Reprinted from German Country Music News 

By: Ch.Lamitschka Mitglied Beiträge: (Datum: 05/30/02 um 19:03:11)

Psychedelic Pholk Psongs Goes To Second Pressing   Things are Looking good for Canadian Country Artist Brian Gladstone - Silverwolf Records Re-Releases Brian Gladstone's Second Album After Studio Makeover and Re-Master

Brian Gladstone is a finger-picking guitar master, a dynamic lyricist, a philosophical story-teller and a powerful performer.   After releasing his first album "Back to the Dirt" in 1999, Gladstone quickly gained worldwide attention as the album attracted significant global airplay - especially in Europe and Australia.  Now Gladstone's musical career has continued its natural evolution with another all-acoustic offering entitled 'Psychedelic Pholk Psongs', which was originally released in September 2001.

Never afraid to test boundaries, Brian Gladstone's music appeals to a wide range of listeners including traditional country fans and the bluegrass, blues and folk communities.   Recently signed to the American label Silverwolf Records from Vermont, USA. (Kingston Trio, Odetta, Kerville Festival Texas USA) Gladstone plans to take his music to the United States and continue making inroads in Canadian and European markets. In Canada, Gladstone showcased at Canadian Music Week in 2001 and was included on the History of Canadian Music website that year.  He maintains a steady presence on the Toronto live music scene, and voluntarily organizes an annual multi-performer benefit concert for Earthday Canada, a reflection of his strong environmental and ethical beliefs.  

Like the first CD, "'Psychedelic Pholk Psongs" uses no electrical instruments. In fact, Gladstone was so committed to this concept, when co-producer/engineer Robert Digioia plugged in his electric bass, Brian went so far as to yank out the cord.  "It was just a natural reflex action", he says. "I wanted a very natural sound. I listen to a lot of folk music, and even when there's electric bass as opposed to acoustic bass, to me, it doesn't sound quite right."

The sixteen tracks on 'Psychedelic Pholk Psongs' have been  re-recorded, re-mixed, and re-mastered in preparation for the world-wide re-release of the album from Silver Records. The sound, vocals, and guitar playing has been improved over the original release, and many new guitar tracks have been added.

The album was recorded over a 6-month period at Brian's home recording studio, a patchwork of recording equipment picked up at music store blow-out sales. There was no grand plan in place--just a willingness to spend a few evenings each week recording his musical ideas as spontaneously as possible. Quite often Brian would take a 20-minute break, jot down a few lyrics, and then bound back to the basement to record it exactly the way he felt it at that precise moment.  The approach led to a very personal album that has a live and unrehearsed feel.

You'll find yourself admiring Brian's confident finger-picking on both guitar and banjo, a tribute to the greats of folk and blues.  "Good picking is clean picking," says Brian, who practices his guitar playing hours a day for over thirty years. Guitar ace Tony Quarrington adds spicy and on-the-money solo guitar work.  Other performers on the album include Ron Korb, and Maureen Brown and the legendary  Daisy DeBolt.  

Gladstone takes a freewheeling approach to songwriting, full of unexpected and satisfying twists and turns.  A prolific chronicler of human experience, Gladstone is inspired by his own urban experiences and the stories of fascinating characters he's encountered.   Playful, thoughtful, often paradoxical, Gladstone's songs run the gamut from the thought-provoking "Save the Wolverine" to the satirical "Megacity Mel" and the Wizard of Oz-inspired "Do You Think You're Dorothy". Currently on the top 200 European Country Music Charts is Brian's semi-autobiographical "Asphalt Cowboy" describes the lifestyle of a cowboy living in the confines of a large urban city.  

Gladstone once joked that "Psychedelic Pholk Psongs' is the "only CD which guarantees to restore brain cells lost to cheap 60's drugs".   It's an audacious claim to be sure, but one that reflects Gladstone's exceptional self-confidence, optimism and free wheeling perspective on life. "You don't have to be a fan of the psychedelic era to appreciate my cd," says Gladstone.  "Just listen and enjoy the ride."   There is no need to take drugs or any stimulants to enjoy his music - and Brian himself gets high on fresh air and walks in the woods. Without a doubt, the honesty and enthusiasm in his second cd project is positively infectious, offering a thrilling ride with no chemicals required.  

Brian Gladstone is known for his sense of humour-along with his enviable finger-picking skills and memorable songs. Gladstone's music appeals to country music fans and to bluegrass, blues and folk audiences.  Currently touring in support of "Psychedelic Pholk Psongs", Brian Gladstone is busy performing, rehearsing and writing new songs. Optimistic, cynicism-free and with brain cells firmly in place, Brian Gladstone's on his way-and he's enjoying the ride.

Copies of the new Re-recorded, re-mixed and re-mastered Silverwolf Edition of 'Psychedelic Pholk Psongs' will be available in June 2002. Contact Frank Geller fgeller@pathcom.com (publicist) and ask for a promotional copy.  There are sixteen songs on the Silverwolf Edition (63 minutes) as compared to nineteen songs (79 minutes) on the original release. Due to publishing rights issues three songs were not re issued. The first pressing of Psychedelic Pholk Psongs is now becoming a collectable. If you have a copy of the original pressing of Psychedelic Pholk Psongs (without Silverwolf Name) - keep it!