May 2016

CD REVIEW BY DAVE SUMMERSILL
Not too many bands would have the nerve to start
the CD off with a version of the Florida classic,
“Seminole Wind”, but the band stakes its claim
to the song by playing a terrific and refreshing
version. The band’s material itself contains songs
that can stand proudly on their own.
“Crooked River Sojourn”, written by Colin Ward;
“My People”, written by Marty Fouts and “Small
Town Mind” penned by Shawna Vercha are just a
few of my favourites on the CD, each with a
different direction, stylistically.
The production is clear and crisp. Recording and
production is attributed to Dartmouth Sounds
and to Colin Wards.
Looking at the cover of Rosewood Creek’s
new CD, American Sojourn, with the band
comfortably posed on an old set of steps
leading to the building behind them, they have a
familiarity about them. The music also brings
back memories of better times.
While the bluegrass elements, traditional and
otherwise, hold sway with most of the songs, the
advantage of having three writers, creating separately
and together, would appear to be to enable
the band to go in multiple directions. From folk
and traditional bluegrass, to country, Americana
and rock and roll.
With laudable talent at each position, the duel
guitars (and many other stringed instruments),
bass, drums, percussion and tight group harmonies,
show this band to be experienced and capable
players. Telling their stories in song, with
passion and grace, they transcend any generalized
genre classification known.
“My People” and “Mixed Blessings” both written
by Marty Fouts, were recorded with the inimitable
Steve Connally at Zen Studios. Each of these
songs show a harder rock and roll edge than the
others on this beautifully constructed CD.
A very pleasant album by Rosewood Creek where
the roads they travelled are converted in beautiful
pieces of art.
To listen and to purchase American Sojourn,
please visit CD Baby.
Rosewood Creek’s Website:
www.rosewoodcreekband.com
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