GARRIN BENFIELD
Nowhere Is Brighter (Eighth Note Records)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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As impressive as Garrin Benfield's Eight Note debut, Living A Dream, was, his followup demonstrates significant growth both as a songwriter and a performer. It's taken two years, but the wait has been worthwhile as Benfield assembled 16 new tracks ranging from deeply personal pop ballads to tough blues.

He's in stellar company this time out. Producer/keyboardist Michael Rodriguez returns from Benfield's last outing, and was in the studio as the basic tracks were laid down by Benfield and a rhythm section consisting of drummer Ricky Fataar and bassist Hutch Hutchinson, otherwise known as the Bonnie Raitt rhythm section. After those basic tracks were completed, they were sweetened by contributions from Julie Wolf (Annie DiFranco), Charles Gillingham (Counting Crows), Jon Cleary (Bonnie Raitt) and Jimmy Pugh (Robert Cray). Perhaps most notable is a contribution by Bay Area legend Boz Scaggs, who has served as something of a mentor to Benfield. That would be an impressive guest lineup on any recording, but on the sophomore effort of an indie artist it's somewhat astounding. That these players would make themselves available is testimony to the esteem that Benfield's talents have won among his peers.

While he draws most of his material from his own life and emotions, some of his best writing is found in his more narrative, third-person material. On Nowhere Is Brighter, this includes the track "Davey" which stands out as not only one of Benfield's best, but one of the best tracks I've heard by any contemporary singer/songwriter in a while. Competing with "Davey" for my vote as the best of a very good batch of songs is the Scaggs-enhanced blues "The Sense That I Get." Others may disagree with my choices, but only because the competition is intense. This is the good stuff.

Track List:

Hungry Ghost * What To Listen For * Lonely Journey * To Know * I Swear * Home * Nowhere Is Brighter * Will * Tonight, I Know * The Sense That I Get * Crazy Love * Brother * Davey * Leg * Stay * In The Meadow

[Pick this up at amazon.com.]

© 2002 - Shaun Dale