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Non-Prog CD Reviews

Colin Roy Monette

Simple Gifts

Review by Gary Hill

This album is a mostly acoustic set that has plenty of roots music at its core. The thing is, the range of sounds is pretty wide from folk to jazz, rock and more. Perhaps even more impressive is that it's nearly a completely solo project. The only musicians joining Colin Roy Monette here are Mikkel Beckmen (washboard and percussion) and Bruce Morrow (upright bass). This might be made up of "simple gifts," but those gifts are very rewarding.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2024  Volume 3 More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2024.

Track by Track Review
America The Beautiful Today
I love the slide guitar and awesome root music vibes on this number. It's an energetic and bouncy track that is so much fun.
Hit and Run

This is more of an acoustic rocker. It has some definite folk music angles to it. It's less roots based, and almost reminds me just a tiny bit of some of Pink Floyd's acoustic work. As strong as the opener was, this elevates things.

How To Write A Song

I dig the intricate acoustic guitar work on this track. The number has plenty of folk music in the mix. In fact, that's the dominant angle here.

Last Dance for New Orleans

Jazz, folk and rock all seem to merge here. This is a fun romp with plenty of roots music at its core. As much as I've liked everything here, I think this might be better than any of the songs that preceded it.

Let It Rock

I dig this roots rocking number. The harmonica is a nice touch, and the track is another winner.

Me, Myself and I

Bluesy and rocking, this has some electric guitar. It's definitely retro in tone. It's also so much fun.

Mississippi River

Harmonica starts this track. The number works out from there with a lot of roots style and charm. There is a bluesy vibe to this.

Mr. Econo-Man

Another that has some electric guitar, this has a lot of jazz built into it. There is a folk rock vibe at play, too. It's another winner.

Simple Gifts

The title track is probably the most contemporary thing here. It has a real modern vibe, but it is along the lines of acoustic based sound. It's also a strong tune.

Sunny Side

Intricate and rather alternative rock leaning, this is another feels more contemporary. This one does have more folk music in the mix, though.

 
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