Mick's Playlist » Singer/Songwriter

Denison Witmer – The Ones Who Wait

Mick — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:59:53 +0000

Denison Witmer has been a long time favorite of mine. My freshman year of college was somewhat of a shock to me with all the reading and writing required of being a college student. My goal was to find some decent acoustic based music that I could not only enjoy, but play while writing and studying.

My friend Josh introduced me to Witmer, as well as some other giants in this genre including Rosie Thomas and Damien Jurado. At that time, Philadelphia Songs had just been released; which is still one of my ‘Go To’ albums.

Since then I have grabbed every album within the first couple weeks of their release. They all have ups and downs, but nothing compares to Philadelphia Songs or his first album; Safe Away. In 2008, Witmer released Carry the Weight, and I was honestly disappointed. It seemed overproduced, which was not characterist of Denison at all.

Then comes The Ones Who Wait.

A breath of fresh air finally hits me with Witmer’s music. Part of the magic that’s delivered in his albums is that you almost feel he’s playing in your living room. Funny enough, Denison is among a few artists are actually doing tours and playing in living rooms. Great concept for musicians and for people wanting to enjoy some great music.

I hate to use the words ‘stripped down’ because it denotes that something has been taken away. The best way to put it in the case of The Ones Who Wait would perhaps be ‘less is more.’ Witmer took a much needed step back from Carry the Weight and has delivered one of the best albums since 2002.

Over the years Witmer’s songwriting has matured, but The Ones Who Wait returns to the magic that has won many people to this man’s music.

Damien Rice: O

Mick — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:31:00 +0000

Recorded with a portable studio, O is possibly one of the best albums I have encountered. Everything from beautiful harmonies from Lisa Hannigan to the soft cello on tracks like “Volcano,” you will not feel like this album short hands you in any way.

As beautiful as the music may be, most of the lyrics are quite depressing. While seeing the band in concert down in Louisville, KY, Damien introduced one song as possibly the only positive song he has ever written. This was of coarse prior to his release of his latest album: 9.

Ireland based, Damien has not been doing much touring or recording as of recent, so this jewel is only one of two of this artists work. If you have not heard this album, I suggest you get on that. Grab a cup of coffee and take an adventure through one of the best albums of the 21st Century.

Rating: 5/5

Neil Young: Live at Massey Hall

Mick — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:20:56 +0000

Neil Young’s Live at Massey Hall is part of his private archive collection that has been released in recent years. This recording dates back to 1971 and was finally released to the public in 2007. I was never a fan of Neil Young, not because of distaste but from lack of exposure. While working at Starbucks when this album was released I had no choice but to listen. What had I missed out on all these years?

Since that time my Neil Young collection has expanded because of this one album. Where most times Young is with his band, Crazy Horse, Live at Massey Hall features a solo performance in the most laid back of ways. You are transported to the audience as everything is captured; from a comment about dropping a pick to detuning his guitar to a drop-D position, to stories about the origins of several songs.

This album is recommended for both fans of Neil Young and people who are not quite sure if they will enjoy his music. If you are a fan of the modern folk or singer/songwriter genres, this is definitely worth a listen. After going through this album, it is evident why Neil Young has the popularity and reputation that still thrives today.

Rating: 4/5

Jose Gonzalez: In Our Nature

Mick — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:00:31 +0000

In Our Nature is Jose Gonzalez’ second major release. This Swedish singer/songwriter has been gracing us with beautiful guitar melodies since he his the scene. His vocals (like most music) are not done in a way that is supported by the band. Rather, Gonzalez seems to make everything go together to make one great piece of music.

Two noteworthy songs on this album are “Down The Line” (see below), and “Killing for Love.” Often times I will find myself singing phrases from these songs as I go about my day, and it always brings a smile to my face.

Rating: 4/5

Denison Witmer: Safe Away

Mick — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:16:18 +0000

Originally released in 2000, Safe Away has seen various forms including a re-release in 2006. This debut album from Denison Witmer has been on my playlist since I first heard it in 2002 from my friends Josh. Incidentally, he actually first discovered Denison at a Cornerstone Music Festival in southern Illinois. Just one of the many ways we discover new music.

Safe Away is a very simple album. And by simple I do not mean that the quality is simple, but that most songs are guitar and voice alone. If you are into the singer/songwriter scene, Denison is a solid performer worth listening to. His lyrics often times tell a story that brings your mind to another place. Below is a live performance of the second track, ‘Breathe In This Life.’ Enjoy.

Rating: 5/5