Psychedelic Pholk - Where The Fun Begins

Psychedelic Pfolk Psongs

by Brian Gladstone - to be released in September 2001 - Featuring Tony Quarrington, Daisy DeBolt, Frank Bath, Ron Korb, Bonnie Gladstone - and more!

The Paradoxical Nature of Brian Gladstone is Where The Fun Begins -

The natural evolution beyond Brian Gladstone’s first CD ‘Back to the Dirt’ – (debut effort released in 1999 which gained world wide attention and remained in the top 100 World Wide Mainstream Charts for several weeks) - is yet another all acoustic offering appropriately titled ‘Psychedelic Pfolk Psongs’.

There's a saying that patience is a virtue, which is why the unconventional and paradoxical underpinnings of Brian Gladstone’s muse will invariably lead to a harvest of mischievous (and marvelous) delights on his new CD ‘Psychedelic Pfolk Psongs’ – to be released in September 2001.

Psychedelic Pfolk Songs is All Acoustic – Again! - As with Brian’s first CD ‘Back to the Dirt’ - the sound throughout 'Psychedelic Pfolk Psongs' is entirely acoustic; no electrical instruments used. The tracks were recorded over a 6-month period at Brian's home recording studio, a quiltwork of spare parts picked up at music store blow-out sales. There was no guidance system or grand plan in place--just a willingness to spend a few evenings each week playing whatever he felt. 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. This home-based atmosphere, I believe, goes a long way toward explaining the personality and spontaneity that is always at the forefront and which gives everything on this recording a cosy intimate feel: a sense that the listener is almost there in person.

You'll also find yourself admiring Brian's confident finger-picking, a tip-off to his debt to all the masters. You'll hear him on both guitar and banjo. (there are four instrumental standouts on this collection). Some spicy, tasty, on-the-money solos were added by one of Canada's foremost acoustic guitar aces, Tony Quarrington. Other performers include legendary Daisy DeBolt, Ron Korb, and Maureen Brown.

Natural Evolution Beyond Back to the Dirt - Cave Wall Artisan for the New Millennium - Brian's song writing approach is freewheeling, so learning that the unexpected is to become the expected, while the predictable becomes the unpredictable, lies at the heart of his beguiling charms. Gladstone is a fastidious and humorous chronicler of all his experiences, whether they’re based on fact or dreams.

Even the most cynical has to succumb to the offbeat nature of Brian's playful and oftentimes paradoxical songs, with their solid grasp of imagery. One minute you'll be savoring a thought-provoking tune that illuminates: "Save the Wolverine" speaks about mankind's two-faced approach to nature with both self-fulfilling and self-destroying purposes feeding it. Later on, "Do You Think You're Dorothy" will explore the good and evil motif within the context of the Wizard of Oz.

"Megacity Mel" and "Queen of the West" run the gamut from satire on the foibles of a public personality to a heartfelt commentary on the vain attempt of a non-entity to gain celebrity status.

Brian’s paradoxical zaniness is grounded in reality, reminding us why Brian appeals to such a wide swath of discerning listeners, including those within the folk community. But since he’s constantly stretching out, experimenting, and testing boundaries, there are constant reminders of his intense respect for bluegrass, blues, Celtic, authentic country, and other root-based genres.

The Only CD Which Guarantees to Restore Brain Cells Lost to Cheap 60’s Drugs- Essentially Brian plays music because it’s something that must be given expression to, a means of self-fulfillment, an artistic enterprise to gain meaning about society and one’s own existence.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy Brian and his cast of colourful characters. Brian has a lot to say, but there's not a wasted moment on these 19 tracks. Soon you'll be zeroing in on Brian's bountiful, intriguing, and oftentimes fantastical lyrics--and that's when you'll reach an even higher level of consciousness.

There's absolutely no requirement to be a fan of the psychedelic era to appreciate 'Psychedelic Pfolk Psongs'. This journey is guaranteed to take you on a thrilling ride on its own terms, with enough natural pleasure-giving endorphins to provide all the highs that are ever needed.

--Gary Tate

- Gary Tate is a Contributing Writer for to-nite magazine, and SW Ontario Correspondent for Real Blues magazine, and has seen Brian perform in clubs around Toronto.