Search - Rich O'Brien :: Seasons Roads & Faces

The distance between Gene Autry and Django Reinhardt never seemed more insignificant than on this unassuming collection of Western string-band tunes. O'Brien's relaxed and melodic guitar work is impressive without trying to impress as it ranges from old-time to jazz to cowboy to Tejano to gospel. The easy-swinging but intricate "Limehouse Blues," Reinhardt's "Swing 42," and the lilting "Big Sky Bounce" nod in a jazz direction; "Gypsy's Djewelry," played on a Djangoesque Selmer-style guitar, is an homage to one of O'Brien's key influences. "Dancing Mick from Louisville" is a delicate Irish-tinged solo guitar work. The delightful "There's an Old Spinning Wheel (In the Parlor)," learned from his Ma, and "I'll Be with You in Apple Blossom Time," with Chris O'Connell's vocals, are timeless traditionals. With fiddle, mandolin, and Dobro behind him, O'Brien lends them all a grace and precision on this outstanding debut record. --Marc Greilsamer