Andrew
Duncan Brown – S/T (Smoking Pirate)
Born in Los Angeles, raised in Indiana and now based
in Arizona, Andrew Duncan Brown plays a variety of dusty, wide-screen
Americana, which may, or may not, reflect and clarify his desire for mobility
and travel. He paid his musical dues playing with an assortment of groups,
including The Dirty Rascals, and together they became a regular attraction on
the Phoenix / Tempe / Scotsdale circuit. Now solo and with a debut album, both
for himself and his new label, Brown gets to allow his songs and ideas free
rein. There doesn’t appear to be any shortage of either.
His sound, a blend of folk and roots, old blues and a
cut-price Daniel Lanois-esque vibe bring to mind artists like Bon Iver and
Fleet Foxes, but there’s enough diversity of style, from the epic soundtracks
of “Get-Up, Get-Down” and “All That You Need”, to the vibrancy of “I'll Drink
the Blue” and the American Gothic “My Blue Eyed Son” to sweep away any notions
of trite association and easy comparison. It’s an album that’s ambitious and
forward looking, perfectly attuned to late night spins and long, lonely drives.
There’s no doubt in my mind that Andrew Duncan Brown has made a record that
should be heard and, indeed, deserves to be heard. If alt. radio catches hold
of this album, it won’t be letting go anytime soon.
Tony S.
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