Search - Mark Erelli :: Memorial Hall Recordings

Richly Rewarding

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 11/29/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mark Erelli's 3rd disc is an infectious set of folk rock. With a voice sounding like Paul Simon's cousin, Memorial Hall Recordings is a varied, richly rewarding collection of midtempo tracks. "Call You Home" is a catchy remembrance for friends gone by. "Every Goodbye" is another soft remembrance. "What's Changed" sounds like a Texas swing number. "It's a fine time of year to watch you disappear," Mark sings with soft sarcasm on the slow "Fine Time of Year." Erelli does a great take on the traditional folk march "The Drinking Gourd." "Blue-Eyed Boston Boy" is another pretty traditional folk elegy. Kevin Barry's electric guitar accents the midtempo "Dear Magnolia." My favorite track is Bill Morrissey's sweet "Summer Night," "Stand by that window, touch of locust in the wind." "Devil's Train" is a peppy tune that Johnny Cash would love. "Ichabod" meanders sweetly, leaving a pleasant aroma as it passes. "Little Torch" is a soft instrumental with Lorne Entress' celestaphone giving a Mediterranean flavor. "Theresa" is a prisoner's look back at his soon-to-be lost love. The CD concludes with the 40's style "Goodbye." "The Memorial Hall Recordings" is not in a hurry, but like fine dining, it is a satisfying soft mix of melody and remembrance. Erelli's delivered a strong set of folk tunes. Enjoy!"

Great music from a talented singer/songwriter

bostonmusicfan | Wayland, MA USA | 08/14/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is my 2nd favorite Erelli album (Compass & Companion being the first, which, in my opinion, is one of the best disks in its genre in the past decade). Erelli's voice is a powerful instrument, and he uses it so well on this disk. The songs range from folk to swing, with a touch of blues, all flavored with an americana roots sensibility. The band is sooooo tight (I've been fortunate enough to see them perform - drop everything and go!), the playing is so crisp. This is a pleasure to listen to - I've turned about 10 people on to this disk and haven't heard a complaint yet."