Brunese, Bill

The Man From Winchell Mountain

Label: Spotless Records Country: USA

What is that sound? A field recording of some cowboy singing to the moon, his music echoing off the mountains? Well, close. Bill Brunese is that cowboy, traveling the rails and mending fences along the way. But the echo is not from nature--it's from his Roland Space Echo. It's the sound of his music bouncing off the mountains in his mind.

The recordings that make up "The Man From Winchell Mountain" were cut by Bill during the 1980's (he's now 94) on a cassette tape machine in his living room. He mixes Country, Yodeling, Bluegrass and Folk songs, interspersed with his own narrated radio spots. All are arranged for guitar, vocals and that marvelous Space Echo. So, why the echo? Ask Bill this and he'll tell you "it just makes my voice sound better." This is music pure in its intentions and proud in its delivery.

You've never heard anything like this. Required listening for anyone who loves sound and songs.-Patrick McCarthy