Red Crow
Berkalin, 2019
9/10
A songwriter with a penchant for storytelling and poetic wordplay, Randy Lewis Brown was born and bred in the south, and his work follows suit with authentic Americana on Red Crow.
“One Horse Town” gets the listen started with warm strumming and breezy melodies as Brown’s wise and soothing vocals guide us through the spirited Americana, and “Trouble With Me” follows with an introspective setting as strings complement the mood with grace.
Near the middle, “She’s The Only Woman” offers a shuffling pace of honky tonk fun and a bouncy bass line, while “Trust The Sun” takes a turn into rootsy balladry that’s as timeless as it beautiful.
Deeper cuts include the vocally strong and rugged “Other Campfires”, and “Barlow Road” embraces folk ideas with great results. “Goodnight Good Luck” ends the album with cautious contemplation, as Brown exits the listen as skilled as he started it.
A listen with strong, vivid imagery and incredible musicianship, Randy Lewis Brown has been at it for 5 decades now, and it certainly shows in his stirring, calculated and instantly memorable song craft.
Travels well with: Terry Klein- Tex; Chad Richard-Worthy Cause