for his companions nicely. The Hammond C3 is in the focus on "The Autonomous Waltz", played by Garry Bole, by the way.
His rock is a little restrained, but always good. It continues without any sand in the wheels, with "Howling At The Moon". Smooth riffs accompany the lyrics and the strumming of the guitar has a touch of Indie-pop. The breaks and excellent change of tempo will become a Price-trademark. That raises the question, who are John Mellencamp and Bruce Cockburn? Everybody knows them, but who knows of Bill Price?
Care to hear somebody else on the lead guitar? Not a problem with Gordon Bonham of The Brains Behind Pa in "Within Without". Great track, great guitar. And how about some blues-oriented song material? No, not "Black Dog Blues", which pays respect with awesome Bole accordion and slide-guitar.
"Hollow Wheel" offers fantastic singer and songwriter quality with nicely played reed organ and bouzouki. This man is great and surrounded by experienced musicians on this album. Worth mentioning are the different percussion instruments on this CD.
"Something About Skies Of Blue..." shows how excellent groove and rock can sound with a mandolin, accordion and electric guitar. "Bones & Apples" finishes with "Wild Eyed & Blue Reprise" with acoustic guitars. All in this entire album is worthwhile with a lot to discover.
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Bones & Apples by Freddy Celis
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From 2003, this debut from Bill Price has a more rocking sound in contrast with the rootsy American... From 2003, this debut from Bill Price has a more rocking sound in contrast with the rootsy Americana sound of his band, but at the same time with a lot of attention for the lyrics. The pre-recordings were made on 2 inch analog tape, only real musicians and their instruments, real music, no pro-tools, Bill says.
Of course, the members of The Brains Behind Pa appear, but also jazz guitarist Paul Holdman and drummer Jamey Reid. The text of the 15 self-written songs cover the "Hollow Wheel" milieu or the spiritual "Within Without" but also have an individualism and even a couple of simple romantic songs, it doesn't all need to be heavy handed. "Bound To Save Us All," and "The Sound of Many Waters" are more beautiful songs in which, for example, the real singer songwriter tells a traditional story of a world which revolves around "profit at any price" (Big Numbers); the title of the CD refers to the Indian circle of life, that ends (Bones), but always starts again (Apples). It was Martin Luther King who said: "Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, today I would still plant my apple tree."
With this solo album, Bill Price particularly shows that he is more than a gifted lyric writer, who is at home with the poetry framework needed to care for an original musical package. Splendor to "40/40" or "Miracle Moon." This CD will have you looking for its follow-up, because Bill Price is, either with "The Brains Behind Pa" or under his own name, still a guarantee of in-depth quality.
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Bones & Apples
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Bill Price, the Indianapolis-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, enjoys his solo performance...Bill Price, the Indianapolis-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, enjoys his solo performances at least as much as playing as a member of his own band. That's why he's released both solo albums and albums produced by his band. The recently released CD - Bones and Apples - is one of Price's solo releases. However, when you look at the list of musicians who worked on the album, it could easily be mistaken for a CD produced by The Brains Behind Pa, since Price is backed on this album by his bandmates Gordon Bonham and Garry Bole.
It's very hard to categorize the music played by Price. It straddles folk, pop and rock. They combine to form very pleasant, radio-friendly music. The playtime of the CD turns out pretty long, since the 16 tracks take over 73 minutes. Price compiled the songs very smartly, because every track brings new and different style and sound. The instrumentation is amazingly varied and the presentation is truly enjoyable. The repertoire is all authored by Price and it is comprised of lyrical songs (e.g. Wooden Indian) as well as songs of higher revolutions (e.g. 40/ 40+). All in all, the result reminds me of the Dire Straits albums. It is especially the guitar sound that strongly resembles this successful predecessor. Those who used to love the music of Mark Knopfler's band are going to love this album.
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Old Hat by Kristoff Gijsbregts
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3 stars
The Indianapolis band called The Brains Behind Pa has released its first record entitled ...3 stars
The Indianapolis band called The Brains Behind Pa has released its first record entitled 'Old Hat'.
Gordon Bonham is a well-known and respected blues musician who played with Bo Diddley and Pine Top Perkins, among others. The three band members met each other at the Ozzie's club in Indianapolis. At the time they were all working on their own projects. Joan Crane, common friend of all three, brought Bill Price (singer and songwriter), Garry Bole (keyboard and mandolin player) and Gordon Bonham together. Back then, Garry Bole was part of a Western Swing Band and Gordon Bonham was working almost full-time with his Blues Band as a guitar playwer and singer.
This first album was recorded at The Lodge in Indianapolis. Michael Graham manually mixed the record, which gives it just that little extra effort to make it sound warmer. On the album, Garry used his old accordions and Gordon his 1935 steel guitar. The influences on the record are clear: The work of Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Neil Young.
The first song on 'Old Hat', 'Ain't No More Cane', is an old, chain gang song that prisoners would sing while they were working in Texas.
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Old Hat
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CD rating: 17 out of 20
The Brains Behind Pa are a combination of different singers and songwrite...CD rating: 17 out of 20
The Brains Behind Pa are a combination of different singers and songwriters of whom Bill Price is very well known even in our area. On their debut album "Old Hat" which came out previously in 2002, The Brains Behind Pa bring us mainly traditional songs in various acoustical versions. Their style is a mix of folk, country, blues and Americana.
The seven selected songs seem to be among the favorites of the musicians and it's obvious that they have fun playing their interpretations. The performers are a trio with a bit drums. All musicians are virtuosos on their instruments. So is for example Gordon Bonham (The Gordon Bonham Blues Band) a distinguished blues guitarist, which is obvious in various tracks (e.g. "Trail of the Buffalo"). The vocal by Bill Price is the icing on the cake. His voice fits perfectly to the music.
Every traditionalist should listen to Old Hat by the Brains Behind Pa! You won't be disappointed. This presentation is too good to deny. Highly recommended.
Highlights: "Trail of the Buffalo", "Soul of a Man".
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Old Hat by Joachim 'Joe' Brookes
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We want to take a look back here.
The respected colleague Markus reviewed the album 'Better For T...We want to take a look back here.
The respected colleague Markus reviewed the album 'Better For The Deal' and expressed his joy stating with 'it came within an inch of the top'. As mentioned in his review, the album "Old Hat" is now available. With an approximate run time of 34 minutes and a total of 7 tracks it is a rather short performance, but entertaining.
What The Brains Behind Pa accomplished with their interpretation of the 5 traditional songs and one Elizabeth Cotten and Blind Wilie Johnson song is excellent. It is due to Gordon Bonham's to have a wide-ranging guitar sound and Garry Bole, on mandolin, switches to accordion if required. Jeff Chapin was brought into The Lodge Studio for two of the songs to play drums. There is no a bassist on this album.
According to the CD booklet, all the songs are arranged by The Brains Behind Pa. Kudos to the trio! Great job on all of the seven tracks. They show the right touch, tact and intuition with the songs which are not penned by them. Bonham, Bill Price and Bole are all excellent singers, even though Bole distinguishes himself in one song only.
With this short CD, one needs to let every track sink in. It starts with the opener "Ain't No More Cane" with a fine combination of mandolin and accordion. Not only is everybody individually a great singer; together Bonham, Price as well as Bole in the opening, give an excellent performance.
The only chance to hear an electric guitar on this album is with "Trail Of The Buffalo". It gives a country feeling and Bonham's electric guitar comes to the fore over the mandolin and accordion. Then Garry Bole's gig gives a grand entrance with his mandolin solo where one could get teary-eyed. Simply great! Jeff Chapin has, after a longer intro without him, the right drumming down pat: not the sticks, the jazz-brushes are right on it.
After that The Brains Behind Pa switch the genre and the sliding guitar indicates the blues. This song (Worried Blues) warmed my heart. 'Chilly winds' are out of the question. Stringed instruments can groove!
A song by folk musician Elizabeth Cotten is next and the men push the plow a little bit faster through the furrow. Chapin is also on the spot with his 'jazz-brush'. Folk or Country? Somewhere in the middle I would say, even though there is not really a line to draw. "Oh Babe; It Ain't No Lie" is great to listen to.
"Corinna, Corinna", listened to a number of times - the trio did a great job, especially with the clear, bright voice of Price and his and Bonham's guitar plucking. Bole delivers the background music with his accordion. I like this version, because it's different from various other interpretations, without outshining them.
After the amazing "Soul Of A Man", exclusively sung by Bonham, the highlight comes at the end, in my opinion. "Gospel Plow" is the song and it seems as if the three men have an inexhaustible barrel of emotions available. This is the great song of "Old Hat" and penalizes all the lies claiming to stay away from cover songs. Especially this album shows what the group "The Brains Behind Pa" stood for at that time, at the beginning of the new millennium. By the release of "Better For The Deal" Markus pointed up that it's different now, years after the "Old Hat".
I like old hats, at least acoustically and especially if it says "The Brains Behind Pa" on the cover.
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Old Hat by Freddy Celis
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In 2002, this debut appeared from the Bill Price band, The Brains Behind Pa, a mini CD with 7 songs ...In 2002, this debut appeared from the Bill Price band, The Brains Behind Pa, a mini CD with 7 songs and a sober, artistic cover with "Old Hat" as its title. It was almost a completely acoustic mini CD, with rewritten versions of their favorite traditional songs. The Brains Behind Pa, named after a passage from a Dylan Song, consists of Bill Price, Gordon Bonham, a guitarists who has his own blues band, multi-instrumentalist Gary Bole, who especially plays mandolin and accordion, and drummer Jeff Chapin, who nonetheless is only needed on a couple tracks on this acoustic CD, mainly Bonham and Price take over the lion's share with National Steel, dobro, bajo, mandolin and accordion as the main instruments. The result is very warm, splendid versions of traditional songs, such as "Trail of the Buffalo," and "Ain't No More Cane," songs which have become a part of the national heritage, but also old blues traditionals such as Blind Willie Johnson's "Soul of a Man," which gets a sublime interpretation here, and "Oh Babe, It Ain't No Lie" by Elisabeth Cotton are gems. With these seven pearls, "Brains Behind Pa," has started out as an already very strong alto country and Americana band.
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With the Eye of a Skeptic...
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With the Eye of a Skeptic - Martin van der Laan Country Stew-Radio Compagnie Top 6 nominees for Euro...With the Eye of a Skeptic - Martin van der Laan Country Stew-Radio Compagnie Top 6 nominees for Euro American Chart for 02.10
With the Eye of a Skeptic - Featured on "The Next Big Thing" - Genius Brigade podcast by Martin Smit 02.23.10 www.nbtmusic.de
With the Eye of a Skeptic - Featured on "The Next Big Thing" - The Secret Soul of the Song podcast by Martin Smit 03.04.10 www.nbtmusic.de
In a Flying Dream - Featured on "Songs on Trial" - "The Next Big Thing" www.nbtmusic.de 03.10
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Recommended lists
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With the Eye of a Skeptic 2010 - americanmusicbelgium.homestead.com
With the Eye of a Skeptic - "...With the Eye of a Skeptic 2010 - americanmusicbelgium.homestead.com
With the Eye of a Skeptic - "Best Right Now" list by Peter Nordgren, www.rootsy.nu 01.10
With the Eye of a Skeptic listed under "We Proudly Promote" column ("acoustic album with powerful lyrics") on The Country Startpage (Dutch) www.countrystartpage.com
Bones & Apples 2007 - americanmusicbelgium.homestead.com
Better for the Deal 2007 - americanmusicbelgium.homestead.com
The Circus & The Gallows 2007 - americanmusicbelgium.homestead.com
supersonic
