Brock Zeman and
The Dirty Hands
Welcome Home Ivy Jane
Compass Records 74245
visit Brock's website
also available on amazon
This Canadian Band has found a comfortable groove in the Country Rock (or maybe it is called Alt-Country now) area that was popular particularly back in the 70’s and 80’s. You might think the sound carved out by The Byrds, Gram Parsons, or even Jackson Browne, though I am not going to compare this band to any of the afore mentioned as they still have a lot of experience to gain before we can do that, however they are going down that road and at times sound similar. Zeman has penned all the songs on this approximately 50 minute, 14 song, disc which is his 4th in about the same number of years. He has a gravelly voice that has some of the same qualities as Steve Earle, and though his songs tend more to the Texas Troubadour linear style of writing, straight ahead story telling and he shows a maturity beyond his young, I believe 25 or so, years. The perspective is that of one who has not
lived long enough to have depth perception, yet someone who has had more than their share of experience and has had the common sense to come though those experiences in good shape.
The band is close and plays together as a unit (no notes as to whether it is his band or studio musicians) and displays some fine licks, particularly Steve Smith on Dobro and Pedal Steel guitar. There is nothing ground breaking here however it is a very solid disc and if you are looking for a different point of view from your American Flyer, or Pure Prairie League discs this is a fine one to keep the groove flowing and hearing one of Canada’s new breed of excellent songsmiths.