LINFORD DETWEILER
Grey Ghost Stories (Grey Ghost Records)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Linford Detweiler and his wife Karin Berquist are the primary forces behind Cincinnati's Over the Rhine, and they are one of my favorite bands that always seem to land in my CD player more often than not. Grey Ghost Stories is a collection of Linford's solo work. He's got quite a gift, and each time I listen to Grey Ghost Stories, I hear something new, courtesy of Linford's piano (and occasionally, guitar, on "Pirate Girls" and "I Was Thinking the Same Thing"). Grey Ghost Stories was recorded at Linford and Karen's home, the Grey Ghost, and you can hear some background noise, but that's part of this CD's charm. I can imagine Linford playing downstairs late at night if I had the privilege of sleeping upstairs, and each song on this disc has a homespun quality that prompts quiet introspection and reflection. As I said about his first solo CD, I Don't Think There's No Need to Bring Nothin', Linford works wonders behind an upright piano and he shows just how powerful a solo piano can be. Grey Ghost Stories is an exceptional CD for fans of solo piano, and the way that "Someday We'll Move to A Small Farm (And Watch the Snow Fall)" and "Sunday Evening" unfold make this a CD to treasure for solace and more quiet times.

Track List:

Thought I'd Just Pass This On * I Forgive You * Put On Your Dancing Shoes * I Was Thinking The Same Thing * Sunday Evening * Rosehips * Someday We'll Move To A Small Farm (And Sit And Watch The Snow Fall) * Pirate Girls * I'm In The Attic Again * Up, Up, Up * New Thrift Store Dress * He Was Happy * Consolation * Shake It Off

[Pick this up at overtherhine.com.]

© 2003 - Eric Steiner