DREW NELSON: Immigrant Son

Drew Nelson

Immigrant Son

© 2005 Mackinaw Harvest Music Group Inc. (713174002120)

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Follows the path of songwriters both Classic (Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell) and contemporary (Sarah McLachlan, Shawn Mullins), Building songs that are touchingly human and vibrant in their vulnerability. The hot therapeutic tea on a sore Throat

notes

Drew Nelson's songs are facile in poetry, tactile in tone. They're simple, direct expressions via mere melody and a mittful of guitar chords. Such is Drew's gift - the ability to extract spirit and soul from the jumble of modern life, and turn it into music. His first full-length album, "Immigrant Son," doesn't convey a black-and-white world of joy and anger, but rather, a colorful mélange of complex emotions expressed in blues, grays, greens and browns.

"Immigrant Son" is the culmination of Drew's unique artistic efforts, a balance of his worldliness and small-town-America sensibilities. As a kid, he quietly rebelled against the strict, religious confines of his home by secretly listening to rock radio. He overcame his band teacher's humbling criticism of his drumming skills by teaching himself to play guitar. He escaped the quiet quaintness of his modest, conservative West Michigan hometown by joining the Navy and traveling to far corners of the world with his guitar on his back.

His itinerant lifestyle filled his notebook with ideas, and upon returning home, he found his voice in the small struggles and triumphs of daily life. Drew shared his passion with audiences in clubs and coffeehouses, and released debut EP "Recovering Angels" in 2001. His songs made a mark in his home state, attracting listeners with his word paintings, his humble insights, his unpretentious singing, his thoughtful strumming, and, most importantly, his honesty. Drew's focus and dedication to his art brought him to Alaska, through Texas, to the Kerrville Folk Festival, to 18,000 fans at the Muskegon Summer Celebration (opening for Melissa Etheridge), to the recognition of the New Folk Contest for Emerging Songwriters, where he was a finalist.

And now, to "Immigrant Son," the product of two years of writing and three weeks in the studio with longtime friend and noted West Michigan producer and engineer Michael Crittenden. Although embellished by colorful instrumental textures (including fiddle, mandolin, tin whistle and, yes, a jangly cat toy), the record adheres to Drew's man-with-a-guitar ethic. That sensibility guided the arrangements, from the blast of flowery fresh air that is opening track "Lovely Day," through the boggy blues of "Wal-Mart v2.0," the roots-shuffle of "Brand New Way" and a plaintive cover of Richard Shindell's road song "Next Best Western." The homespun heartache of "Breathe" and the gritty urbanite observations of "Wealthy St." are thoughtful portraits, key developments in his evolution as a songwriter and storyteller.

It's rare to hear songs which cut through the noisy, distracting chaff of the day - and therein lays the promise of "Immigrant Son." "The need for love, hope and acceptance are all interwoven into the fabric of our humanity," Drew explains. "I want to touch that secret place in my songs."

reviews

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  • Immigrant Son
    author: Amanda Nicole

    This CD is amazing. It always puts me in a good mood. This group is an inspireation to all peolpe who have a dream to be someone great. Thanks for the great music.. I have'nt heard good music in a while..Im from Greenvill Michigan ....Wal-Mart...bye....

  • Great mix of feeling with all of the songs
    author: Kevin

    Drew and I had a chance meeting at the San Antonio airport after Kerrville fest. He was with John Smith an old friend of mine. I enjoyed the conversation and ordered the CD on line while waiting for the plane. My 17 year old daughter enjoyed and promptly added to her Ipod. Continued success!!!

  • Andy(Drew) sure knows how to BRING IT!
    author: Pam Stebbins (Aunt Pam)

    Absolutely loved his new CD. He has bumped up the tempo of his last CD with a little bit of a rock twist to it. I love that Andy(Drew)has added more instruments in his arrangements. A MUST BUY! There are songs to get you up and dancing and songs to relax the mind and spirit.Way to capture it all, Andy! I've always felt Andy was a creative artist/genius but what can I say, he's my nephew.

  • author: Tara

    Excellent...I haven't taken it out of my cd player yet! I'm originally from Michigan, now living in Florida...and I definitely miss the midwest music!

  • It takes genius to attain simplicity, these songs cut right to the center of lif
    author: M. Hutchinson

    Pete Seeger said, “Any damn fool can get complicated. It takes genius to attain simplicity.” Like a meditation, these songs reveal the ordinary in an extraordinary way. Every word and note are weight bearing, solid, real. This is not to say the ideas are simple, only that the writing and production cut right to the center. This record is bright mornings knee deep in a trout stream, despair in the Wal Mart parking lot, slowing down while everyone else is hurrying up, Ireland. What a fine record.

  • author: M Winkle

    I first saw Drew at Meijer Gardens in 2005, playing many of these songs, and his voice and music stuck with me. This is a fine folk album, with tight writting and fairly simple but pleasing arrangements. I love it!

  • WoW Really touches home.. I'm from Greenville!
    author: Pen

    Drew This is awsome... I am from Greenville and worked at Lectro Lux..( Gibsons ) for years as did my Grand Father, Grand Mother, Father, Sister, Uncle and many friends. It really touched home and I love the CD very much. Every song is great! Thanks so much! Penny p.s. I first heard you on my Favorite radio station.. WYCE 88.1 ... I'll be at the jammies to see you and all the other great local talents. xo

  • Something that you can listen to over and over again and never get tired of it.
    author: B. Bennett

    It's well worth the money! This is probably my most favorite album that I have ever purchased. The lyrical depth that Drew achieves in his music is unbelivable and something worth exploring.

  • The best local CD I've ever heard

    Immigrant Son is fantastic! Track 12 is the best song to start a road trip with I've ever heard.

  • Poetry in song! Drew finds the poetry in life.
    author: A Johnson

    This CD has a little for everyone. From a heartfelt ballad to a rough and rugged rock, it is all here. It soothes the soul when the world gets you down!

  • Really Moving Lyrics
    author: Doug Scott

    Drew really hit a home run with this cd. His lyrics put you back in your seat. His song writing on this cd is just such a breath of fresh air. It is so refreshing to see someone who tells a story in his music and if you close your eyes while you listen you can imagine the whole thing.

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