Big Red Gibson
Berkalin, 2023
8/10
An Austin based folk duo, Jim Patton brings his inimitable guitar playing and Sherry Brokus lends her expressive voice for 11 tunes that welcome Cordy Lavery, Ron Flynt, Steve McCarthy and Eric Hisaw to the affair.
“Dead End Town” opens the listen with Patton’s storytelling that segues into a crisp folk-rocker that uses McCarthy’s agile drums superbly, and the title track follows with intricate strumming alongside Lavery’s spirited electric guitar.
Elsewhere, the louder and breezy “Here’s To My Friends” thumps with a retro energy that makes great use of Bettysoo’s backing vocals, while “Janey Has A Locket” spotlights Hisaw’s lead guitar amid the scrappy and melodic delivery.
Residing near the end, the dreamy “Promises To Keep” is wise, timeless folk nostalgia, and “I Still Believe In You” exits with a focus on Flynt’s graceful piano that complements the descriptive text.
A body of work that lands on the rockier side of the equation for Patton and Brokus, the excellent players they bring with help make this one of their best yet, which no easy feat considering their extensive back catalog.
Travels well with: Ed Sweeney- A Sunday Drive; Brian Kalinec- The Beauty Of It All