Jon Nolan
When the Summers Lasted Long
© 2006 Jon Nolan (793447730226)
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Smart and introspective americana/pop anchored by Jon's stirring and brilliantly emotive vocals, earnest songwriting, enviable guitar tone and a crack band of New England's Roots-Rock heavies.
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You should listen to the tunes there to your left. Seriously, give 'em a listen! They're really good. I ain't kidding either. Fans of Wilco, Ryan Adams (or, Whiskeytown anyway), The Beach Boys and Neil Young will dig this CD for sure. It's poppy (in all the right ways), there are plenty o' subtleties, good lyrics - the whole bit. Ultimately it's just a thematically cohesive album chock full of good songs for people who care about good songs.
What's more, it's sure to be a nice "Hey, I found this great under-the-radar album" moment for you when you want to turn your friends onto something they haven't likely heard. It's always good to be the guy/gal with your finger on the pulse of cool indie stuff hmm? Fans of the sterile studio Steely Dan crap-jazz influenced rock ethos need not apply. Seriously, I can't stand Steely Dan. It's poo I say.
"When the Summers Lasted Long," (Jon Nolan's solo debut) is a home recording. BUT! it was mixed by Paul Q. Kolderie in Cambridge, MA. Paul's credits include recording, mixing and/or producing Radiohead, Morphine, Uncle Tupelo, Pixies, Clapton, Ryan Adams, Willie, and half of the other cool records in your collection. In other words, he doesn't suck.
For ten years Jon Nolan fronted the almost-nearly-kinda legendary New England roots-rockers Say ZuZu. They released six full length albums, had a deal in Europe, and played hundreds of shows in 25 states and five countries- Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany and of course in The USA. After fighting the good indie fight for many great years, long miles, and shows of all kinds, Say ZuZu called it quits.
Jon and ZuZu toured the US and Europe several times and became cult faves in Italy in particular, selling more than 10,000 CDs there alone. Their successes landed them a record contract with Germany's Blue Rose Records, home to such acts as Alejandro Escovedo, Drive By Truckers, The Bottle Rockets, Slobberbone and others.
reviews
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Carry me down the road.
author: Roy D. BoxoldIn my mind I find myself once again on a desolate stretch of Route 66 between Seligman, and Williams, AZ.Both front windows are down-no AC, and the breeze ruffles my hair, and the wirr of my tires plays counter point to the music coming through my speakers. You can hear traces of Roger McGuinn, Jackson Brown, Glen Frey,, and others, along with the stamp of Jon Nolan, as he carries on the legacy of these masters, and blends in a freshness, and pure influence of his own making. Great for driving, singing along wqith, or just kicking back and listening. I true collection for everyman, and a must for anyone who loves the lure of the road, and needs a great companion to take along. Keep it up, Jon !
It's just "one of those albums", you know?
author: Jared DubravskyI liked Jon Nolan in Say Zuzu. I LOVE Jon Nolan solo. A very solid record for any fan of americana or pop (good pop, not mainstream country radio crap pop!). There's just an unexplainable quality to this record that makes one feel good. I just has "IT".
A Timeless Collection
author: Entertainment News & Views (Miami)When the Summers Lasted Long , (is)an album as evocative and inspiring as its winsome title implies. For Nolan, it's an admirable accomplishment, not to mention a fine debut. And for those partial to heartfelt back porch narratives, it's a wonderful discovery and one that ought to be considered an instant keeper. ...Albums like this are often overlooked, the soft, soothing ambiance overshadowed by more brazen bids for commercial acceptance. Nevertheless, one gets the sense that this is a album that will linger, a timeless collection as warm and resilient as a well-worn memento of summers gone by. ~Lee Zimmerman
Jon on Boston Herald's "Best of 2005" List for Alt-Country Records
author: Boston Herald1. Caitlin Cary & Thad Cockrell, “Begonias” (Yep Roc). Recalling classic country duets of old, “Begonias” is an achingly pretty throwback. *****2. JON NOLAN, “WHEN THE SUMMERS LASTED LONG” (Mill Town). From the wilds of New Hampshire, the former Say Zuzu frontman turns on the charm with effortless melodies and a rootsy pop sensibility.**** 3. Hayes Carll, “Little Rock” (Highway 87). In the grand Texan troubadour tradition, Carll evokes Steve Earle and Townes Van Zandt on his sterling sophomore release. 4. Ryan Adams, “Jacksonville City Nights” (Lost Highway). The often brilliant, occasionally irritating songwriter returns to his alt-country roots. 5. Sarah Borges, “Silver City” (Blue Corn). Boston-based honky-tonk with a rock ’n’ roll edge and bluesy swagger.
I tip my hat to Mr. Nolan
author: BLOG ENTRY: Peter Blackstock (no depression mag editor)Anyhow, what I wasn't prepared for was to slip Jon's solo record into the CD player several months later, when it arrived in the mail, and be totally charmed by what I heard. Indeed, this was that kind of connection I mentioned above, and I did in fact listen to When The Summers Lasted Long over and over. It's not a "big" record, or any kind of stylistic breakthrough, or any huge diversion from what he'd done previously with his old band; what it is, simply, is (nine) well-written, well-played, well-sung, well-recorded roots-pop tunes -- especially "Mary (Won't You Come Along?)", from which both this blog entry's subject-line and the album's title are lifted. True enough, it would've sounded right at home on the AM airwaves back in those days when the summers lasted long. I tip my hat to Mr. Nolan for taking me back to that place; to be sure, this music is its own reward.
Nolan Knows How and When to Rock
author: Northeast Performer (C.D. Di Guardia )"Nolan artfully blends the New England vibe and the midwest vibe and the southern vibe and all the others into one wholly American sound on When the Summers Lasted Long. Nolan knows how and when to rock. The solid thump of “Mary (Won’t You Come Along?)” gives way to “Every Morning,” an example of another idiom Nolan is comfortable in: twangy and rootsy pop music. This track is a great example of the balance of When the Summers Lasted Long — a mix of north-country, pop, and rock. Standard rock arrangement is supplement with graceful touches throughout the record. Each song has some little bit of seasoning here or there; whether it be accordion on 'Every Morning' or glockenspiel on 'Waiting.' Nolan sings with more of a drawl than your average New Hampshire resident, and plays his acoustic guitar loose and easy on nearly every song. Nolan hits his high spot and sounds strongest on “All Dried Up,” a rocker that retains the record’s signature twang, but amps up the energy, resulting in a song that demands repeat listening, adding to the value of the quality sound of When the Summers Lasted Long. "
A perfect blend of pop and twang
author: GretchenI love this perfect blend of pop and twang. Take it along on that drive to the beach, or when you escape to a beer and the porch after mowing the lawn. Nolan's songs dance in the full sun, though he also knows the uncertainty getting older brings on. The songs address that too. But this is not a downer record -- it is a rich warm record, that goes down easy and satisfying. The darker themes just throw the sparkle into high relief. In the best tradition of Brian Wilson, Jonathan Edwards, Sam Phillips or Tom Petty.
Solid!
author: Jeff WitzemanA very satisfying album with some tasty guitar work. Where do I sign up for the fan club?
Nolan’s Summers are seasons I’d like to spend a lot of time in.
author: Portland PhoenixAs for Nolan’s Summers, they’re seasons I’d like to spend a lot of time in. Fans — and there are a lot of you — of Say ZuZu will find themselves transported. The heart-felt purity of Nolan’s voice comes through in waves of warm sunshine, and even the packaging captures that hint of nostalgia his songs engender even in their first listen. You ever hear a Smiths song and tear up just a bit over the first girl in Doc Martens you fell for? "Mary (Won’t You Come Along)" had me swooning similarly at the two-minute mark. Employing the wonders of the studio expertly, Nolan furnishes layered vocals, guitars, and that bit of piano to class up the joint, all in proper proportion. The percussion is pure Beach Boys, bright and shiny, and Nolan’s got plenty of Don McLean in him, too...I was definitely left wanting more.
At long last!!! Well worth the wait.
author: Matt JA true king among men. This cd is a beacon on a dark NH music landscape. So hard to pick a favorite tune, but "All Dried Up" and "Hey Now" must be at the top. The production quality is great too. It has such a full sound without losing the rootsy sound that Jon practically owns. If you like Stephen Kellog, The Jayhawks, Finn Brothers, or Digby...buy When the Summers Lasted Long for God's sake.
A Must-Have CD for Alt-Country Fans
author: dsbWhen Summers Lasted Long continues where Say Zuzu left off with more thoughtful Country-influenced Pop and Rock. Songs with touches of Neil Young(ish) guitar and Jon's unique vocals remind me of New Hampshire times long ago. Jon gets help on his first ever solo CD from well-known Boston Roots artists such as Jabe Beyer and Jim Gambino. A Roots-Rock gem mixed by Mr. Paul Q. Kolderie. 'Nuff Said!
A Must-Have CD for Alt-Country Fans
author: dsbWhen The Summers Lasted Long continues where Say Zuzu left off, more thoughtful, country-influenced pop and rock. Songs with touches of Neil Young(-ish) guitar work and Jon's unique vocals bring back memories of New Hampshire times long ago. Jon has help from several well-known Boston Roots artist's including Jabe Beyer and Jim Gambino. A Roots-Rock Gem mixed by Paul Q. Kolderie. 'Nuff Said!
Darn good music, thoughtfully made and presented
author: Jeff S.This CD shows true craft, and sympathetic musical support help make for a very enjoyable 35-minute journey. Harmonies shimmer (always), guitars crunch (occasionally), and Jon's voice shine throughout. "Every Morning" is just a beautiful pop song, no further labeling needed. Try this artist, you won't regret it.
Jon Nolan's CD worth the wait
author: Portsmouth Herald (NH)From front to back this record beckons to be heard. The professionalism heard in Nolan’s songwriting, and overall production prove that he’s a force to be reckoned with on a local, and national level in this genre. The album will surely appeal to listeners of most ages and can be considered timeless, as the songs included will be playing on fan’s stereos for a long time to come.