Sam Conjerti

minor key acoustic folk with somewhat unusual electric leads - interesting
Reviewer: Phil Adams
I was first alerted to this record by a French collector looking to trade for rare US folk LPs, and since it was unmentioned in all the usual reference books and websites, it stirred my interest enough to buy a copy once I found out it had been reissued. It has the unfinished feel of a demo record (which is good) - a bit like Merrell Fankhauser's Fapardokly LP from 5 years earlier - except the main influence here is probably early Neil Young. The main appeal to present-day listeners will be the minor key acoustic guitar strumming that makes it a folk record, and the fairly minimal but effective lead guitar that fleshes out the songs nicely and gives them an unusual edge. The lyrics are what you'd expect from looking at the song titles - they wont appeal to modern-day cynics, but the youthful, melancholic delivery gives them a depth beyond the misleading, easy-listening label assigned to this reissue. The title track is a simple but effective paean to natural beauty that closes the record in a satisfying manner. Comparable records in terms of feel would include the likes of Fenner, Leland & O'Brien, Dave Lamb & Gye Whiz, Songs of David Lewis, etc - if any of those appeal, then this record will also. No doubt copies of the original record will appear soon on rare record dealers' lists worldwide with a suitably high price tag and the requisite amount of hype, but save yourself some bucks and buy the CD reissue, which was thankfully recorded at a low volume level unlike most CDs - which are way too loud - and is therefore another plus-factor. If you cannot find or afford a vinyl original, this will do nicely.
- CDBaby.com

1972 LP by acoustic/electric trio with three man backing band. Sam Conjerti, Marty Morreale and Dave Dibley on acoustic guitars and vocals (& occasionally other instruments); plus bass, drums and lead guitar. From Lockport, NY.... which is where I picked this up.

Lonely lost moody folk and folk/rock private pressing. Have seen it labelled "dreamy folk/psych". This is a real good LP. I like it and and I can see why other people like it. And they sure do like it, if you've seen what it's been going for since the buzz on it has spread. But I'll let the hype on it - that you've probably already heard - speak for itself.

Overall, well-written songs with good lyrics. There's a vibe of existential loneliness and melancholy running throughout.
The CD version of this rare vinyl LP is available at www.cdbaby.com/conjerti

Tracks:
WATER TO WINE
I NEEDED TO BE IN LOVE
I WONDER IF SHE NOTICED ME
REMEMBER OUR LOVE
I'VE BEEN THERE FOR A LONG TIME
FUGUE FROM LOWER TOWN
RACE OF THE SUN
SHE SAID SHE WON'T BE WITH ME TOMORROW
LITTLE GIRL
I LOST MY LOVE
EARTH FREE

- Popsike

Narrative singer songwriter Sam Conjerti from Lockport, NY has released a CD titled Accidental Meditations (a daydream performance), a faux live performance with simulated crowd response between songs. With a distinctive timbre to his voice, Conjerti’s music falls into a Byrds/Dylan sound at times. Highlights on the disc include “Two Heart Reunion”, the pleasant sound of “Alabama Woman”, “The Girl In My Dream”, “Is It I’m A Fool For You” and the piano ballad “Now I’m Awake It’s Not Too Late”. For more info check out www.cdbaby.com/conjerti - Best of WNY.com/reviews

www.lockportpalacetheatre.com/newsletters/music-earthfree.pdf - Artvoice-Mark Norris