Mark Olson & Creekdippers - December's Child
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Free Music Notes for December's Child
Free Music Review: Nice things in clay pots
Hit: 4 Stars
I don't understand how fans could quibble about 'December's Child' - overall it's a quality Mark Olson recording. It contains the idiosyncracies of his earlier stuff which can be endearing enough. Most of the songs on 'December's Child' are well-crafted and the homespun nature of the material manages to comes across as genuine. Perhaps that's because it is. When compared with 'My own Jo Ellen' I found this album to be equally rewarding. This is how music "felt" on rare occasion in the early 70's, before slickness became hipness. Think early, countrified Neil Young rather than Gram Parsons, a little frayed and shabbily endearing. Gram was a genius with a breadth of vision rarely matched in popular music. Mark Olson is a greatly talented musician whose gentle muse can refresh and inspire.Free Music Review: One of my favorite cds
Hit: 5 Stars
I will keep this review short. I love this disc. In fact, I have enjoyed all of Mark Olson releases, back to the Jayhawks, but I find myself playing this album more than any other of his great career. Say you'll be Mine is my personal highlight of the many great songs here.Free Music Review: December's Child
Hit: 4 Stars
Mark Olson and the CreekdippersDecember?s Child
Dualtone
Any engagement with the songs of Mark Olson is destined to be a heartfelt encounter with a deeply intimate world. From his time as the founder of The Jayhawks through the course five Creekdipper albums, his is a world to which he opens to us completely and unconditionally. Through his music, Mark Olson has treated us moments of joy and hardship, he has offered us the hand of friendship and bathed us in love and he has led us along the dusty trails of the remembrance and paved the road to the future with hope and opportunity. Fittingly, the dynamics of Olson?s recordings have always reflected the tones of his compositions. Always rich in organics, a Creekdipper song has traditionally been imparted with the means it requires to serve its cause yet, an inherent discretion has dictated restraint. And while the Creekdipper recordings might have evolved from what was initially a collaboration between Olson, Victoria Williams and Michael Russell into a more cast orientated foray; the essence of their pursuit has not been lost. Mark Olson's latest Creekdipper sojourn, "December?s Child?, not only encompasses the contributions of Williams and Russell, but those of the band?s live contingent, Joshua Grange and Dave Wolfenberger. It also sees Olson reunited with Jayhawk Gary Louris for the first since his departure from the band in 1994.
While the latest Olson/Louris co-credit is certain to solicit a little extra attention, it is but one in a number of magical musical moments that constitute ?December?s Child?. Even though the honeyed overtones of ?Say You?ll Be Mine? is certainly a welcomed addition to the album, the song does resonate a rather familiar 'Jayhawkish' feel. Not that this is a particularly bad thing, as the longing captured within its verses readily aligns itself with the overtones of the album's other recordings. It is simply that the most intriguing moments on this recording seem to be those where Olson explores more eclectic overtures. These can be found in songs such as ?Black Dog Mosses? ? a sprawling gem that literally jumps up and bites you on the ass. And while it might not be anywhere near as forthright in temperament as the album?s closing contribution, ?Cactus Wren? presents yet another glorious encounter with Olson's musical versatility. But if the virtue of ?December?s Child? were to be attributed to a single, then it would undoubtedly be Mark Olson?s remarkable empathy. ?Climb These Steps (We Will)?, ?December?s Child? and the exquisite ?Still Have a Friend in You? are all shining examples that highlight this claim. It is indeed a special world into which Mark Olson solicits our presence. And it is one for which ?December?s Child? will long stand as an enticing open invitation.
Free Music Review: forgetaboutit
Hit: 1 Stars
I hate to be too harsh to Mark, after all he is a talented musician and songwriter, but this CD is just plain wrong. There are times listening to this record that I thought Yoko Ono's worst efforts were dubbed in. Save your money and hope that Mark Olson gets his act back together for future efforts.Free Music Review: Good Vibrations
Hit: 3 Stars
My Own Jo Ellen, Olson's previous release, was a five-star CD in my book and it was on my best of the year list, as well. December's Child treads the same turf but with less successful results. Not to say this is a bad release. It's not, but lacks the some of the innocent charm of 'Jo Ellen.' Alta's Song, December's Child, Nerstrand Woods, Climb These Steps, and How Can This Be? are wonderful songs--good feelings abound. I can appreciate the Carter family-styled Cactus Wren, but to be honest I usually skip this track. The inclusion of One Eyed Black Dog Moses--which the band usually closes their live performances with--seems unnecessary and plods along compared to the other songs. Say You'll Be Mine--the ballyhooed collaboration with Gary Louris--is a nice respite from the lo-fi proceedings.
With each release I grow to appreciate Olson's skill as a songwriter. I can't imagine any other performer penning a song as personal and affirming as How Can This Be. More good news--fiddler Mike Russell has a big role here. Let's hope he tours with the 'Dippers this time around.
Victoria Williams, whose spirit and nature jumped out of My Own Jo Ellen on practically every groove even though her involvement was minimal, is not nearly as visible here. This is a Mark Olson CD, not an Olson/Williams CD.
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