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The Present Our society is one that loves clean-cut, clear and easy distinctions. We try and make everything black or white, good or bad, hot or cold. Luckily, there are some individuals who deny such conventions and follow their muse. This new CD from Wayne Hamilton is one that fits that third, often overlooked category – “other.” And I mean that in the most positive of ways. Wayne’s new CD, “The Present,” is full of stories – stories of youth, love, loss and life’s simple pleasures. Some are historical (Gettysburg), some borrowed (Love at the Five & Dime, Whatshername), some grounding and inspirational (Lovin’ It) and some very personal (Mama’s Music, Stuff). Rather than try and tell you the stories, here are some remarks about how “The Present” touched me. Then I’m going to encourage you to pick up a copy, because these are songs, after all, and the musical setting is as important as the stories themselves – but more about that later… The first song that stands out is Wayne’s own composition, “Sixty One.” This is in homage to the wonders of the north woods and the pleasures to be found along Minnesota’s Highway 61. Whether you’re someone who doesn’t “get” the appeal of the North, or just in need of a reminder why people would put up with the long, frozen winters, this song offers some insights. Wayne lets his Rock-n-Roll roots show in a few songs. “Same Old Song” is a cover of an old Holland-Dozier-Holland song, which features a wonderful Beach Boys influenced treatment, arranged and performed by Bill Scherer. There’s a nice blues groove on “Nothin To Do with Me,” and “Mama’s Music” feels like an old Doo-wop song, complete with some very nice saxophone work by Walter Chancellor and David Methner. I was pleasantly surprised to find a cover of Nanci Griffith’s “Love at the Five and Dime.” This is a very nice, clean version, which features Vicky Emerson on harmony vocals and Matthew Fox – a fine singer-songwriter in his own right – on dobro. I don’t often see Ms. Griffith’s songs on recordings coming out of the bluegrass/songwriter folks, so I forget how wonderful her work can be. As I mentioned above, Wayne not only has a nice collection of songs, but the musicians and variety of sounds is worth special mention. First of all, there is something for (nearly) everyone, as far as musical genres go. There is jazz influence in “Whatshername,” co-written by Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary fame, as well as in Wayne’s own “I Know.” I’ve already mentioned the Rock-n-Roll touches and, as you would expect, there’s lots of contemporary folk sound, with a fair touch of Bluegrass and country. The musicianship is very good and quite consistent throughout. In addition to the individuals mentioned above, there are noteworthy contributions from bassist Jason Kapel on all but one cut, Joe Juliano on lead guitar, Clint Hoover on harmonica, and Peter Ostroushko on fiddle. Wayne also supplies solid rhythm guitar on all tracks. There are quite extensive notes on all musicians, as well as composer’s notes on the songs at Wayne’s web site. Of course, the person responsible for this fine CD is the Twin Cities’ Wayne Hamilton, a member of many professional songwriting organizations and finalist in a number of contests, including the MN Folk Festival’s New Folk Songwriting Contest, the Highway 61 Folks Festival and the UNISONG International Songwriting Contest. Wayne clearly is a student of the art and is committed to writing songs that celebrate life and offer a positive take on today’s world, and that is a wonderful thing. He is also blessed with a strong, clear tenor voice, which he uses very well in all settings. Please, take a minute to surf over to waynehamilton.com, listen for yourself, and enjoy.
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"Wayne's songs are like those comfortable mittens that seem...well, just right. He is the perennial traveler that has been around the country and picked up a bit of history along the way. His varied experiences on these journeys and his ability as a wordsmith make for a wide variety of well-written songs. Wayne Hamilton, the storyteller, sings songs filled with that wonderful mix of history, humor, and gentleness. Clear, up-front vocals, and the tasteful addition of a variety of instruments ( banjo, fiddle... ) and voices show his skill as the seasoned professional writer. While tunes such as
'Qualified Reciprocation Blues' and 'Cookie Lovers' Ramble' demonstrate Wayne's wit and clever lyrics, pieces such as
'The Wooden Floor' shows a smooth, gentle side. Lastly, the song everyone will remember is the title cut with its memorable melody and catchy story line that all songwriters strive for. Mittens aren't included, but listeners will find an evening with
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"There's great
songwriting talent around the world to be discovered |
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"The music is finely crafted and easy listening, but at root the
songs of Wayne Hamilton are about story. Each song is a story simply told...one might imagine Hamilton sitting by a campfire, a small but
interested group of campers listening at his knee. Hamilton's music would fit well into an easy listening format on
radio. Even when it rocks, it's quiet and comfortable. The style is broad and eclectic,
drawing from several genres, yet the sound is unified and cohesive. The combination of
Hamilton's writing and vocal skills with the fine musicianship of his band make
Lucky
That Way Click HERE to read Bob's entire review. |
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Wayne Hamilton - An Exceptional Songwriter |
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?'I know an old fella with a farm out in West Tennessee / |
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"Wayne has a funny side to his
music that |
"Listening to Lucky that Way is like going back to the 60s...Wayne
Hamilton, with his debut album, is a member of that generation; but he took from its music
the smooth and soft rather than the jagged edge of the protest songs. These are
'good
family songs,' honest and simple that make this recording a voice that stands out and
far from the typical revivals and some of the The arrangements [include] acoustic guitar, harmonica, a banjo [in] songs that tell of everyday life and of classic feelings. Hamilton's voice is between the country western singer and folk [singer] and brings us...an honest repertoire of songs, among which 'The Wooden Floor' and 'Lucky that way' stand out... ...if you wanna be
dazed, listen to Lucky That Way." |
"...good ol'
solid songwriting with a wise bit of observation...I admired the simplicity, directness
and message of GENERATIONS |
"[Lucky That
Way] is a great CD!" |
"Wayne
Hamilton's melodic sound and well-crafted lyrics |
"One
local player who is shaping up to be a candidate for 'hardest-working coffeehouse
musician' is Wayne Hamilton, making pretty regular appearances every weekend in one
coffeehouse or another. Wayne's Southern-gentleman personality, mix of folk
standards and originals, and acting background captures the attention of audience members young and old." |
"Wayne is
skilled at building a rapport with his audience..." |
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