Greg Brown
Milk of the Moon

Review by Steven Stone
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  If Greg Brown did not exist, other singer-songwriters would have had to invent him so they would have a role-model.  On his eighteenth release for Red House records, Brown continues to produce quirky individualistic music that appeals to your brain as it sets your feet tapping. The breadth of Brown’s musical styles demonstrates his intimate familiarity with the many roots of American music. Since 1981 Greg has been creating a body of remarkable music that proves that the road less traveled can be a major artistic highway.

Featuring stripped-down arrangements with lots of space and just a few instruments, Greg shared the production duties with Pete Heitzman and Karen Savoca. Both also play on the album. Pete plays electric, slide, and baritone guitars while Karen contributes backing vocals, percussion, and clavinet. Electric and upright bass, along with accordion and organ, are played by Tom Wolk. Jimmy Johns handles drum duties. The whole sonic point of this album is to showcase the songs, and while there is some hot picking by Pete on "A Little Excited," the main musical instrument here is Greg’s voice. He can go from a dark late night croon to a Tom Waits-like croak in the blink of an eyelash.

I love the sound on this CD. It has a very intimate ambience that puts Greg right into your living room, hunkered down between your speakers. Co-producer Pete Heitzman recorded and mixed the album. Judging by the sonics, I’d say he would be your man if you want that close-in, warm, relaxed, ah-shucks kind of mix.

Folk music is often used as prerogative term, but on Milk of the Moon Greg Brown elevates the  genre of original singer-songwriter folk music to a plane just about level with the lunar surface.

Enjoyment: 90

Sound Quality: 95