Search - Donal Hinely :: We Built a Fire

With roots sunk deep in the same storytelling tradition of Texas singer/songwriters like Steve Earle and Townes Van Zandt, Donal Hinely speaks in a voice that is both intimate and authentic. Spinning tales of hard luck, love, missed opportunity and die-hard hope, Hinely writes songs that skirt the outer fringes of country, folk, and straight ahead rock. With help from Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Kim Richey, guitarist Will Kimbrough, ex-Wilco drummer Ken Coomer, and Vanguard recording artist Mindy Smith, Hinely's latest CD We Built a Fire cements his growing reputation as a keen observer of the human condition. We Built a Fire marks the second collaboration with Nashville producer/cellist David Henry whose growing resume includes working with such artists as Cowboy Junkies, Josh Rouse, Vienna Teng, and Guster. Hinely's vocal, guitar, and glass harmonica are joined by a crack band of talented musicians. Chief among these is guitarist Will Kimbrough (Todd Snider, Rodney Crowell) whose signature style has made him one of the most sought after musicians in Nashville. Kimbrough's thick textures and fresh, tasteful riffs animate these songs, complimenting powerful and sometimes haunting imagery. Singer/songwriter Kim Richey lends her distinctive backing vocals on three of the tracks and Nashville stalwart Fats Kaplan chips in on steel guitar, fiddle, and accordion. Vanguard recording artist Mindy Smith also adds backing vocals on three tunes including the standout ?These are the Days.? Hinely himself pushes the envelope for fans of the glass harmonica by using the instrument in some new and interesting ways on the title track and on the songs "Drunkard Moon" and "Easier." Since its release in 2003, We Built a Fire has earned critical praise from both independent and mainstream press landing on several top ten lists in the Americana genre. The Indie Acoustic Project, a review of all independent releases, named We Built a Fire second only to Rodney Crowell's Houston Kid in 2003.