Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
A good folkie is hard to find: this is the lesson taught to Americans after years of failed attempts at reviving the classic folk genre. If the country has learned anything in the last forty years, it is that Bob Dylan, Woodie Guthrie, and Joan Baez were the last of their kind. Still, every now and then a musician comes along that establishes it is possible to breathe life into the likes of folk music and remind the public of how good it can be. One of these rare breeds is Chapel Hill musician Don de Leaumont.<br><br>
De Leaumont's six-song EP, Postcards from Ghost Town, is an exploration of the sounds created by the folk artists of yore. A combination of ballads and story songs, Postcards feels far more complete than a typical EP. Each song is either touchingly heartfelt or surprisingly humorous, humming along as de Leaumont makes ample use of his acoustic guitar talents and quietly soothing vocals.
Tracks such as "Walking in New Orleans" and "Biddings Closed" are reminders of a long extinct sound; one that fans of folk music have been sorely missing. Yet track six, "Hey Dave Matthews," explores a concept everyone can relate to, not being able to afford to see a favorite musician. When de Leaumont opines "I can't afford the forty bucks it costs to see you," it's damn near impossible not to flash "rock on" fingers and shake your head forlornly.
De Leaumont pays homage to the classic folkies of yore, yet he doesn't exactly call any of them to mind. His sound is uniquely his own, and that is what makes him so exceptional. The typical lame musical comparisons are impossible to draw because de Leaumont defies them. The song may remain the same, but occasionally it is possible to make it new. Don de Leaumont proves that while folk rock has been gone, it's never really forgotten and it is possible to once again make it good.
Those interested in a reminder of the sanctity of folk music can learn more about Don de Leaumont at www.donontheweb.com.
By Linnie-Sarah Helpern - The Wilmington Seahawk
A good folkie is hard to find: this is the lesson taught to Americans after years of failed attempts at reviving the classic folk genre. If the country has learned anything in the last forty years, it is that Bob Dylan, Woodie Guthrie, and Joan Baez were the last of their kind. Still, every now and then a musician comes along that establishes it is possible to breathe life into the likes of folk music and remind the public of how good it can be. One of these rare breeds is Chapel Hill musician Don de Leaumont.<br><br>
De Leaumont's six-song EP, Postcards from Ghost Town, is an exploration of the sounds created by the folk artists of yore. A combination of ballads and story songs, Postcards feels far more complete than a typical EP. Each song is either touchingly heartfelt or surprisingly humorous, humming along as de Leaumont makes ample use of his acoustic guitar talents and quietly soothing vocals.
Tracks such as "Walking in New Orleans" and "Biddings Closed" are reminders of a long extinct sound; one that fans of folk music have been sorely missing. Yet track six, "Hey Dave Matthews," explores a concept everyone can relate to, not being able to afford to see a favorite musician. When de Leaumont opines "I can't afford the forty bucks it costs to see you," it's damn near impossible not to flash "rock on" fingers and shake your head forlornly.
De Leaumont pays homage to the classic folkies of yore, yet he doesn't exactly call any of them to mind. His sound is uniquely his own, and that is what makes him so exceptional. The typical lame musical comparisons are impossible to draw because de Leaumont defies them. The song may remain the same, but occasionally it is possible to make it new. Don de Leaumont proves that while folk rock has been gone, it's never really forgotten and it is possible to once again make it good.
Those interested in a reminder of the sanctity of folk music can learn more about Don de Leaumont at www.donontheweb.com.
By Linnie-Sarah Helpern - The Wilmington Seahawk
Discography
2000 - Songs For The Ride Home (E.P)
2002 - Postcards From Ghost Town (E.P)
2005 - This Train's A Comin' (not yet released)
Photos
Bio
Don de Leaumont is a folksinger/songwriter from Chapel Hill , NC . Although he considers himself a folksinger by nature, to call him merely a “folksinger” would be putting a label on someone who defies a “label” of any kind.
Don’s songs are an eclectic blend of Southern living and raw reality. Add in there a touch of humor and a lot of love and that is Don’s music. Don has been said to be following in the footsteps of acts such as Kevn Kinney, Wilco, Bob Dylan, and The Band with both his storytelling and his ability to take on various characters through his songs.
Don has performed all over the Southeast, sharing his stories with any and everyone who will open their ears and minds. He has shared the stage with acts such as Kevn Kinney of Drivin’ N Cryin’ and the Atlanta folk super-group Twelvedollarpen.
Don is currently preparing to record the highly anticipated follow-up to 2002's "Postcards From Ghost Town". The follow-up is titled "This Train's A Comin'" and will be set for release in 2005.
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