Kenny MacInnis - Sleeping On The Grass

Published Wednesday 12th December 2007
Kenny MacInnis - Sleeping On The Grass
Kenny MacInnis - Sleeping On The Grass

STYLE: Roots/Acoustic
RATING 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 36170-13335
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Andy Cooper

Kenny is a singer/songwriter from Ontario, Canada, with a grassroots following that is surely destined to grow much wider. This is his first full album and shows a well developed talent for writing a memorable lyric, a catchy tune, a groovy riff, and embedding them in a variety of styles based on the finest examples of '70s and early '80s rock. David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Paul Weller, Van Morrison and Bob Dylan are all in there, and enjoying the mix. Ignore the "Baby I Love You" lyric from the opener, and you discover a bold, slightly gravely voice which suits the chosen style perfectly. The songs are reflective, sometimes bitter-sweet, often personal: "Mommy" is a potent and emotional tribute. The guitar playing is creative, honest and full of feeling: check the Gilmour-esque solo of "I'll Be Good". The budget production is actually a big gulp of fresh air amidst the pollution of slick compressed pop. The drums are open, loose even, and expressive. The dynamics of the guitars (acoustic frequently mixing with electric) are felt, not just heard, as every note has an energy and clarity sadly lacking in many (most?) modern mass-manufactured rock releases. Remember all that is good about guitars, songwriting and rock and rediscover them here. If you like to find emerging new artists before everyone else does, then look no further. Here is a hidden gem.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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